GMU 638 deer archery

[ljsommer]

Really this is going to come down to sign - let's go get boots on the ground and find out how many animals are actually in there. I volunteer =)

[brandon.b.sanders]

This video seems like it was meant for this thread on 638. -  Scouting tactics for a new area. 

start_radio=1&list=RDQMpZmtwGWcoOA

That's some awesome advice

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[Grant4068]

I been hunting deer and elk in that unit for a few seasons, usually up the humptulips.  I killed one spike last year(rifle) but didn't even see a single deer this year.  Had one spike and a cougar on my trail cam in September.  Then I put my cam back up on what looked like an intersection of heavily used game trails, left it up there for like 6 weeks, and didn't have ANYTHING walk by my cam in that period.  There are animals up there, but there are very very few in my estimation.  I would move on from there, I know I am. 

[fishnfur]

One less hunter ruining your spot!   

[spin05]

we hunted it for the first time on the last weekend. Saw very little sign. Ended up coming home disappointed

[brandon.b.sanders]

Very little sign isn't "no sign"

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[ljsommer]

To be fair, I spent a ton of time in 454 this season and there's also VERY little deer sign in there, compared to the acreage. Still, over 100 deer were pulled out of there in 2017.
I've kind of given up on actually killing any animals in WA and am instead focusing on just getting into some really cool terrain in pursuit of (the idea of) them.
This looks pretty cool to me.

[fishnfur]

Nothing wrong with going for a good hike.

My gut tells me you're just in the wrong spots or not recognizing what you're seeing as deer sign.  454 should have plenty of deer and fresh sign.  For example, if I was archery hunting there, I'd try this spot on DNR lands delineated by the light blue line.  My gut tells me there's quite a few deer coming down from above (in the evenings) to feed in that old cut.  The place probably has a ton of vehicle traffic during modern firearm, but it might be very worthwhile to scout this spot, or a spot with similar characteristics, this winter through mid-summer for the early archery season.  Perhaps you've already been there.  If so, it may be worth another look.

[ljsommer]

Thanks for the tip - I know 454 is huge, I've been closer to the Issaquah area of 454. I will go scout that out.
I sent a PM with a more specific area that I've spent my time.

[brandon.b.sanders]

Any of you guys that have hunted this area before, have you been to Elk or Bunch Lake?

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[dreamunelk]

Any of you guys that have hunted this area before, have you been to Elk or Bunch Lake?

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Been there.  They are in the park so can not hunt there.  Not really a fishing destination if you are curious about that.  Still a cool area.

[brandon.b.sanders]

Ah! Didn't catch that it was over the boundary. Looking for places up there that offer deer something but hard for people to get to.

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[dreamunelk]

Just get off the road and you will not see many people.  For the most part only the main lines are open.  There are several large bottoms along the hump.  Your are hunting Black-tailed deer in the brush.  Covering ground is not recommended.   Get into a likely spot and hunt slower than slow.

[fishnfur]

Just get off the road and you will not see many people.  For the most part only the main lines are open.  There are several large bottoms along the hump.  Your are hunting Black-tailed deer in the brush.  Covering ground is not recommended.   Get into a likely spot and hunt slower than slow.