Post by: pd on July 22, 2014, 10:09:33 PM
Why do we have a High Buck Hunt in Washington?
As far as I can tell, all of the federally designated "Wilderness Areas" are designated for a high buck hunt, which runs from September 15th to 25th. Over here on the Olympic Peninsula there are several areas that can be hunted with modern firearms during that period.
I was always under the impression that the high buck hunt was designed for those areas with significant elevation (e.g. 7,000'), where the deer (mostly Mule deer) would have to move down when an early snow came. However, over here on the very wet side there aren't any wilderness areas much above 3,000', and they certainly do not get snow in late September.
I doubt there are early rutting issues with a mid- to late-September hunt. I think this is all about snow, and the lack of access during a normal modern rifle season. So which is it? Was the high buck hunt established because of early snows in the very high elevations (think Boyd Iverson and Colorado Mule deer migrations), or an early rut??
By the way, I haven't lived in Washington long enough to know when the high buck hunt was first started. Please comment on that, too.
Post by: bobcat on July 22, 2014, 10:43:39 PM
Oh, and there are actually quite a few wilderness areas that are not open for the high hunt, such as William O. Douglas and Norse Peak wilderness.
Post by: JimmyHoffa on July 22, 2014, 10:53:42 PM
There is some snow in the westside areas in that time frame, but nothing to preclude one from breaking trail. Last year snowed about an inch above 5500' during the last few days. Then it melted and the heat wave/drought began. :(
Post by: pd on July 23, 2014, 10:56:20 AM
I wasn't aware of other wilderness areas not being part of the High Buck Hunt. In my limited experience on the Olympic Peninsula I haven't seen significant snowfall in the wilderness areas during September (actually, in the 2013/2014 winter season we didn't get serious snow until late January, 2014). I just don't see why there is a High Buck Hunt here.
Believe me, I don't want to take away any opportunities for anybody. I just am not convinced the High Buck Hunt on the Olympic Peninsula wilderness areas have much meaning, because the lower elevations don't seem to cause any early rutting behavior. Perhaps some expert hunters could comment on this theory?
Post by: Ridgerunner on July 23, 2014, 11:10:39 AM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on July 23, 2014, 11:36:28 AM
Post by: boneaddict on July 23, 2014, 11:49:27 AM
Post by: pd on July 23, 2014, 11:50:07 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on July 23, 2014, 12:00:57 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on July 23, 2014, 12:02:14 PM
Good information. Jimmy, is there a lot of Olympic high buck pressure?I have only tried three of the units during high buck and go in on weekdays--don't see too many, but if leaving on a Friday have seen quite a few headed in. Buddies that go on weekends have pumpkin patch stories, but the section they go to is well known.
Post by: savagehunter on July 23, 2014, 09:24:10 PM
Post by: Axle on July 23, 2014, 09:55:09 PM
Quote
Why do we have a High Buck Hunt in Washington?
And I ask - why not? :dunno:
Our ancestors (regardless of race or creed) have hunted them up high for many-a-millennia. :IBCOOL:
Don't limit your options my friend. Enjoy what God has blessed you with and give Him the thanks He deserves for blessing us with yummy meat. :cue: :hello:
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on July 23, 2014, 11:12:42 PM
I just am not convinced the High Buck Hunt on the Olympic Peninsula wilderness areas have much meaning, because the lower elevations don't seem to cause any early rutting behavior.
The high hunt has been around well before the 80's. 'The Peninsula' wasn't to be left out, as it was seen as a financial hardship for people of say.. Forks, to travel to the eastern Cascades for an early season hunting opportunity. For a long time, that was the only Blacktail early season. The latest addition of a Blacktail high hunt now the Baker unit. -I actually don't know why.. Double Cougar tags and use of hounds would allow more Blacktail in this unit. Right now.. There's a lot of competition for the hunter. And since the Baker unit can get a dumping of snow in September, it really doesn't make sense to get people stranded up there. It is truly a back pack hunt. That said, there are seasons in the Pasayten in September that do get snow, but for the last five years, I've been hunting in shorts because it's been so darn hot! And.. These hunts/times do not occur during/or produce rutting behavior. Not at all. Elevation and weather have nothing to do with when that happens.
-Steve
Post by: muleracks on July 25, 2014, 06:22:08 AM
Don't know when the hunt started but its sure fun hunting the high country.
Post by: fillthefreezer on July 25, 2014, 07:03:34 AM
As far as I can tell, all of the federally designated "Wilderness Areas" are designated for a high buck hunt, which runs from September 15th to 25th. Over here on the Olympic Peninsula there are several areas that can be hunted with modern firearms during that period.there are many wilderness areas in way not open to the high hunt. more than are open actually.
william o, norsepeak, clearwater, goat rocks, mt adams, indian heaven, salmo-priest, wenaha, boulder river to name a few