You're Honey Hole

[Nice Racks]

I've noticed on here that most people seem to get rather uptight when the term "honey hole" comes up on here.  Even when people are asking for advice, the first words are usually "I'm not asking for your honey holes"; its like they know a bunch of crap is coming their way if they do.  What is it about this subject that makes you upset? My number one reason is that it's just plain hard work to find one.

[Jonathan_S]

"You're Honey Hole" = "You Are Honey Hole..."   

Where are you going with this buddy?

 

Crap comes their way based on the way they come across and introduce themselves.  I've given some great information to people on here.

People don't get upset, it's more of a reality check for the person asking, "where is a general area to hunt for nice deer/elk etc..."  The WOODS..   People who are more successful don't hunt in wildly different areas generally speaking but they hunt harder and smarter.

[Nice Racks]

I knew that was coming at some point. 

[Bean Counter]

There are several good reasons. Some come on here without even introducing themselves and ask for free information. Then they don't even say thanks when a few people sound off. One post, then done--never heard from again. Very tacky IMHO. A second is implicit that people think that their time is more valuable than mine. I made four scouting trips this past summer for my elk hunt which ended with me filling a tag. Each cost $150+ in gas as well as time away from my family. Now all of the sudden I should just give that information to you because __________ reason why you "just couldn't make the time"? Finally its plum retarded to say: "I don't want your honey holes, but specific information on where to go would be nice."

If I were an administrator here I would include a warning when new members sign up. Something like "first time posters who ask for honey hole giveaways usually don't get a warm welcome."

Yes, I am a honey hole

[huntnnw]

NE WA elk is very uptight...these elk are hard to find and hunt..and to give that info to someone who has barely hunted around here is why I get upset..I have 1,000's of miles hiked and over 20 years of knowledge to know what I know and I am not going to give that info to people, but my dad and close friends. Ill gladly give tips on how to hunt areas and general areas that have elk.

[bowguy]

This site has honestly gone backwards! When I first found it I looked and watched it for quite a while once I finally joined people would lend a hand and give a area with some spots to checkout. I know spots are hard to discover and understand what animals are gonna do in them, but news flash I guarantee others know about your honey hole as others I know have been threw mine. I'm just tired of all the negativity on here. I know everyone's time is valuable , but some people are not able to make it scouting due to money or busy life. Personally this year I made 5 trips into my spot then fire shut me down a month before season and all my weekends were planned until I left for hunting. I got lucky by them reopening the unit but all my scouting went up in smoke. Give people a break I know some want hand me outs but some really need help when asking.

[predkiller]

Hey Im With you Bowguy I'd give an awful lot of info to help someone esp in a limited entry or draw hunt. Hoping all can have fun and be successful

[huntnnw]

Some of my holes dont have people..I have never seen people in them or on cam.

Ill give all the info that I have on OIL tags and limited tags

[runamuk]

I am not some great successful hunter no one wants my spots and I prefer less people if possible I dont just hunt there this is my get away from the world spot.  That said if someone was a nice person and had say an antlerless for my area I would probably PM and try to help I see a lot of deer just not usually crap I can shoot being in a 3pt restriction area the bigger ones go all cloaking device.  I also usually see plenty of elk cows this year is a little slow for them but this year is different in my "honey hole" rofl

[RadSav]

Doesn't take long for a good spot to go to heck.  I think enough people have been burned with the whole "You tell a friend, he tells two friends, they each tell two friends..."  Next thing you know your area looks like a 1990's Winston late archery hunt

If you want to learn how to scout, I will help as much as I can.  You want to learn behavior of a species, lets see what I can do.  You want some tips on how to stalk within bow range successfully, let's discuss it.  You need help understanding the WDFW harvest reports by region, bring it on!  You want detailed information about a general area I've spent my life scouting and getting to know? - Open public forum is not the place!!!

With that said, I think some participants of forums forget there is such a thing as "Ignoring a Thread".  Many jerk the knee before making sure their face is out of the way.  Sometimes I write a response, read it, and then delete...I'm messed in the head, I guess.  But, it makes me feel better without finding the need to be abrasive.

Now that all changes when no one responds to a Newb and then they sound off creating hate and discontent for no one helping them.  When I was a kid temper tantrums usually resulted in getting a spanking!  I think that is fair game on a forum as well

[Jonathan_S]

This site has honestly gone backwards! When I first found it I looked and watched it for quite a while once I finally joined people would lend a hand and give a area with some spots to checkout. I know spots are hard to discover and understand what animals are gonna do in them, but news flash I guarantee others know about your honey hole as others I know have been threw mine. I'm just tired of all the negativity on here. I know everyone's time is valuable , but some people are not able to make it scouting due to money or busy life. Personally this year I made 5 trips into my spot then fire shut me down a month before season and all my weekends were planned until I left for hunting. I got lucky by them reopening the unit but all my scouting went up in smoke. Give people a break I know some want hand me outs but some really need help when asking.

The site has gone backwards because it doesn't give as much free information as it used to?  Thank heavens.

 

It's the name of the game.  Things happen and I don't care how genuinely someone "needs help" I'm not going to give a spot in the NE any more specific than GMU.  It took me over 4 years of scouting months out of the year to take my first elk.

Everybody can cook up a sob story but that doesn't mean anyone deserves free hunting advice.  If they need "meat for the freezer" then I point them to the nearest supermarket where they can responsibly get a return on investment.

[huntnnw]

 

[MADMAX]

I've gained and given plenty of info here and where I work
most of its pretty general to where you can legally hunt and expect to see animals.
family gets the best info
close friends next

internet guy I have never talked to before
Jefferson county for blacktails
Methow for mulies
Colockum for elk

I have scouted with guys from here and had a great time and we split the gas

Hell I dont even have a honey hole and I  have been hunting for over 40 years

Places change, cuts grow up, gates go in
and I enjoyed the Winston late hunt in the 90s if I could find a place to camp.

[ribka]

NE WA elk is very uptight...these elk are hard to find and hunt..and to give that info to someone who has barely hunted around here is why I get upset..I have 1,000's of miles hiked and over 20 years of knowledge to know what I know and I am not going to give that info to people, but my dad and close friends. Ill gladly give tips on how to hunt areas and general areas that have elk.

more than happy to help active members , military posted overseas, truly handicapped ( not the fake ones) with the draw tags and general info. Made mistake first year helping a supposed severely handicapped guy with an elk tag. He showed up as a 22 year old health young guy who was on disability due to a sore wrist from hanging dry wall. Another "handicapped" guy brought all his friends the next year and ruined a very good deer area i had shown him.

lHave seen more than a few really good bird, deer duck elk, fishing areas ruined on here over the years with info posted openly on here to people asking for a handout. Seems many in our current culture always have an excuse for not wanting to put forth effort

Would not give out ne elk, high hunt, premier muley areas openly on internet.

[h2ofowlr]

Some people like to keep there little slice where they have the ah ha moment when they find unpressured game to themselves.  You tell one person and you have told to many.  This is the age of the internet scouter and GPS coordinates.  Loose lips sink those spots quickly.

[gr8whthunter]

  speaking of!! i went out yesterday to my honey hole that only me and my buddy knew of and last year we harvested 2 really nice 2x3s and there were alot more in there, we saw deer every single time we went in there it was a pick and choose what you want unit really. but we decided to leave it cold until this year, pretty secluded and hard to find.. went there yesterday and it looked like the olympic discovery trail with all the foot tracks and traffic it has had and i didnt see a single deer let alone a track.. i know i didnt tell anyone about it but i havent talked to him in quite a while 

[kentrek]

People like to hunt where others hunt, same way with fishing ....it's like it gives them confidence

I don't understand it, personally when looking for a new place I kinda like to use the search menu and plug in creeks an mtns. .when nothing comes up...then I have a place to go scoute

To each there own tho

[runamuk]

speaking of!! i went out yesterday to my honey hole that only me and my buddy knew of and last year we harvested 2 really nice 2x3s and there were alot more in there, we saw deer every single time we went in there it was a pick and choose what you want unit really. but we decided to leave it cold until this year, pretty secluded and hard to find.. went there yesterday and it looked like the olympic discovery trail with all the foot tracks and traffic it has had and i didnt see a single deer let alone a track.. i know i didnt tell anyone about it but i havent talked to him in quite a while 

depending on the area I had a spot on the Olympic Penninsula that I was told about and it was full of critters lots of deer the first year the second year scouting one day I went in and the weed pickers were in there after that I think I saw one deer and no more tracks etc.  About that same time I know that a weed picking van was busted in that area and when they searched the van there were 30 deer under the tree bows. 

[schnitrr]

Scouting and finding your "honey hole" is a part of hunting.  Hunting is a process and certainly does not come with success instantly.  Giving advice or tips is one thing, but to give a specific location that has taken years to discover and master how to hunt is another.   

[gr8whthunter]

speaking of!! i went out yesterday to my honey hole that only me and my buddy knew of and last year we harvested 2 really nice 2x3s and there were alot more in there, we saw deer every single time we went in there it was a pick and choose what you want unit really. but we decided to leave it cold until this year, pretty secluded and hard to find.. went there yesterday and it looked like the olympic discovery trail with all the foot tracks and traffic it has had and i didnt see a single deer let alone a track.. i know i didnt tell anyone about it but i havent talked to him in quite a while 

depending on the area I had a spot on the Olympic Penninsula that I was told about and it was full of critters lots of deer the first year the second year scouting one day I went in and the weed pickers were in there after that I think I saw one deer and no more tracks etc.  About that same time I know that a weed picking van was busted in that area and when they searched the van there were 30 deer under the tree bows.

i sure hope that isnt the same spot, it was really a great area to hunt me and the same buddy got a 410# black bear out of the same area and there was another in there that we left until this year, but same it was nowhere, no new sign nothin

[kramman]

You all have made good valid points! The decision to give out info on a public forum is a personal one. If you would like to pass on a " honey hole' it should probably b done by pm.

Having been on both ends, asking for and asked for help I believe there are a couple things to consider. I will use myself as an example. I hunt mostly in 2 units neither one has bull elk permits so if ever get drawn(12 pts?) I will b on here probably asking for help. Does that mean I want coordinates to your honey hole no but any info on roads camping and general areas to go or avoid is a good starting point. I can do my own scouting. Also if youve ever been given specific help its good to pass it forward and return the favor. If givena honey hole it is not ok to tell a friend and a cousin respect what has been given.

So to those of you who question ' why do u put in for units you've never been to my answer is simple. I can't b in the eniat the blues the n.e. bethel okanagon peahes ridge teanaway baseball practice ppicking up kids from school soccer games wife's date night work Xmas birthdays holidays. If someone can figure out how to do it all and b in every unit I put in for I'mall ears.

Most of us are on here because we enjoy hunting, talking about and thinking about hunting. So if you get good advice let that person know how your hunt went it may go along ways.And next year when I get drawn for the eniat buck tag, peaches ridge muzzy bull and n.e. moose I'llneed all the help iI can get.

[BULLBLASTER]

Ill share all i know for limited entry hunts or oil hunts. But the guys asking for specifics in general hunts wont get much from me. This is a great place to come and give and take knowledge away. But to expect much info for a general hunt is not right.

[irishevox]

What about military that when they get back from deployment and hadn't had time to scout?   I ask for advice all the time and sometimes locations and I get alot of help,  I also give out my spots for Deer/bear/ waterfowl....  I have also by people on this site told me to basically "F" off, they are public spots and if someone is able to harvest thier game or take a youngster hunting to have a good first experience; I love how some of you "think" you own the public areas and sometimes it disheartining to think that  some of ya'll  are such tight wads you don;t want to help a new hunter (not talking about me, i'm not new).   I know sometimes you show someone your spot and they show ten people  it's whatever and sometimes you have to live with it... You have a problem with someone hunting around your "honey hole" or never want to share it, you need to buy a piece of land.  I have hunted areas and had people walk right up on me and at least they had ethics to find another spot, I dunno if they sat 100 yrds from me but they weren't where I could see them.  I just think IMO that some of you need to loosen up i know i will catch flak for this post, but i am sure most of you will get over it.  learn to get along and hunt together becasue after all,  Hunters are a different breed of people and we are all we have.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

If you tell everyone about your Honey Hole you won't have a Honey Hole........

[Bean Counter]

There is a big difference between trading spots via private message and asking for a free handout on an open medium. I can't believe some don't understand that...

[Nice Racks]

I found out today that my co-worker, who helped me a couple of times this summer check my cameras, put a little salt down, and put up my stands, is taking several people I don't know down there, and is using one of the other hunters disabled compaion card.  My coworker doesn't even hunt!  Don't get me wrong, I really am grateful he helped me out, but dang.  Maybe he thought that since I archery hunt and his is little excursion is for modern season, that it wouldn't hurt anything.  Maybe it will, maybe it won't, but it shows how telling and showing a single person your hunting area can quickly bring in other people on it.  I'm willing to bet that if they get one or see a lot of animals that those guys will tell two friends and, well, you know the rest.  Next year, rest asured I will be going solo.

[Jonathan_S]

What about military that when they get back from deployment and hadn't had time to scout?   

Well I would say that is not really a great excuse.  I say that as someone who's been there and done that.

I've spent time on deployments before and during hunting season that limited my time in the woods but I would never think to rely on someone else's scouting and goodwill.  I guess I am more of a "rugged individualist" when it comes to this.

[irishevox]

i would say it is.... if you are deployed for 8 months and you come back in the middle of season, i think maybe someone should lend you a hand at least point you in the right direction

[Jonathan_S]

i would say it is.... if you are deployed for 8 months and you come back in the middle of season, i think maybe someone should lend you a hand at least point you in the right direction

Fair enough but I would say if you need to be pointed in the right direction it's because you don't know much about hunting not because you've been gone for eight months.  Meaning that spots don't really change in a year unless drastic changes occur.

[westsidehntr]

i would say it is.... if you are deployed for 8 months and you come back in the middle of season, i think maybe someone should lend you a hand at least point you in the right direction

It is nice if somebody does but to say somebody should help you out sounds pretty ridiculous to me. I appreciate those who serve and thank them but that doesn't mean they are entitled to mine or anyone's hunting areas. 

[vandeman17]

Honey holes and areas are completely different in my opinion. I am fine with leading someone to some public land to check out but my honey holes are exactly that, mine. They took me time, energy and money to learn and find. If the person I give areas to explore finds their honey hole then more power to them and congrats but nobody has any right/reason that I should feel any obligation to share my spots. 

[irishevox]

i agree with you... on that if i give you a spot out of respect you should not blab to everyone

[BULLBLASTER]

I love how some of you "think" you own the public areas and sometimes it disheartining to think that  some of ya'll  are such tight wads you don;t want to help a new hunter (not talking about me, i'm not new).   

how do you believe that someone thinks they own public land because they don't want to share the knowledge they have spent years or decades learning? it is still public land and if someone finds it then so be it... but a guy has absolutely zero obligation to share any info about any public land... do you spill every piece of your knowledge about an area to anyone?

[Eli346]

 I've replied to several on here via PM's when they've asked for info; mostly vets but also a few people I've seen on here for quite awhile. Vets are my first priority as I am one and I know how hard it can be to hunt a new area on limited time. I don't like to throw the info out on the open forum and screw up my hunts and even the person asking for advice or directions. I can only hope they've respected my request to keep it off the forum. I know a few have helped me also and it's been greatly appreciated. When I've been helped by others on here that info stays with me and my hunting buddy and not beyond that. We've hunted together for 15 years now and have quite a selection of 'honey holes' but as it has been stated they are always changing.

[Bean Counter]

I love how some of you "think" you own the public areas and sometimes it disheartining to think that  some of ya'll  are such tight wads you don;t want to help a new hunter (not talking about me, i'm not new).   

how do you believe that someone thinks they own public land because they don't want to share the knowledge they have spent years or decades learning? it is still public land and if someone finds it then so be it... but a guy has absolutely zero obligation to share any info about any public land... do you spill every piece of your knowledge about an area to anyone?

 

[BOWHUNTER45]

That's why I never tell anyone about my spots and that's why I hunt alone .. it takes years and years of hard work to walk miles and miles to find the game and when you do and your successful everyone wants to know where    get out there and find it ..that's my words  this cracks me up anway ..when my wife killed her buck this year a couple buddies got her alone and tried to get to talk and I over heard one of them ..her words to him were IN OUR HONEY HOLE  and when I heard him ask my words were DO NOT WORRY ABOUT IT ...HE IS ALREADY DEAD 

[pd]

I have a much different approach to this topic.  I don't believe in "honey holes," in the sense that there are no secret spots (at least on public lands).  Somebody else will surely know about any area.

That said, I will always share information on what I know, if you are willing to put in the effort to ask.  I have a great spot for elk (deer, not so much), 1,000's of photographs on my game cameras, many trips to the woods.  Great spot, except that I have never seen an elk there during the season.     You are welcome to join the pain.

[huntnnw]

well than you dont hunt in NE WA....there are plenty of areas here that see nobody! and its public!

[Jonathan_S]

I have a much different approach to this topic.  I don't believe in "honey holes," in the sense that there are no secret spots (at least on public lands).  Somebody else will surely know about any area.

That said, I will always share information on what I know, if you are willing to put in the effort to ask.  I have a great spot for elk (deer, not so much), 1,000's of photographs on my game cameras, many trips to the woods.  Great spot, except that I have never seen an elk there during the season.     You are welcome to join the pain.

I'm going to go ahead and say you do not have a honey hole.  Maybe a good spot for trail camera action but if you've never seen an elk, yeah not a honey hole friend.

and also what huntnnw said, there are places I hunt that I've never had to worry about added pressure.  I have a dozen or more spots that are productive and honestly not that far from the road. 

[huntnnw]

I hunt places in ferry..that are by highways and I watch droves of rigs drive right by. This will be year 5 in there and have yet to see a archer or anyone on cam. All my spots are like this.

Plus some of my elk spots are void of people and have yet to see a hunter in some of them since I started hunting them.

[Jonathan_S]

I hunt places in ferry..that are by highways and I watch droves of rigs drive right by. This will be year 5 in there and have yet to see a archer or anyone on cam. All my spots are like this.

Plus some of my elk spots are void of people and have yet to see a hunter in some of them since I started hunting them.

 

For me it's like this, if I have "a spot" and then I see sign of others in there, it ceases to be "my spot".  This because I do not want to hunt where other people are hunting.  It's a luxury to have but I know people on the west side who do the same thing.

I'm pretty sure when JPhelps shot that "320 Pe Ell bull that he was in a pretty secretive spot.

[runamuk]

I used to be married and I wouldnt even tell the ex where I hunted because he would blab to his brother and other brother and then...no... people helped me get started and I didnt ever share where they have sent me.  I have shared spots I found on my own that are on the wetside.  Spots where I saw animals. 

I wont divulge my spots for seeing unusual birds either, or where the owls nest, or...lol I am a heck of secret keeper.

[LeviD1]

Its silly to even ask for someone's honey hole. I would never ask anyone where they specifically hunt. Maybe what unit and if they hunt north or south part. Have I ever explored on this information, no. I wouldn't want to trudge through their area. Everyone should take the time to explore their own areas if they are going to hunt imo. I never tell anyone where I hunt because as soon as you do that they tell 1 person then that person tells someone and so fourth. Then your having to find a new spot and maybe you were good friends with the person you told originally. Could complicate things and I like to avoid complicated. Not to mention I spend hundreds of dollars on cams and mineral and hundreds more on gas every summer. Why should I scout for someone else when I dont make a ton of money, thats just what I choose to spend it on instead of eating out all the time.