High buck

[270Flat]

I have two friends that I backpack with. We make it a priority to do one epic trip a year. At least four trips a year. We always have a blast. So they want to do the high buck hunt this year and we are looking at areas to go. We have been using google maps and have narrowed it down to three choices. I know there are hardcore guys out there but how can you make sure you get away from people? We plan on being off the trail at least 1.5 miles. Is that far enough? I will hopefully have my archery tag filled by then so I will be looking for yogi.

[Jburke]

This will be my first year doing the high hunt so I am kind of curious about this myself.  Which wilderness area are you looking at?

[cvandervort]

What areas are you looking at? I did the HH last year and got in an easy 5 miles ON the trail....then a couple more OFF. Didn't see anyone at all until we were almost back to the truck afterwards. There are quite a few trails around that aren't particularly popular...that's where I'd start. PM me if you'd like.

[Jburke]

 
I agree. Exactly how I went about doing my research.  Find out which trails get the least amount of use and start there.

[270Flat]

We have been looking at seldom used trails. Planned on gettin off of them but weren't sure if they would be seldom used during the season.

[Tim in Wa.]

How can you tell if they are seldom used without showing up there during the season?

[Jburke]

Not trying to be rude at all, but you have to do your research.  There are ways to get information about an area without ever stepping foot in it.   

[RadSav]

You don't need to get too far of the trail to get away from the granola crunching, pot smoking, tree hugging, mountain fornicators.  Most of my good vantage points are less than 300 yards off of some major trails.  Just far enough away that I can not hear their constant whining and can not smell their Mary Jane.

Although I think elk kinda like the pot smokers.  Always seem to find good bulls around some crunchers with a bag of weed and a hot pipe!

[270Flat]

 

[Cascade_fisher]

You can get lots of trail beta from www.wta.org  Hopefully your trail doesn't become Hike of the Week opening weekend.

[Houndhunter]

Hunt cross country, most guys trail hunt. Get off the trails and you'll find bucks

[KopperBuck]

Call the FS - they can clue you in on trails that haven't been maintained. I pack in with stock, and there are plenty of places I've looked at that I wanted in, but not possible with animals. But have also found routes that no one thought to try before. Get yourself some good topo maps, Google earth and you can find some great ground.

Doesn't take much to get away from the crowds, especially if you put a ridge between you and the trail.

[cvandervort]

I agree with all of the above. Another thing to consider: (this is super-obvious) but you can usually get a decent idea of how often the trail is used when you're on it...if there are plants growing out of the trail, or you have to duck under/climb over things....probably not that popular.

[acnewman55]

How can you tell if they are seldom used without showing up there during the season?

Google the trail and look for recent trail reports.  For the state of WA...

Washington Trails Association
PNWHikers
Summit Post
Cascade Climbers

If you can't find a recent report from one of these... chances are it's not getting hiked much at all.... by hikers.

Since hunters don't like to talk about where they've been or are going, you're only going to find out for certain by mounting a trail-camera at the trailhead 

[grizzlyadams]

How can you tell if they are seldom used without showing up there during the season?

Google the trail and look for recent trail reports.  For the state of WA...

Washington Trails Association
PNWHikers
Summit Post
Cascade Climbers

If you can't find a recent report from one of these... chances are it's not getting hiked much at all.... by hikers.

Since hunters don't like to talk about where they've been or are going, you're only going to find out for certain by mounting a trail-camera at the trailhead 

Hey quit revealing all our super secret spy techniques... LOL


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[justaguy]

I hear Mt Si has lots of deer