Never Hunted Whitetail

[fireweed]

Most popular big game in the country and I've never hunted it!  But now I've got a Pearrygin buck tag so mulies and bt's are on hold.  Will not be sitting in a tree, but any advice out there?

[PolarBear]

The best avise that I can give you, it seems you have already discounted.  Waiting out whities is far and above the best way to get a big one.  This is from 40 years experience hunting them.   

[3nails]

Learn to bleat, grunt, and rattle.

[bradslam]

The best avise that I can give you, it seems you have already discounted.  Waiting out whities is far and above the best way to get a big one.  This is from 40 years experience hunting them.   

Ditto.  The bucks there will be hanging in the thick brush.  Don't expect to wander around and get a decent shot off.  For that tag, so much will depend on the weather.  If its too nice, they could be almost completely nocturnal.  Most likely, your best chance will be stand hunting and rattling.

[BULLBLASTER]

Run some baits before season with trail cams to see what kind of bucks are in the area. Baits are effective way to hunt them also. I second stand hunting being the most productive. Long hours on stand usually pay off!

[Rainier10]

Stand hunting after camera scouting.  Pick stand and stick with it if you think it is a good one, the minute you switch... bang there he is right where you were.

[Buckmark]

Take a walk if you want to see whiteails.
Sit still if you want to kill whitetails.
As told to me by a wise old man, with lots of nice whitetail racks on the wall.
Dont get wrong i have killed bucks still hunting, also have been waved goodbye to alot.

[CP]

Yep, sitting in a tree is usually the best method for whitetail.  Save the spot and stalk for mule deer, they are slower and have lower IQs.   

[smdave]

Yep, sitting in a tree is usually the best method for whitetail.  Save the spot and stalk for mule deer, they are slower and have lower IQs.   

My observations are a Whitetails nature is to run (to the next county) when it is scared or spooked, a Mule deer runs off 100 yards then stops and looks back to see what it was that spooked them.

[pianoman9701]

If whities in WA are anything like whities back east, they're extremely pattern-able. Scout and use trail cams to see where to place a tree stand or ambush. You can depend on them to use the same routes at basically the same times. I've shot a ton of whitetail bucks. Almost all of them by knowing when and where to be when they come strolling by.

[Kowsrule30]

I've only hunted WT twice on my friends property near Spokane bordering state land.... I don't like tree stands so I did the spot and stalk.... More or less moving at a snails pace then sitting or standing for hours looking for movment.... I have a 130" and 145" WT.... Same way I hunt MD..... Gotta keep them in the garage though.... They mess up my elk, MD, and BT set up....   

[coachcw]

All good advice , I'm not in any way a whitty expert but never disscount the wind and no matter what keep it in your face .

[ellensburgpo]

My observations are a Whitetails nature is to run (to the next county) when it is scared or spooked, a Mule deer runs off 100 yards then stops and looks back to see what it was that spooked them.
[/quote]

X2

I would add that I have also seen mature bucks hold somewhere tighter then a pheasant if they think they haven't been seen and the danger is going to walk by. But once spooked, I've never seen a whitetail stop and look back.

[pianoman9701]

My observations are a Whitetails nature is to run (to the next county) when it is scared or spooked, a Mule deer runs off 100 yards then stops and looks back to see what it was that spooked them.

X2

I would add that I have also seen mature bucks hold somewhere tighter then a pheasant if they think they haven't been seen and the danger is going to walk by. But once spooked, I've never seen a whitetail stop and look back.
[/quote]

This is different from back east. Unless they get two senses of you, back east they usually stop and then get curious and often come back. Not as much the bucks as the does, but I've had bucks do it, too.

[buckfvr]

Most of what you read about whitetails does not pertain to this state and its diverse habitat and different ecosystems they inhabit.  Theres  a learning curve , but its worth it.