First Post .. Washougal Black Tail...

[cue772]

Hello all...

Been lurking around these boards for a few months now, thought I would get a little more involved.
I'm looking to do my first attempts at some Archery Black Tail this year. Moved to the NW quite a few years ago from Oklahoma whitetail country.. and just not got into a position to get out and hunt again.

I'm pretty stoked.. not looking for any trophies (although sure wont deny one either)... but excited about getting my feet wet. Been out doing some scouting, will probably start by setting up my climber and seeing what I can find.. especially since I have a couple of daughters almost old enough to head out with me. Would like to gain some experience around here so they can enjoy the hunt as much as I have.

I'm located in Washougal.. so any and all suggestions and tips are welcome. Appear to be good folks on these boards. Thanks in advance.

[ELKBURGER]

Welcome to the site I've never hunted whitetails but love to watch Tiffany in her treestands. I think you will find Blacktail bucks to be a bit frustrating compared to your oklahoma bucks. More nocturnal, less predictable. Our rut is in nov but late oct has seen bucks with does during daylight hours. Look at the season dates for all weapons. You can use a bow during any season but you need to wear your orange during the rifle seasons. Best of luck

[cue772]

Thank you.

From everything I've learned so far.. I would agree with you Elkburger. A change from flat farm land w/ funnel led food plots...its an exciting change though. Thanks for the tips... these boards really help shorten the learning curve and make our time in the woods more productive.

I also hope to gain some more experience spot and stalk. The fitness level and techniques used to stalk game here, I never had much success with and see so many more possibilities when coupled with stand hunts. And Tiffany.. yep. Something to be said for Iowa Whitetail hunting I guess!

[Rainier10]

Welcome to the site.  There are a few areas are the westside that are open until the first of the year for archery.  You should be able to get a doe easy enough and maybe even luck out and find a buck to go after.  Good luck.

[mtman]

PM sent

[windygorge]

i hate pm's unless they are sent to me

[brokehunter]

Hey there, welcome to the site. I've hunted quite a bit around Washougal area. There's a lot of good land up Washougal River Road. However there are also a LOT of idiots that go up there with there trucks and quads and make lots of noise and mess. I recommend heading east a little. Perhaps Carson or a just a little north. I know most of the deer hang out near or on the outskirts of that town. Probably because they feel safer, and less hunting pressure. But I'm sure if you are just bow hunting and perhaps knock on a few doors you will probably fill your tag. 

[cue772]

Thanks for the tips gang! Brokehunter.. I hear ya on the idiots. I'll take your advice and look out east as well. My plan is to really get to know the unit.. so I plan on moving around quite a bit. I've run into quite a few guys who love the hunt and have been open to a newbie in the area as well. Have heard there are a lot of bears in the area... no experience there so I see some opportunities as well as some apprehensions.

Hunting is kind of a double edged sword everywhere you go. You want everyone in your hunting circle to find success... AFTER you have filled your tags huh  ? Again.. thanks for the feedback. Feel free to PM me for updates on my scouting.. I'm always willing to share my first hand experience.

[strattonje]

carson isnt bad bud finding someone in carson that doesnt deer hunt is unlikely and if you do they dont hunt for a reason so its very unlikely to get permission.. id go further north of carson and hunt hemlock, or if you wanted to stay closer to washougal you could head up salmon falls and scout on the timber roads.. TBH its hard to hunt deer in the gorge its really thick id just get out on a hiking trail... little used if possible and just walk it slowly listening and glassing if possible ive had most luck doing this.. North Bonneville wa, is kinda a little secret huntng area that gets over looked.. id park on the PCT trail and walk it.. about 3 to 4 miles in youll get on the backside of table top moutain and i shot a nice 4x5 back there on the rock slides before i joined the navy.. also there is several bears back there and a small elk herd.. if you want more specifics PM me..