Why no general muzzleloader deer for GMU 218 (Chewuch)?

[Calvin Rayborn]

Maybe I'm missing something...Don't see GMU 218 Chewuch listed in any of the General Muzzleloader Deer Season section of the regs. It's included in both the Archery and Modern Firearm seasons, which makes no sense to me, as I thought that the ML crowd got a little season preference over the modern firearm season, for the most part anyway?

[chester]

It's included in both the Archery and Modern Firearm seasons, which makes no sense to me, as I thought that the ML crowd got a little season preference over the modern firearm season, for the most part anyway?

Lol no, the muzzy guys always get the short end of the stick. Shorter season and not great timing . It's the smallest user group so Wdfw puts muzzleloader as last priority behind rifle and archery.


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[MtnMuley]

There hasn't been a muzzy season in the Chewuch for many years.

[bobcat]

Lots of units aren't open for muzzleloader. It's always been that way. Actually there are a lot more units open now than there used to be. I don't know that there's any scientific reason for it. I assume it's just so the modern firearm hunters still have some units that they can hunt without muzzleloader hunters being in there just prior to the modern season. If a particular unit you want to hunt isn't open for muzzleloader the solution is simple- buy a modern tag.

[Jharristealth]

224 is the same. I have always assumed it possibly had something to do with the wintering range gates in the area getting locked up for the winter (oct.1st) to lighten the pressure on the animals before modern season starts.

[Calvin Rayborn]

Darn it!

Got a magnum sixgun (Custom Ruger Old Army BP - pushing .44 mag ballistics with Triple-7) that I'm just itchin' to take out into the brush for a little close range action! Little difficult out here in the open Columbia Basin where I live. Okanogan has some awesome territory, guess I'll try to find an open ML unit near the 218. Any suggestions?

[bobcat]

Gardner and Alta are both open and they're not burned up like most of the other units in that area. So they might even be better for close shot opportunities.

[Calvin Rayborn]

Thanks for the advice, Bobcat! Just called WDFW Region 2 Headquarters, and they had NO CLUE as to why there was no general ML deer season up there! Referred me to Scott Fitkin, district wildlife biologist up in the Methow for further info. Voice mail left. Will keep everyone uptated.

[boneaddict]

Lots of units aren't open for muzzleloader. It's always been that way. Actually there are a lot more units open now than there used to be. I don't know that there's any scientific reason for it. I assume it's just so the modern firearm hunters still have some units that they can hunt without muzzleloader hunters being in there just prior to the modern season. If a particular unit you want to hunt isn't open for muzzleloader the solution is simple- buy a modern tag.

Allocation of hu table critters.  It's been like this for all tags and units

[Calvin Rayborn]

No response from Scott so far, will try email...

[MtnMuley]

No response from Scott so far, will try email...

I doubt you get a response, and if you do, the answer won't have any factual support. You couldn't talk to a more useless waste of air that him. Sorry.

[boneaddict]

Never know.   As flaky and as irradic as they are about deer management, it could be a year around season for muzzleloaders this next time around.   Especially if it follows the current trend to decimate the methow herd

[Calvin Rayborn]

Alright, finally got my callback! Here it is in a nutshell...; was told that the Chewuch had no gen ML season because the Mod Firearm boys need a "leg up," because they are traditionally much less successful in these general areas than Archery and ML hunters. Made no sense to me frrom a purely mechanical standpoint (don't see our troops running around with stickbows and muskets!!!).

[bobcat]

     I called it.

[Calvin Rayborn]

No kidding, you nailed it, Bobcat!