Popular places for hunting camps in Whitetail GMUs

[DeerTanner]

Original message: "I am a hide tanner in Washington and I'm looking for whitetail deer hides on the East side for this years season. In the past I've gone all the way to MN, and now I'm trying to go local. I plan on setting up a free skinning camp but need some leads on where to set up. Anyone know popular sites to set up camp in the Huckleberry? If that's too broad, how about near Chewelah?

Or if East side folks know big game butcher that pull hides and sells them fresh (with a copy of the tag) that'll work too.

Any help would be amazing. Thanks, Dennis"

Edit: Got word (thanks Deaner) that Whitetail tags in 121 are way down. So what about 101? Where should I set up a deer skinning camp that would make sense?

[buckfvr]

I would think GMU 124 would be a better unit for your intentions........

[DeerTanner]

I just checked 2012 Game Harvest Reports and I think you're right. Anywhere in the 124 you recommend setting up camp?

[buckfvr]

I would seek the advice of a local warden...................Im in 121, and thats where Id go     ( 124 ) on your  mission.  Just my thought. 

[BULLBLASTER]

I and my group will kill numerous deer this fall and possibly could save the hides for you as long as they are not going to be mounted. Shoot me a pm closer to September and remind me. Does it make any difference early or late season?

[bearpaw]

Currently 124 has the highest deer harvest in the state. 

Two highways will see a lot of deer coming back into Spokane during season, Hwy 395 and Hwy 2, traffic will have hunters coming back to Spokane from several GMU's, most of the biggest deer producing units in the state. You might also advertise in the local free newspapers that you need hides.

Your main competition would probably be Spokane Glove, they used to give a free pair of gloves for a deer hide, quite a few people took in their hides, not sure if they are still doing that.

[CedarPants]

I agree with Bearpaw on the Hwy 395 and Hwy 2 suggestions.  There are game check stations every year just past Clayton heading south on 395 and just past Chattaroy heading south on Hwy 2 (the Hwy 2 station tends to change locations now and then, but same general area) that see a lot of animals come through.  My deer are usually skinned by the time I get there, but I've seen a lot that aren't.