Guide for Desert unit

[abe henderson]

Are there any guides operating in the Desert unit?

[rb2506]

You don't need a guide for the desert unit. Just a few pointers

[Bullkllr]

I'm sure you could find a "guide" (lotta guys know the unit and would be a willing hand) or a real guide who would do the job. Obvious hard part is getting the tag first 

[cem3434]

You don't need a guide for the desert unit. Just a few pointers

And to be lucky enough to draw a tag. 

[Kazekurt]

You don't need a guide for the desert unit. Just a few pointers

There is a lot of truth to this if you're just looking to shoot a solid buck.  The area is not really all that huge in comparison to other gmu's and much of it is farmed so a few aggressive days scouting should put you on some decent bucks.  The  area certainly has some diamond in the rough areas that many of us locals know as lots of us have either hunted it for other species  or work out there agriculturally.  The toughest part is drawing the tag, with the second toughest part being locating a spectacular buck without shooting a decent buck first.  The area does not hold dozens of world class bucks.  There are a few B&C bucks to be had but lots in the 140-170 range.  The buck to doe ratio is fantastic but it can be a much tougher hunt than most people think to get a real whopper.  Tons of thick brush, swamp, tall sage, rolling dunes, etc.  The late tag gives you your best shot but you can come out on the early hunt aswell if you do your homework.  It can get hot quick in the early seasons and if you're hunting the big state chunk get in shape because hunting in sand is different than other terrain. Lightweight boots and even tennis shoes will work in much of the unit. The archery tag is reasonably obtainable but a tough notch.  Don't expect to draw a rifle tag, but if you do you should come out ok.  Hope this helps.

[mfswallace]

You don't need a guide for the desert unit. Just a few pointers

There is a lot of truth to this if you're just looking to shoot a solid buck.  The area is not really all that huge in comparison to other gmu's and much of it is farmed so a few aggressive days scouting should put you on some decent bucks.  The  area certainly has some diamond in the rough areas that many of us locals know as lots of us have either hunted it for other species  or work out there agriculturally.  The toughest part is drawing the tag, with the second toughest part being locating a spectacular buck without shooting a decent buck first.  The area does not hold dozens of world class bucks.  There are a few B&C bucks to be had but lots in the 140-170 range.  The buck to doe ratio is fantastic but it can be a much tougher hunt than most people think to get a real whopper.  Tons of thick brush, swamp, tall sage, rolling dunes, etc.  The late tag gives you your best shot but you can come out on the early hunt aswell if you do your homework.  It can get hot quick in the early seasons and if you're hunting the big state chunk get in shape because hunting in sand is different than other terrain. Lightweight boots and even tennis shoes will work in much of the unit. The archery tag is reasonably obtainable but a tough notch.  Don't expect to draw a rifle tag, but if you do you should come out ok.  Hope this helps.

 

[FeatherFanatic]

I duck hunt the area and I've seen some nice bucks.. I have 12 points this year so maybe I'll be there ( hopefully )

[DeerThug]

Ooh OOh Oohh let me be your guide.  no actually get drawn and if i am not already committed i will go with you and range the shot, take the pics and pack the meat back to your truck. 

[MLBowhunting]

Kazekurt hit it square on the head.  He knows his stuff.    

[ribka]

Pm me

No guides but I know a guy who helps with tags there. Nice guy

[Old Man Yager]

Ya, if you can get hooked up with some locals , that will be a good idea. Spend as much time as you can over there. I had the tag in 2005, I didn't scout it as much as I should have. After I was there for a few days, I realized a few things I should have done differently that would have saved me quite a bit of walking. I shot a 27 wide 3x4, not the biggest buck in there, but I was stoked. Good luck on the draw!

[polishstunner]

I am familiar with the area and would be happy to guide ya. I'm not a pro, but know the area well.

[highside74]

Dick Hemore at Mardon resort is the guy you're looking for.  Works for tips.

Only hunt buck brush which is the bushy plant about 3-6 feet tall. That's what they eat and that's where they are. You will waste your time hunting anything else. Can you get lucky and find one somewhere else? Sure, but 90% of the deer will be in the buck brush. 

[trytough]

I drew the new early season archery tag and im stoked!! Any ideas on how this hunt will be.  I think it will be an awesome hunt, early season scouting to pattern the bucks for an early september hunt.

[mburrows]

Should be a fun hunt. Going to be tough but you should see plenty of animals out there. Spot and stalk i would guess is going to be the name of your game since there is so much water and feed out there id imagine they would be tough to pattern.