OK, Who Shot the 32-inch Buck in North-central WA?

[Northwest Sportsman]

The report out of Ephrata from WDFW's Chewuch game check station last weekend mentions an alleged 32-inch-wide mule deer. If anyone happens to own said buck (which I'm pretty sure was headed up the game trail I was on), please feel free to send me the pics for the magazine.

Here's the news:

Hunter numbers at the Chewuch Check Station suggest hunter pressure in the Okanogan is very similar to last year and remains modest compared to the ten year average.  Hunter success declined about 35% compared to 2007.  The lack of 3 ½ year-old bucks in the harvest appears to account for most of the reduction.  This is likely attributable to the poor fawn recruitment during the 2005-2006 winter.  On the bright side, many of the animals harvested have been prime animals with well developed antlers, large body size, and good fat reserves.  At least one trophy sized animal with a purported 32 inch antler spread was also taken.  The weather forecast for the week is suggesting the possibility of moisture by late in the week, which could improve prospects for the final weekend of the season.

[huntnphool]

I've got one you can use, wasn't taken this year though I can't wait to see this toad, I hope its someone on the site.

[Bean Counter]

 

[Northwest Sportsman]

A little bit more info on the story of the big buck:

Just talked with WDFW biologist Jeff Heinlen, who was manning the Chewuch game check last weekend (and to whom I spoke with when Dad and I drove out of the hills on Sunday). Jeff says that a gentleman drove to the check on Sunday with a photograph of a large buck that he said someone in his campground had shot in the 30 Mile Burn country. The gentleman told Jeff he'd measured the rack himself at 32 inches.

Jeff doesn't doubt that the 30 Mile burn, and its good forage, could produce such a buck -- and he calls it "probably not" a bad idea for this weekend, hint, hint, guys. (Or consider it for 2009.)

But he (and I) still have questions about the reality of the buck. It's a photograph, where was it actually taken, when, etc.

If anyone can help out, please email me at andy@nwsportsmanmag.com. Would love to see the pic and hear the tale.

Andy Walgamott
NWS

[boneaddict]

Thanks for the update. 

[Firing Pin]

Don't know if it is the 1 your talking about but there is a picture in the Antler Inn of a real wide 2x3 that was taken opening weekend.

[huntnphool]

Don't know if it is the 1 your talking about but there is a picture in the Antler Inn of a real wide 2x3 that was taken opening weekend.

Do you mean Antlers Tavern in Twisp?

[Firing Pin]

Oops, yes that's the one.

[Northwest Sportsman]

The bio's not sure on how many points the one in the photograph he saw had. The buck is in the back of a truck in the photo, and the tines blend into the bed. But he does say it's a big buck.

AW
NWS

[bucklucky]

Cant wait to see some pics of this bad boy!

[boneaddict]

I've wished the antelrs was an inn once in awhile.....   That and maybe Three finger Jacks

[huntnphool]

I've wished the antelrs was an inn once in awhile.....   That and maybe Three finger Jacks

I have talked to Jim and Robin about that before, Robin says it would be way too much work.

[mossback91]

I went out into the field with jeff once. Hes a pretty cool guy

[Leeroi]

I can verify that the deer was indeed 32" wide and is a 3x4. It was taken across the road from our camp. This is my first post so I need to figure out how to attach the pic on the back of the guys rig.

[bowsandhose]

this pic?