Looking for help deciding on which late hunt to choose...

[Mossyhorn]

Hi, I'm new to Washington, having moved back to the NW after spending the last five years in Alaska. I grew up in Oregon and really don't know a lot about WA but have been studying hard trying to learn the regs and season structure. I've been here since January, in Woodland and am really most interested in doing some late season archery deer hunting. I've hunted blacktails quite a bit during Oregon's late season but never had a chance to do a late hunt for muleys and have never hunted whitetails. After reading the regs and doing a little searching/reading online, I've come to a few conclusions. I have the option to hunt either the far northeast for whitetails, hunt the Okanagan/Swakane area for muleys, or head to the Blue mountains and possibly have an opportunity at either/or.

I've never been to any of these places, what I do know is that I like hunting in tough conditions/inclement weather. I've archery hunted the Haul Road for caribou in October/November when it's below zero. I've heard some of these hunts can have some treacherous road conditions and suggest chains on all four tires. I'm not put off by these things or the likelyhood of being uncomfortable.

All these areas intrigue me in what they have to offer, potentially. What I need help with is trying to decide which region to go after. What are the pros and cons to some of these hunts? I've read about some areas that have seasons for both muleys and whitetails in the same unit, have very few whitetails. So things like this.... Can I even expect to see both species down in the Blues? What can I expect for muleys? In reading about the Swakane, sounds like there are some really nice bucks if there's weather. What kind of deer can I expect to encounter in the Blues? If I'm going to target muleys I'd like to put myself where my odds at seeing some bigger deer are at least a possibility.

It also sounds like some of these hunts can get pretty busy, I plan on hunting on my feet away from roads. I don't hunt out of blinds or treestands and wondered if many guys have much success still hunting or calling for whitetails, I like to stay mobile.

Anyway, that is kinda longwinded, I appreciate any thoughts or advice anyone may have.

Thanks!

[4T]

I can't vouch for the blues but I know you will see plenty of deer in the swakane area. With that being said you will also encounter plenty of other hunters, which isn't a bad thing, they are there for the same reason you are. There will probably be some fellow hunt wa members there as well.

[Mossyhorn]

4T, thank you for taking the time to respond. I have read about all I can find about all the general late archery hunts. I have narrowed things down a bit and excluded the blue mountain hunts. I'm considering the Sinlahekin, Swakane and the north east corner for whitetails.

So muleys vs whitetails... I'll be hunting on the ground spot and stalk, rattling/calling...no stands, blinds or bait. How effective will I be for whitetails if I'm hunting this way?

With that in mind, right now I'm opting more towards muleys. But, the Sinlahekin sounds like there's a good chance of seeing a good whitetail while hunting mule deer. Looking over google earth, it looks like there is a lot of country to get back into to the west and even more country to get far from the roads. 

Is there any difference in the caliber of mule deer between the Swakane and Sinlahekin?

A bit about me... I'm in my early 30's, married and have a year and a half old little girl. I have had to curtail my hunting and fishing now that she's in our lives. But that's ok, I just try and make my fewer outings count. I hunted as much as possible in Alaska and had some wonderful experiences. The best was getting my wife into archery and watching her take her first big game animal, a big bull caribou. Which she got in Eastmans bow hunting journal. I hunt a lot on my own and hunt hard while onfoot. Had my brothers come up to AK last year for dall sheep. We packed in 14 miles, they each killed a ram and packed everything back out, 14 miles. I work hard to be successful and like to think that persistence pays off in the end.

If I'm able to get out for this hunt this fall, I'll be solo. I appreciate any thoughts or advice as I try to narrow my options down.

Thanks!

[4T]

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