Inside Poop On Mule Deer Permits, Guides

The state of Nevada has some of the best mule deer hunting in the United States, but it is usually difficult to draw a deer permit here, especially for non-residents. However, you can beat the odds if you are willing to pay for a guided hunt and a slightly more expensive permit (about $300) by applying in what's called the "Restricted Non-Resident Guided Drawing." This drawing is held before the normal-price (about $111) permit drawing, and is only for non-residents who submit an application that is co-signed by an outfitter who will handle his hunt if he is drawn. All registered outfitters are allotted (but not guaranteed) up to 30 deer tags each for clients who draw from this pool of up to 400 tags. The odds of drawing a permit through this system vary by outfitter from 33 to sometimes 90 percent, which is obviously better than the 1 in 5 odds of drawing a normal-price deer permit. The wide range of success is primarily due to the fact that some outfitters only sign applications for right around 30 people, while some send applications to anyone who requests one. These latter outfitters usually have the lower drawing odds, but may be your only place to go if the other outfitters are all signed out. Incidentally, it seems that some outfitters will soon be petitioning to have the state implement a cap on the number of applications an outfitter can submit to avoid "flooding the market" and lowering everybody's drawing odds; the proposed cap number we heard was 50. For now, just be sure to understand the outfitter's system before you sign up, and keep in mind that applicants who are unsuccessful in this March drawing may reapply in the regular April drawing. For applications information contact the Nevada Hunt Application Office. For general hunt information contact the Nevada Division of Wildlife.

While mule deer are well distributed throughout the state, one of the best areas for trophy mule deer is the Ruby Mountains in northeastern Nevada (Unit Group 101-106 and 108), although mule deer hunting in the Rubys is not for everyone. Most........(continued)