Blacktail deer hunting Washougal unit?

[flyfishWA]

does anybody have any tactics they would share for muzzeloader hunting  blacktail in washougal unit?

[JWEBB]

I have never muzzle loaded in Washougal but I have spent many years hunting the unit with a rifle. I would choose another unit. The whole unit is overrun with road hunters and poachers. 15 years ago it was decent but today it’s just a rat race

[fishnfur]

I don't know the unit.  There's a couple of threads on Washougal that you can read if you use the search function at the top of the page. 

Like anywhere, ML season can be tough.  The bucks are still in pre-rut and going about their daily business, which normally takes place outside legal hunting light.  I'd recommend scouting the area as much as possible prior to the season.  Look for areas off main roads.  Closed roads are even better.  Glassing 5 year old reprod/clearcuts or sneaking around in bedding areas might both be productive.  They may respond to gentle rattling in early mornings or near last light.  In Ryderwood, I've heard them jousting in the evenings near the end of ML season as the season starts to ramp up.    You need to spend some time in there and get a feel for what's happening.

[Ajj828]

I’ve hunted it 2 years now and it’s actually a decent unit up on larch mountain. Many logging roads with closed off yellow gates. Just park your truck behind a gate and check every clearcut. Lots and lots of road hunters even 3 miles down the gated roads. They won’t even step foot in the clear cuts. So find a good nasty clearcut and go into it. I don’t know how many people hunt muzzy so it won’t be as bad. There are deer there lots of 2 points. Just find the does this summer and you will find the bucks in the same area during the season.

[paultanninen]

One tip: use bait and hunt fields on private land. Chances are, you won't come out with a big buck, but you have decent chances of getting a black bear or a cougar.

[flyfishWA]

thanks for all the tips.

[fishnfur]

One tip: use bait and hunt fields on private land. Chances are, you won't come out with a big buck, but you have decent chances of getting a black bear or a cougar.

Not legal.

[paultanninen]

if you're referring to the bears and cougars over bait, i mean if you do decide to still hunt