First Go Around!

[VickGar]

Finally! Our first attempt in the backcountry! Long time low-key supporter of the forum, never felt like I had much to offer to the group but I am definitely excited for my first archery backcountry hunt with some good friends. Eyes are killing me from looking at maps on the phone and computer but I’m hoping it’s worth it. So far we have came to the agreement of GMU 204 & GMU 101. In a normal year we definitely would be scouting but with a baby due in 7 days I’ve had to stay put. Going through checklists and making sure we have what we need is adding to the excitement, game plan is to focus in high elevations and water sources. If anyone is well familiarized with these units any help is appreciated. It’s a 5 hour trip but no worries , we are from the East Side!  If all goes well I will try to keep up with posts throughout this new adventure!

[ducks4days]

Drink water

[highcountry_hunter]

What are you hunting for? Elk? Deer? Bears?


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[VickGar]

What are you hunting for? Elk? Deer? Bears?


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I’ll be the only one carrying a bear tag this trip but our primary focus will be Mule Deer. Our goal is to stay 3-4 nights.

[highcountry_hunter]

Copy. Don’t expect to see abundant deer or elk numbers in either unit unless you have private access. They’re there, but if you haven’t scouted then I wouldn’t expect much. In either unit you can’t really “go further and deeper” than anyone else because there’s so many trails and roads in both units.
I’m not trying to be the bearer of bad news because as long as you’re out there, you’ve got a shot. Every year it seems like I hear of some guys who maybe aren’t real familiar with the area stumbling into a good buck, and that’s why it’s called hunting.
Glad you have bear tag, I’d recommend a cougar (and wolf!) tag as well because there are both plentiful.
I wish you the best, but I’d recommend plenty of scouting if you want to have success. The days of showing up in ferry county brand new and slopping out on a good buck are all but long gone.


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[VickGar]

Copy. Don’t expect to see abundant deer or elk numbers in either unit unless you have private access. They’re there, but if you haven’t scouted then I wouldn’t expect much. In either unit you can’t really “go further and deeper” than anyone else because there’s so many trails and roads in both units.
I’m not trying to be the bearer of bad news because as long as you’re out there, you’ve got a shot. Every year it seems like I hear of some guys who maybe aren’t real familiar with the area stumbling into a good buck, and that’s why it’s called hunting.
Glad you have bear tag, I’d recommend a cougar (and wolf!) tag as well because there are both plentiful.
I wish you the best, but I’d recommend plenty of scouting if you want to have success. The days of showing up in ferry county brand new and slopping out on a good buck are all but long gone.


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Much appreciated, we fully understand boots on the ground being a crucial part of the game. We may be able to go for 1-2 trips. I was unsure about the trails systems. Part of me was like sweet, an easy way of travel. Then I remembered the easier it is the more people we will run across.

[scotsman]

One of the first things about hunting in WA is to get a Green Trails map of the area you want to hunt. Study the trails, memorize them and then hunt where the trails dont go.

[VickGar]

One of the first things about hunting in WA is to get a Green Trails map of the area you want to hunt. Study the trails, memorize them and then hunt where the trails dont go.

Thanks! Yeah I definitely have been searching different types of trail groups as well to get some images of the areas. Definitely exploring all my options.

[highcountry_hunter]

One of the first things about hunting in WA is to get a Green Trails map of the area you want to hunt. Study the trails, memorize them and then hunt where the trails dont go.

Thanks! Yeah I definitely have been searching different types of trail groups as well to get some images of the areas. Definitely exploring all my options.

Not only other hunters on the trails but lots of people in general. Last year on my way in I ran into a guy out taking pictures of the orange tamaracks and another *censored* on his e bike with a German shepherd.


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[VickGar]

One of the first things about hunting in WA is to get a Green Trails map of the area you want to hunt. Study the trails, memorize them and then hunt where the trails dont go.

Thanks! Yeah I definitely have been searching different types of trail groups as well to get some images of the areas. Definitely exploring all my options.

Not only other hunters on the trails but lots of people in general. Last year on my way in I ran into a guy out taking pictures of the orange tamaracks and another *censored* on his e bike with a German shepherd.


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Damn that would suck, we are just using trail systems to get close then break off for some extra miles. I’m hoping we don’t run into a lot of people. I really like to hunt when no one is around. I think we all do.

[VickGar]

Well a good friend and I were able to make our way up for a weekend scouting trip. We had originally thought of hunting in 204 but we called and audible and scouted in 101. We stopped at a local sporting goods store to get some info on the area and thankfully Gary (shop owner) was being cool. I spent some money while we were there so that may of helped, that helped or informing him that we are from the east side of the cascades haha.

We hit the trail head around 3 pm after an 5 hour drive and hiked in 4 miles before we setup camp. Saw some mountain lion tracks , very few deer tracks , and some grouse all through the hike. Unfortunately the smoke did not cooperate only allowing us to glass one main hillside. We kinda left scratching our heads. There was food for both deer and bear, water as well. Maybe we were too high in elevation? Ahh who knows.
If anyone knows 101 like the back of their hand shoot me a PM. I’m not looking for your area just want to share where we were.

[highcountry_hunter]

Well a good friend and I were able to make our way up for a weekend scouting trip. We had originally thought of hunting in 204 but we called and audible and scouted in 101. We stopped at a local sporting goods store to get some info on the area and thankfully Gary (shop owner) was being cool. I spent some money while we were there so that may of helped, that helped or informing him that we are from the east side of the cascades haha.

We hit the trail head around 3 pm after an 5 hour drive and hiked in 4 miles before we setup camp. Saw some mountain lion tracks , very few deer tracks , and some grouse all through the hike. Unfortunately the smoke did not cooperate only allowing us to glass one main hillside. We kinda left scratching our heads. There was food for both deer and bear, water as well. Maybe we were too high in elevation? Ahh who knows.
If anyone knows 101 like the back of their hand shoot me a PM. I’m not looking for your area just want to share where we were.

Pm sent


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[nwwanderer]

Have hauled cattle to 101, know where you are, bunch of 'interesting' people about

[hunter399]

It not your hunting ability.
Without saying too much here....
It's about being in the right place,right time on this side of the mountains. There are so many factors,just like the tracks you saw.
If you don't see cat tracks,very large dog tracks are not far behind.
Also some areas the farther and deeper you go,the more wild things get. Which results in lack of deer and elk.

I'll tell ya a saying my old man would tell me.

""No need to go steep and deep ,when the biggest one is right under your nose"

I'll tell my saying....
"They don't call it the north half for no reason,which just might be the direction you need to go."

One other thing ,since your archery,if your not successful at the mule deer. Maybe give a try for a whitetail in the late seasons.
It might help the mule deer hunt next year. That's all I can say, without too much trouble.
Good luck.