Can anyone give solid advice on the best strategy for hunting deer at ANWR? I was drawn for a hunt, but I'm trying to find best areas, strategies, etc. Any tips?

I drew archery and rifle there. I'll be heading out there in a couple of weeks.

Alco

Use the Search function in this topic and you will find a lot of good info. I have hunted this area twice in the past. A couple recommendations 1) prepare for mosquitos 2) do as much scouting as possible. This is a large hunt area and finding a good area takes time. Last year was extremely difficult due to lots of standing water. A lot of the hunters camp or RV at Hoppers Landing, it is a short drive to the Refuge. Good luck and lets us know how you do.
BTW I was drawn for the rifle hunt for 11/23 there but also drawn for that same weekend at Balcones Canyonland. Definitely going to do Balcones and on the fence if I will try and do both.

Thanks Charlie,
Will do. One question I had: someone mentioned hunting closer to the side which butts up to other ranches as the deer are fed on that side and retreat to the refuge for cover, this as opposed to finding a spot more isolated where you might not see a deer?

Alco

Yes that area is a hotspot but you better get there early during scouting and claim a spot. I have not personally hunted that area but have observed many deer on the private proper on the other side of that fence. Also I did not mention that a lot of this area will have standing water so you should take some good waterproof boots.

Definitely get there early to find a spot. Last year the hunters that seemed successful were those with Tripod stands. We ended up hunting down near St Charles Bay a couple times and saw some does and a couple of bucks in that area. Bring lots of mosquito replellent and waterproof boots.

Are you hunting rifle or bow?

Rifle

Bow hunt through yesterday delivered 10 bucks and 10 does. The last day of hunting is the 6th. I'm patrolling pipeline overhead, very few hunters.

Aransas NWR Size: 114,657 Acres
Number of Archery Permits: 300
Avg. Acres Per Permit: 382
Number of Deer Taken: 20
Success Rate: 6.7%

You guys are generous leaving all those deer for rifle hunting season ;P Thanks for update, I always like seeing the numbers.

It is the same amount of permits offered to rifle hunters but spread over three weekends. The hunter area is quite a bit less, I want to say 19K acres

So anyone have any updates on this areas hunt? I have the Rifle 3 hunt in December. Just trying to get more information as this is my first hunt here. Should we stay more north near the private lands?

Any updates on this years hunt in that area?