North Central wa deer

[Deerelk37]

Just an observation from myself and another deer hunter…I haven’t hunted in mid wa (Winthrop/twisp) in years, I’ve been on the west side since my dad had Alzheimer’s and have found it hard to go back due to success…but….

Turkey hunting near conconully this year, on separate trips, saw more deer than we have seen in years. I am thinking about hitting East again this year if it aligns properly.

That is all

[Nate Ortloff]

At times you will see deer around but the mule deer are in trouble between all the hunting pressure and predators.   last year was the worst year I have seen it in the valley I talked with many people that went days without even seeing a doe outside of town deer.
Do the deer a favor and help kill a bear or COUGER in hopes a few can make it. 

[freezerfull]

Terrible hunting in that area, would not recommend

[jrebel]

I always see more deer during the spring turkey season.  The foliage and grass hasn't provided good places for them to hide..... And they have not yet moved back to the high country.  The deer you saw will spread out and cover hundreds of square miles in the months to come.  The herd is hurting for sure. 

[Deerelk37]

Was just an observation. Last year “harvest” numbers went up. I would assume they tick up this year as well. I’m not suggesting it’s anywhere near what it used to be. I’m also not sure where these deer will go a hundred miles from where they are but if the deer in this small area are going to the high country then I would assume other deer at these elevations will also go there. So there would be a load of deer in the high country this year    my thought was the mild winter the last two years has slightly helped. Not recovered to old numbers. But helped. Lol.

[huntnnw]

seeing more deer in turkey areas cause they are more congregated and haven't dispersed into summer and fall ranges 

[freezerfull]

Was just an observation. Last year “harvest” numbers went up. I would assume they tick up this year as well. I’m not suggesting it’s anywhere near what it used to be. I’m also not sure where these deer will go a hundred miles from where they are but if the deer in this small area are going to the high country then I would assume other deer at these elevations will also go there. So there would be a load of deer in the high country this year    my thought was the mild winter the last two years has slightly helped. Not recovered to old numbers. But helped. Lol.

I was being somewhat facetiou earlier. Some good decisions have been made recently which should help such as eliminating the vast majority of muley doe harvest. I do think weather could be  why you see an increase in harvest in 23 over 22. 2022 it was 80 deg at 4000’ for the first half of the MF season.

I will say some stories I hear of people hunting all week and seeing 4 does has me scratching my head. Either they need to see an optometrist, get out of the rig or step away from the campfire.


Whatever you decide, good luck!I hoping things improve with the herds in the area. And as Nate mentioned earlier always worth poking around for bears and coyotes in that area.

[Wanttohuntmore]

I live on the west side but spend most weekends on the east.   It truly has been bad for mulies the last 2 years, very bad.   I think the winter kill then was the primary cause,  and the rebound is slow because of predation.   But yeah,  it should be better this year, cause it can't get any worse.   I did do some Westside turkey hunting and was shocked at the amount of blacktails I was seeing,  best in 25 years. Also the most cougar sign I've ever seen....

[Deerelk37]

Yeah the 4 does all week is puzzling to me as well