Cypress Island

[npaull]

Has anyone ever hunted deer on Cypress Island in the San Juans? I am thinking about heading there for the archery late season for a few days... any info would be very appreciated. Thanks!

[edmondshunter]

There is some outstanding deer on that Island. Check DNR maps for access. a good portion of the waterfront is private prop. Most of the deer are smaller than one would think but some great deer and views of the SanJuans. 

I have a friend that shot a hermaphrodite deer 2 years ago.  A doe with  a crazy rack. One side 2point other side 2point that laid flat across the scalp and came out and up on the backside of head between the ears. 

[npaull]

Thanks edmondshunter. How are deer numbers on the island, do you know? I'm more interested in meat than anything else, so I'm hoping to hunt a place with a pretty good population... looks like very interesting country on the island anyway.

[npaull]

Anyone have any other info on this area?

[hunterdan]

Have to moor your boat at one of the public buoys on the east side of the island.
watch the weather if you are going over in a small boat at that time of year.
I went over there in Dec a couple of years ago just for a look around. I didnt spend more than a couple hours during the middle of the day, but the island looked promising. Good luck if you go.

[npaull]

Thanks hunterdan. Did you see deer when you were there?

[hunterdan]

It was the middle of the day and we were just wondering around making noise. No deer but did see sign, rubs tracks etc.
I spoke with a guy before going that commented on taking deer with archery tackle on the island the year before. Nothing huge but filled tags.

[h2ofowlr]

You can use crossbows this year on the Island if you have one.  You will have to read up on the rules as no optics are alowed.  Pins only.

[edmondshunter]

Good deer numbers on that Island.  You can take a private ferry to the island from Cap Sante marina (hope I spelled that right) pretty cheap.

[Redstar]

Looks like the campground is closed this year. Not sure if you are allowed to camp anywhere else on the island.

http://www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/News/Pages/nr09_166.aspx

[Gobble Doc]

I've been looking into taking my son for deer on Cypress.  It looks like it is NRCA area which means no hunting.  Is this anyone elses understanding? 

[The100Road]

My cousin got drawn for a second deer for Cypress last year i think it was. He stayed 4 days and shot the only doe he seen. he said it was fun but wont send in for that huntin agian. not many other hunters on the island he said though. But that might be for a reason. 

[Gobble Doc]

I noticed that this 2nd hunt had a "C" footnote for "Private Property".  I asked a rep. from DNR about a different NRCA property and this other NRCA was definitely "no hunting".  So I'm basically confused. 

Thanks for the help. 

[Glockster]

It's not like the rest of the San Juans where there is field and cover mixed with easy to eat gardens and a tree hugging population of land owners.  The deer on Cypress don't have that situation and are thus not as numerous.