Swakane deer closure

[got2hunt]

I heard that the swakane unit might be closing this next year for a 3 year trial period? Has anybody heard about this? Maybe they could close it and open the mission unit that would be better.

[Shed Stud]

Yep! Closed!

[bobcat]

Mission is already open. And I really doubt if they would close Swakane. There is no reason for a closure. The deer are doing fine in that unit. It's no different than Chiwawa, Slide Ridge, or the Entiat. If they close Swakane they'd have to close them all.

[Bigshooter]

Are you talking about the general rifle hunt, the general early archery hunt, the general late archery hunt, or the late rifle permit hunt?  Or all of them?

[Heredoggydoggy]

Don't know why they would do that.  Even the winter after the fire there were lots of deer in there.  I don't know what they were eating, but they were munching on something that was growing back. 

[bobcat]

I think what they're eating in the burned areas is the Ceanothus.

[huntnphool]

 WDFW have discussed closing it for late archery, not the general season. Its one of the things WSB is fighting for us during this next season setting process.

[jrod]

Mission is already open. And I really doubt if they would close Swakane. There is no reason for a closure. The deer are doing fine in that unit. It's no different than Chiwawa, Slide Ridge, or the Entiat. If they close Swakane they'd have to close them all.

                                                                                                                                                                          hes probly talkin about late archery! no late archery in the mission

[colockumelk]

The WDFW tried doing this last year so they could justify givimg out more rifle permits. Every year it seems they try to take from US. I cant remember a single time where we gained opportunity.

[Heredoggydoggy]

One thing hunters or anyone going into the Swakane area need to be aware of is that the area is now posted for Discover Pass permits.  Until you get up high into National Forest land, the lower part is mixed sections of State Wildlife land.

[huntnphool]

One thing hunters or anyone going into the Swakane area need to be aware of is that the area is now posted for Discover Pass permits.  Until you get up high into National Forest land, the lower part is mixed sections of State Wildlife land.

 If you have purchased a Washington fishing/hunting license then the WDFW Vehicle Access Pass is all you need unless you are on DNR land or State Parks. You can't hunt in the parks though so you only need it for DNR, I do not believe any part of Swakane is DNR, but I could be wrong.

[Heredoggydoggy]

I'm not sure if there is DNR land up there either, but a couple of weeks ago I saw a sign at the entrance of a camping area about 3 miles in, that had a "Discover Pass Required" sign posted.  One of the camping sites had some 5/8-Minus gravel spread in it, so I guess that qualified it as an "improved campground".

[huntnphool]

 Right, those signs are there for those that do not have a WDFW VAP.

[TheHunt]

Phool,
You know that area well.   I have been riding my dualsport in that area and on the icicle road area.  So I would trust you on that.

[idahoelkhunter300wby]

you know what? That Swakane archery unit is the only reason i still buy a tag and license in this state. Its the only reasonable season around central Washington. I know the WSDFW tried to cancel it last year and us sportsmans comments changed their minds. It wouldnt suprise me a bit if WSDFW takes that season away next year. If they do, I guess I wont have to gripe about the inflated prices of a tag and license. Ill be spending all of my time and money in Idaho.
All that bein said, I hope we get to keep the Swakane archery season. I really enjoy it.