So what's the whitetail deer scene like here in Washington?

[Parasite]

So what's the whitetail deer scene like here in Washington? Or even Oregon or Idaho? I'm new to Washington via the Midwest and I'm going to miss hunting for whitetail until I get this state figured out for other pursuits such as elk and steelhead.

[BULLBLASTER]

Whitetail hunting is actually pretty good in wa. Different habitats from lowland farm country to true mountain Whitetail’s. Farm country is easier hunting and higher density but the largest bucks come from more remote areas it seems. 

[h20hunter]

A few flatlanders here. Where from?

[grundy53]

Honestly, the whitetail herd is probably in better shape than the blacktail herd. It's definitely in better shape than the Mulies. So you could say it's our best deer hunting here in Washington.

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[Timberstalker]

Welcome aboard, you Parasite. 

[Timberstalker]

And what part of Washington are located in?
There’s a few areas that you can concentrate on 

[nwwanderer]

With your preferences and experience good intel will be had at huntwa, lots of whitetail about

[buckcanyonlodge]

No whitetail here in Washington...................

[Parasite]

I'm originally from Michigan, but lived the last 6 years in Southern Illinois. I'll miss the whitetails in Illinois, but that's it. I also lived in Kansas for 3 years and miss hunting for whitetail and Rio Grande turkeys. Now I'm living in Olympia.

I plan on going after steelhead, salmon, cutthroat, elk, and whitetail mostly. However, I do plan on applying for other hunts for moose, sheep, goats, etc plus hunting and fishing out of state. I just need to figure things out, plus also get to know people to hunt and fish with.

Since I'll just be concentrating on public land hunting (ideally), how is the public land hunting for whitetails? I'll be primarily archery hunting. I got guns, just prefer archery. Also, is there any situations like I've heard of like the pay-to-access tree farms or whatever? I'd rather not pay, but if it's reasonable and that's my only option, I'll do it.

[Timberstalker]

You’re surrounded by blacktail and benchleg hunting!  Whitetails are 200+ miles from you. That may not matter, but it’s something to consider!

Welcome to Washington and HuntWa.

This state has lots to offer.

[Parasite]

What's benchleg hunting?

I know there are blacktails around here and I'll give them a shot, but I'm not sure I'll get into them too much. Who knows? I'm not going to knock it until I try it.

As far as driving 200 miles to chase whitetail ... No big deal to me. I'll just burn some vacation.

[hughjorgan]

What's benchleg hunting?

I know there are blacktails around here and I'll give them a shot, but I'm not sure I'll get into them too much. Who knows? I'm not going to knock it until I try it.

As far as driving 200 miles to chase whitetail ... No big deal to me. I'll just burn some vacation.

Bench legs are a cross between black tails and mule deer.

[Jonathan_S]

Honestly, the whitetail herd is probably in better shape than the blacktail herd. It's definitely in better shape than the Mulies. So you could say it's our best deer hunting here in Washington.

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Its hurting too, a lot. Whitetail are more prolific than other deer species and will put up with a lot but the herd is in rough shape in real public land whitetail country

[Parasite]

Huh, interesting. A guy I met mentioned that they were crossbreeding, but I did not know to what extent and that there was a slang term for it. Good to know.

So how are blacktail as far as table fare goes as compared to whitetail?

[h20hunter]

Blacktail are delicious.