Post by: Bullkllr on December 25, 2014, 11:56:04 AM
1. We saw a lot of deer, but not as many as I thought. Saw more bucks than does, including some really nice ones and one I would call the biggest I've seen on the hoof.
2. Overall, most of the area we hunted (an easy access place?) didn't have any deer in it. We didn't see any deer in miles of hiking/glassing, then hit pockets that held more than seems logical. Literally saw no deer within about 3 miles of our access point.
3. Deer we saw have been hunted and were spooky as heck, especially the does. Some of the bucks on the other hand couldn't have cared less and just watched us after we showed ourselves.
3B) I couldn't really figure out what the deer we saw were doing in terms of a pattern. They weren't using the alfalfa from what we could tell. Saw some feeding on the sage. Only pattern seemed to be hide in the sage from humans.
4. Easiest place to hike I have ever been. We wore boots the 1st day, tennis shoes the 2nd. We liked the tennis shoes much better. Weather was ridiculous for late December- warm, calm, partly cloudy/sunny.
5. Hunting sand dunes is weird. Many places we could only see as far as the next dune. Weird being less than a mile from Potholes' Res. and almost never being able to see it.
6. Doesn't really seem like that area needs as many antlerless tags as they gave out...? With the very limited buck tags there didn't really seem to be a big deer surplus, at least where we were.
We're thinking about going back for a couple days after Christmas since we have time off. Mostly going to enjoy the area again and look for deer. Might take one if the situation is right.
BTW, Merry Christmas!
Post by: crabcreekhunter on December 25, 2014, 12:24:13 PM
Post by: boneaddict on December 25, 2014, 12:55:14 PM
Post by: wildwood on December 26, 2014, 11:58:59 AM
Post by: builtfordtough on December 26, 2014, 12:44:48 PM
Post by: Dave Workman on December 26, 2014, 01:24:10 PM
I got done with my Desert permit hunt last weekend, so I'd like to offer you some thoughts on your observations. Since you have a few more days left, I hope this is helpful:
"3. Deer we saw have been hunted and were spooky as heck, especially the does. Some of the bucks on the other hand couldn't have cared less and just watched us after we showed ourselves."
Your observations are spot on, especially about the wariness of the does. Most people seem to think it's going to be one of those petting zoo hunts you see on TV when that antlerless permit shows up in the mail. Older does lead the groups. They are wise and know how to spot trouble from a LONG way away.
I call my tactic of hunting out there 'sneak and peak'. They can see you from an incredible distance....i mean nearly a mile if the conditions are right. Therefore, you have to use the dips and dunes to stay out of sight, then crawl on your knees to the side of the dune, hide behind a sage and take a peak with your bino's. Again, never skyline ....ever. Or you're going to ruin your hunt for about a mile radius. Try to hunt with the sun at yoiur back and the wind in your face. Every deer hunter I saw out there this year was sky-lining.
The test is are you seeing coyotes before they see you? If you haven't seen a yote before he sees you, you're not being sneaky enough.
3B) I couldn't really figure out what the deer we saw were doing in terms of a pattern. They weren't using the alfalfa from what we could tell. Saw some feeding on the sage. Only pattern seemed to be hide in the sage from humans.
Correct again, they are not using any agricultural foods right now. The key is bitterbush. It's that sage looking stuff that is much greener looking than the regular sage. Find it, and you'll find deer (be further than 2mi from nearest easy access). It's also alot taller than regular sage. They love it.
6. Doesn't really seem like that area needs as many antlerless tags as they gave out...? With the very limited buck tags there didn't really seem to be a big deer surplus, at least where we were.
I think the herd is plenty healthy. I have hunted out there since 1996 and the herd seems as robust as ever. My wife and I covered it north to south over two weekends and saw the usual amount I am used to seeing while bird hunting. The fellow permit holders I met this year, almost all of them said the same thing.....'this is the first time i've ever been here'. That will bring down the kill rate. It's not as easy of a hunt as people think.
Post by: MerriamMagician on December 26, 2014, 01:29:56 PM
Post by: Bullkllr on December 28, 2014, 08:27:20 AM
Got it done Friday and Saturday. Both nice close shots.
Glockster- Good stuff! That was pretty much what we learned and did!
Post by: splitshot on December 28, 2014, 10:18:27 AM
Post by: Chad E. on December 28, 2014, 03:43:10 PM
good thread with good comments. it is easy walking now, but when the sand is dry it is another story and it is lots hotter. also the bush deer eat is called rabbit brush. lots of cheat grass too. mike w
Rabbit brush is way different than bitter brush. Bitter brush is a very important winter range food for mule deer throughout their range. I do agree with you on the cheat grass. A wet mild winter like this one really makes it come on strong and the deer love the fresh green up.
Post by: trophyhunt on December 28, 2014, 04:00:03 PM