Finding Deer

[Kingpuck]

So I'm very new to hunting but have enjoyed the outdoors my entire life. Everyone in my family is more city orientated so this is a process that is up to me to figure out. Have the bow and working on getting it sighted in and consistent groupings. Have run into deer in the woods but more by accident then purpose. The next part I'm trying to figure out is how you go about tracking and what the process is that people have used to find their deer?

Not asking for honey holes or "hot spots". Trying to understand the process and willing to do the grunt work to figure it out. Hoping to do scouting this spring and summer so that things are clearer come September.

Even been hitting the gym so I'm in shape for the long hike and pack out. Just at a loss as to how to find those elusive deer. It's been said that deer have a calendar and know when its time for hunting. Would be nothing sweeter than to fill the freezer with good, healthy, fresh meat.

For those of you who might reply, thank you for the potential pointers and for getting me closer to a deer.

[PolarBear]

First off, which deer are you after, whitetail, blacktail or muleys?  The tactics for the most part can be very different between the species.

[wraithen]

Make sure poop is in the area you wanna hunt. That's about as far as I've gotten myself. Tagged.

[Kingpuck]

not really picky on type of deer. The muleys look much larger so that might a better option as that would give more meat in the end. Not much of a trophy hunter. Would be fun to get a bear tag and see if I could close the deal on one of those as well. So to try and answer your question, probably muleys.

[NWBREW]

As Polarbear stated..."The tactics for the most part can be very different between the species". I do not go about hunting Mule deer the same way as whitetail or Blacktail for that matter. It may make better sense to figure out which one you will hunt and go from there. just my opinion.

[huntnnw]

next you should narrow down the area u want to hunt either public or gaining permission from a landowner. Next go out in the summer and scout the area..watch the deer and what they do. Then decide if you can hang a treestand, a ground blind or if you wanna try and spot and stalk them.

[Turner89]

If you are hunting blacktail.
    I would start by going to state land or private timber land. I like places that are gated, and that dont have permits that can be purchased. Try to find a clearcut that is at least 2 miles back. One that was logged  6 years or earlier. I try to find one that is on very steep ground and has nice 2nd growth bordering it. Walk about 100ft inside the 2nd growth along the perimeter of clearing. You wil find a bunch of different trails, and on them some buck rubs. I walk the whole thing then go back to the best trail I find and set a trail cam.
    I would scout a bunch of clear cuts, and try to find a spot with alot of rubs. Right now is the best time. The visibility through the brush is as good as it's going to be. You will be able to see the tracks & trails alot more clearly. Blacktail trails can be frustrating at times, becuase the trails seem to go no where. You can lose the trail easily especialy through thick ferns. Take your time and try to figure out where they are headed.
    I try to go out at least one day a weekend and walk these trails. I am fortunate, I grew up in the hills. I can be 2 miles behind a gate from my house in a 1/2 hr on my mtn bike.

   

[Bean Counter]

If you.haven't killed a deer yet then I would either pair up with someone who has or try to swing paying a.guide for a season. Check the guides references and be sure you only hire one who is not only good but will be.s upportive of you picking his brain throughout the hunt. Keep us posted on your progress.

[huntnnw]

Being able to hunt with an experienced bow hunter would help a ton

[ICEMAN]

Kingpuck, you are my favorite type of new hunter, guys like you are what will save our sport.

My tips for finding a deer to kill during your season of choice would be to;

I would pick a local area of easily accessible land. Something close so you can affordably get to know the area. Muleys can be hard to hunt as a newbie, since alot of them are migratory in nature....

You are westside I assume as I write this, so I would stick to westside blacktailed deer.

Look for signs of a buck. Tree rubs are your best clue. Game trails indicate alot of deer using an area, this is a good sign (duh  )

Find three or four different areas where you feel different bucks are living in. Keep your options open. Don't invest all your study on one buck, but a handfull.... Some other hunter may be doing the same with some of your deer...

Learn the areas like the back of your hand. You may run into a few of these deer a few times before season.  Nice to back off number one for a while and switch to number two for a bit...don't want to drive them out by constant pressure before  season.

Blacktails do not generally take off for miles when they are gently bumped (not chased...). If you target a specific buck, chances are he is within a mile or so of you as you hunt him.

Hunt slow.

Use quality binoculars every few feet when walking. Look at the horizon of your view. Look back at areas you have passed, the new angle may disclose deer. Look for ears and small features. Do not expect to see a blacktail standing in a position where he is completely viewable from head to toe. You may initially only see an ear tip.

Expect to be busted by his hearing and ability to smell you. Plan on it. Plan around this. Do so by going slow, looking ahead and around at the same thing many times. Look over a hill or timber patch again. Then look at it again. Make your head ache. I have found deer with my binoculars in areas I had already looked at 10 times. A deer bent over feeding which was previously not seen is now seen. A tiny bush had blocked your view, the deer moved two feet forward and is now viewable. This is how to score a blacktail.   Chances are they have already seen you and are frozen in place waiting for you to pass like other hunters do. Don't be the other hunter. What is your rush? Need to get somewhere? Keep asking your self these questions.... Why hurry?


Be ready to stop hunting and start meat care. IMHO, some guys shoot their first and then go "oh crap, what do I do now?" and just wrestle the deer out and take it to a butcher.... Don't be this guy. Study up on gutting, skining, quartering, butchering, meat wrapping etc....you will be glad you did.

Bring a camera!

Good luck on scoring your first deer. You will be very proud, so will we.

[Kingpuck]

Thanks guys. Think I'm getting the idea here. Need to put some dirt on the tires and get up some logging roads over the weekends so that I can get a good idea of how the deer move and what they like. Good to spend time from dawn to dusk seeing how things change when the time of day and weather change. Also thinking it would be good to keep a diary of my observations so that some consciences could be reach throughout the year.

Don't really know anyone with land up in the hills so probably going to have to hunt public land. Having just graduated college a guide will be out of reach financially. After some hard work should be able to close the deal on a deer like the Native Americans used to. Not afraid to get 10+ miles in the backcountry. That is part of the fun. Just have to eat a bit more and workout harder then the next guy. Should be spending more time at Nock Point ensuring the bow gets dialed in. Thanks so much for the advice, I'm getting excited about next year. Hope things in are in line by then.

Can honestly say that hunters are the coolest group of people to know. Makes it all the more fun.

[Camp David]

King Puck (you a hockey guy?)

Nock point is a good start, but learn to tune you own bow...Lots of great books available. Join Kenmore and use the bow hunter course 2X a week. You will learn to shoot well and meet some guys that just might take you under their wing and next thing you know you will have a hunting buddy (s). Remember hunting is a give/take have something to offer and invites will become the norm.

[fillthefreezer]

alot of good blacktail advice coming in but figured i should add, if you hunt blacktail remember, they are the most elusive of all the species and the hardest to tie a tag to a mature buck.


i cant even get a clear trailcam pic of the monster i have hanging around, 3 different pic sets and all blurry, its like sasquatch i swear

[deerhunter_98520]

Kingpuck, you are my favorite type of new hunter, guys like you are what will save our sport.

My tips for finding a deer to kill during your season of choice would be to;

I would pick a local area of easily accessible land. Something close so you can affordably get to know the area. Muleys can be hard to hunt as a newbie, since alot of them are migratory in nature....

You are westside I assume as I write this, so I would stick to westside blacktailed deer.

Look for signs of a buck. Tree rubs are your best clue. Game trails indicate alot of deer using an area, this is a good sign (duh  )

Find three or four different areas where you feel different bucks are living in. Keep your options open. Don't invest all your study on one buck, but a handfull.... Some other hunter may be doing the same with some of your deer...

Learn the areas like the back of your hand. You may run into a few of these deer a few times before season.  Nice to back off number one for a while and switch to number two for a bit...don't want to drive them out by constant pressure before  season.

Blacktails do not generally take off for miles when they are gently bumped (not chased...). If you target a specific buck, chances are he is within a mile or so of you as you hunt him.

Hunt slow.

Use quality binoculars every few feet when walking. Look at the horizon of your view. Look back at areas you have passed, the new angle may disclose deer. Look for ears and small features. Do not expect to see a blacktail standing in a position where he is completely viewable from head to toe. You may initially only see an ear tip.

Expect to be busted by his hearing and ability to smell you. Plan on it. Plan around this. Do so by going slow, looking ahead and around at the same thing many times. Look over a hill or timber patch again. Then look at it again. Make your head ache. I have found deer with my binoculars in areas I had already looked at 10 times. A deer bent over feeding which was previously not seen is now seen. A tiny bush had blocked your view, the deer moved two feet forward and is now viewable. This is how to score a blacktail.   Chances are they have already seen you and are frozen in place waiting for you to pass like other hunters do. Don't be the other hunter. What is your rush? Need to get somewhere? Keep asking your self these questions.... Why hurry?


Be ready to stop hunting and start meat care. IMHO, some guys shoot their first and then go "oh crap, what do I do now?" and just wrestle the deer out and take it to a butcher.... Don't be this guy. Study up on gutting, skining, quartering, butchering, meat wrapping etc....you will be glad you did.

Bring a camera!

Good luck on scoring your first deer. You will be very proud, so will we.

very good advice here...ive killed all my bucks doing this...spend alot of time at your spots glassing in the summer...the bucks/deer will be like fleas on a dog..there everywhere when they in the velvet..youll get to see what type of buck to expect in your area...pay attention to where they are in the clear cut and where they enter and leave...it will pay off for the season.....also walking the clear cuts and finding the well worn beds...the area i hunt the deer bed out in the cuts at night so i focus on the spots where the beds are to glass first thing in the morning...there usually right within 100 yds feeding of that area...also the biggest most mature bucks will be the first to leave the clear cuts and hit the timber for their day beds...so glass timberlines first thing in the morning...just keep a mental picture of the clearcut and the trails/beds going through them...remember theres going to be little hills and brush piles in the cuts for them to hide in/behind...these will be the most elusive deer you will hunt and the hardest trophy to get...if you put in the hard work you say you are going to...you will be rewarded...like said before find another hunter to go with...you have lots of time before next season...its more fun with a friend and alot easier on your back on the pack out...i hunt with my 2 cousins and my dad and i look forward to the memories every year....also go buy blacktail trophy tactics 2 and ready it and read it again...you will learn ALOT and it will help out a ton...boyd iverson knows his stuff

[BurleyDog]

Where do you live?

If your in the Wenatchee area I'll take you out next year and show you what little I know.

Welcome to hunting, its an amazing experience that I am sure you'll love.

I guess my one word of advice is that sometimes it takes years before being successful so focus on the
hunt itself and not the meat.

Let us know!

[Kingpuck]

King Puck (you a hockey guy?)

Nock point is a good start, but learn to tune you own bow...Lots of great books available. Join Kenmore and use the bow hunter course 2X a week. You will learn to shoot well and meet some guys that just might take you under their wing and next thing you know you will have a hunting buddy (s). Remember hunting is a give/take have something to offer and invites will become the norm.

Yeah, came up with the name because I like chasing after king salmon and really like hockey. Mainly just need to get the sight working in conjunction with where the arrow is going. I'm aiming in one spot and arrow ends up in a slightly different spot. Totally willing for give and take. Don't mind helping in the yard or helping with taxes. Don't know that I have a lot to give but willing to help others however I can.

[Kingpuck]

Live in Mountlake Terrace, practically 4 blocks from Nock Point. Just bought a car due to fuel economy but the trucks look so much better. Might need to look at how to mod out the car to make it easier on the forest roads. Thanks for the offer. Wish I lived closer to you. Always up for going shooting at kenmore.

[NWBREW]

Buy a cheap little toyota 4x4. I got this one for my hunting rig for 3k. Just bought it 2011.

[Colville]

I'll assume based on your willingness to hike "10 miles" that you are two things, physically capable and experienced as a backpacker.

That being said, a mature mule deer, even a doe, is a big critter. There aren't that many guys who are going to be able to pack a 3 to 5 day camp and a 100% boned out mule deer in one trip. So while 10 miles is not really a big deal as a camper, it's a real big deal as a solo hunter. Since most of the places you would actually hike long distances are 3 pt minimum and low density situations you've made scouting a more difficult issue as well.

Check out all the WA high hunt threads. Tons of country, some deer, tons of effort spent locating and even more getting on them... and that's with a rifle.  This isn't discouragement. But, you'd level your odds hunting localized deer, lower. Maybe deer on public but drawn to agriculture. Maybe in one of the units with an any deer opportunity. 

No one wants to talk down to you but it's very hard to know how much you know, yah know?  Do you have a gps and have you navigated off trail? What time of year are you going to hunt? Do you have the rest of the proper gear? Are you prepared to dress an animal? It can be daunting on your own. That's where I started because there were no hunters in my family. It's a more than worthy pursuit but until you narrow down a location(s) it'll be hard to get more specific advise about the approach beyond, spend as much time there as you can.

I'd advise that wherever you decide to make your place that you don't change it up year on year without due cause. Once you figure out the deer in a given location you can apply that to other locations. But if you keep changing it up out of frustration, you may never learn a place well enough to get it figured. Search this forum by the names of the locations and GMU's you intend to hunt and read all the past reports it can do a ton to bend your learning curve and help you to ask more specific questions.

[grunt11B]

Sounds like you have everything going for you. Find the species you want to hunt, and find the nearest hunting ground, and scout the crap out of your area...look for trails and signs....set up trail cameras to see whats hangin around.. Here are some examples of signs I have in my area...Good luck....



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Oh did I mention break bush, be in the thick with them....Once you are satisfied with your area start making shooting lanes....  

[DeerThug]

Cant top the advise already given but heres my 2 cents.  Hunt small, you dont have to cover miles to see deer, in fact just the opposite.  While I mostly hunt mulies, there are days when I cover less than a mile sunup to sun down.  But will literally have my binocs on my eyes for hours.  Same will hold true on the west side.  Scan what you can see with optics and then do it again.  Then after you think there are no deer there, do it again.  Even if it is only 50 yards that you can see.  Sun and lighting changes can disclose an antler or leg.  Also remember a hidden deer just has to move a foot for you to see him.  Better he move that you - you bust him than he busts you.   If you are moving slow enough - watch behind you too.  You may have walked by a deer that did not run and now that you are past it you can see it.   If it is open at all get a spotting scope, the best you can afford.  Got mine at Walmart.  I cant count the number of rocks and bushes i see in the binocs that I save a stalk on with the spotting scope.  Also cant count the number of times when what I thought was a branch turned out to be a buck rack and then Game On.

Also hunt ALL day.  I have shot more deer at 2 in the afternoon than 30 minutes after sunup.  Hunt every day you can.

Finding deer is not hard.  Heck anyone can walk thru the woods and eventually jump one.  Learning to hunt deer is what you want to learn to do - that just takes practice.

Also the comments about care of the meat.  If you don't have that skill dont kill it - it is not hard, but if you have never been around it - it is easy to ruin a piece of meat.  There are threads on here that are step by step.  And be sure you have a SHARP knife, does not need to be big - a 3 inch blade will work up a deer nicely.  Biggest thing is get it cool as fast as you can.   Also you want a good experience with your first one to make you want to come back for more.

And remember all you need is to see one in range.  For your first few seasons try to get a doe tag, that will up your odds of filling a tag and give you the experience.
 
Post pics when you get one.

[Kingpuck]

I'll assume based on your willingness to hike "10 miles" that you are two things, physically capable and experienced as a backpacker.

That being said, a mature mule deer, even a doe, is a big critter. There aren't that many guys who are going to be able to pack a 3 to 5 day camp and a 100% boned out mule deer in one trip. So while 10 miles is not really a big deal as a camper, it's a real big deal as a solo hunter. Since most of the places you would actually hike long distances are 3 pt minimum and low density situations you've made scouting a more difficult issue as well.

Check out all the WA high hunt threads. Tons of country, some deer, tons of effort spent locating and even more getting on them... and that's with a rifle.  This isn't discouragement. But, you'd level your odds hunting localized deer, lower. Maybe deer on public but drawn to agriculture. Maybe in one of the units with an any deer opportunity. 

No one wants to talk down to you but it's very hard to know how much you know, yah know?  Do you have a gps and have you navigated off trail? What time of year are you going to hunt? Do you have the rest of the proper gear? Are you prepared to dress an animal? It can be daunting on your own. That's where I started because there were no hunters in my family. It's a more than worthy pursuit but until you narrow down a location(s) it'll be hard to get more specific advise about the approach beyond, spend as much time there as you can.

I'd advise that wherever you decide to make your place that you don't change it up year on year without due cause. Once you figure out the deer in a given location you can apply that to other locations. But if you keep changing it up out of frustration, you may never learn a place well enough to get it figured. Search this forum by the names of the locations and GMU's you intend to hunt and read all the past reports it can do a ton to bend your learning curve and help you to ask more specific questions.

Colville, you got some good questions here. The biggest is probably my comfort backpacking. Been doing that for 3 years, actually worked at REI for 2 years. So have the gear and feel really comfortable in a tent. Recently bought a lightweight bivy type tent (its actually a rainfly on a larger tent but with a tarp on the ground it will do just fine). After the tent and the sleeping bag and food I'm hoping to have a bag that is under 15 pounds. That should give me a good 50-70 pounds to play with. Not sure what that means as far as how much the animals weigh. A mullie should be what 120-150 dressed?

Totally get the knowledge thing. Some people say one thing and know another. Funny how many people you see like that. The only people you are fooling is yourself. Haven't navigated off trail but will be looking into a GPS this offseason for that and will be taking the orienteering course offered by REI. Probably early to mid season hunting. Have the bow and the backpacks. Need the scent blocker gear and the estrus scents. I've got a great knife and have watched just about every butchering video on youtube. Would definitely want to quarter the animal and bone out the ribs to reduce what your carrying to just meat. Also thought it would be cool to build the game bags out of sheets like others have talked about. Mom always taught me to be handy with the needle and thread so that might finally pay off.

Got a buddy or two with a truck so that might be taken care of, just got to coordinate drop off and pick ups.

Thanks for the encouragement. Feels like I'm taking on a 2nd part time job but I owe it to the animals and myself to be prepared.

[Kingpuck]

Deerthug, solid advice. Wasn't looking for a wall hanger the first few years just know that this is a slow progression. Have a lot to learn but don't mind. That is part of the fun. In the end if I go a season without a shot and learn something its still not a season lost.

[Clancy]

Lots of great advice here. invest in a trail cam or two if you can once you find a area you're taking a liking to. good scouting tool and fun as heck 

[NateR]

I, like KingPuck, grew up in a non-hunting family and have been doing the DIY method for a few years now without much luck. I'm always impressed in the amount of time and info people are willing to dole out for us new guys...THANK YOU. The people on this site kick arse.

[NWBREW]

Kingpuck, If you are backpaking in to hunt you will want to bone the whole animal out.....including the front and rear quarters. Leave the bones for the woodland critters. Trust me....it makes a difference. 

And always leave a map or let someone know where you are going. Unexpected things can happen and it is easier for help to find you if they know where to look. You can also do a search on here for what others put in their packs. Go in light but be prepared.

[bearpaw]

I scanned over this topic, some good advice given. It sounds like you are starting out as a bowhunter from the beginning. Here's a little basic advice that I didn't see mentioned, forgive me if I repeat something already mentioned.

Get yourself a cheap used range finder that will read 10 to 50 yards.

When you are out scouting practice at judging the distance to objects and verify the actual distance with the range finder. This will greatly improve your ability to be more effective at shooting when still hunting or stalking, you will not always have the chance to range animals when you see them.

If you plan to stand or blind hunt practice shooting from you blind or stand a lot. I have seen numerous hunters who get in a hunting stand, but they've never before shot from such a position. You need to be comfortable shooting from all positions in your stand/blind.

Once you are sitting in a blind/stand hunting, be sure you pick out a few objects and check their distance for refernce points. You will also want to keep that range finder handy in case you have the chance to range an animal before shooting.

Always pay attention to the wind direction, try to hunt with the wind in your favor and not going from you toward where you want to see deer. If you spot deer at a distance and plan a stalk, remember to approach with the wind not going toward the anmal from you.

I don't like cover scents, too much chance they might not smell right in your area, I do like No Scent or other scent eliminators. I think it's most important to watch the wind direction, then you have less chance of a blown hunt due to smell.

Deer can see, smell, and hear many times better than humans, they only survive by outwitting coyotes, cougars, and humans. You must think like a predator when you are hunting. Keep out of sight whenever possible, move slow with the wind in your favor, sneak up to overlooks, don't skyline your body and movement, never move fast when around or near animals. Just turning your head too fast in a tree stand while 20 feet off the ground can be spotted by cautious deer. Remember to watch behind you when slowly still hunting, if you are doing a good job, deer could be moving in any direction around you, or they may have layed out of sight as you snuck past them. My last quick piece of advice, always expect to see deer, you might be walking up to your truck to leave an area and the biggest buck you'll ever see is feeding near it, so expect to see deer when you least expect it.

Welcome to the addiction.....

[huntnnw]

save yourself some money and dont buy scent blocker type clothing..PLAY THE WIND!

[jackmaster]

kingpuck, its good to hear that adults that have never hunted are still willing to get in to it, that means there is still hope, i figured most adults that arent hunters now were brainwashed by the antis, glad that is not the case, when you close out your first animal you will find that it is just the bonus, nothin like spending time lookn for your quarry, when you start your scoutn pay real good attention to the southwest slopes, come deer season deer really favor slopes with a south to southwest exposure, dont get discouraged,especially if your huntn blacktail, which is by far the hardest north american game animal to hunt, but no matter what do not get discouraged, you can do everything right and not see a thing for days and then you can do everything wrong and see a ton of deer, just go with it and pay attention to the animal you hunt, always pay attention to what they eat, and remember deer try to feed with the wind coming to their back so they can smell whats behind them and see whats in front of them... good luck to ya

[Glockster]

Great advice for a newcomer!  We need more of you.  And more who are willing to help get them started.

My advice is don't over think things in the beginning.  Be open to learning and expect NOT to kill your first year or two.  Don't become frustrated.   Learn to enjoy the learning process....because even experienced hunters learn something new every day afield.  The deer will teach you how and were to hunt if you pay attention to their clues.

~Don't buy the latest greatest wonder gadgets you see on TV.  Don't believe even half of what you read in hunting magazines or see on TV shows.  90% of them are 'celebrity' hunters who don't have a clue if you were to drop them off in the WA woods without a guide on public land.  Most of those hunts you read or see on TV are what we call 'silver spoon' hunts.   Animals pre scouted, pre fed by timer controlled feeder, 1/2 tame ranch deer that our hero flies in and shoots for the camera.  Don't get me started. 

~Get the book Hunting Trophy Blacktails by Boyd Iverson....alot of great insight into hunting the toughest deer in N. America.

~ Don't be intimidated by the prospect of boning out or gutting a deer.  If you can fillet a fish you can do a deer!  But if you hunt far from the car, have a plan for getting the meat cool and clean ASAP. 

~ Become a stats junkie....find the units with the highest kill percentages and work from there.  Gotta hunt where the deer are.

~My best tip would be join a local bow hunting group or club.  Go to the meetings, absorb like a sponge.  Volunteer to get your fingernails dirty on conservation projects.  Show that you're a contributor, not just a taker and you'll get so networked on good hunting tips, partners, and valuable info that you'll shave years off the learning curve.   

Good luck and welcome to the brothahood!

[wraithen]

What if he were interested in mulies?

[jackmaster]

What if he were interested in mulies?

GLAS,GLASS AND MORE GLASS, thats about all i know for muley huntn tips, all i hunt is blacktail so what i have heard for muleys is alot of glassing

[WAcoyotehunter]

Cruise the roads and watch for one of those "DEER CROSSING" signs...those areas are money!! 


Joke...really the best way is to spend a bunch of time in the woods and begin to learn their patterns.  Like Jackmaster said, "Glass, Glass and Glass more for mulies in more open country.  It's going to depend largely on your specific location, but deer life needs are pretty simple.  They're going to be using water and food resources fairly predicatably and you will see those patterns develop when you're glassing/tracking. 

Find a 'mentor' that doesn't mind you tagging along for a few hunts.  You'll pick it up over time, but like everything- you'll get out of it what you put in.  Be prepared for some maddening hunts and some very rewarding ones. 

[Colville]

Your in for a long haul. That's not bad it's just what it is. All your factors are on the hard side:

Mentored or on your own:  own
Rifle or Archery:  Archery
Private/public land:  Public
Mule deer/Whitetail:  Mule deer
Pack hunt or car camp:  Pack in
Any deer or 3pt:  3pt hunts

That's pretty much as tough a road to ho as you can put in front of yourself. Guys with experience go years and years without getting high hunt bucks, with a rifle, with partners and scouting. This isn't a dissuasion. But you should have expectations that are in line with what you are taking on.  I know a dozen guys can come in and point out non wilderness, pack in hunts in October with better opportunities than the high hunt, that's true. That said, you're biting off a ton so I'd prioritize your end goal. And if kill success is near the top of the list, you should revisit some of these selections.

[Kingpuck]

Kingpuck, If you are backpaking in to hunt you will want to bone the whole animal out.....including the front and rear quarters. Leave the bones for the woodland critters. Trust me....it makes a difference. 

And always leave a map or let someone know where you are going. Unexpected things can happen and it is easier for help to find you if they know where to look. You can also do a search on here for what others put in their packs. Go in light but be prepared.

This is a given whenever I leave for the outdoors. Always leave a map and a time of expected arrival. Recently purchased a Spot 2 for outdoors trips as well. Better safe than sorry. Also hoping to get in on the REI compass/map reading course soon. Got to take personal responsibility for your actions you know.

[Kingpuck]

Okay I've made some decisions based on feedback, I'll chase after whitetails initially as that should offer the best chance of success. If a blacktail happens along and they are in season well then darn. Just thought of the backpacking element as I know the roads get crowded around hunting season and I don't mind a little walk in the forest. Got some friends that hike like goats and they always seem to find deer when they are out. If the two passions collide well then so be it. Hoping to get away from the crowds so that the deer don't get pushed around by the other hunters.

Honestly the next step is to really work on the bow and getting it tuned in, then getting comfortable shooting at odd angles. Chances are good the deer isn't going to be exactly broadside within 25 yards.

Lot's to learn and its going to be a fun ride! Thanks again everyone I'm a little overwhelmed by the willingness of everyone to help out and offer advice, its a lot more than I had expected.

[Kingpuck]

appreciate the advice about the backpack hunting. Hoping to get into Nock Point this weekend to try and get the bow tuned up better. Got to get an emissions test and register the new car but other than that should be able to get in there.

[400out]

What if he were interested in mulies?

GLAS,GLASS AND MORE GLASS, thats about all i know for muley huntn tips, all i hunt is blacktail so what i have heard for muleys is alot of glassing

learn to sneak! practice during the summer on everything 

[jackmaster]

kingpuck, dude you aint gonna run into a blacktail while your huntn whitetail so you wont have to worry about that, i do think your chances are gonna go up startn out chasin whiteys, you might go talk to farmers over in that neck of the woods and see i9f you can get some private land to hunt, i agree with the others that have said you might want to wait a couple years before you try your hand at a serious backcountry hunt, just do to being new to huntn and meat care, oh and another thing to look into is the amount of permit hunts for over in whitetail  country, if you draw then you will get to spend even more time in the woods, hope you have an understanding wife or that your single cause you will see what an addiction hunting can be.

[Kingpuck]

Haha, think I know a few farmers but don't know if there are much in the way of deer in that area. Went king salmon fishing one morning and came around a corner to find a giant elk with big horns standing there and I just about dropped a log in my shorts.

Would be cool to help a farmer and get some meat in the process. Would be nice to give the farmer some meat too out of the deal.

[moocher97]

I almost think mulies are esyier because the live in more open area so you can glass them from afar then put a stalk on them but i hunt mostly blacktail because i live in poulsbo so i go across the hood canal bridge youll see a ton of people but if you can find a honey hole in there and put a treestand in there even with a bow ive couldve shot around 5 different deer 40 yards tops ive also heard whitetail are dummer then a box of rocks but if the smell you there gone same with mulies but they have good sight to and the blacktail usally live in thick stuff and go in clearcuts at night and go into the reprod in the morning so what you need is a crappy crappy day like (windy and rainy) and just watch in the reprod and i almost garentee you will see one and since its so windy they dont like thick stuff because they cant hear or smell so they rely on sight. hunting any type of deer RAIN IS GOOD during april-june try to apply for some deer units or even elk to build some points up for some dream units like for instence (Eniat,swakane,desert) for elk (mudflow,margret,toutle) i hunted the margret and shot a 5x5 bull with a bow and i mustoff just barely missed any vitals because there was little blood and i also shot at a 6x5 and my arrow mustoff hit a branch because it went right over its back and it was gone hope this info was helpful it would be very nice to be in shape because most people road hunt so you could hike in somewhere of the beaten path

[nwwanderer]

Great info all.  Ask the county road crews where they pickup the most road kill.  Find a high spot and use the glass mentioned before, when the locals come and ask what you are up to be polite, honest and helpful.  Lots of deer in the right places.

[CAMPMEAT]

I've shot Blacktail, whitetail and muleys just driving the logging roads. Honestly, I have.

[Colville]

I've bought lots of meat in the grocery store, honestly, I have.