high buck hunt alpine lakes or glacier peak or olympics wilderness for blacktail

[savagehunter]

taking my 17 year old son high buck hunting as his birthday present his request  LOL just trying to narrow down to which wilderness to research for a four day hunt 3-5 mile hike to camp then hunt from there he is in great shape me im 45 what more can I say any suggestions or ideas thanks in advance kind of leaning toward alpine but they all sound great

[Pigfuz]

Never understood what the high buck hunt was.  do you mind explaining?

[norsepeak]

Is it hunting bucks that are high, or hunting buck while high?

[grizzlyadams]

Age has nothing to do with it. I've seen 60 year old men out hike 25 year olds. All depends on what kind of shape you're in.


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[savagehunter]

I do alright but my shape definitely has more rounded edges I am thinking west side of alpine lakes or glacier henry Jackson?? never been above the treeline except on roads excited and figure now or never any help appreciated

[Skyvalhunter]

Depends if you want to target mule deer or Blacktail. Expect some people if you go in via a trail.

[Colville]

At 3 to 5 miles as a base line to be "there" and then hunt out, you can expect people.  If pack hunting like this is new to you, I wouldn't want to be in some deep thick valley floor and humping up every day, it's not going to work out based on how you've described your fitness etc  So look at trails that start at, or gain elevation quickly and leave you in a place where you are hunting out without serious elevation gain.  There are a number of trails that access wilderness very quickly.  As long as your expectations are for a good camp and scenery and that the aloneness factor is low and success expectation miniscule, you'll have the right idea.

[savagehunter]

I do not mind company in the woods so hikers and other hunters are cool I am looking for an access trail around 4000 feet go in the day before season opens get to a ridge and set up camp three days of sight seeing and if we get a deer a lot of work getting it out success for me is getting to do something with my son that we have never done I have killed plenty of deer so I am happy to just be in the woods my son on the other hand lol we spent last season putting a lot of miles on the south side of rainier around 4000 feet in some pretty diffacult terrain and really inclement weather and only saw one doe so he would like to do more then hike with guns I figure the scenery may inspire him more than still hunting reprod on 20 degree slopes

[Skyvalhunter]

Just as a note to you the west side of ALW is not particulary good hunting. If you go in off the Cle Elm side you might have better luck. Best bet is to stay away from the areas with larger lakes i.e. Foss Lakes, or the Enchantments as they are over run with hikers.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

From your description of how you have hunted, what your expectations are, your lack of preparedness and preparation, this trip sounds like a disaster.  I'm not trying to be rude, but at best you will likely be hiking with guns.  Wilderness area hunts and areas are fiercely guarded secrets, and the help you get here will be directed towards trails covered by the masses. No one is going to give you a jumping off point to an area that will be successful.

My advice would be to spend the entire year researching and actually putting boots on the ground, not asking ten days before for a spot.

Good luck.

[danderson]

I just spent the last 7 days hiking in the ALW, 64 miles total that's what you do before the season starts. I wont be hunting up there because I don't have horses, my suggestion is take time and explore first, find a spot that you both like then make plans for next year
 

[savagehunter]

thanks skyvalhunter  i am considering going above cle elum north up to lake waptus another option is around  mt stewart area also cup lakes  chiwaukum ridge though i have never hunted mule deer maybe. As for the advice of waiting well his birthday is 9/11 and he will be seventeen and the only thing he asked for was to go hunt the early high hunt he is driven and helping do the research so i am kinda roped in if it turns into hiking with guns ill consider it the first scouting trip for the high hunt we will be careful and not push it go slow and just enjoy it and be prepared wish us luck LOL

[grizzlyadams]

Savage,

Don't listen to these guys talking down your hunt. Time with your son in the backcountry is the only thing that truly matters. Have fun, make memories, build that father son bond and be safe. I think what you're doing is awesome. Way to be an excellent dad and pass on the tradition!!!!! A huge thumbs up from me!


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[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Savage,

Don't listen to these guys talking down your hunt. Time with your son in the backcountry is the only thing that truly matters. Have fun, make memories, build that father son bond and be safe. I think what you're doing is awesome. Way to be an excellent dad and pass on the tradition!!!!! A huge thumbs up from me!


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I'm not talking down his hunt, his expectations were to not hike with guns. I was informing him that those expectations were extremely high considering he has no idea where he's going, and hasn't done a luck of scouting.

To the op, just curious, how's your gear situation look?  I'll be posting my gear list in a few days.

[grizzlyadams]

Hey you never know. He may just nail one on the first day right on the trail. The good lord has a way of blessing us unexpectedly.  I've seen weirder things happen and that's not at all out of the question.


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[Odell]

Sometimes its only hiking with guns and thats ok. No better way to learn then to head up there and see for yourself. I hunted a wilderness area during modern in the Pasayten and was in horrible shape. I paid attention to my limits and my hunting opportunity suffered accordingly. Still had a great time and can't wait to go back. And I'm in much better shape now.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Hey you never know. He may just nail one on the first day right on the trail. The good lord has a way of blessing us unexpectedly.  I've seen weirder things happen and that's not at all out of the question.


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I don't disagree he could get lucky. It just chaps me a bit when people cone looking for a handout after I spent all year, lots of money in gear and gas, and well over 80 total miles scouting.

[savagehunter]

thanks grizz I have spent the last month poring over this sight and have found a wealth of information . I have been on google earth and wa trails.com and you tube looking at maps .
I do not take offense to posts telling me to be careful or not have high expectations I take that as good advice . I actually have no expectations except to get my butt kicked by the mountain. my gear list has been whittled from earlier posts on this sight and while not high tech I think I have the gear to be ok good boots good packs decent sleeping bags a too heavy tent butane stove cold weather clothing good gloves hats plenty of socks and bug repellent I do not have gps but will have a map and compass binoculars but no spotting scope headlamps camera food and water moleskin and gold bond powder LOLbaby wipes knives hatchet good rifles sharpening stone fire maker aluminum foil super glue duct tape and a first aid kit game bags small pot spoons baby wipes and some rope and don't forget the liscence and tags.any advice in this category would be appreciated.we have decided that we are going into alpine lakes wilderness going in somewhere around 4000 feet and getting up to 7000 feet just not where though we have about six plotted out right now and will probably ad a couple more before we narrow it down to three and then depending on weather make our choice 2 days before.going to hit the trail at 7 am on the 14th and have a camp well before dark

[jackelope]

You don't need thousands of dollars worth of gear to have a good time in the mountains with your kid. Go, do the best you can and enjoy the time outdoors.

[jackelope]

Hey you never know. He may just nail one on the first day right on the trail. The good lord has a way of blessing us unexpectedly.  I've seen weirder things happen and that's not at all out of the question.


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I don't disagree he could get lucky. It just chaps me a bit when people cone looking for a handout after I spent all year, lots of money in gear and gas, and well over 80 total miles scouting.

It's kinda like TV or radio. If you don't like it, you can just change the station.

[Dbax129]

I've always found that a tube of neosporin or vasoline does much better than goldbond when the skin starts rubbing raw!  Have fun, don't listen to these guys that "just want to make sure you have low expectations". I mean, how horrible it would be if he wasn't around to tell you your hunting plans are doomed right?!  Sounds like a blast to me!  Make sure you post some picks!

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I'd dump the hatchet. That's a ton of wasted weight. PM me if you want to see my gear list, should help you keep the good ideas fairy from infiltrating your pack

[savagehunter]

pretty rude to think I am looking for a handout. I am only looking for access and advice on preparedness not help finding a deer I can find my own game. I admire your dedication and single mindedness but I have five kids and work and many other commitments and am doing the best I can to make this happen for my son ;using the tools and time I have available.one overriding theme I see in the hundreds of pages I have read and thousands of posts FIRST RULE OF THE HIGH HUNT IS DONT TALK ABOUT THE HIGH HUNT.well when I was a kid that's all I did was talk about hunting and guns and grill the old timers around my home town hounding them actually and it is a lot harder to say no to a kid then it is to an adult I put my time in and got pretty good at it.then my family started growing and my wife doesn't like guns so I stopped for the last thirteen years.My son came to me last year and asked me if I was ever going to teach him how to shoot.Wow floored my fifteen and he had never shot a gun .Felt like i had been failing at being a father.So i changed that bought rifles tought him and all my other kids to shoot even my ten year old daughter popping off the .308.So if your crass comment is meant to discourage me or belittle me or make me feel bad because i want to pass it on to a kid your mistaken.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

pretty rude to think I am looking for a handout. I am only looking for access and advice on preparedness not help finding a deer I can find my own game. I admire your dedication and single mindedness but I have five kids and work and many other commitments and am doing the best I can to make this happen for my son ;using the tools and time I have available.one overriding theme I see in the hundreds of pages I have read and thousands of posts FIRST RULE OF THE HIGH HUNT IS DONT TALK ABOUT THE HIGH HUNT.well when I was a kid that's all I did was talk about hunting and guns and grill the old timers around my home town hounding them actually and it is a lot harder to say no to an adult then it is a kid I put my time in and got pretty good at it.then my family started growing and my wife doesn't like guns so I stopped for the last thirteen years.My son came to me last year and asked me if I was ever going to teach him how to shoot.Wow floored my fifteen and he had never shot a gun .Felt like i had been failing at being a father.So i changed that bought rifles tought him and all my other kids to shoot even my ten year old daughter popping off the .308.So if your crass comment is meant to discourage me or belittle me or make me feel bad because i want to pass it on to a kid your mistaken.

Good luck. I hope you enjoy your time.

[jackelope]

pretty rude to think I am looking for a handout. I am only looking for access and advice on preparedness not help finding a deer I can find my own game. I admire your dedication and single mindedness but I have five kids and work and many other commitments and am doing the best I can to make this happen for my son ;using the tools and time I have available.one overriding theme I see in the hundreds of pages I have read and thousands of posts FIRST RULE OF THE HIGH HUNT IS DONT TALK ABOUT THE HIGH HUNT.well when I was a kid that's all I did was talk about hunting and guns and grill the old timers around my home town hounding them actually and it is a lot harder to say no to an adult then it is a kid I put my time in and got pretty good at it.then my family started growing and my wife doesn't like guns so I stopped for the last thirteen years.My son came to me last year and asked me if I was ever going to teach him how to shoot.Wow floored my fifteen and he had never shot a gun .Felt like i had been failing at being a father.So i changed that bought rifles tought him and all my other kids to shoot even my ten year old daughter popping off the .308.So if your crass comment is meant to discourage me or belittle me or make me feel bad because i want to pass it on to a kid your mistaken.

Well said.
 

[savagehunter]

hey silk i thank you for the advice about the hatchet i know no fires over 5000 feet figured it might come in handy for butchering but it is 3.5 pounds i do not have to have.

[savagehunter]

dbax Neosporin is a great idea out goes gold bond in goes dual purpose neosporine and it fits in my first aid kit awsome

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

hey silk i thank you for the advice about the hatchet i know no fires over 5000 feet figured it might come in handy for butchering but it is 3.5 pounds i do not have to have.

I completely skin, quarter, and debone an animal with a havalon. I can think of no situation where a hatchet would be useful.

[savagehunter]

IF we are lucky enough to drop an animal it will be butchered and cooled down right there that is one of the main skills i want him to learn is processing game ive made him read about it but its just not the same.

[grizzlyadams]

Hey you never know. He may just nail one on the first day right on the trail. The good lord has a way of blessing us unexpectedly.  I've seen weirder things happen and that's not at all out of the question.


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I don't disagree he could get lucky. It just chaps me a bit when people cone looking for a handout after I spent all year, lots of money in gear and gas, and well over 80 total miles scouting.

I hear ya, but it doesn't sound like he's looking for a handout. Just some good advice. Nothing wrong with that in my book. I'm pretty sure that's what this forum is all a out.


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[Colville]

The waptus suggestion is kinda out of your prior description.  Waptus is 10 miles and you aren't at the hunting when you get there, you're a ways off. So if you have 10 miles as a base line you've opened up 75% of the wilderness.

Prepare for wet.  Boots should be waterproof. Solid rain gear. Wet sack for your interior pack area or a combo that will suit as a pack cover. Tarp aside from your tent so that if you are stuck in a bad situation you have an emergency shelter.  Bag should have a water repellent surface, a bivy to put around it or both.

Bring less food than you think. It's weight expensive and I never eat what I think I will.  If you want solitude, stay away from lakes or heads of basins with trails leading to them, and any obvious and easy to reach side basins of same.  Plan around water, running out of it sucks.

Consider being very spartan and mobile.  A lot of country is walked right by.  That doesn't mean no game it means it doesn't give wide big expanses and so it's overlooked. Some trail systems will provide a series of small pocket basins that you can try. Because they have no obvious camp sites, no huge expanse, no lake and no trail to their front door you can likely find a number of such places on your map.  If you don't see deer, all that means is you don't see em, they may be there, be patient.  Have low expectations.  Have high spirits. Have adventure.

[Curly]

Good luck Savagehunter.  You sound like a great dad.  I wish you and your son good luck on your hunt.

I will ask my hunting partner if he minds if I PM you some tips on locations to find bucks.  We used to hunt the Alpine area near Waptus Lk but haven't for years, though we do talk about going back one of these years, so we may not want to give up some spots.

I can say that you made a good choice not going to the Olympics.  You are headed in a good direction.

[jackelope]

If you don't see deer, all that means is you don't see em, they may be there, be patient.  Have low expectations.  Have high spirits. Have adventure.

There you have it.

 

[savagehunter]

I really have to say thank you very much to everyone the advice has been sound and the encouragement much needed I am a little intimidated by this hunt but feel much more confident now ; not that we will score a kill but that we wont get killed LOL. This site is really great with a bunch of very nice people .just goes to show hunters are some of the greatest people in the world. I want my kid to be like that when he grows up we live in Everett and other then camping and the occasional visit to my relatives in Oregon the city is all he knows.i hate that; keeping all my kids on the straight and narrow is really hard when they see so much drugs and crap in downtown Everett. So thank you for helping me fight the good fight.

[wilsongideon]

PM sent.

[JustinC]

Savagehunter,
I think you and your son will have a great time regardless of what you see.

I find it funny that Silk is treating you like this. Last year I took him on his very first backpack hunt of his life.

PM me and I will help you find a spot for the high hunt where you and your son can hopefully have a successful hunt.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I appreciate your advice Justin, Savage is lucky to have your help.

[savagehunter]

actually silk has been pretty helpful as far as my preparedness and I understand the need to get out and scout and do the work and really really appreciate every member that has spoken up good advice everyone

[Skyvalhunter]

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