What's the Margaret like for late buck?

[longstevo]

Just wondering what that area's like for late buck rifle.  I always hunt in the south Cascades, but with Wind RIver and West Klick permit only, the good options are pretty limited. 

I was thinking the eastern section above Meta Lake.

 

[gotcha]

Few and far between. Spent alot of time up there. Just haven't seen alot. See more goats than deer.

[RadSav]

Few and far between. Spent alot of time up there. Just haven't seen alot.

I agree.  In the late 80's we'd see a couple book bucks a day.  Not anywhere near that these days.  Now you are lucky to see one good buck a season.  BUT...when you do see that buck it's usually a dandy!!!  Would not be my first choice or even close to my first choice of units now.  Though it only takes one stupid buck to make it great

[sirmissalot]

There are some good bucks up there throughout summer I'll tell you that. Not a lot, but. But not too awfully hard to find either. Late in the season like that is going to be tough weather wise

[gotcha]

Honestly how many did you see in all your scouting up there for your tag. I was up there during the same time frame and hunted a little farther back. There just not there. Elk that is a dif story.

[sirmissalot]

During scouting for my tag I saw three shooter bucks. One was a dandy four point we put a stalk on but couldn't make it happen. The last couple years I have been up fishing, looking for bears and scouting some for deer and have seen a handful every summer. I agree there are not a lot, hardly worth going for but I love that country up there.

[longstevo]

Well that solves that then!    Thanks.

I'm not really too worried about it.  I tagged a buck in Idaho, so I'm not for need of meat in the freezer, but I've got a buddy who's never killed anything, and I'm trying to show him a good hunt. 

Any suggestions for SW Washington?   

[longstevo]

Few and far between. Spent alot of time up there. Just haven't seen alot.

I agree.  In the late 80's we'd see a couple book bucks a day.  Not anywhere near that these days.  Now you are lucky to see one good buck a season.  BUT...when you do see that buck it's usually a dandy!!!  Would not be my first choice or even close to my first choice of units now.  Though it only takes one stupid buck to make it great

Thank for the feedback, Rav.  I've got a buddy that's never even seen a buck in the wild despite hunting the Grayback for three years (not hunting it hard, I think).  You mentioned that the Margaret would not be your first choice or even close to your first choice.  Could I be so bold by asking for some suggestions?  We don't have permits, but are looking for open late buck hunts and live in Vancouver. 

I grew up hunting blackpowder in the 578, and experienced some FANTASTIC hunting and shooting at deer.  But since they went to a permit only BP hunt in '10, I've been pretty lost in the late buck.  I don't know many places in the Lewis, Siouxon, Washougal or Coweeman units. 

[RadSav]

Do you have a Weyco pass?

I'll try to work up a few ideas and send you a PM after I get all my packing done - probably wee morning!

[longstevo]

Negative on the Weyco pass.  I understand the north side of the unit is mostly Weyco.  I know the trail above Meta Lake isn't Weyco, so that's why I was thinking about that area.  Seems like the only place to access the south side of the unit.

I will await your PM with extreme patience.  Good luck with whatever trip you're packing for!

[gotcha]

Sirmissalot about what I saw.

[BABackcountryBwhntr]

if you have a 12 ga or a ML there is actually quite a few deer and some dandy bucks on the WDFW lands near vancouver lake. The toutle also has some good bucks in it as well.