GMU 124 Land - Worth Pursuing or waste of time?

[mcrawfordaf]

I was wondering if anyone had any info or advice on some timber land in 124. I've been in to this area twice now but have only seen animals on the private sides. Just want to know if its worth continuing to scout the area (for deer, bear or cougar) or if I'm just spinning my wheels. I've gone through the "search" function on here with every mountain, creek and surrounding area names and haven't seen anything pull up. It's main appeal is that it's a 30 min drive from home. Can shoot you a DM with more specifics if you're familiar with the general 124 area and willing to give some insight. Thanks!

[huntnnw]

I’m sure you are referring to some IEP lands. I hunt lots of IEP lands for deer.  To get an idea of what’s around a trail cam out with some feed for about 2-3 weeks will give you a great idea of what’s around.

[jrebel]

Yes.....a trail cam with a bit of feed (cob, or whole corn) will show you what's running around for sure.  I have to imagine the bear population is robust in any of the NE corner GMU's.  Go get'ummmm

[Rutnbuxnbulls]

I hunted 124 last year late rifle because my typical 127 spots got crushed by blue tongue.  The deer seemed to survive way better up in the mountains.

Anyway, I saw a ton of deer in private fields, but they bed up in the timber lands for cover.  There's plenty of deer, bear, and especially cougar in 124 so make sure you have all the tags. 

Hike in is great, less competition.  I hiked in to IEP land last November and shot my buck, didn't see another soul all day, had the mountain to myself.

Good luck dude!

[mcrawfordaf]

So I biked in a natural salt rock and a bag of corn and got a trail cam to set up over it. It's taking me a lot of will power not to go check it this weekend! I've currently got it along a game trail in a drainage a bit out from the private land. If I'm not getting any activity at the site should I try and move it closer to the private land border where I did see some deer?

[mcrawfordaf]

Well it has deer

[Dan-o]

That one oughtta keep you interested.......     

[buckfvr]

What weapon ?

[NRA4LIFE]

Get as far away from a road/parking spot as you can.  Half of Spokane will be within a 1/2 mile or so of there come rifle season.  I seen quite a few deer in there during my moose hunt.

[mcrawfordaf]

That one oughtta keep you interested.......     

Very interested! 

What weapon ?

I'll be hunting modern rifle. If things don't work out for me this year I'll think about trying to pick up a bow for next year though.

Get as far away from a road/parking spot as you can.  Half of Spokane will be within a 1/2 mile or so of there come rifle season.  I seen quite a few deer in there during my moose hunt.

Thankfully this is a ways back and non-motorized entry all around. But I know it's still a long shot to be the only guy on these deer. Fingers crossed, and just hope the work I've been putting in biking out there with sacks of corn pay off.

[buckfvr]

Modern season, a couple things to consider besides wind and not approaching from same direction you expect the deer to come from, be sure and put your offering under the canopy and find your hide at least 100 yards away, 200 is better.  When using bait or scents I typically set up 200-250ish.

[mcrawfordaf]

Modern season, a couple things to consider besides wind and not approaching from same direction you expect the deer to come from, be sure and put your offering under the canopy and find your hide at least 100 yards away, 200 is better.  When using bait or scents I typically set up 200-250ish.

I'm back out this week to swap SD cards and start checking on firing lanes. Was thinking about getting a quick set up mesh ground blind as well. If I plan on going out Friday night before the opener and setting up camp about how far from my hide should I be do you think?

[buckfvr]

Me personally, Id camp where they cant see (from their travel route to hot spot) glow from lanterns or fire or smell cooking or hear vehicle doors close.