Ryan Pollard cut his teeth in the open country when he could barely walk. Ryan would spend days scouting, riding ATVs, and hiking with his dad. He got his first hunting opportunity in the open country at the age of 14 when he drew an X5B archery tag (A9). The following year he drew an apprentice Pronghorn Antelope tag and harvested his first big-game animal, a beautiful 15-inch buck at 300 yards.

Rick Pollard first hunted the high desert after a friend harvested a magnificent buck in X5B. Rick was amazed that bucks that big lived in the high desert. Then, he read Hunting Open Country Mule Deer by Dwight Schuh, and that started his passion for hunting the open country.  

The next year (1991) he drew an X5B archery tag (A9). Rick harvested a 30”, 4x4 buck on opening day that scored 172 and ranked number two in the California bowman hunters record book!  Since that time, Rick has harvested several record-book bucks, with his largest scoring 180 Pope and Young.  

Rick has an Associates of Science degree in Natural Science and a secondary education in Natural Resources, EMT and Paramedic. Rick uses this knowledge to understand the traits and behaviors of mature bucks while ensuring his clients’ safety.

What to Expect

All that you need to bring is your personal and hunting gear, including a pillow/sleeping bag. Available for the 2024 season, is a 29’ toy hauler with two king beds dinning area and a hot shower. Optional wall tents and cots with sleeping pads are available as well. Food and drinks are provided. Bring your choice of adult beverages. Meals will be cooked in the trailer or outside on a large stove, barbecue or smoker. Your harvest will be cleaned, quartered if needed, skinned, and transported to a locker. Bring a large ice chest to take the meat home in. A typical day begins at 4:30 am and can run into the late evening. Most days start out driving the Honda pioneer 1000 to a location, then hiking to a designated glassing area. Be prepared for long hiking and glassing sessions. Typically, this will be a spot and stock hunt in open country, so shots could be long. Safety is the most important aspect of the hunt along with learning and having fun. Camaraderie in the field and camp is a given.