Gardner quality tag

[Chase2008]

Hi all. Looking for some input. I drew the quality Gardner rifle tag this year. Have. It hunted the unit on about 12 years as I have access to good private land that I have gone 10 for 12 on bucks plus a couple 2nd deer tags. Only years I did not get deer were the first when I did not know the area and a year it was socked in with fog. So almost automatic.

My question is due to the fires in the area and if I should just plan on getting my deer during regular season not onowing what it will be like due to the fires. Will be over during general season and check out Gardner but wil also be hunting my normal spot with my dad and nephew.

What do you all think of the quality season in Gardner. Should I just plan on shooting a buck in my normal spot or will Gardner be ok?

[ghosthunter]

Well I have 18 points towards that tag. And I have hunted the general there past 10 or more year. I went over last weekend and drove Thompson Ridge and Bridge Creek. The fire came from the east Big Buck Game area to Elbow Coolie. And west to Coal Creek ,1610 Road over Thompson to Bridge Creek. West of Bridge Creek I did not see much burned.
Even a lot of Thompson did not burn at least up to the three mile marker . Didn't go past that.  But there were large un burned areas.

If I had that tag I would hunt it for as long and late as I could. Because with this great weather there was really no reason for the size buck you are looking for to come down yet. I think it could be good if the snow starts to fly up high and you still have time.

If you were trying for that tag I would tell you the past few years there have been nice bucks taken in the units to the east and North. But since you already have it, I would hunt it.

I already told all my buddies tha if i draw a quality tag there wont be any regular season camp. Because i intend to whole 20 days out of my wall tent.

[Wingin it]

I would hunt during the quality season for sure! The experience alone is worth it.

[Chase2008]

Thanks for the replies. Tough not being able to make it over yet and see for myself. Appreciate the info though

[Ridgerunner]

If you drew the quality tag then hunt it, that's a no brainer, it's night and day compared to the regular season.

[steen]

I think the fires may make it a better hunt.  Last year during regular season I saw more great bucks in a long time where I usually hunt and I think it was due to the fires!