Late season swakane?

[muleyslayer#1]

I was wondering what are the chances of getting my first buck in the late season by going to swakane?

[jackelope]

I would say the odds are probably 5-10% that you'd kill a buck. (or anyone else)
Lots of people, lots of deer, lots of steep country and potentially gnarly icey snowy roads.

[bullcanyon]

5 years ago you would of had a great chance. Not saying you couldn't now, but there are a ton of people there during that season. Circus comes to mind.  Just find areas that most don't want to go in to and you'll kill one.

[golfguy0912]

definitely a busy unit. As it's been stated, if you dont have a problem hiking, your odds will be better. A lot of people drive, but dont get too far from the road. I will be there too, good luck.

[Button Nubbs]

depending on the snow the roads can be downright butt-puckering.... ill be there the last 3 days if i can get one of my buddies to go.

[stickinmaster]

5 years ago you would of had a great chance. Not saying you couldn't now, but there are a ton of people there during that season. Circus comes to mind.  Just find areas that most don't want to go in to and you'll kill one.

Cant agree more for opening day, but even those areas (off the beaten path) will be hit by day two! Get it done on the opener! If not you"ll be doing some major driving and trying to spot one in the open country around there, when that happens just put some chains on the truck and try to spot one in stocking distance

[uplandhunter870]

blind squirrels find nuts every once and a while too, lol

but seriously like what was said above find somewhere that looks good and start walking around, most people wont get to far from their rig and if the valley gets an early snow load that will dictate how much pucker factor some the roads will be at

if it were me id spend some time up higher glassing around and eventually go into the deep dark nasty ravines or hoof it up higher.

good luck

[chukar hunter]

swakane success on the last day of the season.  Spot and stalk about 1.5 miles from the nearest driveable road.  Be proficient with long shots out to 50 yards and steep angles.  Good luck!  I'll see you out there. 

[Grazer]

I'll be there for the late season.  Never hunted it before, but a buddy of mine has a cabin and 20 acres over there, so that will be my starting point.  I've been over there a lot and have seen some nice bucks, since it does border the Entiat.  It is only a few miles up the road to the fire watch cabin which seperates the Swakane and the Entiat, so hopefully my chances are fairly well of taking a nice buck, and hopefully yours are as well.

[huntergreg]

Got this one late season in the same unit. Lot harder when there is no snow. Shot him in 2008. but hunt it every year. very steep and good bucks around but hard to get to.