Desert

eburgtrapper · Jul 3, 2011

I got drawn for the desert unit this year, and I'm trying to get some advice for out there. I posted on HW, but I was seeing if anyone could help me out on here. I really appreciate any help you guys have to offer.

Thank you
Jordan

IdahoSmitty · Jul 12, 2011

Keep the sun at your back and the wind in your face. Start your hunt from an area that will allow you to hunt in favor of the sun and wind. This hunt is pretty tough for archery. The deer can see you from very far away. It is not uncommon to see deer running away from you at 500 yards. Those bucks love the russian olive. Don't skyline yourself on a dune. bring a gps, those rolling sage/sand can be tricky to get out of. It will be a fun hunt for you. Not uncommon to see 15 bucks in a day. Make sure that when you are stalking a buck that there are not more around. It can be pretty hard to spot a buck that is buried in the cattails or russian olive.

eburgtrapper · Jul 12, 2011

I got drawn for the oct 29 - nov 6 modern tag so I'm hoping I get some pre rut activity. It is kinda a different hunt cause I've never had a reason to learn the area before so now I'm trying to pack in all the information I can get.

IdahoSmitty · Jul 16, 2011

With a rifle tag in you hand you should have a great hunt. Good luck and post pics of the buck. Keep your finger off the trigger for the first couple of days unless he's a monster.

tagsoup · Jul 23, 2011

My buddy drew the tag a couple years ago. He scouted it pretty hard. He said the biggest buck he saw was upper 170's. But he said everything else was 150-160. He said he passed up 150-160 bucks everyday during the hunt. Finally on the last day of the season he shot a 155 buck. He said the unit is way overrated for big deer. But if your looking for a 150-160 buck you will have a lot of fun.

IDshooter695 · Jul 31, 2011

Talk to Roley a taxidermist in Malaga Wash. I heard he has had that tag three times. Maybe he would give you some suggestions where to start.

HUNTNNW · Aug 17, 2011

I personally think the tag is waaay overated... the area is good for what was described above,but the 3,500+ applications for the few tags is not anyway worth waiting for even applying for. U have better chance in some otc units in this state without applying to harvest 160-170 bucks with some scouting. I have seen very very few pics of bucks what I would consider a trophy out of this unit. one year I saw 4 bucks that were taken that I wouldnt even pull the trigger in a otc unit

MuleySniper · Aug 19, 2011

I honestly think it is over rated too. It wasn't 8 or 9 years ago. There were some big bucks that were killed back then. I honestly think the area had or maybe still has a poaching problem or the real big bucks just got better at hiding.
Good luck!
MS

eburgtrapper · Aug 20, 2011

I didn't ask for dumb sh*t *ssholes to say what is wrong with this unit. If I wanted that I would go to huntwa. Just like any draw hunt, or OTC, don't you have to work for it?

MuleySniper · Aug 21, 2011

What an oxymoron. Why come on here and ask info about the unit then contradict it by stating if you want something you have to work for it. Seems like you answered your own question. Also looks like your just fishing for honey holes. Good luck with that.

time2hunt · Aug 21, 2011

You will get alot of response and help with that attitude these guy are speaking the truth that unit wasn't manage properly and the genetic are going down hill and the migrant worker are taking there toll.

HUNTNNW · Aug 21, 2011

Haha cracking up!! I think the words he used pretty much summed up himself ahahaha. Oxymoron for sure. U almost Think the guy was related or married to the unit, taking it personally.

MichaelJ · Sep 15, 2011

Hes just pissed he "wasted" all those bonus points on a unit he doesn't know very well...

You ain't gonna get anyhelp with responses like that.

Mike

tagsoup · Sep 17, 2011

Sometimes the truth sucks. The unit is way OVERRATED.

csoutfitters · Oct 2, 2011

From what ive found the deer tend to rut a little earlier there so your tag is during prime time. Get off your A** and drive the 45 min east and scout yourself a nice buck. In the past few years of coyote hunting over there ive seen a dozen or so 150-170 bucks with only one or two making it to the 180 mark. I think there is alot of poaching that goes on out there so its taken a dive but is still good. Talk to the duck hunters and see if they have seen any good ones in the dunes.

WAstickslinger · Oct 25, 2011

scouting report yet?? Your season should be getting close. Hopefully you have a lay of the land and a few bucks picked out. I know of one 180"+ killed already during muzz tag. Generally only one of two of those class killed out of all the sesons. '

good luck and keep us psted.