Well, took the next 4 days off of work to hunt and don't know that I will be doing anymore. Got off work on Friday late because of some final things to sow up. Drove all the way down to Eastern WA, finally stopped the car at midnight. Woke up at 4am, drove to the Refuge for my doe tag and as I'm driving in I spooked about 20 deer. Thought the day was blown. Instead kept at it and looked for another spot to stalk them. Found 3 does just on the edge of a corn field. The best stalk would be to go around the field. So off I went, carefully conceiling my moves and full camo on. Got to within 80 yards and they spooked. Oh well. Back to the car for some lunch and rest. Later on that evening I finished dinner and looked behind the car, at 2 deer sneaking into the field behind me. Hurried to put my gear on and snuck behind some hay to the edge of the corn field to sneak up on these deer. Snuck more than 250 yards to get in range. They had bedded down and I snuck to within 30 yards. Went to full draw and whistled so they would stand. They both jumped up but then thought I caught a glimpse of horn on each one. So I left off and they bounded away. It was about 20 minutes before last shot, and it turned out one was a doe and the other a spike. While it was hard to watch my first chance at filling my tag go it felt better knowing that I made the right choice.
If not sure of your target, don't shoot.
The following day I was able to stalk a few but got busted.
Yesterday I drove all the way home again due to a family emergency. Everything got settled and back out I went. Made it for the evening hunt last night. No deer but did have a cow elk appear out of no where. What an amazing animal. Have never seen elk in real life before. Truly incredible. After spending all day today walking around and not seeing much of any hope I decided to pack it in and come home once again. Going to clean up the car tomorrow and do some Google Maps work. The areas I had scouted were okay, just didn't realize how many people use those areas. Thinking about a couple places in Snohomish.
Would like to make the most of my deer and elk tags but it is not looking very hopeful. Although it has been a tough few days for the first season, a lot of good lessons have been learned. Amazing what time in the woods will teach you.
Now to find places with less people. Good grief they are everywhere.
