I have only hunted mulies during the archery elk season in CO which is way before the rut. The larger bucks at that time are generally grouped up with each other, hanging out in isolated aspen patches that are impossible to approach without them being able to see you. To hunt them, I've had to get to the aspen groves well before light and wait on them and just hope that they show up. Sometimes they do, most of the time they don't. They are smart critters and are very difficult to stalk, but to me they are one of the most fun animals to hunt. Taste good too.