Emily's Nevada Mule Deer Hunt

 

 

I was lucky enough to draw a mule deer tag for Nevada this year. I was thrilled to have the tag as this would be my first true mule deer hunt. My parents, Dan and I headed out to the desert and set up camp on Saturday before the season started a spent the weekend scouting before the season opened on Monday.

We spent the next 5 days covering lots of country on foot and in the truck checking out new areas to determine where we wanted to focus our efforts.  We spent countless hours glassing hillsides, canyons, and open plateaus. We saw lots of beautiful country and animals during that time.

 

All of this effort paid off on day 5 when we spotted a nice buck at first light about a mile and a half from where we were glassing. My parents stayed at a high spot where they could keep an eye on the buck while Dan and I made the sneak. There was another group of 4 bucks on the same hillside as the one we were after, we had to move slow down a long drainage so we didn't spook them. The group of bucks finally fed up and over a saddle, we were now in the clear to move in closer to the buck we were after. During the sneak the buck had bedded down near a rocky point. Dan and I were able to sneak around behind the buck while he was still bedded and hide in some rocks about 300 yards behind him. The buck got up and fed over the hill toward us about 20 min after we got into position. After watching him feed for a short time I decided to take the shot and he went straight down! A 318 yard shot using a 300 Remington Ultra Mag topped with an Alpen Apex 4-16X44 scope. The plan worked out perfect and I couldn't believe it had all come together. My furthest shot at my biggest buck! I couldn't be happier.

PART 5 - Selecting a Drop Camp Location for Your Alaska Sitka Blacktail Hunt

So the almighty question is, “Where do I go?” 

Kodiak has an endless number of drop-off locations, each providing a unique experience. The northern part of the island is very heavily forested in the lower elevations leading up to alpine in the higher elevations. The further south you go on the island, the more open it gets. I did countless hours of research both online and talking with wildlife biologists (references I was put in contact with through the float plane companies). 

PART 6 - Gearing Up for Your Alaska Sitka Blacktail Hunt

I can’t tell you how many lists I had but I know it was in the double digits. Depending on what kind of hunt you choose will determine the type and amount of gear you bring. We ended up bringing more than we needed but, that is par for the course, especially if it’s your first time on any new hunt.

Planning for Wet Weather

The main gear/equipment that I cannot stress the importance of enough, regardless of hunt you decide to do, is rain gear. Not just jackets and pants but also tarps, scope covers, backpack covers, and waterproof storage (like plastic bins) for your gear. It doesn't matter what time of year you choose to hunt you will encounter some crazy weather that can get you soaked in a matter of minutes.

PART 8 - Camp Setup During Your Alaska Sitka Blacktail Hunt

Camp Setup

Camp set-ups vary by location and individual. If you get a public use cabin then you are pretty set. If you decide to rough it like most early season hunters then you will most likely be setting up camp from scratch.  

Buying some cheap folding chairs made dinners very comfortable.