Got fortunate and was drawn for Whitetail GDE Matador Nov 6-10. I have never hunted out there and wondered if anyone has any feedback/tips? THX! Huntalot

TTT

good luck

Congrats! I heard that the better whitetail hunting is better on the eastern side and mule deer on the western side. Hope your back is strong or take a cart to help get it out if you get one as they are pretty heavy bodied animals. Good luck and let us know how the hunt goes.

TTT

I drew a doe hunt a couple years back on this unit. You are able to pick your area, by the sequence of the draw. Make sure and stay with the eastern most areas. Our group had first pick that year and we picked "SHORTY". We got 5 does and 3 hogs, between 3 of us. I like this area, on the northern most border, there are 2 high mounds, that provide an excellent place to sit. Get up there before light, and catch herds of deer coming off the private grain fields across the fence. I saw some very nice bucks, several 170 class, and one that I believe would push 200.

East side is better for whitetails. But, don't get too discouraged if you can't get on the east side. We killed 2 130s (8 and 10) off the far west side a few years ago. Good deer over the entire property, but, the east side is usually the best. Several solid deer come off there every year, including a couple of 170s last year. Good luck, fun place to hunt, lots of animals.

THX for the words of advice. Any specific hunting tips? Spot and Stalk? Pop-up? Tripod? Hunt near water?

THX!

Kind of depends of the pasture you end up hunting. My favorite method was to get on a high spot and sit and watch a 'huntable area' as well as off in the distance. See many animals that way. If you see something too far away for a shot, you can plan a stalk. I personally wouldn't mess with stands or popups, too much crap to lug around/set up. A quick brush blind would suffice if no appreciable elevation in your compartment. Since it's a rifle hunt, shouldn't need much more. The river runs through the entire property, so water isn't limiting at all. i would just try to watch as much country as is feasible.

Last question for now. Did 2WD work or do you need 4WD everywhere?

4 wheel drive would be a good idea. Sand beds can be a problem when it's dry and slick red clay on the hills when it' rains

Good luck to you. I got drawn for the doe hunt December 16-20, so I may PM you to get your thoughts and advice on what you see this year.

Absolutely! Will pass along any info I can.

Ox pasture

4wd is a good idea if you have it. Most of the area is accessible by 2wd, but there can be a few spots where 4wd is needed. Main road is much better than it used to be.

I drew for the management hunt. Looking forward to it.

It's a fun place to go for sure. Drew mule deer there a few years ago and have the 12/6 doe hunt there this year. I can't wait to go back.