Late Gardner tag

[JWBINX]

Just got back after 5 days in Gardner. The deer numbers are very low, seeing very few does and very few small bucks. Locals are saying the deer numbers might be 20% of 4 years ago. Saw 5 wolves off of Frost road one morning and cougar tracks all over Thompson ridge. Pretty frustrating!
Fires, 2 back to back high harvest years, 2015-2016 , predators, Winter die off to blame. I still have a few days off work and think I will head back
for the rest of week. Does any body else have this tag that is experiencing same thing. What a great tag only to have no deer!

[Dick in the Dirt]

Wildlife knew #s were way off,but they need to sell tags. They do the drive thru though Twin Lakes and say the herd looks good,should be a great season. The deer going though my place to the river are way down,lucky if I see deer twice a week.

[bigmacc]

I,ve talked to some locals and a guy with a 218 tag and another fella with a 224 tag, unfortunately, the same thing, not many deer, not much sign. Was over for a few days myself, just plain horrible. Unfortunately, like a lot of us have said and warned about, I,m afraid this is the future of the Methow herd and what we are looking at is what a lot of us predicted years ago would happen if management continued on the path it has been on. Stick with it, hunt hard and good luck, they're not all gone yet ....

[boneaddict]

      


I didnt even put in for it this year

[JWBINX]

Ghosthunter,
Thanks for the tip! I sent you a PM, not sure if it went through.
To the rest of you guys responding, thank for for pretty much confirming whats
going on. I ran into a guy that has had the tag twice over the years and done well both times, his buddy
 now has a tag, they spent 5 days last week and so far 4 days this week- no deer.
Maybe going back this week the rut might get things going. Only need ONE!!

[boneaddict]

Sadly, the rut has been going hard for two weeks.  You are seeing what is there.   Like you said, still only need the one.   Honestly they should suspend this hunt for a couple years, but instead will gladly take your money. 

[bigmacc]

Sadly, the rut has been going hard for two weeks.  You are seeing what is there.   Like you said, still only need the one.   Honestly they should suspend this hunt for a couple years, but instead will gladly take your money.

Yes sir, the rut has been a factor for a couple weeks and there may be some stragglers but I agree with bone that what we are seeing is "what we are seeing" .......suspend the late hunt, I agree ..doe hunts, REALLY , draw only in the Methow , I,m telling you folks, this herd is in bad shape!....I will say it again, I wish the  Washington Dept. Of Fish and GAME were still around!

[FWilliams]

Ghosthunter,
Thanks for the tip! I sent you a PM, not sure if it went through.
To the rest of you guys responding, thank for for pretty much confirming whats
going on. I ran into a guy that has had the tag twice over the years and done well both times, his buddy
 now has a tag, they spent 5 days last week and so far 4 days this week- no deer.
Maybe going back this week the rut might get things going. Only need ONE!!

been in and out of there the last couple of weeks, I will PM you some info. I saw a decent one in there  last week not a record book deer but a decent 4x5 that had enough trash that made him pretty unique. not sure what you are looking for.

Fred

[JWBINX]

Never did find a shooter, saw some small 3 and 4 pts, but not what I was after. I want to thank all you guys
for the tips and suggestions. Hunted for 8 days and no bruisers, hope in the future that the Methow mule deer return??
Everybody have a Happy Thanksgiving.

[boneaddict]

Thank you for not killing one just to kill one.

[huntnphool]

Thank you for not killing one just to kill one.

+1