New mule deer hunter

[Wendego716]

Howdy folks! New to the forum and new to mule deer hunting. Moved here a couple years ago from back east, took a whitetail my first year and a blacktail last year. Thought I might try to complete the trifecta this year, but mule deer hunting is a whole new beast. I've got some general questions on migrations and road access, not looking for specific spots to go or anything.

I've been looking at hunting the east slopes of the Cascades for the general season, maybe Wenatchee-Winthrop areas (Units 242, 245, and 247 caught my eye). My biggest concern is what the road conditions are like in there, especially because I'll be driving a Honda Fit (not by choice, believe me). Are the roads fairly passable, or are they high clearance 4x4 only? For examples, I've looked at areas around Tyee Ridge Rd, Potato Creek Rd, Grade Creek Rd. And I don't have the gear to backpack in, so I'm unfortunately limited to what I can day hike into. I know it's going to be a rodeo as far as the crowds go, so I'm planning on avoiding the weekends - hopefully that will help a little?

My next biggest concern is will there actually be any deer in those areas? They're not all migratory, so there has to be some resident deer in the lower areas right? Or should I be looking further east? I did some work out in Swanson Lakes years ago, and saw plenty of deer that summer, so that could be an option?

I've got a million more questions, but I don't mind figuring those out on my own. Also, I know it's way late to start making plans, but it's been a busy summer (I'll sum it up in one word: toddler).

[phildobaggins]

Welcome to the forum! There are mulies all over in all of those spots you listed. The best way to find 'em is to go look for 'em 

[sjhgraysage]

most of the Swanson Lakes area burned last summer. I have contacts in that area with private land that is normally a deer spot, they lost their deer cover in the fire and there were no deer there last fall.

[Wendego716]

Oof, that's a bummer about Swanson. I guess I'll definitely be wearing down the boot leather in the Cascades then

[Lady Grouse hunter]

Contact Me SOON, I have spot were they are BIG Mulely's

[kenjo]

A pre-season trip to those areas to scout the roads will answer your questions about road conditions and access (wet weather before and during the season can affect them). Those areas are in migratory routes but until November deer will be scattered and sticking to cover during the day. There's always a few local bucks but the first rule of mule deer hunting applies: Deer are where you find them. Regardless of how many hunters are out cruising the roads, hiking a mile or so from the road will get you away from most of the hunter pressure.

[heavyhorned]

well no matter what area you pick over here that car is going to get abused. The forest service used to contract a local guy to grade the roads but with this years fires they have utilized him else where. even if the road is in good shape it will still take out and oil pan or a tie rod. i see people in small suv's all the time breaking something. last year the wife and i saw a porsche cayenne sitting along side the road with i big oil spot under it. the roads change daily up here. a rock can roll down, or lots of traffic and cause some serious ruts . i really don't know were to tell you to go but if i were you i would be looking at upgrading to a higher clearance rig or start doing some scouting/driving to see what those areas are really like. lower areas in unit 242 mean a lot of privet lands. yes there are animals there but not many will allow you to hunt them. might need to find a spot to drive to, camp, and do a lot of walking.

[phildobaggins]

You'll be fine in the Honda, but you'll probably need to go slow and get creative in a few areas  Mid-late season in those areas can be a bit unpredictable, but there are tons of deer.

E-scout some draws that look tasty, come over and drive some roads in the day light, and do some glassing with a sandwich and some jerky. You can make an awesome day out of scouting, maybe run into some other hunters who've had success and are over excited to tell you exactly where they shot their deer and where the other bucks that were with him went  

Which season are you going to be hunting?

[Wendego716]

i would be looking at upgrading to a higher clearance rig or start doing some scouting/driving to see what those areas are really like.

might need to find a spot to drive to, camp, and do a lot of walking.

Earlier this summer I thought of picking up a used truck just for hunting, but then I saw what trucks are going for now and said the hell with that. No way I'm paying 20K for a 10 year old truck. Oof. My hope is to drive in as far as I can, camp, and hike out from there. I intended on scouting last weekend, then this weekend, but life keeps getting in the way. Hopefully next weekend!

[Wendego716]

You'll be fine in the Honda, but you'll probably need to go slow and get creative in a few areas  Mid-late season in those areas can be a bit unpredictable, but there are tons of deer.

E-scout some draws that look tasty, come over and drive some roads in the day light, and do some glassing with a sandwich and some jerky. You can make an awesome day out of scouting, maybe run into some other hunters who've had success and are over excited to tell you exactly where they shot their deer and where the other bucks that were with him went  

Which season are you going to be hunting?

I'll be hunting modern firearm. Gonna go M-F and avoid the weekend, hopefully it'll be less of a zoo that way? I'm hoping to spend a few weekends beforehand scouting. Bring the dog and the shotgun on a few and maybe find some birds, bring the rifle on the others and maybe find a bear. At the least, it's awesome country to wander around in.

[heavyhorned]

i can honestly tell you that the roads are not all that great let alone the amount of animals out there. yesterday went for a drive / scout trip. made a 14 mile loop. we drive a toyota tacoma with 3 in lift, and alot of spots in the roads were at least 4 wheel drive was needed. not just due to rocks but in spots 8 to 12 in of powder dirt and ruts. not trying to stop you in any way, but you might want to look on onx for some lower areas to hunt. oh and we only saw 12 deer. one buck and he was a little 2 point.

[Griiz]

If you are hunting mountainous areas, my advice is get away from other hunters and find steep, nasty, cliffy country. The bucks like it. I see a lot more bucks compared to does in this country. If I'm not a little uncomfortable moving around, then it isn't rugged enough. Sit as much as possible and use your binoculars and senses. I find it much easier to harvest mature mule deer when compared to blacktails. Make sure you have a pack board and know how to bone out your buck. Good Luck.