Special Permit Buck Hunts

[gee_unit360]

Have accumulated a decent amount of Buck special permit points. I'm trying to determine a good unit within this category of special permits that holds quality mule deer hunting with trophy potential. I'm researching through the archives currently, but would like some of your opinions. Thanks

[Westside88]

I also have quite a few "buck" points. In no way am I familiar with the whole state, but they seem to be more of a whitetail opportunity. For a mule deer tag meeting the criteria you've stated I'd say your looking at the "quality" category 

[gee_unit360]

I noticed there was lots of opportunity for white tails. I figured there would at least be a few for mule deer.

[bobcat]

I'd use those points for a good whitetail hunt.

[gee_unit360]

On that note..... Any white tail units that are worth using 10 points on for a special permit buck hunt?

[GameHunter1959]

On that note..... Any white tail units that are worth using 10 points on for a special permit buck hunt?

Most of Central, SE, and NE WA have plenty of great white tail areas. IMO- You can find a nice white tail in just about any GMU that is known to hold white tails in the state, if you take the time to scout and get permission to hunt if needed. With all the fires over the last few years in Central WA; that might be a good region to target. The deer will move into those burn areas. You may want to look around North of Spokane around Chewelah. I am not sure if any "buck" hunts are available, but I have seen some real nice white tails come outta that area. SE WA is always good, but will be challenging to get permission to hunt. Unless you don't mind hunting the National Forest. Hope that helps...

[westside bull]

I've said this before they need to give us more options for Buck hunts. For example make the quality blacktail hunts buck hunts no blacktail hunt are quality hunts :twocents:I have 17 pts and I will wait for change before I put in so hopefully some day WDFW will give us more options.

[vandeman17]

What weapon?

[BULLBLASTER]

There are some great Muley hunts in the buck category.    they just have tough odds of drawing.
I wish I had paid more attention before burning points on late Palouse so many times.

[johnnyaustin44]

I've said this before they need to give us more options for Buck hunts. For example make the quality blacktail hunts buck hunts no blacktail hunt are quality hunts :twocents:I have 17 pts and I will wait for change before I put in so hopefully some day WDFW will give us more options.

I've always thought the same thing. Would be a great change.

[gee_unit360]

Vandeman17, I'm using a muzzleloader or modern tag.

[luvmystang67]

Yeah, the buck hunts are pretty sad.  Heck even most of the bull hunts are pretty sad, especially for the west side.

They do need to do a better job a populating the category if they're going to sell special permit opportunities in that category.  Seems like most opportunities worth anything are in the quality buck/bull field.

[gee_unit360]

There are some great Muley hunts in the buck category.    they just have tough odds of drawing.
I wish I had paid more attention before burning points on late Palouse so many times.

I don't mind long odds of drawing would just like to know what units provide the opportunity to harvest a mature mule deer.

[gee_unit360]

Thanks for the white tail info guys!

[luvmystang67]

There are some great Muley hunts in the buck category.    they just have tough odds of drawing.
I wish I had paid more attention before burning points on late Palouse so many times.

I don't mind long odds of drawing would just like to know what units provide the opportunity to harvest a mature mule deer.

Mature Mule deer = quality mule deer category

You might need to be more descriptive in your verbiage.  In the Buck hunt category I do not believe there are any real good opportunities at mature mule deer.  At least, no better opportunities than the high buck hunt general tag provides.  In the quality buck category, most of the mule deer hunts will give you a shot a mature mule deer bucks.

There are two different special permit categories.  Just want to make sure we're not getting caught up on this part of the question

[BULLBLASTER]

Muzzy has some good options for Muley in the buck category. I'll be applying for at least one this year.

[gee_unit360]

There are some great Muley hunts in the buck category.    they just have tough odds of drawing.
I wish I had paid more attention before burning points on late Palouse so many times.

I don't mind long odds of drawing would just like to know what units provide the opportunity to harvest a mature mule deer.

Mature Mule deer = quality mule deer category

You might need to be more descriptive in your verbiage.  In the Buck hunt category I do not believe there are any real good opportunities at mature mule deer.  At least, no better opportunities than the high buck hunt general tag provides.  In the quality buck category, most of the mule deer hunts will give you a shot a mature mule deer bucks.

There are two different special permit categories.  Just want to make sure we're not getting caught up on this part of the question

Correct.... I realize there is a Buck category and a Quality deer category. I just wasn't familiar with all the units in the buck category so I was hoping to find out what units held quality mule deer.

[fishnfur]

Since no one is going to tell you their best spot for you to try to score a special hunt, I'd recommend that you browse the numbers in this and decide for yourself:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/harvest/2015/reports/deer_sp_gmu_all.php

[gee_unit360]

I wasn't asking for their best spot. Just a suggestion of a unit. Which generally are pretty huge. I have looked at the harvest reports but thought I'd ask the hunting forum because sometimes people are willing to put in their two cents. But thank you for the advice. 

[splitshot]

several years ago I drew one of the blue mtn tags, a or b.  got a really nice whitetail buck.  hunted a lot of places that would not be available in the regular season.  lots of hunts are limited more and more cuz of too many people.    mike w

[RB]

I'd use those points for a good whitetail hunt.

[fishnfur]

I understand that you weren't asking for a hunting spot, but when you put in the application, you are putting in for a specific unit and thereby increasing the number of applicants  for that unit, which reduces other hunters (who applied for that hunt) chances for drawing the hunt if they suggest it to you.  Not many hunters will offer up the units that they are applying for - it doesn't make sense. 

It does make sense to offer up good places that hunters don't plan to put in for, so you may still get some good suggestions (to the dismay of the hunters applying for those units).  Also, the heavy winter kill and large harvest in 2015 may totally alter the distribution of good harvests in 2016.  Perhaps the best areas to apply for is the one(s) you know the best, or have always wanted to hunt.

 

[gee_unit360]

Thanks for the input fellas! I think I've decided to put in for some white tail hunts in this special permit category. Good luck to everyone this year!