What size to hold out for in the Swakane?

[HardCorpsHuntr]

The best thing about snow is locating deer!  It's my experience bucks will show up in their traditional rut area snow or no snow!  As far as a 160" that's a good number, but keep in mind there's many young spindly buck that will go 160ish and some non-four-point toads that wont.  I would shoot the later any day!





    

[banannaclip]

ok how about a 29'' 4 point with deep forks

[HuntingFanatic]

Thats a little disappointing there bear. You couldnt shoot a buck with a neck at least!?!? That IS a toad!

[alanger]

08 buck late swakane

not big or anything, last day buck

[buckreaper]

As I've posted before, I have one of these tags.  Been wondering some of the same things that have been stated here like  realistic goals, what if we don't get snow, is it a good hunt if the snow doesn't fly, what effect will these fires have, if any, plus many others.  I've been in the unit twice so far since the draw and love the country.  Seen a couple small bucks and some does.  I'm in Chelan for the week so I'm heading in there a couple days. 
Like to say thanks for any and all info everybody has posted even if it seems insignificant to most.  As of now I'll be spending most, if not all, the season by myself.  So, if any of the other permit holders want to share drinks, laughs, and stories let me know.  Don't know where I'll be camped.  Haven't figured that out yet.  Good luck to all.

[cle elum bowhunter]

About the second day of late archery last year(days after the close for the modern tag) I saw a 29-30" BIG 4x4 that I would guess to have gone 180 easy.  Heavy with deep forks, an hour after spooking him on a blown stalk, I jumped another heavy buck that was probably 27ish and looked to be a 4x5.  So yes, there are some nice bucks but they will be in the steep-n-deep drainages.  Mid slope.  Try and find some big drainages that you can glass from the top to locate and then put on the sneek.  Good luck.

[jackelope]

The late archery season is after the rifle season and the odds of there being enough snow for the rifle season to push the mountain bucks down is less....much better odds of snow/high country migratory deer during the archery season.
That's the iffy part about these permits.

[idahoelkhunter300wby]

congrats on drawing the swakane tag. You are gonna have a great hunt. My neighbor has also drawn the tag. I have shown him some pictures I have taken in that unit of some buck from the past. I think the minimum you should hold out for is a 160.  dont be fooled by not getting weather. Snow is great but some of the big bucks still come down. I can say this with certanty because I bow hunt this unit and the last 2 years has sucked for weather but I have still seen some nice bucks that I could have killed with a rifle. If you do get snow, hold out till the last couple of days and make sure you have 4 chains for your 4x4.
Enjoy and take lots of pics.

[carpsniperg2]

heck i would just hold out for a deer you will be happy with. score is nice also but a lot of times i like the bucks that will score less because of mass or trash etc. shoot somthing you will be happy with and good luck

[link]

Don't get caught up in 'what doe's it score?' .  I would rather shoot a  heavy, narrow 3x4 with some mass that scores 150 than a 28" wide, spindly 4x4 with long 4's and short 3's that scores 160-170. You gotta factor in wall apeal. But thats just me. When you first look at a buck, you should have a pretty good idea if you want to kill that buck. If you're he-hawing around about shooting that buck, you shouldn't, you probably won't be happy with him.

[gutsnthegrass]

Thanks for all the info guys.  There is alot of different opinions on here and they are all noted.  I know its not the size that makes the hunt, but it sure would be nice to come out of there with a nice buck.  I know the weather is a big factor in this area, and I hope that it cooperates, kind of seems like a crap shoot.  Thanks again.

[Deep Forks]

  Gutsinthe, Ive hunted the swakane, and the two units that border it chiwawa, and entiat for about 40 yrs.  That earlier fire is going to be good for your hunt.  I took a fellow tag holder in last year and he scored a beaut, 172 net an missed the larger one , right over his back.  PM me and I'll tell you about some far better areas than the main swakane.  Couple great camp spots where you'll see animals from camp,  I rifle hunt this some so could meet up and I'd show you around.  Shoot a message if interested. Deep Forks

[jrebel]

No Snow = Very little chance at 160 class buck.....
Lots of snow (2-6 inches in the bottom)  =  Great chance for 160 class buck.....

I am not sure I would hunt where it burned anyhow...that time of the year.  Unless the snow falls early.

[Deep Forks]

  Gutsinthe, Ive hunted the swakane, and the two units that border it chiwawa, and entiat for about 40 yrs.  That earlier fire is going to be good for your hunt.  I took a fellow tag holder in last year and he scored a beaut, 172 net an missed the larger one , right over his back.  PM me and I'll tell you about some far better areas than the main swakane.  Couple great camp spots where you'll see animals from camp,  I rifle hunt this some so could meet up and I'd show you around.  Shoot a message if interested.  Big Buck

So is it Big Buck, or Deep Forks?

Some have to keep better track of what site they are on...

That'a what i like about you Miles, always keeping your eye out for the other guy.  It's Deep Forks

[Deep Forks]

No Snow = Very little chance at 160 class buck.....
Lots of snow (2-6 inches in the bottom)  =  Great chance for 160 class buck.....I am not sure I would hunt where it burned anyhow...that time of the year.  Unless the snow falls early.

---Even with little snow if he hunts some tuff areas on the north west side he'll do well.  Unless there is 12" or more snow at the corrals I wouldn't be near the new fire area.  But what do i know, can't even keep my name right.  Guts  in the grass I will PM you later  today.