Deschutes

[bearbaito6]

Just wondering where there is to deer hunt in the Deschutes GMU I will be hunting during Modern seasons but not opposed to using my bow if that's what it takes to hunt that unit. I'm not lookin for anyones spot just a general idea. Is it mostly Fort Lewis or is there other areas?   Thanks

[gasman]

Fort Lewis would be my choice to hunt, but only certain areas are open and you need to get signed up before it fills up.

[bobcat]

There is timber company land to hunt, if you don't mind walking behind gates. Problem is you'll have lots of company. The areas I know get hunted hard from September 1st to December 31st, and it is open for both the late archery and the late muzzleloader seasons at the same time. There's a lot less area than there was 20 years ago due to development. Fort Lewis is a good option if you want to deal with getting registered and all that hassle.

[duckmen1]

to many 4 wheelers driving behind the few gates there are and stirring things up
hunted there during blackpowder and saw ten 4 wheelers  with 11 people on them in a line driving a logging road all day
needless to say not many deer moving there

[Black Ghost]

Not sure what to say that everyone else hasn't said.  Why Deschutes?  That is just next to the skookumchuck, and a whole lot more land.  I tried the fort property, and what a pain in the arse.  In my opinion not worth the effort.

[brew]

bearbait06...sent you a pm...if you need any more help call me at 352-5994 

brew

[Antlershed]

Like others have said, lots of quads riding around all year long and not a lot of public land. Most of the old timber co land in the unit has since been sold to private parties.

[gasman]

Sure would like to know the area thses quads are riding in. I have never seen any on any of my times spent in the unit.

 

[Antlershed]

The area I have hunted has a quad trail going through the timber or clearcuts every 1/4 mile it seems like. Are you hunting the fort?

[WSU]

How does hunting the fort work?  I live about a mile from some fort property, and think it would be worth it if it isn't too difficult.  Do you have to check in daily, or just get a permit, or what?  Who do you contact?

[Antlershed]

Yep, you have to call in daily to tell them which area you want to hunt. They only allow a certain number of people in each area and if you want to leave one area and go to another, you have to call in first

[Black Ghost]

Yep, you have to call in daily to tell them which area you want to hunt. They only allow a certain number of people in each area and if you want to leave one area and go to another, you have to call in first

I can't remember the timeframes, but if I remember correctly you must call in a day in advance.  Preference goes to soldiers who want to hunt same area (I am not a current or previous military person), and if they are running a drill out there you are out of luck.  I tried all season, several years ago.... all I got was a denial and told that they either had their quota or there was some training going on.  Maybe others had better experiences, but I found better options where you don't have to put up with all that crap!

Public land is very limited, and crowded. Gave up on that too!

[Antlershed]

Its been a few years since I have tried the fort, but then we were able to call in and hunt the same day a lot of the time.

[gasman]

I have never not been able to hunt the fort.

You call in the day before, find out what areas are open, and sign up for one that has not met it's quota. I hardly see any people when i am out there an dthat is the way i like it.

[Antlershed]

I have never not been able to hunt the fort.

You call in the day before, find out what areas are open, and sign up for one that has not met it's quota. I hardly see any people when i am out there an dthat is the way i like it.

And I was not talking about the fort when I was mentioning the quad trails...