Years ago Thousand Lake was a kick-butt area, I have heard the herd has been depleted. I'd bet a dedicated guy could still find nice bucks, but there are better areas.
I have heard the gene-pool in the Vernan area came from the Pons.
I drew the Thousand tag way back when, saw some nice deer, ended up tagging one I found, some jerk-wad wounded him 'an left him... shot through the tenderloins!