In early February 2017 ,I began to consider using the outfitter draw provision in Nevada's mule deer application process. Since I had 15 preference points, I wanted to use them in the best possible manner, so I called Huntin' Fool for information on this subject. After talking with Robert Hanneman, the decision was made to contact Jake Rosevear with Pine Peak Outfitters.
Upon calling Mr. Rosevear in late February, he informed that he would send an application. This was completed, and toward the end of March, I was notified of being successful in the draw. I received a hunt contract in early April. I signed it and immediately returned it to Pine Peak Outfitters. The hunt was on!
After several months of anticipation, my wife and I left for Ely, Nevada on September 30th with plans to arrive on Tuesday, October 3rd. This would give us a couple days' rest after the trip and before the scheduled hunt. As we were traveling, I received a call from Tony, my assigned guide, inquiring about our arrival time so as to meet and discuss some details. We agreed to meet after 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3rd.
As planned, Tony came by the motel and showed me pictures of deer at a water guzzler that they had observed some time ago. One was an exceptional animal with antlers approaching three feet in width. I jokingly asked Tony if we were going to see deer of that type regularly throughout the hunt. He replied that this deer had not been seen for sometime and they were not sure of his whereabouts or condition. Tony informed that he would check the area on Wednesday for any new photos and meet again on Thursday, October 5th, the day before the hunt. Upon Tony’s return on Thursday, no new information on the big deer’s activity was revealed. Tony said he would pick me up at 4:30 a.m. the next morning, Friday, October 6th.
Friday morning came rather soon, but I was still anxious to get started with the hunt. Tony arrived with his friend, Jason, who would be helping spot during the hunt. We left Ely and drove approximately one to one and a half hours, reaching a point in one of the many valley floors in the Humbolt National Forest. Daybreak was just beginning when Tony and I began our ascent to the ridge of a moderately steep mountain. After stopping two or three times to catch our breath, we reached the summit just after good daylight and began our search for deer.
As we moved along the mountain ridge, we came to a clearing very conducive to good spotting. Tony immediately set up his spotting scope and began glassing. Before I was even situated, I saw Tony tense up, and he said, “I think I’ve found him.” He had me look through the scope, and sure enough, there was the deer we were looking for. The distance was 800+ yards, so we moved to close the distance for a shot.
Once we were within 400 or 500 yards of the deer, we set up for the shot and dispatched a magnificent 4x4 mule deer with eyeguards, rough scoring mid 180s B&C. The outside spread was near 33” wide. I couldn't be more pleased and want to express my appreciation to Robert from Huntin’ Fool for his recommendations as well as to my guide, Tony, and his friend, Jason, for helping locate this trophy. Jake Rosevear of Pine Peak Outfitters deserves a lot of credit for helping me get the permit and following up on specifics of the hunt. Thanks to all!