West side blacktail frustration

[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!!