Dirtman:
Congratulations on finding out first hand what goes on the Strip every year.
Hunters hear about this unit and the monster bucks that they are led to believe are under every tree up there. They apply for years-and-years and when they draw, they go up look around for a week or so and see little to nothing most of the time.
When hunting season approaches, then off they go again and look at a lot of mostly empty country.
Yes, that is huge country and big bucks there are few and far between.
You either need to be darned lucky or have some serious help who knows about the Strip to swing the odds in your favor.
Being able to shoot well also helps when you get an opportunity.
Look at the hunt success over the years. It averages 60-70% success. What it doesn't tell you is that more and more bucks under 24 inches are starting to make up that success. Plus 30-40% of the hunters end up going home EMPTY!
No one thinks they will blank or shoot a little guy, but the reality is that its going to happen to about 30-40 of the hunters this year!
If after you wade through the free stuff (and I know most of it is really good information) and/or you decide on some professional help, send me an e-mail at
[email protected] and I'll tell you what we can offer this year.
There are a number of good guides that work the Strip each year. They spend the time and have done their homework to ensure that their clients have the opportunity to see (bag) a good buck.
If you look at the stats I think you'll see where guided hunters up there generally (but not always) take better bucks than those on non-guided hunts. Just something to think about if you are serious about this deer hunting opportunity.
Don Martin
AWO
