Nevada area 10 (Ruby Mtns)

[huntndad]

I'll be heading to Nevada to hopefully chase some mule deer in about a month.  My brother and I are all set up to spend 5-7 nights in the back country.  I've spent countless hours over the last few months looking at maps and google earth, and reading everything I could possibly find about the area.  The consensus seems to be that we need to get back in as far as we can go, which is fine.  On google earth it's simple to walk from one ridge to the next, but I'm sure things will look vastly different when we actually see the mountain range.  It's definitely a tough area to scout from this far away.  The wilderness areas seem to be surrounded by private property and national forest lands that may or may not have accessible roads in them.  Trying to determine what areas are going to be more overpopulate with hunters has proven to be difficult.  With all the tags they give now, I'm sure we are going to find other hunters wherever we go.
For anyone familiar with the area I have some questions that you might be able to help with:
1) Should I pack my spotting scope?  I have a very light set up with an ED50, but I normally don't take it on hunts.  We're not trophy hunters, so any legal deer is game on.
2) I've read the weather can change quickly so I will bring some rain gear, but should I bring "real" rain gear or will some ultra light FrogToggs get me through the storms.
3) How available is water?  All the trails seem to lead to lakes, but I can't imagine we are going to end up camping by a hiking lake.
4)  I'd like to drive down in my car in order to save about 50% on gas ($200).  This will limit the number of places we can access the wilderness.  Do you think this is too big of a compromise to make?
Thanks!

[Bean Counter]

You wont find me in open hunting country without at least one powerful optic. You've got a great scope in hand there. Carrying it and a tripod or monopod might make you a little more tired, but think about how tired you'll feel chasing down does thinking they might be a buck..

[huntndad]

Ya, I have it so I might as well use it.  I'm just not the most patient hunter (not always the best strategy).  I like to see what's over the next hill, and the next, etc.

[boneaddict]

Pretty open country......

[Bigshooter]

Randy Newbergs has a new hunting show. The first show he was in the Ruby's hunting the early bow season.  You should cbeck it out.

[huntndad]

Ya, I think I read all about the hunt on his forum.  Was that the one where he wasn't feeling well and was hunting with some traditional guys?  They had a difficult time with water if I remember.  I wish had the channel his new show was on.  On Your Own Adventures was a great show!

[huntnnw]

Search Monster Muleys

Everything I have researched is get up as high as possible and good glass is a must..save your legs and feet

[JLS]

Reference your car, I would call the Forest Service and find out how the roads are to the trailheads.  I don't think there are that many access points, so they probably get a lot of use.  That makes no guarantees to the quality of the road though.

I would think that as long as you have decent clearance you'd be okay.