Mule Deer hunting in Eastern/S.E. Washington

[MNtoWAhunter]

Hey everyone! I'm a relatively new transplant to Washington, and I was wondering if anybody had any tips on places to hunt mule deer in Eastern/S.E. Washington. I live in the Tri-Cities and from what I have read and heard from others the best place to go is S.E. towards Dayton, Walla Walla, and the Blue Mountains. However, being new to the state I am not sure what areas I am able to hunt in (i.e. public access vs. private land). My father will be coming out in the fall and we would love to do some hunting, so any tips or information on areas to do so would be appreciated. Thanks!

[MNtoWAhunter]

Thanks Sundance! My Dad and I are used to hunting whitetail through the thick MN woods, so Mule Deer hunting/stalking in open country will be a nice, new challenge. My Dad did go mule deer and elk hunting in Montana, where the terrain was somewhat similar to eastern Washington, so he has some experience with glassing. Thanks again for the info!

[Shed Stud]

Welcome.. I used to live in WI, your going to love it here. Sounds like you have a couple areas in mind, anyone of those will do. Lots of private down there, but if you put your time in it won't be hard to figure out where to hunt. Get out the spotting scope and good luck!

[Miles]

There used to be some chunks of feel free to hunt land just east of Connell, and some more down towards Khalotus.

[jackelope]

There is not too much open country muley hunting in the Blues. It is very steep, very big country with thick brush and timber. There's not a lot of mule deer either. Not trying to talk you out of it at all, but it's not like the other areas in this state or other western states where there's a lot of open glassing type country. It's steep and the deer hang in pockets of thick stuff. Good luck, it's God's country for sure, but don't expect anything close to slam dunk mule deer hunting, especially if you're looking for big bucks.
 
Welcome to WA and welcome to hunt-wa
JB

[fair-chase]

I will second what jackelope said. Also, you might want to get out and do some shooting in this open country. Try to focus on estimating ranges. Ranges can be deceivingly long when you are used to woodlands. Many people who come out here consistently underestimate the range to the target. It takes some time to get used to the openness of the terrain. Also keep that in mind when glassing. I have often glassed deer that were farther than I could walk in a day. 

[Pathfinder101]

I'll third waht Jackalope said.  You will be better off hunting the lower farm ground than the Blue Mountains themselves.  Best bet is to try to fanagle some permission on private ground, find your buck prior to the season you plan to hunt, and try to keep tabs on him until opening morning.
Good luck...

[724wd]

find some stubble.  the mulies will be there.  feel free to hunt or permission only.  call the number on the permission only signs and have fun!