2018 seems very lean

[headshot5]

Any of you guys who are seeing increased numbers of coyotes and bears while deer hunting killing any of them?  It's pretty rare when I turn down a shot at a coyote even in my deer hunting spots.   

[C-Money]

Never seen a yote on ground I could blast him on. But did see a LOT traveling from spot to spot over the road. They would have been eliminated if I could have done so legally.

[The Marquis]

Never seen a yote on ground I could blast him on. But did see a LOT traveling from spot to spot over the road. They would have been eliminated if I could have done so legally.

This is the case for me as well.  I see yotes, but never on land I can shoot on.  Heard a bunch this deer season though, in the dark, very nearby before legal hunting hours.  Never was able to get a look at them.

[wheels]

havent seen yote during season for aswhile also have or had the untouchable big yotes for awhile  only ever seen one bear 12 plus years  and was September and for sure would have taken if was little faster   

[Southpole]

Any of you guys who are seeing increased numbers of coyotes and bears while deer hunting killing any of them?  It's pretty rare when I turn down a shot at a coyote even in my deer hunting spots.   

I would definitely, if I had the opportunity, since shooting a deer is low on my priority (unless I see an absolute monster!), my hunting priorities are predators first for me.

[bigmacc]

Any of you guys who are seeing increased numbers of coyotes and bears while deer hunting killing any of them?  It's pretty rare when I turn down a shot at a coyote even in my deer hunting spots.   

Our group took out 4 yotes. Fresh bear sign everywhere in the Methow, heard of at least 5 bear killed in 218 and 224, seen a big boy in the back of a truck at pardners, had a bear tag but the one I actually seen up close and personal was at about 3 o'clock in the A.M. Cat tracks everywhere in the Methow also, heard of 2 being killed in 218 and 224, I seen one for about 10 seconds as it jumped from one rock outcropping to another, couldn't get a shot off. Fresh wolf sign in 218 and 224, more than I have seen since wolves were in there, seen 6 fresh piles in different areas of 218 that weren't probably more than a week or so old. Lots of deer being killed in that valley every day of the year I,m afraid, pretty soon it takes a toll and thats what we are seeing the results of now. You wonder just how many deer are getting picked off over there each month by the over abundance of predators. Seems like every year we are finding more and more bone piles, partially buried cached kills, and limping or wounded deer walking around.

[KB88]

My group saw more yotes than we have in the last few years combined. Saw more dead fawns than legal deer in a normally hot area.

[Muleyslyr]

Hunted Muzzleload season and definitely saw lower numbers than usual. Killed my buck second day of modern and saw decent numbers in completely different unit. I think overall maybe guys just aren't seeing as many legal bucks and along with the blue bird weather it was tough. With that said, guys just don't post as many kill pics anymore either and can't say I blame them. I'm one myself. Not quite as bad as the HW FB page but getting there. Damn shame.

[swanny]

Plenty of deer were seen for me, got out 6 days so far chasing mule deer in wheat country. Only 1 legal buck who jumped the fence as soon as I saw him. One MONSTER 2pt who i originally thought was legal, and plenty of small 2x2's and spikes. We had 7 people total in our camp and 1 got 3x3. It was the only other legal buck I saw other than one splattered on the side of the road on my way home last Sunday.

I'll echo the coyote comment. My wife went out for her first time ever this year. Opening morning we got to a nice little glassing spot and saw coyotes all around walking in. Within the first 20-30minutes of sitting, we had at least 8 run by us and saw numerous more (or the same ones?) throughout the morning. First thing in the morning I wasn't ready to shoot, but by 9:30 I was willing, but didn't get my shot off quick enough.

[kodiak10]

I am very new to hunting in Washington, but it seems like there is loads of coyotes where I have been hunting as well. I spotted 3 the last two times I have gone out east as well as massive amounts of coyote signs. Spotted roughly 15 mule deer does, but not a single buck.

[grade-creek-rd]

coyote pelt prices are up...just sayin, come December-Jan its a way to pay for gas and have a good day out hunting!

Grade

PS. Heavyhorned didn't mention it but it was his wife's first deer...Congrats!

[jstone]

Price for pelts?? It’s on this year. Maybe pay for bullets and some gas?

[powderbounder]

I’m with all of you. I definitely didn’t see the numbers as from years past. It’s sickening. These little towns that count a lot on hunters are going to dry up. Then you will see the leftist tree huggers take over. My money is going to start going to another state. Our game dept needs to pull there head out. Thanks WDFW!!!

[Thehowler]

Blacktail deer hunting in western wa has always been tuff. Look at the timing of the rifle hunt, blue sky’s and warm weather, most years I can remember. Right place, right time, has always been the case, for me anyways.
More hunters every year.

[adamR]

Worst deer season that I've ever had.  I saw deer every day, but in numbers that were dismal compared to what I'm used to.  I saw 1 legal buck on opening day of modern but he was a small 2 point with an eye guard and I wasnt willing to shoot him.  I miss the days of sitting on a ridge and glassing multiple bucks before deciding on one to go after.

I saw more coyotes than I've ever seen, including one pack that had 8 running together.  Cougar sign everywhere!

I've ran through going to permit only for mule deer in my head but, and I apologize for taking the thread here, what's the point in doing permit only when indians  will still have unregulated harvest numbers.  Wdfw has got to figure out a way to monitor Indian harvest and work together to increase the herd numbers.  I'm not saying that we should take anything away from them but, at the very least, we have to include there harvest numbers when deciding the future of our mule deer.

Also, I think there's too many roads!  Everywhere I hunt I hear the stupid atvs and side by side.  And it's really starting to piss me off when I see a side by side driving through sage brush out in the middle of nowhere and it doesn't do any good to call the game department.  Yakima county has three officers!  What can you expect out of them, being so stretched?

Sorry, rant over...