White River Deer?

[Tbob]

Hey all,
    So I went on a hike today to check out a new spot for some shed antler hunting and ended up in the Hancock white river area, I didn't realize I needed a permit to even walk behind the gates. The really cool security patrol ( Andy) informed me that I needed a permit, but told me I was okay for the day to continue my hike. I was just wondering if any of you guys do any deer hunting in that area? No secret spots, but just in general? I don't want to spend 250 bux on a permit if it's not that good of a deer spot. I was in awe though of all the elk sign I saw. I know the unit is a draw for elk, but I already have an elk spot. Just thought it would be nice to have a deer spot a little closer to home than 3 hours one way. I'd be hunting the archery season unless I get a multi-season deer tag. Thanks for any advise before I go and spend a bunch of hat earned cash...

[lewy]

Deer numbers in the WR drainage are horrible, if your looking to kill a blacktail I would honestly spend your time else ware. The elk numbers are solid right now.

[MooseStock]

Totally agree......been hunting that unit for 50 years and worked in it for 27 years and the deer numbers have dropped drastically in the last five years or so due to a combination of reasons. Its also hunted in a huge way by the Muckleshoot tribe and now that they are the owners and have even more access to areas that were gated up until this year it won't be getting any better. There are a lot of elk in the unit and that might be one of the many reasons for the recent lack of deer. Hope that helps.......Les

[notellumcreek]

Elk numbers are good agreed but when mucks get to shoot all the bulls it is a bummer. Why there aren't cow tags for the unit is a mystery to me 

[Tbob]

Bummer ! Sorry to hear.. I guess back to the drawing board... Guess I'll save my money for gas....thanks for the info everybody!

[Harbor_hunter]

Yeah I would save my money.  The only time I have spent in the unit was a couple years ago, when  I had a rifle elk tag.  Between five days of hunting and several scouting trips in Hancock and Forest Service land, I probably saw fewer than 10 deer. 

[Longbowz]

I suspect that the hair loss problem has caused a lot of the problem.  Hopefully now that it seems to be subsiding the numbers will slowly climb.