Methow Valley Deer Report (WDFW)

[bobcat]

I was just reading the WDFW's "Weekender Report" and I was surprised at the glowing report of how the mule deer are doing in the Methow.

Mule deer should be visible soon if not already on winter range in the Methow Valley of Okanogan County. Scott Fitkin and Jeff Heinlen, WDFW wildlife biologists, recently completed post-hunting-season mule deer aerial surveys in the Okanogan district and observed the highest buck to doe ratio since 2002. Out of about 3,500 deer, they saw 20 bucks for every 100 does. They also observed about 77 fawns per 100 does, which Fitkin says is about average over the long-term.

"The deer look healthy and fat," Fitkin said, "With virtually no snow over much of the winter range and none in the extended weather forecast, the early prognosis for over-winter fawn survival looks positive."

[Shootmoore]

I expect a rosey report right up to the year when poof! permit only, hunters not leaving enough deer for the wolves.

[twisp_river_slayer]

There were a LOT of fawns this year during early archery in the Methow. I saw the most twins this year than i have ever seen before. During late archery i barely saw any fawns in the Sinlahekin though

[boneaddict]

I don't have anything nice to say.  Hes is jsut plain wrong though.

[MtnMuley]

Another vegetable in the pot for Fitkins wolf plan.   Would sure like to know where they were able to find 3500 deer, of which to be able to count does, fawns and bucks..............

[boneaddict]

You aint the only one.   I bet I spent more time out there than he did. 

[WDFW-SUX]

I seriously dont think he could be more wrong.. who the *censored* does he think he's fooling?  


Hey scott fitkin  *censored* YOU.

Next time you run the deer check leave your daughter at home because im going to tear you a new one.

[twisp_river_slayer]

If those numbers are so far off then how many deer do you guys think are in the whole district? 

[mulehunter]

Interesting, Thanks Bobcat!  Scott Fitkin A FREAK IDIOT for trying to tell everyone how he think and what he see. He doesnt want Everyone think Wolves only caused  Deer population. Its gonna happen A lot this coming winter!

Just like this picture from last spring.  This Deer that got killed might be a BEAUITFUL BUCK. Who knows.  Scott fitkin is LIAR!  I spend MANY DAYS in Wood. I  know what I see.
Also last week I found this spot. Can you IMAGE how many tracks can cover A DEER HERD! They are gonna hunt all Deer down to valley all winter long! Most Fawn will not get enough rest thur winter by running away all the times from Wolves.
Look at this FAWN deer Pic, What he is talking about   Scott Fitkin doesnt KNOW HOW system works!   


Mulehunter  

[MtnMuley]

I've mentioned this several times before.  I have spent thousands of hours in the field in this county, and have NEVER seen Scott Fitkin in the field.  I've ran into the wardens over a hundred times.  I look forward each fall to be able to ask Scott questions at the annual Pateros meeting.  Funny (actually sad) thing is, he never answers the questions you ask.  He's already made up his mind prior to the meeting of exactly what words he is going to say. He never even showed up to the only local wolf recovery plan meeting.  WTF?

[bobcat]

It does say "aerial surveys" so I'm assuming they did their counts from the air, either by airplane or helicopter. I can't comment on how accurate the numbers are, as I haven't even been in that area for a few years.

[Elk hunter4ever]

I also hunted the methow in early archery,and saw a few deer. But 3500 seems a little off to me too!! Wouldn't be surprised if he fetched his numbers alot and counted the same deer twice or three or four times over the days they were counting. Were they drunk when they did their studies!!   

Anyone up for a wolf hunt??? 

[Shootmoore]

I don't deny that he probably counted 3500 deer (in the entire methow valley).  What I find interesting is that the reports have been a steady decline of the mule deer in the methow valley by Fitkin.  Until the wolves arrived in the valley and poof rosey reports?  Amazing how one year can totally transform the reported outlook on the mule deer herd.

Shootmoore

[mulehunter]

Anyone up for a wolf Video???  

 

Bone, should have post a COYOTE MADDNESS Contest and They should give 30 pt credit of a REAL Video camera caught lookout pack or Diamond pack whatever if they came to us and post a video play prove it. It would be really EXCITE PART!
ANYONE INTERESTING? I know where they are!  I need Someone professional Caller and Nice Video Camera equiement. It would be soo FUN!

 

Mulehunter  

[fc2038]

Pics do not lie. It is nice to see the fawn to doe ratio up there like that!

[Skyvalhunter]

Fitkin is so full of his self it's not even funny!!

[huntnphool]

I have seen pretty good fawn numbers this year, even a doe with triplets but the numbers they are claiming dont seem quite right. I would be willing to bet that 18 of the 20 bucks they witnessed and counted toward their total were spike or forkhorns as well. Lets hope the weather trend continues for the herds sake, not going to help diddly for the snowpack though, water rationing this summer?

[Gobble]

I have to agree. I spent 5 days in the Methow during my hunt and did see decent animals but 3,500 is a far stretch IMO I saw pockets of animals but most were only 10-20 animals and a few 30-40 but very isolated.

[wolfbait]

I was just reading the WDFW's "Weekender Report" and I was surprised at the glowing report of how the mule deer are doing in the Methow.

Mule deer should be visible soon if not already on winter range in the Methow Valley of Okanogan County. Scott Fitkin and Jeff Heinlen, WDFW wildlife biologists, recently completed post-hunting-season mule deer aerial surveys in the Okanogan district and observed the highest buck to doe ratio since 2002. Out of about 3,500 deer, they saw 20 bucks for every 100 does. They also observed about 77 fawns per 100 does, which Fitkin says is about average over the long-term.

"The deer look healthy and fat," Fitkin said, "With virtually no snow over much of the winter range and none in the extended weather forecast, the early prognosis for over-winter fawn survival looks positive."

I have to disagree, I counted close to 6000 deer in a little over a week, everywhere I went I saw deer, 90% of all the does had fawns, and the buck to doe ratio  like the deer and fawn count was unbelievable. Do to the overrun of deer I believe wdfw should import more wolves from Idaho and Montana, and perhaps shut all cougar and bear hunts off so that they can catch up to the over population of the deer herds.

[Shootmoore]

I was just reading the WDFW's "Weekender Report" and I was surprised at the glowing report of how the mule deer are doing in the Methow.

Mule deer should be visible soon if not already on winter range in the Methow Valley of Okanogan County. Scott Fitkin and Jeff Heinlen, WDFW wildlife biologists, recently completed post-hunting-season mule deer aerial surveys in the Okanogan district and observed the highest buck to doe ratio since 2002. Out of about 3,500 deer, they saw 20 bucks for every 100 does. They also observed about 77 fawns per 100 does, which Fitkin says is about average over the long-term.

"The deer look healthy and fat," Fitkin said, "With virtually no snow over much of the winter range and none in the extended weather forecast, the early prognosis for over-winter fawn survival looks positive."

I have to disagree, I counted close to 6000 deer in a little over a week, everywhere I went I saw deer, 90% of all the does had fawns, and the buck to doe ratio  like the deer and fawn count was unbelievable. Do to the overrun of deer I believe wdfw should import more wolves from Idaho and Montana, and perhaps shut all cougar and bear hunts off so that they can catch up to the over population of the deer herds.

 

Wolfbait did you forget to put the lid back on that can of paint again?


I know I know sarcasam!

Shootmoore

[wolfbait]

Just trying to write a good report. How did I do?

[boneaddict]

Its equally as accurate.  I know there are a few folks like Remington that think I don't know anything, but believe it or not I do get out and have been walking the same hills for the past 30+ years.  I do know a little about current conditions and trends.  Just a little....

[Shootmoore]

Just trying to write a good report. How did I do?

aha it was'nt the paint can!  You went to one of those DWWDFW Reports 101 classes again!

[wolfbait]

Its equally as accurate.  I know there are a few folks like Remington that think I don't know anything, but believe it or not I do get out and have been walking the same hills for the past 30+ years.  I do know a little about current conditions and trends.  Just a little....

Thank you, I did my best. I wondered how you got them nice buck pictures, trompin around the mountains,eh. What will the deer report be next year at this time, how long can the lies continue?

As far as the paint can theory, all of my paint is frozen solid.

[Axle]

Just trying to write a good report.  How did I do?

Definitely had me worried for a bit

After reading the flawed report, I now know what the "S" stands for. I didn't know it meant Scott. But then again, that part could be flawed too.