Committing to Washington once again

[RadSav]

Deer will all come down to health and pain level.  I have three high country spots with good deer - Two benchleg and one muledeer.  I have kept an eye on these by sending non-hunting friends who want an adventure hike the past decade.  The big guys are still there!  The easiest of the three to reach is also the hardest to hunt.  But, it is the one place where I believe the state record bench could come from.  It also holds some of the largest bear in the state.

While deer is my favorite animal to hunt, it is not like an OIL where I would risk it all for an opportunity.  So if I am unable to feel comfortable reaching the high country I'll have backup plans that include blacktail.  I had really thought that I would have whitetail as a backup since I have never taken a "good" whitetail in Washington.  But every source I have tells me this is not the year to expect much in the way of whitetail hunting.  Every one of those I spoke with say they lost 75-80% to the outbreak last year.  Whitetail can wait.

Early Washington blacktail hunting is so much different than Oregon it will take a lot of scouting to find success on a decent animal.  So I will likely take advantage of my need to travel for pre-hunt field conditioning to further scout new and better early season blacktail spots.  Narrowing that spot down has already begun.  But it is becoming harder and harder to find early Columbia blacktail spots that might hold 125+ bucks outside city limits.  Where I once had over a half dozen spots I now have only one.  And last time I was in there I found two cameras.  So it appears to no longer be a secret.   Will be good for me to get out and see what I can find!

[Ridgerunner]

I like your thinking RADSAV!  I am recommitting to WA for mule deer this year, I've got a handful of spots that I need to learn, this is the year I'm committing to it. 

[RadSav]

I like your thinking RADSAV!  I am recommitting to WA for mule deer this year, I've got a handful of spots that I need to learn, this is the year I'm committing to it.

Washington really has some great muledeer hunting for the young hunter willing to give it heck.  Our high country, extreme adventure muledeer is not easily exceeded in other states.  Our low land, easy access is a looooongggg way from being a Montana, Utah, New Mexico, Alberta or even Idaho.  But for those wanting to leave some blood on the trail and push themselves to the heavenly heights...we have some great OTC hunting.  Just have to be willing and able!

It wasn't that long ago when top bowhunters from across the country would come to Washington to hunt trophy muledeer.  Glenn St. Charles held the world record for more than a few years.  I can't remember the guys name that owned "The Muffin Break".  But his collection of WA muledeer was impressive!  And of course every year I look forward to Boneaddict's stories of muledeer with the stick and string, right here on Hunt-WA.

Is WA the place to go for 200+ deer?  No.  But adventure, scenery, challenge and quality of hunt is available right here.  Just not going to find it too close to the truck like some of the other states and provinces.

Good luck Ridgerunner.   Hope your commitment will reward you with a great season.  The possibilities are exciting!  What is your weapon choice going to be for muledeer?