Wanted: Rut report from 636 Skokomish

[shadowless_nite]

Any locals up there near the skokomish unit have eyes on the rut? Me and my wife drew the "quality" archery tags this year. I drew this tag on 2012 and got plenty of good tips from folks on here. Hoping to finally nail a buck up there and get my wife her first deer this weekend. We only got this weekend and possibly the next to hunt and trying to make the most of our time out. Neither of us are picky and it will be our first hunting trip this far away from home and without the kids on our heels so it should be relaxing at the least. Any deer would be a plus. I'm hoping the rut will be in full swing, as I remember everyone said the first weekend of  november was prime time around there? Or am I remembering wrong? Perhaps the extended warmer weather changed things? Forcast calls for rain so that seems like it will help. Any info is always appreciated and I hope to thank everyone with a story and pictures from the trip

[bankwalker]

It's hit or miss right now. Spikes and small 2pts have been with does the last couple weeks getting in the mood. But it seems the big boys are chasing one day, and not the next.

Just had a big buck in the yard with 4 doe. He never payed any attention to the does. Just sat there eating apples for about a hour. I've Had a big 2pt and 3pt in the yard the last couple weeks usually every other night with the does. And they had shown no sign of being interested in the does either.

[shadowless_nite]

It's hit or miss right now. Spikes and small 2pts have been with does the last couple weeks getting in the mood. But it seems the big boys are chasing one day, and not the next.

Just had a big buck in the yard with 4 doe. He never payed any attention to the does. Just sat there eating apples for about a hour. I've Had a big 2pt and 3pt in the yard the last couple weeks usually every other night with the does. And they had shown no sign of being interested in the does either.

Thanks, I was hoping you would chime in bankwalker! We aren't looking for trophys, just looking to have a quality time and hopefully harvest a deer or better yet watch my wife harvest a deer. Hopefully things pick up this week. Anything good hanging around behind the matlock store this year?

[Natas5150]

What is the rut like in Kitsap and Mason unit? Just keeping tabs like you all are for the Skok.

[bobcat]

The blacktail rut will probably be the same as always- the peak will be the 2nd week of November. After that, bucks become much less active.

[shadowless_nite]

The blacktail rut will probably be the same as always- the peak will be the 2nd week of November. After that, bucks become much less active.

I really wish I would've bagged a elk early archery season that would I could dedicate more time to getting a nice blacktail while I'm out there. Especially since there won't be any other hunters out there other than the few tag holders.

[hogslayer]

What I have noticed for rut activity in the Mason unit is it can change depending on where you are hunting.   I had friends across the canal that said all the bucks were rutting and in the open chasing does.   Then I head to my spot and I get some bucks on cameras and there neck isn't swollen at all and see 4 does in one morning with no bucks to be found.  I use to think they would all rut the same time, but I have found the area that I hunt to be later than others...

[AKBowman]

What I have noticed for rut activity in the Mason unit is it can change depending on where you are hunting.   I had friends across the canal that said all the bucks were rutting and in the open chasing does.   Then I head to my spot and I get some bucks on cameras and there neck isn't swollen at all and see 4 does in one morning with no bucks to be found.  I use to think they would all rut the same time, but I have found the area that I hunt to be later than others...

Yeah that. I've noticed deer running in daylight and chasing on cameras where across the highway the deer are nocturnal still and don't usually start running in daylight for 7-10 days after they do 1/2 mile away across the highway.

[shadowless_nite]

Thanks again everyone for the heads up on info. Hard to track any rut activity when your almost 3 hrs away. Praying for some light rain and no fog. Getting really anxious since I've been trying to bag a deer up there for quite a while now and hoping to finally seal the deal. Would be happy with anything at this point just so I can concentrate on elk for the late season and free up my holiday season as well

[shadowless_nite]

Heading up there now! Hoping to get on some deer first thing in th morning! Gonna be a long sleepless night in the truck for me and th wife! But we're excited! Wish us luck!