Share your out of state experience

[Alan K]

Public is over hunted and over-poached in areas that aren't gated.  Tribal folks also have extended seasons and gate keys to otherwise walk-in areas for quite a bit of public land. 

For blacktail, I wouldn't worry too much about other people at gates since the deer hide so well. A hunter ahead of you can very easily glass right over an animal and move on down the road.  Also, a walk-in area with 5 rigs at it still has less pressure than areas that are not gated.

The 3x2 blacktail I harvested yesterday morning at about 9:30 was bedded in a young (2-3 y/o) clearcut with several sets of that morning's pickup tracks driving by around the rim above. I guess my point with that is traffic isn't always as much pressure as perceived. 

[ljsommer]

Public is over hunted and over-poached in areas that aren't gated.  Tribal folks also have extended seasons and gate keys to otherwise walk-in areas for quite a bit of public land. 

For blacktail, I wouldn't worry too much about other people at gates since the deer hide so well. A hunter ahead of you can very easily glass right over an animal and move on down the road.  Also, a walk-in area with 5 rigs at it still has less pressure than areas that are not gated.

The 3x2 blacktail I harvested yesterday morning at about 9:30 was bedded in a young (2-3 y/o) clearcut with several sets of that morning's pickup tracks driving by around the rim above. I guess my point with that is traffic isn't always as much pressure as perceived. 

Thats a good point, thank you!

[Alan K]

You bet.  Hang in there, it'll happen for you! Just stay positive. Some years it's a grind. 

And as far as out of state goes. Absolutely start building points. It can get expensive but if you're passionate about hunting you'll be happy you did.