Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: jkhbuchanan on October 23, 2012, 03:45:22 PM

Title: Where are the bucks?
Post by: jkhbuchanan on October 23, 2012, 03:45:22 PM: My wife and i have been hunting Vail and greenwater area since opening weekend and havent seen one leagal buck yet. All we have seen is 7 does in the vail area. One blackbear which i have a tag for but couldnt get a shot at it in greenwater. A mountain goat in greenwater and two cows north of greenwater near naches trail. We have put miles and miles on our boots in the last week. We have glassed clear cuts, walked remote trails, walked roads behind gates, broke brush a few times. Just wondering what are we doing wrong? Im not looking for a honeyhole or anything just some advice. Im not even looking for a huge buck or anything. Hell we would be happy with a spike at this point just to put meat in the freezer.

Ive been here in washington for 7 years now in the military. Just got out a month and a half ago and this is my first year hunting here in washington. Ive never hunted blacktail or blackbear before. Only hunted whitetail once in ohio. So ive done alot of research on blacktail and everything im doing seems to be the right thing, but not having any luck. Just looking for some pointers. I would even be willing to hit a new area. Any advice would be very appreciated thanks!
Title: Re: Where are the bucks?
Post by: lewy on October 23, 2012, 04:07:02 PM: The deer population in the white river unit has been steadily declining for years, it is very discouraging. We have really had to pound it, and I mean pound it, to get decent bucks lately. The elk population on the other hand seems to be doing great, there are elk everywere......
Title: Re: Where are the bucks?
Post by: Kowsrule30 on October 23, 2012, 04:07:44 PM: Sounds like you're on the right path.... Maybe go a little slower and glass more.... :dunno: Most the time you walk right past BT and never knew... Or watched a cut for hours without seeing a thing... But they were just laying there watching you...
Title: Re: Where are the bucks?
Post by: grousetracker on October 23, 2012, 04:20:14 PM: patience, if you put in the time it will work out, the season is just getting started.
Title: Re: Where are the bucks?
Post by: Elkpiss on October 23, 2012, 04:23:09 PM: The last 4 days or the general are the best days by far, live in the woods from the 29th till the 31st and you will see some bucks... :tup:
Title: Re: Where are the bucks?
Post by: jkhbuchanan on October 23, 2012, 04:30:03 PM: Thanks to everyone so far for the replies. Im heading out again tomorrow. then friday- sunday. Hopefully i can finnally see something.
Title: Re: Where are the bucks?
Post by: Chappyk16 on October 23, 2012, 05:55:09 PM: I was told it was due to the increase in Cougars in that area, but correct me if i am wrong. I heard 3 cougars were taken opening weekend in vail