Making preparations for deer season, is it too early and looking for advice

[Firstgenhunter]

Hey folks, I was hoping to get some advice for the upcoming deer season. So I am planning on putting in for the buck hunt in 284, and quality in 136 and 130 once submissions open. If I don't get drawn any of those tags, I'll narrow it down to one of those units for the general season. But I've been on ONX researching the gmu's. I have letters I'm planning on sending to landowners. I was in the area this weekend and drove around for hours checking out the public land areas, and driving the backroads. I am a newer hunter, and I don't post here very much except for advocacy every once in a while so I hope I'm not intruding.

I absolutely love those areas of the state, absolutely gorgeous and one of my favorite areas, and would love to fill a tag in one of those areas. I just wanted to get some advice, and tips from people who've been on the ground in those areas. I'm putting in the work now, and doing the research. I don't like last minute and like to be as prepared as possible. Any advice and info is greatly appreciated

[vandeman17]

Honestly, you are doing exactly what most people would tell you to do as far as preparation goes. You might be able to get some tips from guys regarding those units but good spots are hard to come by so sharing of those is generally very limited. I also think there is something extra fulfilling about putting in the work and finding your own honey hole. That sense of accomplishment is worth the effort.   

[Firstgenhunter]

Honestly, you are doing exactly what most people would tell you to do as far as preparation goes. You might be able to get some tips from guys regarding those units but good spots are hard to come by so sharing of those is generally very limited. I also think there is something extra fulfilling about putting in the work and finding your own honey hole. That sense of accomplishment is worth the effort.   

100%, I found some public areas I really liked and marked them on ONX. That whole area is just absolutely gorgeous, beautiful country. Edit: I'll definitely have to narrow it down on whether to apply for Harrington or Cheney. Forgot its only one app per category

[Ridgerunner]

I'd say you are doing it right, I wouldn't hesitate to knock on some doors this time and year and offer to do some summer chores for access. 

[elkboy]

I'd say you are doing it right, I wouldn't hesitate to knock on some doors this time and year and offer to do some summer chores for access.

I made some lifelong friends during the time I was in eastern Washington just knocking on farm doors.  Landowners are a lot more well disposed towards those who plan ahead, show up months ahead of time, and offer to give back in some way. 

Since it looks like you want to hunt the really open country, make sure you know your effective range with your weapon from seated/seated with shooting sticks/prone.  Know that a prone shot won't always be possible-  the taller bunchgrasses and other factors might not permit a classic prone shot.  Have a rangefinder. 

If you hunt in farm country in the eastern part of your area of interest, find where the garbanzo beans were planted that year.  This is a real draw for deer. 

One other thought- you could focus on properties that have creeks with water and hiding cover, or at least properties near such features.

Good luck!  Let us know how it comes out for you!     

[SEWA509]

I think you're off to a great start. My only comment would be to be prepared to run into other hunters and what you'll do if you show up at you first spot and there's 5 trucks parked there. Opening weekends are the busiest time; can you hunt midweek that way you'll potentially have more time to places by yourself.

I'm a serial Escouter and glasser during the summer and love to think I got it all figured out until I have 4 other people show up and hunt the same place I am. People will park right next to you and hunt the same spots even if you're there first, it's just part of public land unfortunately.

Find 2 or 3 spots you want to potentially hunt and get boots on the ground. Learn the lay of the land, how the wind blows, where's water, try to find deer bedding and feeding areas. You never know you might stumble across a killer turkey spot this time of year too.

Lastly, don't get discouraged during the season if you don't find deer or other hunters "ruin" your hunt.

[yakimanoob]

In my experience, most folks (hunters and non-hunters alike) tend to be pretty helpful when they see that you're being respectful and putting in honest effort. I seems you're doing that, so just keep at it. It can take years with some folks, but it'll pay off.

It's NEVER too early to prepare for deer season