I have a tag for d3-5 and am still a new hunter. I'm in good physical shape and would like to get into the backcountry far from the crowds. Of the three zones which boast the highest chances of any legal buck? Also any hunting tip/specific areas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, john
P.S how has this years dryness effected deer numbers and movement? And has anyone hunted these zones recently?

I hunt D5 and D6. I didn't get a 6 tag this year due to DFG cutting 4000 tags because of the fire. D5 I mainly hunt around the lake. This year I will probably head up Highway 4 and maybe even up around Placerville/Icehouse.

I'm not sure about 3 or 4.

How's your average success been lately in the two zones? Which do you prefer and why?

I prefer D6 because it's my backyard. But, D5 has a lot of good areas too I just mainly go to the lake with that tag though.

I usually end up with a buck in D6. Have a couple on the wall but that's not the norm. The last few years there has been very few deer.

I went up to d6 last year in the gem lake area. It seemed to dry. Saw quite a bit of sign but only a doe on the hike up. Thought that since this year was even worse in terms of water I might go even more north