The Core Values of Muley Nation: How Faith, Persistence and Education Lead to Bigger Bucks

Evening five of a six-day solo backcountry hunt. It was my longest hunt—and my first backcountry hunt completely alone. I was worn down after hours behind the glass and a brutal climb that put 1,500 feet of elevation in ¾ of a mile, only to have a stalk fall apart. By the time I got back to camp, I was physically shot and mentally spent.

I climbed to the top of the ridge to find service—just enough to call my wife and let her know I was safe. I told her about the day: the effort, the disappointment, the lessons. I told her how much I love her then I hung up, turned back toward camp, and started walking in the dark.

Halfway down the ridge, something hit me. I dropped to my knees—not from fatigue, but from a deep wave of gratitude. I thanked our Father in Heaven for everything: the hardship, the exhaustion, the silence, the beauty. I thanked Him for the strength to keep going, for the home I had waiting for me, and for what the mountains were teaching me—about myself, about life, about what it takes to become a great hunter and an even better man.

I stood up, walked back to camp, and I’ve never seen the hunt the same since.

Mission Statement

At Muley Nation, we foster a supportive community for hunters dedicated to enhancing their skills and the true spirit of the hunt. Our mission is to provide quality education and real experiences that celebrate the lifestyle, memories, camaraderie, and connections forged in nature.

Vision Statement

We strive to be the ultimate resource in mule deer hunting education, combining hands-on experience with valuable knowledge to cultivate passion, health, lifelong relationships, and the continual pursuit of excellence in the field.

Why It Matters

There’s a reason we start with this. Mission. Vision. Values. This isn't corporate crap—they’re the backbone of everything we do at Muley Nation. They guide how we teach, how we hunt, how we build community, and how we walk through the wild places we love.

And if you’re serious about mule deer, if you want to consistently notch tags on mature bucks in rugged country, then you need more than gear lists and tag applications. You need the right mindset. The right habits. The right education. The right people in your corner. That’s where our foundation—our mission, vision, and core values—comes in.

They aren’t just words on a page. They’re what shape you into a hunter who knows how to kill the biggest buck of your life—and keep doing it, year after year.

Because when your hunt is rooted in purpose, driven by education, and surrounded by community, success isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.

The Heart of Muley Nation

At the heart of Muley Nation is a deep respect for the hunt, the land, and the Creator who made it all. We believe that mule deer hunting is more than just chasing antlers—it’s about walking in faith, connecting to God’s creation, and building a life full of grit, discipline, and purpose. In every step we take on the mountain, we recognize Christ as the foundation of our lives and give thanks for the opportunities we’ve been given to live, learn, and grow in His creation.

Muley Nation exists to teach, inspire, and elevate hunters who are serious about mule deer. We don’t chase trends—we chase wisdom. That means we put education before ego, mentorship before hype, and community before competition. We value the lifelong process of becoming a better hunter and a better person through backcountry experience, hard-earned knowledge, and the relationships built along the way.

That’s why we live by the phrase, “Be a student of the game.” It’s not just a tagline—it’s a mindset. It means showing up humble, hungry, and willing to learn no matter how many seasons you’ve got under your belt. It’s about sharpening your skills, studying the animal, and understanding the land with intention and respect. Being a student of the game is how you earn consistency and build a lifelong foundation in mule deer country.

We also hold tightly to the responsibility we carry as hunters. That means advocating for mule deer conservation, preserving the wild places they depend on, and protecting the public lands where we build memories with family and friends. Stewardship matters. The next generation matters. And the hunt itself—done the right way, for the right reasons—matters deeply to us.

Whether you're chasing velvet in August or hiking out empty-handed in October, you're part of something bigger here. Muley Nation is a brotherhood bound by faith, forged in the field, and grounded in a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Our Core Values

Faith in Christ – We give thanks to God, honor Him in the field, and recognize His hand in all creation.
Education First – We prioritize teaching and learning through hands-on experience and valuable knowledge. We live by the mindset “Be a student of the game”—always learning, always sharpening, always striving to understand mule deer, the land, and ourselves more deeply.
Authenticity – We celebrate real stories, real hunts, and the true spirit of the mule deer lifestyle—no ego, no fluff.
Community and Camaraderie – We build relationships rooted in respect, mentorship, and shared passion.
The Pursuit of Excellence – We believe in continual growth—in the field, in skill, and in character.
Connection with Nature – We honor the land, the animals, and the process that grounds us.
Health and Grit – We value physical and mental toughness, and the discipline that hunting builds.
Lifestyle and Legacy – We live the mule deer hunting lifestyle year-round, with a deep respect for the memories, traditions, and legacy it creates.
Support and Belonging – We provide a welcoming, supportive space for hunters of all levels to grow.
Passion with Purpose – We fuel a love for the hunt that’s built on respect, purpose, and intention—not just success.
Integrity in Action – We operate with honesty, respect for wildlife, and responsibility in everything we do.
Mule Deer Conservation – We are committed to protecting and supporting the species we love through conservation efforts and responsible practices.
Public Land Stewardship – We advocate for the protection and responsible use of public lands where memories are made and traditions are born.

Why This Will Help You Kill Bigger Bucks

When you align your mindset with these values, you stop relying on luck and start becoming the kind of hunter who makes their own success. You start training harder. Scouting smarter. Glassing longer. You know when to push and when to back out. You develop instincts built on knowledge, and confidence built on experience.

You hunt for the right reasons—with faith, with grit, with purpose. You appreciate the land and the gift of the hunt itself. And most importantly—you never stop learning.

That’s what Muley Nation is here for. To help you grow into the hunter you were called to be. One who’s grounded in truth, driven by purpose, and capable of killing the biggest buck of their life—not just once, but again and again.

If you’re ready to be a student of the game, you’re in the right place.

Join the Nation.

Download our free guide to Scouting High Country Mule Deer. follow along on social media and subscribe to the Muley Nation YouTube channel to stay connected with weekly hunting insight, tips, and stories grounded in everything we believe in.