Called about Returned Alta Buck Permit

[7mmfan]

So I got the call from WDFW today, that someone had turned in an Alta WT Buck permit, and I was next in line. I haven't accepted it yet, I'm trying to tie up some loose ends beforehand.

I have some experience in the unit, but not a lot. Mainly up Libby Creek, a small amount of exploration up Gold Creek. Hunted the ground in between a little. Hoping for a little guidance on timing and advice on tactics. I've heard the WT rut fires a little later than Mule Deer, so maybe the later half of the season is better? Planned on looking for rub lines and doing some rattling. Hunting as close to the creek bottoms and private as I can get away with.

I'd hoped to have a summer to scout and hang cameras before I got one of these tags, but obviously that's not an option now. So any advice anyone wants to share would be appreciated.

[RobinHoodlum]

Hey 7mm,

Limited experience with with whitetails in the area, but know the unit a bit from past tag draw and upland hunting. I believe their distribution is confined to the bottom lands and this hunt is likely a combo of.lining up private property permissions and hunting the bit of fringe public close to private. It's great to get a windfall hunt opportunity like this, but I'd be carious about burning a lot of points here.

Again, there are folks out there that are probably much more informed on this. Good luck!

[7mmfan]

Hey 7mm,

Limited experience with with whitetails in the area, but know the unit a bit from past tag draw and upland hunting. I believe their distribution is confined to the bottom lands and this hunt is likely a combo of.lining up private property permissions and hunting the bit of fringe public close to private. It's great to get a windfall hunt opportunity like this, but I'd be carious about burning a lot of points here.

Again, there are folks out there that are probably much more informed on this. Good luck!

Thanks for the response. I figured I'd be hunting private fringes as much as I can. I've seen some WT on the state land up Libby Creek.

I'll also be camping, probably heading over on the 2nd to scope the ground out some and ID a good longterm camp spot.

[greenhead_killer]

Someone had the pogue(?) tag and turned this in. Maybe hit them up and see if they might be willing to share info🤷🏻‍♂️. There’s a thread on it from earlier today I think

[greenhead_killer]

Was the perrygin they got and turned this tag back in. Xforce. Thread is in deer section

[7mmfan]

Was the perrygin they got and turned this tag back in. Xforce. Thread is in deer section

Thanks, yeah I reached out to him already. Serendipitous timing for sure.

[buglebuster]

This is my worst fear, getting the call after be already filled my tag during general season.

[Limhangerslayer]

I would check into how bad blue tongue hit the area.  You may find out that’s why they turned it in

[7mmfan]

I would check into how bad blue tongue hit the area.  You may find out that’s why they turned it in

This was brought up by another guy as well. It's something that I need to check on. Short of trying to get ahold of the biologist, does anyone have any feet on the ground observations from the general season?

[trophyhunt]

Someone should be getting called about a westside rifle cow tag soon, turned the wife’s in on Monday.

[Gentrys]

If it was me, a big determing factor would be how many points I had.  If you've only got a few points, then burn em and do this hunt.

[KP-Skagit]

I would check into how bad blue tongue hit the area.  You may find out that’s why they turned it in

This was brought up by another guy as well. It's something that I need to check on. Short of trying to get ahold of the biologist, does anyone have any feet on the ground observations from the general season?

Didn't get down to Alta this year but Gardner Chewuch and Pearrygin had normal numbers of whitetail with their range spreading out and getting higher in the hills. I imagine the river and significant creeks provides water for most the whitetail which if I understand bt should help a ton. I have seen whitetail low on the squaw creek drainage but up on the hillsides in the rocks.

I have had the gardener buck tag a couple times and have always focused on the later part of the season. My cams are most active with daytime bucks late November into early December. Last year I had that tag and saw a lot of whitetail in the twisp river drainage though its hard to find land to hunt.

[knighttime25]

This was brought up by another guy as well. It's something that I need to check on. Short of trying to get ahold of the biologist, does anyone have any feet on the ground observations from the general season?
[/quote]

I was in Alta quite a bit during the general season. I would accept the tag if it was me. We saw plenty of whitetail during the general season, especially driving in and out. It will only get better as we get into November 

[7mmfan]

I accepted the tag. I'm going to try and head over on Sunday this weekend to do a little lay of the land scouting, and then probably be back there to hunt starting the 8th. I'm excited now! Never killed a whitetail.