I spent quite a bit of time out there last year. Here’s a few things I learned about the Vern:
-some of the best deer live on the bottom third of the mountain (flats and low hills). May seem backwards, I know.
-big deer enjoy private property. Especially next to wakeboard park subdivisions.
-if you kill a true 180”+ buck on the Vernon, pat yourself on the back and high five a cedar tree because you’ve truly done something.
-mornings are more productive than nights.
-keep an eye out for rattlesnakes.
-if you’re having a bad day go get a burger at the Silver Sage in Vernon. The bacon burger is 5 star cuisine after eating dust all day in a sXs.
-take spare tires.
-the Simpson’s isn’t just a show on tv and may have fewer deer but better quality.
-for a limited entry area, I was truly blown away how many people wouldn’t leave their vehicle on this hunt. I saw a guy shoot a 2x3 off the road when I knew for a fact there were 4, 4 points right over the hill. A little effort goes a long way on this hunt.
All in all, get out there as much as possible. I had as much fun scouting as I did hunting. It’s a cool area and there is no shortage of deer. Good luck!