I'm down to two outfitters for a trophy whiote tail hunt. One is Pioneer Outfitters and the other is Otter Creek. As such, I'm trying to learn about their GHA's. Pioneer, I believe, is in 23 and Otter Creek in 20.

I have been able to learn that 20 (Interlakes) harvests between 80 - 100 deer a year and 23 (Riding Mountain) 600-1100. Now, how do I interpret that as a prospective trophy hunter? Is the harvest higher in 23 due to a greater deer density that is replenished from the nation park or is it more accesable to resident hunters and therefore more congested with hunters?

Who should I contact about genetic/trophy quality of each area?

Area 20 is more remote with a lot less agriculture than 23. That means a lower deer density, but also less hunting pressure from us residents. Trophy potential should be the same in both areas per capita. I would go with 23 because the higher deer numbers translate into more bucks in the herd. Riding Mountain National Park also acts as a reservoir of trophy bucks that will never get hunted till they cross the boundary. Not to say that you couldn't have a fantastic hunt in area 20, nothing wrong with that area.

I love 20 myself, the Interlake region feels like home to me. They've got some nice bucks up there, but it is mostly residents up that way from what I can tell. 23 is a real hotspot because of the size/quality of both the herd and the individual deer attracts lots of trophy hunters.

Thanks you guys! Anybody else?

My friend and son went here in 2005.

http://www.mountainoakoutfitters.com/deer_gallery.htm

That's the son in the last two whitetail pictures.

He's going back there this year with his other son. Very close to Riding Mountain National Park. They had huge snow in 2005.....left early before getting snowed in.

They both gave this place high marks.

GV

SBT Bushman pretty much has it right. You will see a lot of deer per day in area 23. Your biggest problem may be laying off the first bucks you see. Go with area 23.