Brower once got drawn for a zone in California that was his fifth choice.

"I hate to admit it, but I wrote the number in only to fill the space," he said. But he started checking around and learned that the stepfather of a guy he knew who lived in that part of the state had hunted the same zone a year before.

"That guy started me in the right direction," said Brower, "and because of that, I eventually got my buck."

STEP 3: THE STATE
Another thing you should do is make a phone call or two to whatever game department you'll be dealing with. Phone numbers are available online and in regulations books. The idea is to find the game biologist involved with the area, or someone else who has worked there.

Don't be shy to do this sort of thing. Game departments are in the business of creating and selling hunting opportunities, and I've found that they are quite willing to help me when I call.

Don't expect miracles, though. Unless you ask about a spot specifically, you probably won't get pinpoint directions. Rather more likely is a general overview of the unit, and the possibilities within it. And there's where your maps come in. Mark down on your map place names mentioned, along with roads, landmarks and such.

Ask about any recent changes in the area you'll be hunting. Even if you're somewhat familiar with it, there may have been unexpected changes due to some catastrophe or another.

For example, in one area where I hunted mule deer a few years ago, one of the most highly recommended spots was lost to a wildfire caused by lightning. I didn't find that out until I showed up. Thankfully, my research had turned up couple other places that filled the gap.

It would be nice if we all had the time to do a thorough job of scouting before the season opened. However, in these overly busy times, that seems to be the exception rather than the rule. Looking at the whole picture, it's obvious that pre-hunt homework is especially important when you can't visit the area in advance in person.

As we've seen, another vital ingredient is simply enough time during the actual hunt. To be sure, a quickie trip is better than nothing, but it's much better to allow yourself a generous amount of time in your chosen hunting area. You can always return home early, but it's hard to stretch your days if they aren't scheduled in advance. At least, that has been my experience.

Time is important because it may not be easy to locate the deer initially. They won't be everywhere, even though the landscape all around looks much the same. That said, typical mule deer habitat supports deer in a variety of locations, ranging from alpine basins to agricultural lands and everything in between. Rugged canyons and bench lands have potential, as do mountains and finger ridges covered with sagebrush and junipers.

The only guarantee is that some of the terrain will be a real challenge to traverse in a vehicle, and even more difficult on foot. Because you can't always rely on a 4WD or ATV to get around, your physical condition is also of real importance. And if your hunt will be at high elevation, that goes double.

Because most mule deer hunting takes place in fairly open, somewhat rugged terrain, good optics are essential. In fact, for a patient hunter, glassing with binoculars or a spotting scope is about the best way to find deer initially. You won't burn yourself out physically by hiking everywhere, and you're less apt to get careless. The trick to glassing effectively is to be in position and watching at the right time -- usually early or late in the day.

I say "usually" because late one morning, when I was almost cross-eyed from staring through my spotting scope, I panned a spot I'd looked at 50 times before and suddenly saw movement. Right before my eyes, three nice bucks suddenly materialized in the tall sagebrush.

My best guess is that they were simply looking for more shade. After moving just a few yards they plopped down again and disappeared completely. If I hadn't been watching at that exact moment, I'd never have known they were there.

Mule deer tags are strictly limited these days, so it makes sense to treat them as something special and try to make the most of your opportunity. Do your homework, scout if possible, and be prepared to stick it out until the bitter end. Focus on the objective, and your odds for success will really be quite good. That's your plan.

Now, all I've got to do is get a mule deer tag, and follow my own advice!