Desert Unit...Where's the Quality?

[MerriamMagician]

One thing I have noticed is that the rut seems to have already dropped off every year by the time the archery hunts start out there. I live close to the unit and go out every year just to photograph the bucks. During early and mid November I typically see 30-50 bucks a day, and at least 5-10 are dandies. Then, starting in late November (Right about the time the archery season opens) all the bucks kind of disappear. I see maybe 5-10 per day, and absolutely nothing worth shooting. I've heard of a lot of other desert archery hunters complain about this. Personally I think the deer rut earlier and end sooner than most of the other mule deer herds in the state. This is my best guess as to why you are struggling to find the big bucks. They ARE there.

[The Weazle]

One thing I have noticed is that the rut seems to have already dropped off every year by the time the archery hunts start out there. I live close to the unit and go out every year just to photograph the bucks. During early and mid November I typically see 30-50 bucks a day, and at least 5-10 are dandies. Then, starting in late November (Right about the time the archery season opens) all the bucks kind of disappear. I see maybe 5-10 per day, and absolutely nothing worth shooting. I've heard of a lot of other desert archery hunters complain about this. Personally I think the deer rut earlier and end sooner than most of the other mule deer herds in the state. This is my best guess as to why you are struggling to find the big bucks. They ARE there.

Does it typically get colder there earlier than most other areas?  This might explain the earlier rut.

[Bullkllr]

I would guess the rut could wrap up early. Since it is a permit-only area the buck/doe ratio is probably comparably high. More bucks = does get bred faster.

[splitshot]

    no,no,no, don't tell people to put in for desert cuz less people greater chance I get drawn.   lets help an old guy out..  don't put in for desert.    mike w

[niceshot]

Sent you a PM!  I filled my tag on a little buck out there BUT I missed the largest deer I have ever seen in an area that is mentioned on some of the previse posts.  By large I mean one that will haunt my dreams forever. 

This Rain will be a blessing for you.  That loud snow was horrible and I would bet that those big bucks heard you from 200-500 yards away. 

[MuleySniper]

My buddy had a "quality" hunt in the desert this year. That is if a 180's buck qualifies as a trophy standard anymore. He hunted his tail off too.

[foambeetle]

Good discussion ... I would generally echo the comments by Bushcraft. 

Crunchy snow was a bit of a downer for a good part of the time I was out.   And some fog caused some difficulty for glassing.  The weather is the weather, though.

I am going back to make a hail Mary attempt this Sat.  For some reasons out my control the total number of days I planned to hunt got cut back a bit ... going to make the best of it.

I have glassed up some small herds of does.  Did see one lone buck, maybe 140".  Way off and too late to put a stalk on ... the crunchy snow and limited ground cover would have probably made it impossible anyway.

Good luck out there to those still getting after it.