Mt. Baker Alpine Blacktail

[ni2828]

Hello all,

I'm trying to find a new place to scout for next year's high buck hunt near Mt. Baker, and I am mixed between a couple different locations based on the elevations. Has anyone seen about how high the deer are at that time of year (Sept 15-25)? Along the same lines, are the black bears usually at about the same elevation? Thanks!

[7mmstalker]

Hunted Whatcom county regularly from 2001-2014. Not hard to find bears in the higher country, deer are another story. Others may have different experiences, but I always saw more sign, and deer, in the foothills and country between foothills and farmland.
For an early high hunt you will probably have a better chance at seeing a buck moving a bit south, Alpine Lakes or West to muley country above Leavenwoth / Chelan area.
There are certainly some bucks up in the Mt Baker area, but the cover is  thick and hostile to human sized travel! You will see lots of  "tunnels" through the blackberries made by the bears and Blacktails.
 If a person could scout real well and have a good idea where they are travelling, that would be good.
 The sit, and watch, and wait, part of that method usually got the better of me.
I have seen bucks moving in the mountains, but usually about 5-10 minutes before dark / legal shooting hours. Those Blacktail bucks are masters of stealth, and just the right size to really stay hidden until they bust out like a rabbit!

[ni2828]

I have seen bucks moving in the mountains, but usually about 5-10 minutes before dark / legal shooting hours. Those Blacktail bucks are masters of stealth, and just the right size to really stay hidden until they bust out like a rabbit!

Have you ever noticed any more movement out of them up high later in the season?

[dreadi]

Parked at the Hyak exit parking area and hiked up to the nearest lakes for an overnight hunt trip. Never saw any deer on the way up or down.