Deer hunting Cowichie GMU 368

[TwoShot]

I have been hunting the Kitsap area for the last 4 years without success so a friend of mine told me to go to GMU 368 (Cowichie).  The problem is I have never hunted that area before and looking at the maps it is very confusing as to where to go.  If anybody can give me any advice for archery in that unit it would be greatly appreciated.  I plan to hunt the Monday after opening day next week so will be going in cold.  Thanks for your help.  Twoshot (Brian).

[colockumelk]

Good luck Buck densities are low. And you are going in cold.  I would hunt an area you know this year. Then start researching a new area for 2013. Starting to look a week before the season starts is way too late. There are better East Side units than the Cowiche.

[Limhangerslayer]

You are not picking a very good unit to travel that far to hunt. Takes a lot of scouting in that unit.  On a good note you should practically have the unit to yourself.

[KopperBuck]

I hunted ML elk a couple years back and wasn't smart enough to buy a ML deer because I was hunting deer in Oregon, there was slight overlap during my time up there. Sure enough, 3 legals walk within 50 yds of camp.

But we didn't much deer, and have heard the same thing about the unit, low density and w/out going it'll be tough. But you could always run into one, never know.

[et1702]

Really...Not a good unit to go into cold.  Buck densities are not that high, and it's 3pt minimum area.  I'm hunting over in adjacent unit (i.e., Rim Rock) for archery elk this year and have had multiple cameras out since memorial weekend in May.  Only have two bucks that are legal shooters on five cameras!  Once they start to rub velvet, they seem to disappear every year too.

After elk camp last year, one of my buddies went over to Chiwawa (Unit 245) and filled his tag.  Look at WDFW game stats for better area (if you are set on hunting eastside this year).

ET

[TwoShot]

Thanks for all the replies.  I think I'll stick the ideas you have given me and hunt another area and scout cowichie next year.  Thanks again.

[Buschingc]

Yea, I wouldnt go in there hunting deer this year.. Id scout it out for next year. Also Ill be in there Elk hunting this year for archery (Special Permit) Ill let you know what I see as far as deer.

[Mxracer532]

Was up there a couple weeks back. Rode 50+ miles on my quad and didnt see a single legal buck. As far as that goes only seen 4 or 5 deer.

[Kowsrule30]

Not good for deer any more.... Use to be great.... I could tag out every year on decent bucks.... Mainly benchlegs... The last 6 years it's gone down hill bad for the deer.... Winters, predadation (mainly cougars), and the louse have all been a major factor..... I passed 4 legal bucks last year during the ML elk season overlap with ml deer.... 3 barely legal but legal non the less... Only one was a decent buck imo.... 3x4 @ 22" wide.... The only reason I didn't shoot it is I was on a herd of elk opening am with 3 spikes... The lone buck just happened to get in the way... Never even seen him with all the scouting we did prior... It will be a great hunt and beautiful country but your better off in Kitsap imho.... Way more deer.... I'll be elk hunting there as usual with ML... Swithced to rifle deer this year and from what I see during ML elk will determin whether or not I even hunt deer there on the opener.... So far it's not looking good again.... Probably end up back in Kitsap or Mason for deer...    Good luck with whatever you decide!!!