Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: adamR on January 19, 2014, 01:28:23 PM

Title: Quality deer permit suggestions
Post by: adamR on January 19, 2014, 01:28:23 PM: I was just looking for some advice from you guys on what to put in for this upcoming season. I have 11 points for quality deer (I know I know, that doesn't mean anything). I enjoy hunting with rifle or muzzleloader. The biggest buck I've taken probably scores somewhere around 120". I'm not looking for a 200" mulie, just a solid 4x4 22" or better maybe 150" or better. I hunt around Yakima so a 150" mulie is a big deer to me and would be very happy with it.
I prefer hunting sage/grass hillsides and broken timber where I can see a couple hundred yards in and out of trees. I'm not asking where to hunt when I do get drawn because I want to spend the time scouting and finding my way around the unit. I just need some advice on which unit would be best for me to learn. I will be able to take a week off of work and then hunt weekends as well.
I'm considering Entiat and desert obviously. Slide ridge, Mission, and Alta are on the list. I'm also thinking about stuff closer to home like Cowiche, Quilomene, and Observatory but I hate to waste that many points on those units. One of the most important criteria is Rut, I want to hunt in the rut. Feel free to pm if you would rather. Just looking for some opinions!
Title: Re: Quality deer permit suggestions
Post by: steen on January 19, 2014, 01:38:34 PM: I honestly don't think it matters which unit you put in for. It is just a joy to hunt where there is little pressure and you can just look at deer then decide what you want to shoot. Camping is also awesome cause fellow tag holders share stories and spots because there is little pressure. It is just plain fun to do the late hunt regardless the size buck you take!
Title: Re: Quality deer permit suggestions
Post by: Buzz2401 on January 19, 2014, 01:57:36 PM: Best bet is to put in with territory you know well.
Title: Re: Quality deer permit suggestions
Post by: Tbar on January 19, 2014, 02:17:47 PM: I would look into the Methow units. Just about every one of them have bucks that fit your bill and excellent access. :twocents:
Title: Re: Quality deer permit suggestions
Post by: adamR on January 19, 2014, 08:38:02 PM: Quote from: Buzz2401 on January 19, 2014, 01:57:36 PM
Best bet is to put in with territory you know well.
I get what you are saying but I was kind of hoping to try something new... With my work schedule it typically doesn't allow me to spend time looking at new areas but getting an awesome permit would make me commit to learning a new area.
Plus part of the experience would be camping in a foreign area and not going home for a shower every night!
Title: Re: Quality deer permit suggestions
Post by: boomstick on January 19, 2014, 08:42:04 PM: The best time is to scout the units you want to hunt while the big bucks are down. They will rut lower depending where the does are.
Title: Re: Quality deer permit suggestions
Post by: 6x6in6 on January 22, 2014, 08:46:25 AM: I wouldn't include the Quilomene in your waste of points units.
The others you listed earlier are all great potential units. You have plenty of time and plenty of weekends between now and app time to observe what's out there on the wintering grounds.
Title: Re: Quality deer permit suggestions
Post by: kirkl on January 23, 2014, 12:08:55 PM: I remember when I had 11 points lol, goin on 18 this year and no I don't ghost em :)
Title: Re: Quality deer permit suggestions
Post by: Capt. Rob on January 23, 2014, 03:20:56 PM: I drew a the Desert with only 5 points. Very lucky I guess. Contact local WDFW bio guy for advise. He usually is very helpful and more than willing to share info. You may want to call a few in the units you interested in. Good Luck