NDOW news release
During the hot days of August it’s difficult for most hunters, excluding archers, to give much thought to hunting this fall. After all, most big game seasons don’t open for another couple of months and there is plenty of time to get ready, right? Wrong. According to Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) game biologist Tony Wasley big game hunters who want to increase their chances of success should be preparing now for their upcoming hunts.
Wasley, formerly the game biologist for the state’s largest deer herd, area 10, recently accepted the new mule deer staff specialist position with NDOW, and has some tips for hunters heading afield this fall.
“One of the most important things you can do to increase your chance of success is to scout your hunting area before your hunt,” said Wasley. “It’s essential that you familiarize yourself with the unit boundaries, the access points, the vegetation, and the terrain you will be hunting.”
Wasley believes that scouting trips prior to the hunt pays dividends in the long run. “Even if you hunted the same area before, things may have changed,” said Wasley. “Land use designations may be different. Roads that were accessible may now be in poor condition, washed out or closed altogether. And with the large number of big wildfires we’ve experienced over the last ten years, it really makes sense to check for potential fire impacts to your hunting area.”
Hunters should begin scouting their hunting area “virtually” online. “Hunters can save a lot of time and expense before their first trip by studying the resources that NDOW and other agencies and companies have online,” said Wasley. “By using NDOW’s Interactive Mapping Service hunters can view topographic maps, unit boundary maps, land status maps, wilderness area designations, and restricted vehicle use maps which all can help narrow their search for that perfect hunting spot. They can also find up-to-date fire information, Hunter Information sheets and hunt unit advisories that warn of road closures and difficult hunter access on the NDOW website.”
However, nothing can replace getting out there and physically scouting your hunt unit(s). Hunters need to know where public, private, Department of Defense and tribal lands exist and must get permission from the landowner to hunt on or cross private land. Ultimately, it’s important to get out there on the ground. No map shows you where the animals are feeding, bedding and watering and of course, their size and their density.”
An additional benefit of scouting is that by getting out and hiking the hills while learning their area hunters are getting in shape for the coming hunt. “It may sound obvious, but it’s important to remember that hunting is a physical activity and that hunters want to be in shape when they head out into the field,” said John McKay, NDOW Outdoor Education Coordinator. “It’s important to have a regimented exercise routine so that you are prepared physically for the hunting season and capable of completing your hunt. Some hunt areas are very remote with challenging access which can make it extremely difficult not only to get to your hunting area, but also to get you and your animal out. It’s never too early to get in shape.”
Wasley will be hosting a live online chat to answer your scouting/hunting questions on Wednesday, August 26 at noon. Log on at www.ndow.org/chat/.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.
