Patterson Buck Tag

[lonedave]

Just wondering if anyone else on here drew the Patterson buck tag this year?  With the season so early, I'm hoping to find a velvet buck as I've never had a chance at one.  I just came back from a short scouting trip this evening and saw quite a few does and one nice buck.  The bugs were out in force!

[fair-chase]

No, but I have the Paterson doe tag. Been out to scout it twice now and have only seen one decent buck out there. I seriously doubt there are enough bucks within the boundaries to fill all 10 buck tags. Of course that will all be dependant on the crop rotation on the north side after that corn comes out as to wether or not the rest of the deer move onto the refuge. Have to wait and see. I will be in there the week before you so if I see anything worth persuing I will let you know.

[carpsniperg2]

I saw 2 bucks last year that were probably 180 and the other 200! Also saw a 3 beam freak that was really cool. Good luck with your hunt. There are some toads in there!

[Maverick]

that's a great tag to have. Congrats. I saw some big bucks last year while duck hunting. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Elkstuffer]

This is a 179 gross, 32" Patterson buck.

[lonedave]

Nice buck Elkstuffer!  From what I saw in only about an hour of time Saturday evening, you shouldn't have too much trouble filling your doe tag Fairchase.  The hard part will be cooling it out, unless our weather stays as cool as its been.  I'm sure as they harvest the crops, the deer will be moving too, so its hard to say what will be around come September.  I was also wondering if anyone has checked out the small island on the extreme west end of the unit?  I remember looking at it years ago, but never with the thought of deer.  It looks like its within the area and open for hunting, but I'll have to check for sure.

[fair-chase]

Oh heck yeah the heat will definitely be an issue. Even into your time frame. Should be a nice way to start the season though, with some meat in the freezer and then I can focus on other game.

Took my 5 year old out scouting with me last time (thinks he's a professional hunter  )  and he even managed to put a stalk on the nice buck, closed the distance from 500 to 20 yards out on the flat and he never had a clue we were there. I was so proud. 

I think I'm going to leave the area alone until right before the season. If I do get a hair to go fishing I will keep my eyes peeled for a decent buck for you. Good luck.

Oh by the way that's a beautiful buck Elkstuffer.

[bucklucky]

DAMN!!!!

[Elkstuffer]

A friend of mine found a dead buck in the river down there while duck hunting a couple years ago. It was a monster 3x3 with eye guards that I scored at 150+. There are some nice bucks down there. There's been a few natives down there hunting the last couple years and have taken some decent bucks late in the year. They have also seen some dandy's. Good luck! You should have a fun hunt.

[brutus1]

Hey Dave both my daughter and I have that tag should be a good hunt. I hope she gets a big one..... bring lots of bug spray.

[BLUEBULLS]

There are literally dozens of deer poached down there every year.
If there is a good buck around, he usually doesn't last more than a couple of days. It'll be a fun hunt but a 150-160" is a real good buck down there. They have somewhat stunted genes, when a big one shows up, he's usually an Oregon buck.

[SkookumHntr]

Elkstuffer, What form is that Buck on??

[Elkstuffer]

That form is a right turn, upright, offset not quite 90 degree turn.

[SkookumHntr]

...

[bare.hunter]

had that tag 3 years ago.Saw some nice bucks
but nothing real big but some deer I would be
proud of.I had the doe tag and there is alot of
does great for kids hunts some easy walking and
the deer are out early and late.