Posting here because I'm fed up with the Hunt WA Facebook group.
Looking for a place for this first weekend of late archery in one of the 200 series units.
This is my first year archery hunting, like many having drawn the multi weapons tag, and I've read from a few other searches the veteran bow hunters don't particularly like all the FNGs in the woods that don't know what their doing, and that are taking unethical archery shots. That isn't me, I've been hunting muzzleloader and rifle for deer and elk for 10 plus years now, my dads been archery hunting for the last five or so of that. The couple hikes I've been able to take my bow on this year have given me a whole new respect for the sport and I've been looking forward to this weekend all year.
Normally I would have gotten into these units during rifle and muzzleloader for some scouting and wouldn't be writing this thread. This fall my son turned one, and my wife is pregnant, so I wasn't able to get out every weekend for every season like I have in the past. Enough of the background, time for the questions.
Initially I thought I'd go into the Swakane, it's next to the famed Entiat, and I've heard and seen a lot of good things about it. After doing a little searching, it seems like it's a zoo, maybe because it's the first unit heading up hwy 97 that's open this weekend, but I think that guys that don't have Entiat tags assume it's the next best thing, and I'd just like to avoid that crowd.
A recent development this week, contacting an old college buddy that lives in the Methow Valley, has got me looking into units 233 and 243, the Pogue and Manson. He doesn't hunt, but it's a place to crash Saturday night, and he's one hell of a camera man to have tag along with me. Also eases my wife's peace of mind that I'm not out solo. I sent him some map overview screen shots and am still waiting to hear back if he knows anything about either of those areas.
Another thing I came across this week is that Tanglewood Outfitters/Guide Service looks to be up north of Omak and Riverside in the Pogue(233) and they have some trial cam pictures of a few really nice bucks on facebook. Obviously there's a difference in their operation vs. my weekend warrior attempts, but the fact that that's the unit they're in tells you something.
Now to the Manson (243). Similar theory as the Swakane, bordering the Entiat, but with Lake Chelan to deal with. Also heard of big bucks coming out of there, but with a lot less access.
I guess I'm asking for any input or advice on these areas. What's migration like to their winter range? How much rut activity are we still catching? I have a good feeling the rut is still on, and between that and the weather the deer will be moving. What are roads like? Stuff like that.
Thanks in advance, and good luck to everyone getting out this weekend. I'm going to find one of the videos my friend made, with some of the hunting footage from last time we met up a few years ago.
