after looking at the odds of draw for some of the higher profile units, quickly figured out we were never gonna draw. nevada is very stingy with the tags for non-res. even the residents we spoke to said they can only pull a tag every three or four years which to me is total BS. so we began to explore some other options. 051 peaked our interest. spoke with the biologist (Ed Partee out of winnumucca) and he led us to believe that the deer herd and antler growth had been on a downward trend due to drought conditions (and cats) for several years. however, the past two winters/springs had brought good moisture and things were starting to improve with a few trophy class deer being taken in the Santa Rosa wilderness the past couple seasons. long story short, we applied for the hunt and drew the tags.
All feedback and advice told us to concentrate on the high country of the wilderness area. in three scouting trips to the area, we found two good bucks, one of which was a for sure shooter in my book, 27-28" typical with deep forks on all four corners and decent mass. good chance that buck would gross in the 180 or better realm. so we returned to hunt the area this buck was found in. Never saw him again. What i did find was a 26" wide, tall, heavy, deep forked old 5x5 with a 10 1/2" drop tine which i was able to take. one of my better bucks. we spent twelve days total in the unit backpack hunting, hiking in and out of the wilderness as our supplies demanded. during that time, we saw two other bucks that were the equal of that buck (at least) but were not able to take those animals. returned for the last week of the season and again, found a very good buck (i believe this buck was pushing the 30" or better mark at least, one front fork was weak though) but this critter must have dug a hole to china and went underground cuz we were never able to locate him after the stalk.
if you choose to apply for the hunt, (and six points should get you the tag), be advised that to get a shot at the better deer in the area you WILL work your ass off. the Santa Rosa wilderness is no walk in the park and everyone we spoke with who knew anything (including some from this site, my thanks to you) also knew that the biggest bucks are taken in the highest nastiest country. leave the four wheelers at home for this trip, it's either hike and hunt for the trophy or go for a pleasure cruise on the quad and shoot a pepperoni buck. if you do hike in, you will have some awesome mule deer country to yourself. the four wheeler army were crying the forked-horn blues and their eyes almost popped put of there heads when they saw what i drug off the mountain.
good luck to you wherever you hunt.
