Region 4 Incentive Permit - GMU 460

[HikerHunter]

I drew an incentive permit this year that encompasses most of the 400 series units. I'm thinking about focusing on GMU 460, particularly the Nov. 1-16 rifle season, since its limited to quality tag holders and its fairly close to home. I've hunted some in that unit but not for deer and not during that time period.

I'm curious about tips and tactics during that season, types of areas to focus on, access permits that would help, etc. I'm in good shape and enjoy hiking up mountains if needed, but I'm guessing the higher elevations are weather dependent during that season.

Thanks Hunt WA!

[Tbar]

Better hunting and less recreational users in the United north of there. Best of luck, I like to slow hunt the timber for mature bt.

[jason stevens]

This is awesome. I live in goldbar an there is access to hike in only off mann road. To a very good area. Not sure if ya need a weyhauser permit or not but there are some decent bucks in there. Good luck on your hunt. You might also wanna scout around Miller River area

[HikerHunter]

Better hunting and less recreational users in the United north of there. Best of luck, I like to slow hunt the timber for mature bt.

Thanks Tbar, I'll look into the units further north

[HikerHunter]

This is awesome. I live in goldbar an there is access to hike in only off mann road. To a very good area. Not sure if ya need a weyhauser permit or not but there are some decent bucks in there. Good luck on your hunt. You might also wanna scout around Miller River area

Thanks Jason!

[Skyvalhunter]

If your set on 460 I would concentrate on the northern part of the unit

[HikerHunter]

If your set on 460 I would concentrate on the northern part of the unit

Thanks Skyval! I'm not 100% set on 460 but its the easiest for me to get to. If I find something more promising, I'll certainly take a look.

[hunterednate]

Best of luck on this! Great tag to have.

[HikerHunter]

Trust your senses!

I wanted to provide some follow up on this thread because my tag is notched! Thank you for the messages, tips, and insights. I did expand past 460 and wound up in 448 during the quality season. At one point, about 10am in the morning, I was glassing a clearcut below me when I heard, what I thought was two bucks sparring in the timber above and behind me. I snuck up into the timber but never caught up with them. In fact, I didn’t see any sign either, no tracks, poop, rubs, etc. I thought my ears were playing tricks on me, but later that afternoon I eventually found where the bucks had been fighting which was the opposite direction behind me than I thought it was. Fog and wind might have played a role in that. It must have been an intense battle because I tracked it for about 150 yards in the timber with the end being a 10 yard by 20 yard torn up patch of ferns, leaves, and dirt. There was my lesson: Trust your senses!

[HikerHunter]

I have never been successful at rattling before, but thought this would be the perfect place to try to rattle one of those bucks in. The next day, I did a few setups where I got settled and hidden and tried some rattling. It was raining and colder than the day before, so sitting was not ideal. I only had until about noon this day to hunt so once the time came, I packed everything up and started heading back to the car. I kept my rattling antlers out so that I could hunt all the way back to the car.

I would stop to rattle on my walk out but not for very long. After one rattle, I saw a buck coming up a small draw in the timber. He hadn’t seen me yet, so I dropped to a knee, set the antlers down and raised my rifle all in one motion. There was a tree between us, but the buck saw some movement and turned towards me. I could only see half his body, including only one eye. He must have wanted a better look because he stepped out from behind the tree, and I took the shot. As I settled the scope back on him for a follow up shot, he bounced out of view. I could hear crashing bushes for what seemed like 10 seconds. In my head, I’m counting by yards though and figured he was either 100-150 yards from the shot or was out of ear shot at that point and could be further.

I was by myself and knew tracking would be important especially if he was 150+ yards away. I hung my orange hat on the tree that was next to where I shot from and marched straight to where I thought the deer was when I shot and hung another orange hat I had. It was a 46 yard shot. I found good blood within 10 yards of the shot and looked like lung material. The blood trail was easy to follow and was full of lung pieces, and he was piled up within 40 yards.

[HikerHunter]

The prolonged crashing I heard must have been his does taking off and were out of view. He was still pretty close to the battle signs from the day before and was certainly a fighter because one antler tip was broken. I feel very fortunate because I have hunted for blacktail some over the years, but this buck certainly seems bigger than my experience level should have allowed.

Thanks again for your help Hunt WA!

Psalm 107:1

[trophyhunt]

Sounds like a great adventure, congrats on a great buck.

[Bob33]

Outstanding story, and photo. That's a real trophy. Congratulations.

[Mfowl]

Great buck and story! Thanks for sharing!

[HikerHunter]

Almost forgot to add that I got him my birthday!