Doug Bolender, of Kalispell, had success mule deer archery hunting on opening weekend.

“I drew a tag in an area in Western Montana that is known for its large mule deer, so I was excited to get the chance to try and get a big muley with my bow,” Bolender said. The permit was good for either archery season or rifle season.

“I start to practice shooting with my bow at the beginning of July so come September I feel pretty good about my accuracy,” Bolender said.

Bolender prepares for archery season by practicing from 20-30 and 40 yard distances. “I went in the Saturday before to my hunting area and scouted around,” added Bolender.

“Then on opening day I decided to put a tree stand up so I could hunt from it that afternoon.”

Bolender didn’t have to wait long to see a nice mule buck come by but it was to far away to try shoot.

“The next morning I got up early and went to the same stand and this time it came within 30 yards at 7:15am and I made my shot.”

Bolender figures it would have a Pope and Young rough score of 157, it is 25 inches wide and 20 inches tall.