Antlerless Tag Youth Desert 290

[Munsterlander fan]

13 year old step son drew one of five rifle doe tags for Desert Unit
for Dec 13th-28th.  I've never been to the unit and I have limited time maybe 2 days
to hunt.  I do all my deer hunting out of state.  Anyway I've read several posts on the unit and spoke with the biologist.  This is the young mans first deer hunt and he has limited trigger time.  Is it worth the 4 hour drive?  I doubt I'd let him
Attempt shots over 250 yards.  Seems like a lot of public land, but limited access.  Can anyone point me in the right direction to help this youngster bag his first deer. 

I've also been told that vehicle break in's can be a big problem in the area.  Too clarify
What I mean about limited access is it seems very few roads, which is great news for deer hunting.  He'll be shooting either a .243 or 7mm-08.   I'm not much about asking for hunting advice.  I've just not hunted much in WA state for big game.  I figured we just focus west of the Pot holes and glass for mulies.  Find them and put on a stock.  Just seems like tough country for stalking and fairly flat and open.  Curious if many deer hang around the private borders eating winter wheat on private then heading back to public.  I've also heard people mention on this forum that three areas are considered refugee and you'll get arrested for trespass.  Sorry but my on x maps shows only Desert Wildlife area and some Reclamation land.  Any help would be appreciated.  Just trying to help the young guy catch the hunting bug.  As a nation we're losing the hunting base across the country with our youth.

[arrowflinger]

Head south down Dodson RD. Cross over the Winchester Waste Way and there is a road off to the left. Drive down to the gate. Park and hike on in.


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[Bullkllr]

If it's anything like our experience last year (my 2 son's had tags), most of the deer were aways in there.  You could end up with a deer down that requires a bit of a pack. A single-wheel cart would be perfect out there.

There's a lot of small hills and dunes in there. Most places you need to be on top of a big one to see very far. Be careful doing that as that's when the deer will spot you. In the valleys between the dunes sometimes you can't see more than a hundred yards. There's a lot of big sage and bitter brush in there too. Many spots are not as open as you'd think.

While I'm sure it happens, we saw no deer using any agricultural land last December.

I actually have a tag for 2nd deer in that time-frame.  I'll send you a pm.

[bigelk1030]

My son drew one of the five youth tags also.   Looking forward to exploring the area more.  Unfortunately we won't be able to hunt until closer to Christmas.  Good luck on the hunt, if he gets one down, please share the story/pics. 

[Kazekurt]

I am quite familiar with the area and live in Ephrata.  I'm always up for helping out kids.  Shoot me a pm and I'll get you my contact info.

[Munsterlander fan]

Thanks for the responses.  I figured one wheel game cart would work well anc I have
a home made one, but more than likely if he gets a deer down I use this as a teaching
moment to quarter on the ground and pack out.  I bought one of those packs by The
Outdoorsman called the Optics hunter.  I packed out two bucks in Nebraska with it this year in some nasty country up by the Black Hills and it worked great.

[PlateauNDN]

Use the experience to break it down sand in there is like beach sand. I seen bunch off Dodson, walked in a ways and sat on the highest point. Seen more sitting and spotting high then walking around.

[wastickslinger]

If it's just the kill you are after and an easy pack, there have been 10-12 does standing beside the gravel pit off the frontage road just before Moses . Same thing off frontage road right down by HIAWATHA. Also 20 does right off road 4 before substation. Like said, if you just want an easy kill there are plenty. Send me a pm if you need further help.

[go4steelhd]

 

[splitshot]

   I did not know they had a second deer tag for desert.   mike w

[Munsterlander fan]

Once again thanks so much for the responses.  I'm a first time user on this site and I
 Think its really cool how people help out.  I do the vast majority of my big game hunting out of state mainly to avoid crowds and the complications of draw units...etc etc.   I have four bird dogs all different breeds so I'll be sure to offer any wisdom I've gained over the years chasing birds.  Not sure when we'll make it up to hunt.  Work complications and wrestling tournaments.   I'll be sure to update on our success.  I hate hunting places without scouting and putting in time, but just couldn't justify it with schedule and an anterless tag.  So once again thank you.

[Badhabit]

Launch the boat, head north into the dunes, idle around in the back checking the islands for deer. If ya don't see a deer toss out a few duck decoys and hunt ducks for awhile, then go back to puttering around in the boat.

[bigelk1030]

If it's just the kill you are after and an easy pack, there have been 10-12 does standing beside the gravel pit off the frontage road just before Moses . Same thing off frontage road right down by HIAWATHA. Also 20 does right off road 4 before substation. Like said, if you just want an easy kill there are plenty. Send me a pm if you need further help.

Thanks again everyone from me too (sorry didn't mean to hijack the Original Post, but since only five youth hunters were drawn, its cool at least 2 are on here), my son is excited to go over and hunt for a doe. I think the second deer tag holders will be hunting about the same time so I suspect the does may get chased around a bit. 

We will report back also.

[niceshot]

Send me your number if you want some help.  Know the area and love to see smiles on kids faces.  If you want to make a combo we could go on a guided goose hunt and kill a deer too probably on the same farm.
Mike

[mfswallace]

If it's just the kill you are after and an easy pack, there have been 10-12 does standing beside the gravel pit off the frontage road just before Moses . Same thing off frontage road right down by HIAWATHA. Also 20 does right off road 4 before substation. Like said, if you just want an easy kill there are plenty. Send me a pm if you need further help.

 private be careful 

[wastickslinger]

If it's just the kill you are after and an easy pack, there have been 10-12 does standing beside the gravel pit off the frontage road just before Moses . Same thing off frontage road right down by HIAWATHA. Also 20 does right off road 4 before substation. Like said, if you just want an easy kill there are plenty. Send me a pm if you need further help.

 private be careful 

Nothing I listed is private

[Bullkllr]

Any updates?