Deer Units and Stats

matpat · Jan 23, 2018

My buddy and I are NR's and have 10 pts each. I've been looking at units for a few years and for grins looked at what was possible to draw with 10 pts and put the options on paper with hunt codes, drawn out numbers and success rates. Also included resident stats while I was at it. We are looking at an earlier hunt (possibly to 2R) as we like to hunt in Wisconsin later in the fall. I'm leaning to unit 66 or 21. Hunted 66 for elk 3 times over the years and seen a good number of deer and a few nice ones up high. Unit 21 is high on my list just from what I've researched to date. Also hunted unit 76 for elk but wasn't impressed with size or numbers of deer but maybe that's just were I hunted. Unit 201 would be great as I hunted that 5 years ago when my dad had a tag but only two tags are available at most and I'm thinking 2017 numbers may be a fluke. Not sure on 61 but hunted 62 in the 90's but I'm sure much has changed on the umcompahgre. The other hunts I just included for grins as others may be interested. Not a huge horn guy and would be happy with 170 ish buck. I would be interested to hear what others think about the units listed as to which hunts are worth the points and which ones are overrated?

txhunter58 · Jan 23, 2018

Nice chart! I think I would lean toward 66 since you have hunted it 3 times and already know where some deer should be. What season did you hunt elk? I would lean toward the muzzy season if you want to hunt high. But then I hunt with a muzzy every year up there!

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

matpat · Jan 23, 2018

Hunted elk during the muzzy season. That's my preferred weapon but would also do archery or rifle.

WiscoKid · Jan 23, 2018

Good chart, Matt. Where in Wisconsin do you hunt?

matpat · Jan 23, 2018

Mostly near Florence.

Elkduds · Jan 24, 2018

Great chart, other NRs will like it. Bear in mind that w change in payment for applications by NRs, there will likely be accelerated point creep this year for NRs. Good luck.

matpat · Jan 24, 2018

Thanks elkduds. What is the change in payment for applications for nr?s

Elkduds · Jan 24, 2018

New this year NRs can apply w a credit card, which will not be charged until a license is drawn or purchased. In fact if you draw the license and your plans have changed, you can decline it within a 10 day window, or so I have read. So NRs do not have to tie up several hundred $$ from app deadline in early April until drawing in June.

txhunter58 · Jan 24, 2018

I think most of the newbie applicants will be people for the first time with 0 points, so if it affects point creep, it would only be for those units that usually take 0. Plus I think many will just apply for a point. So I don't see any earth shattering changes for this draw.

If Muzzy is your weapon of choice, then I would give heavy consideration to 66 Muzzy. Can't beat hunting in the high country!

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

ghuston92 · Jan 24, 2018

I would second 66. I would go muzzle, 2nd season could be weather dependent in the high country.

cmbbulldog · Jan 24, 2018

Second season is the worst trophy season IMO. If you don't want to do late, I would definitely go muzzy.

gopher1 · Jan 25, 2018

For what its worth I hunted 61 second season two years ago .two of us had tags.Both went home empty handed .PM me for more info. Ever look at unit 53?