How's would you rate this season so far?

[fishnfur]

Hunting reports here are problematic in that good reports are often posted, negative reports often not.  Though there have been many stellar buck taken this season, I've been seeing some grubling posts from hunters who are seeing no activity at all.  The success thread, when judged by the number of pages posted, seems to be ahead of last year's pace, but that may not tell the entire story.

Just for fun, lets see how this season so far compares to what you consider to be an average season.  Here's a ten day poll - a perfect opportunity to cheer or complain in a single keystroke.  Have at it!  (I'm giving it an average, but that may be a bit generous.)

[PolarBear]

Seen a LOT fewer decent bucks this year.  Last year I was seeing 20-40 deer per day, this year I have only had one day in the 20's.  Most days I can count the deer on one hand.  I am seeing more bear, cougar and elk sign.

[PastorJoel]

Over 3 days of hunting I saw 30-40 doe and 3 bucks.  A skeleton spike, a living spike (technically 2 pt), and the 4x4 (plus eye guards) I shot.  I also jumped a bear and a couple of deer that I only heard.

[SkookumHntr]

Mule deer season was probably below average, maybe average where I hunt, I did see deer every day, bucks and 2 really big bucks, 1 I choked on!Hunted Blacktail about 30 minutes Friday and got a 4point! So pretty good for me!

[Boss .300 winmag]

2016 STATS SO FAR
WHAT DID YOU GET, OR ARE YOU ENJOYING TAG SOUP VICHYSSOISE?
MULE DEER BUCK
34 (32.1%)MULE DEER DOE
2 (1.9%)BLACKTAIL BUCK
41 (38.7%)BLACKTAIL DOE
6 (5.7%)WHITETAIL BUCK
9 (8.5%)WHITETAIL DOE0 (0%)TAG SOUP VICHYSSOISE
14 (13.2%)
Total Members Voted: 106

2015 STATS
So what did you get, or not get.
Mule deer buck
109 (33.1%)Mule deer doe
12 (3.6%)Whitetail buck
29 (8.8%)Whitetaill doe
7 (2.1%)Blacktail buck
66 (20.1%)Blacktail doe
8 (2.4%)Tag soup for me
98 (29.8%)
Total Members Voted: 315


I think the numbers are down this year. It's not a scientific poll, but I think it's a good comparison from year to year.

[PolarBear]

My buddy in Republic says that he is seeing a lot fewer deer and a ton more hunters this year.  What he does see are does and very young bucks.  Predators are out of control and the fires to the West aint helping things. 

[wheels]

saw legal buck that usually dont happen just didnt come together

[jeffro]

Can we hunt 2 points yet?
Seen some bruisers and would have been done opening morning.
Then I would have called my friends to get theirs.
Why don't muleys grow eye guards any more?

Edit to add: elk season has been a waste of time

[ffbowhunter]

Even though our group success rate was 50%, we saw fewer deer overall. We hunt private property with little pressure so it was slightly disappointing. Over all fun as always though.