High buck hunt mount skokomish wilderness

[sRaud]

Considering hunting this area next year. Was wondering if anyone has done the high buck hunt in this area?

[Nature Boy]

I have backpacked the MSW extensively and have hunted the high hunt there as well.  It is beautiful and rugged country but to be honest the deer populations are very low.  There are some pockets of deer here and there.  I've found that the deer simply prefer the food sources within managed timberlands over the wilderness.  The only shooter bucks I've found have been in nasty hell holes not served by any trails (of which there are very few anyhow in the MSW).  Think lots of bushwhacking and tarzan style climbs using vine maple and devils club.   

I "guided" a friend this year on a Mountain Goat OIL hunt in the unit and spent 6 days scouting and didn't see one piece of deer sign in the unit.  I'm not saying that to discourage you and keep you out of the unit...just providing some perspective.

The high hunt in any of the Olympic Wilderness Areas is a lot of fun but I always keep my expectations focused on enjoying a great backcountry camping experience.  Any deer sightings are a bonus.  Any deer killed is a trophy.     

[bmccalister]

I have backpacked the MSW extensively and have hunted the high hunt there as well.  It is beautiful and rugged country but to be honest the deer populations are very low.  There are some pockets of deer here and there.  I've found that the deer simply prefer the food sources within managed timberlands over the wilderness.  The only shooter bucks I've found have been in nasty hell holes not served by any trails (of which there are very few anyhow in the MSW).  Think lots of bushwhacking and tarzan style climbs using vine maple and devils club.   

I "guided" a friend this year on a Mountain Goat OIL hunt in the unit and spent 6 days scouting and didn't see one piece of deer sign in the unit.  I'm not saying that to discourage you and keep you out of the unit...just providing some perspective.

The high hunt in any of the Olympic Wilderness Areas is a lot of fun but I always keep my expectations focused on enjoying a great backcountry camping experience.  Any deer sightings are a bonus.  Any deer killed is a trophy.     

 

I also have hunted the Skokokmis unit for the past three years. I have seen lots of deer sign but have only layed eyes on one deer - a doe. However, I have seen more bear sign than deer sign and this past year I watched a group of 6 Mt goats climb up a mountain side every day and then work their way back down every night. I am looking for someone to hunt with or at least scout the area with.

[bowhunterty]

Nature boy what area did you goat hunt? I grew up hunting areas in there along with Jefferson Ridge. PM if you like. Saw some big bucks come out of a drainage back in the day.