Glassing Fundamentals for Open Country Muleys
Master systematic glassing techniques to spot open country mule deer before they detect you.
Maksym Kovaliov
Maksym Kovaliov is a hunter with over 30 years of field experience, rooted in a family tradition passed down from his father and grandfather - both trappers in Soviet-era Ukraine. A Christian, a conservative, and a fierce advocate for the First and Second Amendments, Maksym came to the United States as a refugee after facing persecution for his journalism work. America gave him freedom - and wider hunting horizons than he ever had before. His writing combines old-school fieldcraft, deep respect for proven methods, and a critical eye toward anything that hasn't earned its place in the field.
Fast Follow-Ups When the Dog Dives – Second Shot Technique
Master the split-second call on diving prairie dogs - read the hit, decide fast, shoot once or let go.
Mule Deer Rut – Less Drama Than Whitetails
Mule deer rut peaks late November with subdued tending behavior - less intense than whitetail chaos.
When You Can’t Spot – Wind, Mirage, Distance on Prairie Dogs
Heavy mirage, distance, and wind prevent self-spotting on prairie dogs - alternative methods
Escape Behavior – The Stotting Bound
Learn how mule deer stotting affects shots and escape routes in steep terrain
Tracking Through Recoil – Follow-Through on Prairie Dogs
Stay on target through recoil to spot hits on small prairie dogs
Light, Background, and Seeing Dust on Prairie Dogs
Optimize light and background to see dust on prairie dog targets for better shot feedback and accuracy.
Self-Spotting Basics – Seeing Dust on Small Targets
Learn to see dust splashes through your scope when shooting prairie dogs - immediate feedback for wind corrections on tiny targets.
Factory vs Handload – Honest Tradeoffs for Prairie Dogs
Factory or handload for prairie dog shooting - volume, cost, and accuracy tradeoffs explained
Light vs Heavy Bullets – Wind and Speed for Prairie Dogs
Light bullets shoot flatter but drift more in wind on prairie dogs than heavy bullets
Varmint Bullets – Fragmentation vs Accuracy for Prairie Dogs
Varmint bullet accuracy beats fragmentation for prairie dogs at distance - match bullets work fine.
Lot Number Consistency – Why It Matters at Distance on Prairie Dogs
Learn why factory ammo lot numbers affect accuracy on prairie dogs at 400+ yards and how to manage batches for consistent hits on tiny targets.
Storing Bulk Ammo – Temperature and Shelf Life for Prairie Dogs
Store bulk prairie dog ammo properly with temperature control, humidity management, and organization to maintain performance across your shooting season.
How Much to Bring – Calculating a Day’s Supply for Prairie Dogs
Calculate daily ammo needs for prairie dog trips with round counts, buffers, and bench setup.
Managing Two Rifles to Stay Cool on Prairie Dogs
Learn when rotating two rifles extends prairie dog shooting time and when one rifle is enough for casual sessions.