ONE MORE HI-HUNT QUESTION

[Chet43]

How crowded is it during the hi-hunt season? I hear its way more popular now than when I did it 50 years ago and that there is way, way more general backpackers and through hikers there at the same time now too.

[Stein]

I would look through the other high hunt threads, they are numerous and similar questions come up every year.

For sure there are more hunters and hikers than there were 50 years ago.  The amount of hikers depends on if you are hunting on or near popular trails or have bushwacked a ways beyond them.  In some of the areas, there really isn't a way to get very far from popular trails.  In some areas you can go as deep as you want.

[PacificNWhunter]

How crowded is it during the hi-hunt season? I hear its way more popular now than when I did it 50 years ago and that there is way, way more general backpackers and through hikers there at the same time now too.

Man I bet it was awesome up there 50 years ago! Bet you had some great adventures. It’s pretty busy in the easy to get to areas and around the popular trail heads. If your spots were tucked out of the way I bet they are still a good spots.

[grade-creek-rd]

To answer  both of your questions in one reply thread...

1. Regarding "what to expect and where to go from the west side"....look for trails that head up into the Wildernesses that are included in the High Hunt *NOT all Wildernesses are included* so be sure the area is open. The Wild Sky is NOT open, but the Henry Jackson and Mt. Baker are open and have good access from the west side. Look for trails that lead up to the PCT, which can provide some great access to ridge-run. And as far as what to expect: RAIN or SNOW! Out of all of the high hunts I have done, only two were in "good" weather (both were too hot!) and the rest were soaking wet in rain and woke up to snow a few mornings. Also, take a bear tag, as you are more likely to see bears than bucks! The bucks will still be in bachelor groups though when you do find them.

2. How popular is it now?...VERY! When I started doing the High Hunt (my first one was 2008) we didn't see a single other hunter...my last one, three years ago it was a ZOO. Which is one reason why I have switched to archery elk and muzzleloader dear for Sept. instead of partaking in the High Hunt now...

Good luck to the kiddo's, and no matter what, September in the high country is incredible...this hunt is more for the experience of it than the harvest.

Grade

[yakimanoob]

You can tell from the silence on this forum that it's very popular 

The High Buck has been my drug of choice for the past six years, and I have never not seen other hunters and have adapted my plans around them. That's just part of the game.

That said, the presence of other hunters doesn't mean lack of game. I've watched bucks and bears walk 100yds from other hunters without their knowledge. You'll see other folks. Treat them like you want them to treat you, and don't sweat it.

Have fun!