West side blacktail frustration

[taylorpz]

I'm new to hunting blacktail (or really much of anything here in WA, since I didn't grow up out here).  I've been trying to work the area thats part of the Yacolt Burn State forest, mostly north and east of the Larch Mt forest camp.  So far it's been rough going.  I haven't seen any deer up and about, but some sign.  It's so overgrown in most places, just getting around on foot is hard, let alone doing it quietly.  Few clearcuts on fairly steep hill sides, with most of the slash just lying around.  Even the timbered sections are thickly undergrown with ferns.  Seems like all I see is other hunters driving along in their rigs, but no one ever on foot.  I've been trying to walk along some of the forest service roads.  Couple times I've worked my way in early and tried sitting in the clearcuts for sun-up.  Tried still-hunting the timber, but couldn't see more than 10-20' in most places and couldn't help but sounding like a rhino.

Only deer I've seen have been in residential areas on my early morning drives up to the public land (taunting me!).

I don't mind putting my time in, and I don't mind doing some walking.  I don't want to waste my time, though.  I don't have aspirations to a trophy at this point, mostly just want to connect with a legal deer for the meat (kids are interested). 

For you west side veterans, I'd like to hear if I'm going about this all wrong.  Should I just give in and drive around aimlessly?  Am I looking in all the wrong places?  If anyone can offer a suggestion of a better place to check out (I'd like to at least see a deer) I'd be most appreciative.  I don't mind making a bit of a drive (I'm in Camas, east of Vancouver), like even a few hours as long as it's productive.  And I don't mind camping out for a night or two to keep myself in a worthwhile area.

Thanks

[bigbeamhunter]

your not doing anything wrong there are alot of deer there if your hunting by the honor camp go east  or cross there east fork and go north the best thing i can tell you is to find a clearcut down a closed road and sit not for ten minuites but an hour or so things start moving  through deer get up i have learned this as i get older slower and smarter :)late buck the deer up there will really be moving just sit and wait

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

Look in the clearcuts, not just for a min or two, glass it for 30 minutes, then glass it again. These deer will bed down in a clearcut and watch vehicles drive by all day long, and they don't move. Have you ever been hiking during the off season and seen a deer, alot of the times they will stand completely still, not moving an inch untill you get to close.
I couldn't tell you how many times i have jumped deer 20-30 feet in front of me. And i wouldn't have seen them if i didn't get that close to them. If you jump something stop and watch it, BT are curious, most likely they will stop and look back at what jumped them.

[257 Wby Mag]

Keep at it, WDFW gave some good advice. I saw 21 yesterday, 2 bucks. This morning I saw 1 yearling!! Next week things will pick up....

[Houndhunter]

if your in camas your in some good deer hunting, shouldnt have a problem getting a buck if your not to picky. try going to 3 corner rock or around there that'll put you into some deer. if you want some directions to some general areas give me a pm

[blacktail stalker]

If you don't want to waste a lot of time, stay home during the early season and when the the ground is too dry to walk quietly on. Westside you might have a chance at a good buck first thing on opening morning, as long as it hasn't been bumped by bowhunters or others. After that, I would wait till the end of Oct. or late buck, when some of the other hunters have tagged out on spikes and small forks. You might catch a good buck moving during the day if theres a hot doe to be found. Other than that you'll waste your time trying to stalk them if the ground isn't really wet and theres not a stiff breeze blowing in your face.

In other words pick your times to be outdoors, if time is important. Watch the weather and time of year. If you got time to burn, by all means head out, but early season to me is more of a scouting trip.

[huntnphool]

  Welcome blacktail stalker

[blacktail stalker]

Thank you, been lurking for some time. Forgot my login and password and was too lazy to rectify the situation for too long.

[klikboom]

i hunt the NW blacktail, but the GMU's you are near pull out large number of deer, so they are definitely there. Its been tough this season, I have been feeling discouraged too LOTS Of time spent, with no bucks seen (though lots of does). I'm just waiting because the time should be nearing when the bucks will be chasing said does.,... and then vengeance will be MINE! .......... =

[bankwalker]

ive been seeing deer in all the wrong places.

i havent seen any deer on the move yet this season. they have all been bedded down.

[Huntbear]

taylorpz, if you go into Yacolt, and turn right across the RR tracks, follow that road till you hit the Weyerhauser gate.  There should be someone there on the weekends taking tag #s etc.... (it is only open on the weekends from what I understand) once you get thru the gate, start looking for slightly overgrown clear cuts, and hike them, but be ready to have them bust on you from 10 ft. to 100 yds.  That is a huge area back in there, and there will be lots and lots of hunters, but most of them are road hunters, so you should be able to find you a spot.  I have shot most of my bucks in there, and have killed some real nice ones, including my 4x6, I can not afford to have mounted.

Good luck and keep a sharp eye.

[fluentvoo]

So high or low for tomorrow, sat.? I have seen some does up high, and some does down low.. so still trying to figure out where i wanna start the sunrise in the morning. 2k-4k feet, or 2k below. Any ideas?

[billythekidrock]

Don't be discouraged. I have been fairly successfull on BT deer and this year I have only seen a couple does and a couple spikes. I have not even seen a two point for weeks, but it will happen. You just have to believe it will happen and be ready when it does.

[edmondshunter]

Ive only seen 2 spikes and a hand full of does in 9 days hunting.  The moon phase and weather has been poor for BT.  Ive tired everything in my bag, nothing is getting them up.  I hunt near Stevens pass.  It was so warm today at 3600 ft. 

The bucks are like grumpy old men, want nothing to do with the kids or the wives.  Keep at it.  There might be a lot of unfilled tags this year on the westside

[taylorpz]

Don't be discouraged. I have been fairly successfull on BT deer and this year I have only seen a couple does and a couple spikes. I have not even seen a two point for weeks, but it will happen. You just have to believe it will happen and be ready when it does.

Thanks for the input (and encouragement).  Looks like I picked a helluva year to start trying my luck at blacktail...

[1bowhunter1]

I've been hunting the burn 4 yrs.  Hunt around the swamps!!  Big "BUCKS" Very smart BUCKS  live there.  Have your game face on or you wont see a thing!!  You will hear "crash-crash and then there gone...LOL

[huntinkid20]

i live like 5 min from the burn. i have been up there almost every day this season minus a few days for a little area change. the main thing is get out and walk. there is tons of deer there if you just go lookin. search along creek bottoms where the big boys play... and be ready for a quick shot or they are gone. its been a crappy year from other hunters ive spoke with. i have only seen a few does and a small fork on opening day. just keep at it and you'll find 'em. like everyones sayin... the ruts comin 

[bow4elk]

the rut is here.  It will peak around 11/10-13 or thereabouts.  I've seen a TON of new rubs in my area but I have to wait for 11/20 late bow season.  They are on does and chasing.  Hunt the does and don't be afraid to rattle, grunt, and bleat, especially in this blue bird weather.  Make your own luck.  Get into some thick stuff, mature stands (with ferns) and alder bottoms and set up with the wind right and rattle.  Toss in some grunts, kick your feet and don't be afraid to make some noise.  Toss in a few doe bleats (keep them realistic) then get ready.  Be alert but still.  Wait a goot 15 minutes and repeat.  Do this three or four times, increasing your intensity with each set.  You need to mentally create the scenario, then play it out with your calls and natural sounds.  I usually start with a few soft grunts to reduce spooking any deer that may be too close for comfort on the rattling.  and you want to start rattling with tickling and a couple soft grunts.  by your last set, you should be making some noise and keeping your eyes peeled wide for a buck sneaking in. You HAVE to see them first or it's over.  Set up to reduce their visibility into your set up.  Hope this helps.

[billythekidrock]

the rut is here.  It will peak around 11/10-13 or thereabouts.  I've seen a TON of new rubs in my area but I have to wait for 11/20 late bow season.  They are on does and chasing.  Hunt the does and don't be afraid to rattle, grunt, and bleat, especially in this blue bird weather.  Make your own luck.  Get into some thick stuff, mature stands (with ferns) and alder bottoms and set up with the wind right and rattle.  Toss in some grunts, kick your feet and don't be afraid to make some noise.  Toss in a few doe bleats (keep them realistic) then get ready.  Be alert but still.  Wait a goot 15 minutes and repeat.  Do this three or four times, increasing your intensity with each set.  You need to mentally create the scenario, then play it out with your calls and natural sounds.  I usually start with a few soft grunts to reduce spooking any deer that may be too close for comfort on the rattling.  and you want to start rattling with tickling and a couple soft grunts.  by your last set, you should be making some noise and keeping your eyes peeled wide for a buck sneaking in. You HAVE to see them first or it's over.  Set up to reduce their visibility into your set up.  Hope this helps.

I agree...but they don't seem to be interested in the area I am currently hunting. No new rubs yet, the does are alone and the trails aren't torn up. A dozen miles away my bosses area is tore up, necks are swollen and they are chasing does hot and heavy.

[k1ngfan]

Stay on the lower road!! Work the reprod before the 1st turn. Might find MR LUCKY there!!

I'm saving my tag for the east side late buck. Never been before but hope I'll find MR. Lucky.

Anyone been or to Colville before?

[Ray]

I agree...but they don't seem to be interested in the area I am currently hunting. No new rubs yet, the does are alone and the trails aren't torn up. A dozen miles away my bosses area is tore up, necks are swollen and they are chasing does hot and heavy.

I have jumped 5 deer yesterday 4 does and one buck but there didn't seem to be any rut. Saw 2 does at the end of the day. Admittedly I tried harder yesterday but the rut doesn't seem to be on much where I am trolling... Therefore I agree..

[bow4elk]

This morning I moved one of my trail cams to watch a cluster of hammered traditional rubs.  This photo is from last fall.  This year, they're really tearing them up.  I hope to have some pics of the bucks doing this next weekend.  I saw about 40 new rubs on a short walk through my area to check my cams.

You guys might try doing some estrous scent drags in your areas.  They should respond to a whif of something enticing.  I swear by James Valley products.  They are the real deal.  Lethal Weapon works well.  Passed a buck that followed me right up to my tree a couple years ago.  Drag doe trails and set up to watch your back trail with the wind right.  You'll have to find trails that cooperate with the winds in your area.

[edmondshunter]

no sign of the rut in the lower parts of hi-way 2.  Maybe a rub or to but havent seen any spikes hanging together, or sparing.  I tried to rattle real lightly to entice the young spike and forks out of the reprod with no luck.  Hoping for the late season!!