I didn't go east for the opener

[Twispriver]

For the last 30 years I've been hunting mule deer in the Methow Valley during the archery season but this year, after seeing firsthand the decline in the deer numbers and looking at the weather forecast i decided to stay home and hunt for a blacktail around my farm. I live at the base of Mt. Pilchuck on the Scotty Road side and I have both state and private timberland that borders our farm. I left the house just before daylight, entered the woods and began a near vertical climb of about 500 feet to get where I wanted to be. With sword ferns over my head, blowdowns bigger than a car to climb over and the occasional vine maple tangle that appeared out of nowhere it took me over an hour to make the climb. Where i wanted to be is a stand of big mature timber with a series of benches rising to the ridge top. Even though I didn't see any deer it was worth the effort. I was able to hunt slowly in a nice loop all the while immersed in big,  dark timber and when I topped out on the ridge i could see all the way to Puget Sound. What a nice way to spend opening morning.
It was also a nice test of my conditioning efforts. I've got an elk hunt in Wyoming with my son in October and I've been walking hills twice a day to strengthen my legs and lungs - I'm not quite where I want to be  and I'm not 25 years old anymore but I did ok.
I didn't walk over a yellow jacket nest, I don't have any devil's club thorns that I couldn't get out, I had a great walk in the woods and the Huskies play this evening so all in all its been a great day. Can't wait for tomorrow.

And look at that - after 9 1/2 years I made it to 400 posts

[OutHouse]

Good for you on sparing the Methow. I hunt 231 and 218 but for the last few years I've focused on the whitetails in those units instead. In fact, when I joined this sight some of the first things I read were about the decline in the Methow Valley herds. That's when I started focusing on whitetails only and haven't done anything else since. I really hope some donkey of a mule does not present himself because they need a break and not sure I could resist.

[boneaddict]

I may or may not go, but triple digits, smoke, and declining herd sure make it tough to be in the mood.  It's probably a good year to take in some soccer.  I expect to let what I see walk.   
Sounds like a great day TR.

[tracksoup]

It does sound like a great day.
Cool post!

[OutHouse]

I may or may not go, but triple digits, smoke, and declining herd sure make it tough to be in the mood.  It's probably a good year to take in some soccer.  I expect to let what I see walk.   
Sounds like a great day TR.

Good for you as well. Despite the numbers you'd probably find a nice one anyway. Well, if you get out, bring the camera and post pics of the deer you spared!

[bigmacc]

Great post Twispriver and I totally respect your decision . Like others have mentioned I too will be looking for a whitetail. I will have my 2 granddaughters with me and I may have a spot or two where they will be able to have a chance to connect. As far as a nice muley stepping into view, we too will be tipping our hats to them . This herd needing a break is an understatement I'm afraid ......

[huntnfmly]

Sounds like you had a great day in the woods.
Hard to beat

[HuntnFishnRyan]

 got a nice 3x3 mulie on my cam the other night. Only problem he came out at 9 pm. Do I pass on him at this point in the season and hold out for something bigger and with a grey coat?

[longbow_hunter]

Just got back from over there.  Did not see a legal deer until this morning and he was in downtown Winthrop.  It was between 94-98 degrees since Friday, they just weren't moving past 8am or so.  I did get within 15 yards of a forky.