Island Hunters

[h20hunter]

Does anyone ever hunt on any of the Islands in the San Juans? I have a boat and am very interested in doing some camping with my boy in the coming years. I like the idea of a boat ride, a little fishing to get something for the campfire, and a bit more of a primitive camp. That leads me right into taking the bow and looking for a little deer hunting. I know the area is open and most of the regs state any deer. However, is it really worth the trip. If it is good hunting are there limited numbers of hunters simply due to access? Anybody up to speed on this?

Thanks,
H20hunter

[AKBowman]

I've hunted out there last year, shoot me a PM and we can talk about it. I hunted out there last year in late archery, I took a water taxi and it wast N-A-S-T-Y coming out of there it blew about 50 for three straight days. Good times though and good amounts of deer.

[The Weazle]

There are a ton of deer on the islands...if you can get permission, or find public property, you will tag out.  Its that simple...really!  It wont be a monster, but its more than likely gonna eat good, and be something you and your son can do together that you both will remember your whole lives.

[lokidog]

Private, private, private, for the most part.   Even the beaches are mostly private.  Many people are reluctant to give permission to off-islanders as most have had previous bad experiences with them.

 As mentioned, if you can find access, there can be a lot of deer.  As someone that lives on an island that is 99.6% private, it is very frustrating to come upon people just walking the roads hoping to see a deer and not knowing where the cabins are or, one guy didn't even know he was 200 yards from the school.

It is also ALL firearm restricted, though now you can use a crossbow during "modern rifle" season, which could be cool.

[h2ofowlr]

I went out to Orcas last season and saw lots of deer.  Many hunters as well that had permission on private lands.  All private, most said no to hunting.  It's about $120 round trip ferry ride.

[Dansk]

Does anyone ever hunt on any of the Islands in the San Juans? I have a boat and am very interested in doing some camping with my boy in the coming years. I like the idea of a boat ride, a little fishing to get something for the campfire, and a bit more of a primitive camp. That leads me right into taking the bow and looking for a little deer hunting. I know the area is open and most of the regs state any deer. However, is it really worth the trip. If it is good hunting are there limited numbers of hunters simply due to access? Anybody up to speed on this?

Thanks,
H20hunter

If you have a big enough boat, a dingy, and are salty enough to know how to get across Rosario Strait safely when the wind and tide kick up the slop, then you can access some of the smaller islands and tie up at the public buoys ...never tried it, but see guys dragging deer off cypress and other islands all the time when we've been out boating or fishing.

[lokidog]

Does anyone ever hunt on any of the Islands in the San Juans? I have a boat and am very interested in doing some camping with my boy in the coming years. I like the idea of a boat ride, a little fishing to get something for the campfire, and a bit more of a primitive camp. That leads me right into taking the bow and looking for a little deer hunting. I know the area is open and most of the regs state any deer. However, is it really worth the trip. If it is good hunting are there limited numbers of hunters simply due to access? Anybody up to speed on this?

Thanks,
H20hunter

If you have a big enough boat, a dingy, and are salty enough to know how to get across Rosario Strait safely when the wind and tide kick up the slop, then you can access some of the smaller islands and tie up at the public buoys ...never tried it, but see guys dragging deer off cypress and other islands all the time when we've been out boating or fishing.

I will reiterate, PRIVATE, private, private!  The only place there would be a possibility of "public bouys" are in front of PARK areas and off-limits to hunting as well.  People get very PO'd when others tie to their bouys that they own and pay the state for permits.  And, many beaches are private property as well.   Please make sure you have permission to hunt before trying to hunt any of the "smaller" islands, and know where your property lines are. 

If it sounds like I am a bit defensive of the islands, I am.  As is everyone else out here.  We all watch our neighbors' backs much more than people do on the mainland.  If you can get permission, good hunting, if not, please be as respectful of our back yards as you would want us to be of yours.

[bowtech721]

Ive hunted san juan island a couple times and done pretty well but dont try to hunt it without getting permission somewhere first or you will be dissapointed by seeing hundreds of deer that you cannot hunt. Ive found more than you might think will let you hunt if you ask ahead of time. It will either be a ya sure just be safe or a get the F*** out of here type response.

[AKBowman]

do a little homework...its not hard to find public property. I've herd it can be a slam dunk from many and I'm sure it is on the private tracks but the deer seem to know where the public spots are and Ive found it to be not so easy.

[bowtech721]

ya there is some public around but the two public places ive hunted seemed to be devoid of life and all the deer seemed to be aware and were like rodents around it 

[h20hunter]

thanks for all the replys. I'm well aware of the public property issues owners have with hunters trespassing. i would say it is a bit more of an issue for folks that have chosen the island life. i do have  boat and have a bit of salt in my blood. good to hear that some folks are tagging deer.

[lokidog]

Deleted.

[h2ofowlr]

Not much going on, on that island.  Camano Is. would be a better fit if you can get permission.  You can also drive there, no boat required or $125 + dollar ferry ride.

[let.it.fly]

i do alot of fishing off allen isalnd, just outside of anacortes. i have seen a bruiser on this little island. i saw him too ddays in a row. its a very small island. you can lap it at 40 knots in about 10 minutes. but as with all the islands the sound doesnt stop deer from moving. it is a private island but has a very nice dock on the east side. try talking to the land owner, maybe you'll get lucky, but then agian im sure paul allen isnt easy to get ahold off.

[h2ofowlr]

i do alot of fishing off allen isalnd, just outside of anacortes. i have seen a bruiser on this little island. i saw him too ddays in a row. its a very small island. you can lap it at 40 knots in about 10 minutes. but as with all the islands the sound doesnt stop deer from moving. it is a private island but has a very nice dock on the east side. try talking to the land owner, maybe you'll get lucky, but then agian im sure paul allen isnt easy to get ahold off.

Don't think Paul Allen will let you hunt it.      I think those deer swim across from Washington Park where the other bruiser run around through town.  Someone shot a few 2 seasons ago and it made the front page of the paper.