Clearwater Wilderness Questions

[devldogs55]

I've been scouting out this area pretty heavily for everything from camping to deer hunting. I'd like to get some input from anyone who has ever hunted deer during rifle season there.. I'm curious how much pressure there is around this wilderness area, and the surrounding NF land during modern rifle - deer. I love it up there, and I would love to spend some time during the season there, but I would hate to abandon my usual spot for this new one only to find hunters everywhere.

[pope]

I don't have experience with that area in hunting season although I've considered it. There are some burned areas that must provide good feed and I've seen plenty of deer and sign during summer. With most areas on the west side, in the general season you'll find a few people driving around on roads and a handful walking behind gates. During late buck, the numbers seem to triple. Guys who prefer to hunt the east side and strike out will make a last effort over here, and that's when you want to be as far behind a gate as you can possibly walk.

[devldogs55]

That's been my experience as well. I'm hoping that my spot is back far enough back that I won't have to deal with the majority of hunters that don't get out of the truck. I should be in the wilderness area -  so no roads near my spot.

[pope]

If only that area were open for high buck.

[devldogs55]

That sure would be nice!