mule deer GMU 186

[Huntinandfishinfool]

I moved to Washington a few years ago and this will be my first year mule deer hunting the state. I've done a bunch of research and would be interested in talking with anyone that has hunted GMU 186. It's definitely a pack-in area and close to a 1,000 feet of elevation gain in a short distance. I've been focusing on the east end off the unit and trying to find out if there's any water sources once I've packed in. Using Onxmap and Google Earth I'm not seeing any signs of creeks, ponds or lakes.

Thanks for your help in advance.

[Henrydog]

Thats a hell of a drive from SW Wa.  There are some seasonal creeks, but in the fall they would be few and far between.  Vertical country. Most of the big deer are all on private property on 181.  Some of those draws you would be better off eat the deer vs trying to get it out, horses or not.  I have taken 3 out of 181 and done some chuakar hunting there, but that is when I was younger, not a mid aged game for a beer drinker

[jackelope]

Very little water in the form of lakes, etc in any of those SE WA units. Some small creeks and stuff here and there but not a lot of significant water at all.

I've never hunted that specific unit but I've hunted others down there.  Deer densities will likely be low also.

If you want to make contact with anyone specifically, I might suggest searching the elk forum for that unit. It's a more popular elk area than a deer area.

[Huntinandfishinfool]

Very little water in the form of lakes, etc in any of those SE WA units. Some small creeks and stuff here and there but not a lot of significant water at all.

I've never hunted that specific unit but I've hunted others down there.  Deer densities will likely be low also.

If you want to make contact with anyone specifically, I might suggest searching the elk forum for that unit. It's a more popular elk area than a deer area.

I'll check in with the Elk Forum as well, thanks for the suggestion.

[Huntinandfishinfool]

Thats a hell of a drive from SW Wa.  There are some seasonal creeks, but in the fall they would be few and far between.  Vertical country. Most of the big deer are all on private property on 181.  Some of those draws you would be better off eat the deer vs trying to get it out, horses or not.  I have taken 3 out of 181 and done some chuakar hunting there, but that is when I was younger, not a mid aged game for a beer drinker

It is a drive from Vancouver but that's ok.  Hoping the long drive and steep country will keep the average hunter away. Being a newer Washington resident I'm learning that finding large parcels of public land that isn't overrun with a bunch of people is almost impossible. So I'm looking at some units that would scare most people away.

[jackelope]

You know what they say. Get a mile from the road and you’ll leave most other folks behind.

[Bob33]

Lots of public land, beautiful country, low hunter numbers. If you're willing to work at it you will have some great hunting experiences.

[bigbullshedhunter]

186 Getz hammered. It's surrounded by about 20 different private landowners. There's is hardly any public land in the unit and gettimg permission for deer hunting just isn't nna happen. Tight knitt group up there. They use to grow a few giants each year but now there whole family's are hunting the prop.  Cousins, nephews, brothers, sister, ma, pa, cousins friend, nephews friend. It's the only season they have to hunt.   

[Huntinandfishinfool]

186 Getz hammered. It's surrounded by about 20 different private landowners. There's is hardly any public land in the unit and gettimg permission for deer hunting just isn't nna happen. Tight knitt group up there. They use to grow a few giants each year but now there whole family's are hunting the prop.  Cousins, nephews, brothers, sister, ma, pa, cousins friend, nephews friend. It's the only season they have to hunt.

Thanks for the insight. Awesome set of antlers inn your profile pic

[tikkahunter]

I don’t know why everyone is saying 186 is mostly private?? According to onxmaps 186 is like 3/4rds public land.  Big chunks of dnr, wildlife area and blm.  Looks extremely steep thou

[Sandberm]

According to the hunt reports at wdfw, 4 guys archery hunted for deer with 2 of them getting does. Not much pressure there.

[JasonG]

Just curious about shed hunting this GMU ?

[boneaddict]

Just make sure you are under 50 and your heart is in good shape and you dont skrimp on boots, and a little phobia for snakes helps