This map only just came out, and I wanted to put together a short guide on how you can set up for a Great One whitetail here. I’ll keep it to the point, walking you through how I managed it in just 641 kills.
Preparation and Zone Setup
There are about 35-40 drink zones for whitetail across Askiy Ridge. Most of them cluster around Parkland, Daniels Path and near Dion Meadows, but the majority sit along the river that flows through the preserve.
With only 16 tents to use, I set up on about 33 of these zones. That was enough to keep things efficient, and it worked! My Great One spawned much quicker than I expected.
My setup usually places a tent around 250m away, with a hunting structure at about 150m. That gives me the best chance to line up clean shots without spooking too many deer. The trick is to cluster as many zones into one setup as possible, then move down the line shooting zone after zone.
Key Areas and Tough Spots
- Beaver Area: This section is awkward to navigate because several zones are packed close together. Animals here can’t escape across the water, so you need to plan your shooting angles carefully. I used an outpost for one zone and a tripod for the other three.
- Northern Lakes: One of these is where my Great One spawned. These zones are a bit more spread out, but I still managed to double up with tents in a few spots.
- Tree Stands: In wooded areas, tree stands are invaluable. They give a clear line of sight over thick cover, which is especially handy along the northern river stretch.
Grind Routine
My grind loop started at one end of the river, then moved up, down, left, and across zones in a circuit. After clearing the line, I’d circle back and repeat.
Not every herd is worth your time – some zones will turn into “turd herds” with nothing good spawning. Over time, you can move your tents around, even converting them into pickup tents where needed.
Compared to other reserves, this grind is much easier. Askiy Ridge has plenty of open shooting spots and clearings that bunch whitetail together, making kills straightforward.
Weapons and Timing
- .300 Magnum for non-trophy bucks.
- M1 Ironic or .308 ZARZA with polymer tip for trophies.
Whitetail drink between 8am and 12pm, with 10:30 being the sweet spot. Respawns take about 10–15 kills to cycle in, so discipline is key. Always claim your harvests to keep the mechanics working properly.
I recommend shooting 2–3 bucks per herd, as long as there’s at least one left. I’ve had no issues running the grind that way.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing? Have fun with it. Don’t get too bogged down in herd management theory. Just keep shooting, keep picking up, and eventually the Great One will come.
Here’s the one that spawned for me – a stunning cluster rack. I haven’t shot it yet because I’m stacking all five Great Ones on Askiy Ridge. This is number two, with the first being the Mule Deer.
If you want to see my setups, I post maps regularly in my Discord. And if you enjoyed this guide, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more hunts and tips.
