Early archery/finding backup hunts in case of fire closures.

[pope]

Last year was my first archery season and luckily we got some late-August rain so I didn't get locked out of Hancock. There was very little scouting over the summer, which was OK since I'd hunted the area for several rifle seasons. Yesterday I found some deer at elevation on Forest Service land so I'm excited to have an alternative area for September (although I don't know whether these deer will depart this west-facing slope).

I do have a question about finding deer on Forest Service land, and maybe you guys and gals could comment. Based on limited experience/scouting, it seems most of the deer either hang in the flatter valley bottoms with alders and maples, or higher up (3500 feet plus) where the trees begin to thin out and more Nobles grow than Douglas fir. I haven't found much sign between these zones, which I guess makes sense when there is a lack of sunlight and undergrowth.

Am I correct about this? Is it unproductive on Forest Service land to scout for deer above alder bottoms and below tree line?

[fishnfur]

I guess you stumped everyone with this question Pope.  My gut says you're correct, but I don't hunt those zones, so I cannot say for sure. 

We do know that the USFS lands have fewer deer for exactly the reason you suggested.   100% canopy closure means no browse, so the deer in those areas will not use those closed canopy conifer areas much, except for traveling to where more food or deer live.  They may live on the edges though, above and around those alder flats - but that is a guess.  The vast amount of geographical area involved in these similar aged forests in the Cascades, all being essentially in full closure, caused a reduction in deer populations many years ago as the browse died out.  Without some event that resets the clock and allows new browse to form, the population will stay relatively stable at much lower numbers than occur elsewhere where logging or fires have occurred.  That seems to be the primary reason why deer hunter numbers are low in the USFS lands and why hunter success is correspondingly low.

Search Google Earth carefully for any pockets or openings that suggest something other than closed canopy conifer is present and you've likely found a good spot to scout a bit.  I'm not sure exactly where you go, but if you have any areas similar to those on the western flanks of Mt. Adams, where the USFS has done multiple thinnings over a relatively large area, (or a fairly new burn), those types of spots might be the best location to devote your efforts.

  (and it's probably not worth that much).
G.

[pope]

I guess you stumped everyone with this question Pope.  My gut says you're correct, but I don't hunt those zones, so I cannot say for sure. 

Hot, dry summers frequently result in September closures of tree farms, even walk-in areas. When you don't have access to private property (trust me, I'm working on this), there aren't too many remaining options. NFS lands tend to stay open, so I'm just curious about what other archery guys do in September when they get shut out of their tree-farm hunting areas. I'm looking into tree-line hunts on NFS land and I'm also researching NFS land that borders the tree farm where I hunt.

(and it's probably not worth that much).
G.

I don't know you, but I can infer from your posts you are an enthusiastic and serious student of blacktail deer. In fact, I correctly predicted you'd get a nice buck in 2015. I do value the wisdom you contribute to this website.

[fishnfur]

The fire dangers will likely only worsen in most years from here on out.  DNR and NFS lands may occasionally close access as well during the worst of those times.  You may just find that early archery is too much of a hassle to find open areas to hunt in Sept.  Even going towards the coast didn't help last year.

Adapt and overcome! Get a MS tag or just hunt archery during MF.  I don't see many other easy solutions, but I am looking forward to seeing you score a nice buck again next year too.  Let us know if you figure anything out.