GMU 204 Hot Areas, Campsite Availablity

[Jacksprat90]

Hi all, I am about to head out to GMU 204, East Okanogan for 10 days for modern firearm season. A buddy and I got drawn for a second deer permit. Personally, I have never been to the area except to drive through on HWY 20 and didn't have a chance to get out there and do some scouting.

I was hoping some of you had some info on where you would focus on for hunts? Looking at the map we were thinking about camping somewhere around Ferry or Swan lake, but I have heard some good things about the Bonaparte Lake area.

Does anybody know the likelihood of getting a good spot for base camp? We will have three RVs and a few tents to set up. 10 people are going, but only 5 are hunting. Are the campgrounds going to be too full if I get there on Friday at around noon? I am specifically thinking about Ferry or Swan Lake. The non-hunters want to fish while we are there. Are there many options for dispersed camping?

I really hope I can fill both tags. I have been hunting for 24 years, except for the 8 years I was on active duty, but at this point even just getting a doe would be great. I have never shot a deer and have only even sighted down one buck that I passed on because it was too small. I swear I am not a bad hunter, I just have really bad luck on public land, especially since I hunt with old guys that can't hear or see well.

Anything helps. I need meat in the freezer to alleviate some grocery bills.

Thanks!

[TeacherMan]

I lived up there for a long time to the West of it in Curlew. My biggest whitetail comes from there. I would focus on the lower country around Bonaparte Lake. The camp ground there as well is a good base camp. Beaver Lake camp ground is also pretty nice and beautiful country!!! I'm thinking of heading up their for the second weekend myself. As for hunting the area is thick with deer and you really don't need to get a long way off the road, you just need to get out of your truck. I cant tell you how many deer I've seen lay down or slide off into the timber when a vehicle is coming to reappear only a couple min later. Good luck and have a blast!

[Jacksprat90]

Thanks for the info TeacherMan. Have you had any experience around Ferry and Swan Lake? I have been hearing a lot about that Bonaparte area. I think I might have to convince some of the others in our group that we need to be farther north west.

[Rainier10]

PM sent, click on "my messages" near the top of the page.

[TeacherMan]

Thanks for the info TeacherMan. Have you had any experience around Ferry and Swan Lake? I have been hearing a lot about that Bonaparte area. I think I might have to convince some of the others in our group that we need to be farther north west.

Its a good area as well. There are several old burns in there that I see a good mix of whitetail and mule deer in. Only drawback is you really cant hunt south of that point because the reservation. TONS of bears.