Committing to Washington once again

[kentrek]

Still a downer I see. 

Not many states where you can hunt Merriam, Rio and Easterns in a single year.  Has Roosevelt and Yellowstone elk - both world class potential.  Whitetail, Muledeer, Blacktail and Benchleg.  Big body bear from coast to alpine.  And some of the best quality cats even though you can no longer use hounds.  If you are lucky enough to draw a tag Washington has some of the best goats, best bighorn and best shiras moose in the country.

Not bad for a state that sucks balls. 

Exactly!

Can you imagine if it was managed alil better ?? If hoof rot was stopped before it got out of the stella...if Hounds & baiting were legal again...if the black tail never got that hair loss disease...if the east side was managed like idaho for branched bulls...if they treated all invasive species equal...

Okay now I feel like a downer after thinking about it 

[Bigshooter]

Still a downer I see. 

Not many states where you can hunt Merriam, Rio and Easterns in a single year.  Has Roosevelt and Yellowstone elk - both world class potential.  Whitetail, Muledeer, Blacktail and Benchleg.  Big body bear from coast to alpine.  And some of the best quality cats even though you can no longer use hounds.  If you are lucky enough to draw a tag Washington has some of the best goats, best bighorn and best shiras moose in the country.

Not bad for a state that sucks balls. 

You are right WA does have a lot of opportunity.  But with that opportunity comes tons and tons of hunters. 

I took a buddy and his wife with me to MT last year on a mule deer hunt.  It was there first ever out of state hunt.  Usually they are archery hunters becuase there are fewer achery hunters than rifle hunters.  When they got home from MT they sold both of there bow's and bought a wall tent and they both say they will never hunt WA again. 

[D-Rock425]

I'll tag along with you if you need a young guy to pack out all these monsters.

You might need some binkees to keep him happy though. 

I hear D-Rock is an expert at packing cows and does.  Just not sure he can handle a real big game animal.

I packed a few spikes too. .  If I ever draw again I'll probably just shoot another raghorn 4pt on opening day because I have no self control and I'm not afraid to let carbon fly.

[RadSav]

You are right WA does have a lot of opportunity.  But with that opportunity comes tons and tons of hunters. 

I took a buddy and his wife with me to MT last year on a mule deer hunt.  It was there first ever out of state hunt.  Usually they are archery hunters becuase there are fewer achery hunters than rifle hunters.  When they got home from MT they sold both of there bow's and bought a wall tent and they both say they will never hunt WA again.

Why not hunt them both?  I love hunting Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon.  I've even had great times in Arizona, Utah and Colorado.  I've thoroughly enjoyed Texas, South Carolina, West Virginia, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Florida, Missouri and even Californexico.  And some of my favorite places on earth are in Canada.  But, there is something special about home too! 

Sure there are way too many hunters in this state.  Sure they have mismanaged predators to a point our opportunities are reduced.  Sure the corruption in WDFW during the 80's and 90's damaged trust and species alike.  Sure not having a real republican governor since 1976 has left us with a wildlife council made up of bleeding hearts, fudge packers, activists and granola poopers.  But the ease of scouting your back yard, the work a full day and still tag an elk, the time spent with close friends...that is special.  We can not spend four straight months out of state chasing three animals we know so well we have nicknames for them - Drop Tine Brutus, Daddy War Buck and Mellon Head.  That creates a relationship with our quarry we just can not achieve when hunting other states.

Is hunting easier elsewhere?  For some things - sure!  Is the quality better elsewhere?  For some things - sure!  Is our success rate higher elsewhere?  For some things - sure!  Is it worth the money to hunt elsewhere?  For some things - sure!  Does that make it less enjoyable to hunt in Washington?  Only if you want or allow it to be!  Every state has it's negatives.  Just ask the residents of those other states and they will read off much the same things as WA residents do.  But, the negatives will only ruin our enjoyment if we let them.  Plenty of positives to make sure that doesn't happen.

[jackelope]

Still a downer I see. 

Not many states where you can hunt Merriam, Rio and Easterns in a single year.  Has Roosevelt and Yellowstone elk - both world class potential.  Whitetail, Muledeer, Blacktail and Benchleg.  Big body bear from coast to alpine.  And some of the best quality cats even though you can no longer use hounds.  If you are lucky enough to draw a tag Washington has some of the best goats, best bighorn and best shiras moose in the country.

Not bad for a state that sucks balls. 

That's my take on it.
 

[Watimberghost]

Very well said RadSav 

[bobcat]

 

It's sure nice to read something positive about this state for a change. I need a reminder once in a while myself.

[RadSav]

It's sure nice to read something positive about this state for a change. I need a reminder once in a while myself.

I think we all need a reminder once in a while.  Life can be overwhelming at times.  Political disagreements with leadership can sour our outlook on home.  And the never ending "Not Drawn" notices each year can really effect our ability to remain positive in the midst of so much good.

Maybe one of my favorite hunting stories can help us remember what Washington can be if we keep a positive view of what opportunities we have here in our back yard.


I remember one eventful day the year before CL and I started hunting together.  Long before I met my wife.  I had hiked into my favorite bear spot solo early on a foggy September morning.  I could hear a bear working up the same ridge I was on but the clouds/fog were so thick I could not see 30 yards.  So I just sat there waiting until he emerged like a ghost.  The hill was steep and when the Winchester 88 rolled the 400# brute over at 25 steps he tumbled down the hill gaining speed until he hit the tall timber below.  Had I let him get five more feet he would likely have rolled toward the trail instead of toward the cliffs and no mans land...Doh!!!  So what would have been a high country hunt with success, plus back to the truck before noon, ended up being a multiple pack all day event.  My misfortune ended up resulting in one of the best solo days in the high country I have ever witnessed.

Though my one tag was filled my adventure was just beginning.  While skinning the big boy I had two other bear come by and say hello.  They woofed and snapped teeth, stood on hind legs and one even made a mock charge.  It was an unusual scene in the high country where bear are more typical spooky than aggressive.  But this is the Washington high country...my wonderful day was not over yet.

On my first pack of meat to the truck I shot three of the most plump monster blue grouse you can imagine.  While at the truck I fired up the camp stove tossed some fresh grouse in with my Top Ramin and added some adolescent stinging nettles.  For desert I had poppy seed muffins I baked the day before with huckleberries I had picked on the previous trip.  It was a lunch of champions.  This was turning out to be one of the best days ever!

As I started at the trailhead once more the fog began to lift.  And by the time I hit the peak of the ridge the afternoon sun had begun burning off the cover and blue sky began to emerge.  Not really my favorite thing when packing, but it was a beautiful sight as I broke through the south facing timber and gazed down the eastern ridge of huckleberries.  I was not the only one breaking from the timber into the open spaces between huckleberry patches.  To my left were two young blacktail bucks eating berries with great fervor.  In my haste to pull my Canon F-1 from my pack and attach the telephoto I did not notice the buck to my right.  When his movement caught my attention he was bounding down the hill.  In the fleeting glance I could see a large branched rack, 3 maybe 4 points per side, heavy beams and a benchleg behind.  The thunderous pounding rocked the alpine earth as he descended the open face and disappeared into the timber below.  I was so focused on his exit I did not realize the two smaller bucks had retreated back into the timber where we had both come.  The Washington alpine was producing a spectacular display just for my pleasure.

It was not long before I reached my final cache of skull and hide.  The evil yellow orb was pounding the back of my neck and the humid temperature was rising fast as I once again reached the top of the ridge.  I stumbled on a rock and the heavy pack twisted and flipped me to the ground.  I remember thinking to myself, "That was fortunate.  This is a perfect place to take a rest and a snack break."  The rolled up hide was a wonderful pillow to just sit back against.  It had become a perfectly clear afternoon.  From the comfort of this spot I could see for miles as if I was reclined at the top of the world!  I had a tremendous view up the valley right into the large glacier.  Far in the distance Mount Rainier stood in an amber haze.  All alone on top of Gods greatest creation is so peaceful you can't help but enjoy yourself.  Washington is a magnificent place if you just fall down and take the time to look around once in a while!

I could see hikers working their way to the top of a peak to my left.  I pulled the Pentax from my pack and watched as they traversed each switchback on their ascent to the top.  I smiled as I watch them celebrate at the top as if they were reaching the pinnacle of a great expedition.  I had attempted to reach that summit the year before and turned back as weather had crashed into the mountain and removed all chance of a scenic view.  I felt a moment of shame as I watched them so happy to have done what I was unwilling to do.  Whether hunters or simple outdoor enthusiast Washington State has something for us all to enjoy.

I focused the glass to the next furthest ridge and a large slide.  This had become a ritual of sorts when weather co-operated on these high hunts at my bear spot.  There in the usual spot were the residents of the vertical towers.  Something about mountain goats stir my soul.  I never grow tired of watching their seemingly effortless movements across terrain no human could attempt to cross.  "One day before I die",  I keep telling myself,  "One day I will run my hands through the hair of a Washington mountain goat I tagged myself."  A dream I still have today was born on that ridge so many years ago.  If I die tomorrow it will be my biggest regret as a hunter who loved hunting the wilds of Washington.

It was just one day in over half a lifetime spent hunting Washington state.  I had awoke to start the day in my own bed, tagged a world class blackbear and fueled my trek with a lunch largely of things I had harvested in the back country. I had been near spitting distance of three bear, two blacktails and one benchleg.  I had glassed mountain goats, glaciers and watched the heavens open up to expose one of America's greatest wonders.  Few places in this country you can be witness to so much beauty and diversity in wild game in one single day with nothing but two feet and a pack on your back.  And to think this is our back yard.  It is a shame so many are unable to see it through the tainted glass of politics and hatred toward the WDFW.  We are so truly blessed!

[JeffRaines]

It's sure nice to read something positive about this state for a change. I need a reminder once in a while myself.

I think we all need a reminder once in a while.  Life can be overwhelming at times.  Political disagreements with leadership can sour our outlook on home.  And the never ending "Not Drawn" notices each year can really effect our ability to remain positive in the midst of so much good.

Maybe one of my favorite hunting stories can help us remember what Washington can be if we keep a positive view of what opportunities we have here in our back yard.


I remember one eventful day the year before CL and I started hunting together.  Long before I met my wife.  I had hiked into my favorite bear spot solo early on a foggy September morning.  I could hear a bear working up the same ridge I was on but the clouds/fog were so thick I could not see 30 yards.  So I just sat there waiting until he emerged like a ghost.  The hill was steep and when the Winchester 88 rolled the 400# brute over at 25 steps he tumbled down the hill gaining speed until he hit the tall timber below.  Had I let him get five more feet he would likely have rolled toward the trail instead of toward the cliffs and no mans land...Doh!!!  So what would have been a high country hunt with success, plus back to the truck before noon, ended up being a multiple pack all day event.  My misfortune ended up resulting in one of the best solo days in the high country I have ever witnessed.

Though my one tag was filled my adventure was just beginning.  While skinning the big boy I had two other bear come by and say hello.  They woofed and snapped teeth, stood on hind legs and one even made a mock charge.  It was an unusual scene in the high country where bear are more typical spooky than aggressive.  But this is the Washington high country...my wonderful day was not over yet.

On my first pack of meat to the truck I shot three of the most plump monster blue grouse you can imagine.  While at the truck I fired up the camp stove tossed some fresh grouse in with my Top Ramin and added some adolescent stinging nettles.  For desert I had poopy seed muffins I baked the day before with huckleberries I had picked on the previous trip.  It was a lunch of champions.  This was turning out to be one of the best days ever!

As I started at the trailhead once more the fog began to lift.  And by the time I hit the peak of the ridge the afternoon sun had begun burning off the cover and blue sky began to emerge.  Not really my favorite thing when packing, but it was a beautiful sight as I broke through the south facing timber and gazed down the eastern ridge of huckleberries.  I was not the only one breaking from the timber into the open spaces between huckleberry patches.  To my left were two young blacktail bucks eating berries with great fervor.  In my haste to pull my Canon F-1 from my pack and attach the telephoto I did not notice the buck to my right.  When his movement caught my attention he was bounding down the hill.  In the fleeting glance I could see a large branched rack, 3 maybe 4 points per side, heavy beams and a benchleg behind.  The thunderous pounding rocked the alpine earth as he descended the open face and disappeared into the timber below.  I was so focused on his exit I did not realize the two smaller bucks had retreated back into the timber where we had both come.  The Washington alpine was producing a spectacular display just for my pleasure.

It was not long before I reached my final cache of skull and hide.  The evil yellow orb was pounding the back of my neck and the humid temperature was rising fast as I once again reached the top of the ridge.  I stumbled on a rock and the heavy pack twisted and flipped me to the ground.  I remember thinking to myself, "That was fortunate.  This is a perfect place to take a rest and a snack break."  The rolled up hide was a wonderful pillow to just sit back against.  It had become a perfectly clear afternoon.  From the comfort of this spot I could see for miles as if I was reclined at the top of the world!  I had a tremendous view up the valley right into the large glacier.  Far in the distance Mount Rainier stood in an amber haze.  All alone on top of Gods greatest creation is so peaceful you can't help but enjoy yourself.  Washington is a magnificent place if you just fall down and take the time to look around once in a while!

I could see hikers working their way to the top of a peak to my left.  I pulled the Pentax from my pack and watched as they traversed each switchback on their ascent to the top.  I smiled as I watch them celebrate at the top as if they were reaching the pinnacle of a great expedition.  I had attempted to reach that summit the year before and turned back as weather had crashed into the mountain and removed all chance of a scenic view.  I felt a moment of shame as I watched them so happy to have done what I was unwilling to do.  Whether hunters or simple outdoor enthusiast Washington State has something for us all to enjoy.

I focused the glass to the next furthest ridge and a large slide.  This had become a ritual of sorts when weather co-operated on these high hunts at my bear spot.  There in the usual spot were the residents of the vertical towers.  Something about mountain goats stir my soul.  I never grow tired of watching their seemingly effortless movements across terrain no human could attempt to cross.  "One day before I die",  I keep telling myself,  "One day I will run my hands through the hair of a Washington mountain goat I tagged myself."  A dream I still have today was born on that ridge so many years ago.  If I die tomorrow it will be my biggest regret as a hunter who loved hunting the wilds of Washington.

It was just one day in over half a lifetime spent hunting Washington state.  I had awoke to start the day in my own bed, tagged a world class blackbear and fueled my trek with a lunch largely of things I had harvested in the back country. I had been near spitting distance of three bear, two blacktails and one benchleg.  I had glassed mountain goats, glaciers and watched the heavens open up to expose one of America's greatest wonders.  Few places in this country you can be witness to so much beauty and diversity in wild game in one single day with nothing but two feet and a pack on your back.  And to think this is our back yard.  It is a shame so many are unable to see it through the tainted glass of politics and hatred toward the WDFW.  We are so truly blessed!

What an awesome story.

[MLBowhunting]

  Doesn't get much better...

[wsucowboy]

Wow, couldn't have said it better myself.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[RadSav]

Well, the start to my Washington season has already seen a set back.  CL and I were all ready to head for the NE for our annual April 15th turkey shoot.  I had made the decision to attempt the first annual WA turkey slam with a bow.  I've done it twice just not in one year and my Easterns were always taken with a shotgun.  So I was getting excited to accomplish one of the few things I have not done in Washington where "luck of the WDFW draw" is not required!

It was not meant to be!  The wife returned from the doctor visibly shaken.  "I waited too long...I have to have major surgery!", she says.  Seems the surgery needs to happen soon and April 12th is the day.  Recovery - eight to ten weeks with 3 to four days in hospital.  I called CL and Bearpaw, offered to send someone in my place or cancel the trip.   Both were supportive and said not to worry, we'll do it again next year.  I still  feel guilty for letting them down.  But it is nice to know we have good friends and sincere support.

God willing, I will make it out on a few morning hunts before the end of the season.  But, that only puts me in reach of a couple spring birds...if I'm lucky.  And likely those would be only one sub-species.  Lorraine comes first so we'll just pray for the best and see what happens.

We remain optimistic as we wait for the multi-season results to show up.  The good news in all of this is that Lorraine should be in better shape for the 2016 elk, deer and bear seasons than she has been since she tagged her last big bull!  So we expect this to be only a small setback in what we hope will be an epic year for the RadSav clan in Washington.

For all you Spring Gobbler hunters hitting the woods this next week...Good Luck!  Wish I could be out there with you all.  Keep your positive attitude on what this great state has to offer.  It should be one heck of a good year.

[RadSav]

Lorraine is recovering well, but business has been crazy with all the changes.  Not sure about getting any spring turkey on the list this year.

Lorraine and I spent a lot of time discussing what we are going to do for elk this year.  As many know she drew the multi-season elk this year.  And even though we like our westside elk hunting we decided we should take advantage of the multi-opportunity and put her in for eastside draw.  Problem is she drew quality elk in 2011 so she doesn't have many points.  So after days of discussion we decided I would buy an eastside archery tag and we would put her in for two archery season permits on the group option.  I will try my best to get a left over multi-season tag when they come available just in case.  Not expecting to be victorious, but I am excited to try.  If we don't draw and/or I don't get a leftover I will spend plenty of time as caller for CL and her on the westside.

In trade for my risk Lorraine decided to get a modern firearm deer tag for the first time.  This will give me about eight days of early deer hunting all to myself.  Anywhere I want to go!  I can't remember the last time I was afforded that.  Could be fun!  I'll take a good deer hunt over a good elk hunt any day.  So I'm pleased   I start my conditioning for the high country on Monday.  Not sure I will succeed in reaching that level, but I plan to give it a darn good try.  We'll see if I have to make a trip to Canada for pain medication to get me through the rough parts.

[RadSav]

A crazy thing happened to me while I was at the licensing counter at Sportsman's last week.  I've been in a bit of a depressed state of mind lately because I had to change my NWT birthday plans for this year.  I had such a good time on my 45th up there I really thought my 50th was going to be Legendary   But the business expansion and other business related challenges left that hunt out of reach.  And then cancelling my turkey hunts because of Lorraine's surgery really put me in the dumps.  Anything special about the 50th is going to need to happen in the fall here at home.  While I am excited about those opportunities I really have been in the glooms about it all.

So I get to the counter and order up our $516 with of multi-tags and applications.  As I was folding my new license and multi-deer tag the guy standing behind me says, "Happy birthday.  It's going to be one hell of a year, isn't it?"  Huh, this guy must know me.  So I turn around to see who it is...And there is nobody there.  I mean there is NO BODY there!!!  Not one single person in the entire front third of the store besides the two ladies at the counter and myself.   I ask the ladies if they heard someone say "Happy birthday".  They looked at me like I was having a nervous breakdown.  I got chills and a serious freak quiver down my spine.  I grab my stuff and get the heck out of there. 

Now my OIL dreams have been going on for decades of disappointments.  My #1 goal in bowhunting life is to tag a mountain goat in Washington state.  #2 would be to get a moose in Washington state.  Trailing a far distant third is tagging a sheep.  But the whole ride home I just keep telling myself, "You're going to draw a sheep tag!"  How crazy would that be?  Cousin Bobcat two years ago, cousin Lokidog last year, and could it possibly be a family hat-trick?  I'm telling you, freaked out or not I got some seriously positive vibes ringing through my joints the past week.  If nothing else, it has me forgetting about my 50th pity-party and getting excited for the year.  I definitely needed that!

[D-Rock425]

Wouldn't that Just be awesome!  This year should be great you're drawing bull permits just like me and you get a sheep tag.  Just remember I have a pack frame and will travel.