Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: longstevo on November 07, 2014, 06:02:00 PM

Title: What's the Margaret like for late buck?
Post by: longstevo on November 07, 2014, 06:02:00 PM: Just wondering what that area's like for late buck rifle. I always hunt in the south Cascades, but with Wind RIver and West Klick permit only, the good options are pretty limited.

I was thinking the eastern section above Meta Lake.

:dunno: :dunno: :dunno:
Title: Re: What's the Margaret like for late buck?
Post by: gotcha on November 07, 2014, 06:24:44 PM: Few and far between. Spent alot of time up there. Just haven't seen alot. See more goats than deer.
Title: Re: What's the Margaret like for late buck?
Post by: RadSav on November 07, 2014, 06:40:17 PM: Quote from: gotcha on November 07, 2014, 06:24:44 PM
Few and far between. Spent alot of time up there. Just haven't seen alot.

I agree. In the late 80's we'd see a couple book bucks a day. Not anywhere near that these days. Now you are lucky to see one good buck a season. BUT...when you do see that buck it's usually a dandy!!! Would not be my first choice or even close to my first choice of units now. Though it only takes one stupid buck to make it great :chuckle:
Title: Re: What's the Margaret like for late buck?
Post by: sirmissalot on November 07, 2014, 06:53:37 PM: There are some good bucks up there throughout summer I'll tell you that. Not a lot, but. But not too awfully hard to find either. Late in the season like that is going to be tough weather wise
Title: Re: What's the Margaret like for late buck?
Post by: gotcha on November 07, 2014, 07:16:11 PM: Honestly how many did you see in all your scouting up there for your tag. I was up there during the same time frame and hunted a little farther back. There just not there. Elk that is a dif story.
Title: Re: What's the Margaret like for late buck?
Post by: sirmissalot on November 07, 2014, 08:19:31 PM: During scouting for my tag I saw three shooter bucks. One was a dandy four point we put a stalk on but couldn't make it happen. The last couple years I have been up fishing, looking for bears and scouting some for deer and have seen a handful every summer. I agree there are not a lot, hardly worth going for but I love that country up there.
Title: Re: What's the Margaret like for late buck?
Post by: longstevo on November 07, 2014, 09:34:57 PM: Well that solves that then! :tup: Thanks.

I'm not really too worried about it. I tagged a buck in Idaho, so I'm not for need of meat in the freezer, but I've got a buddy who's never killed anything, and I'm trying to show him a good hunt.

Any suggestions for SW Washington? ;)
Title: Re: What's the Margaret like for late buck?
Post by: longstevo on November 07, 2014, 09:45:30 PM: Quote from: RadSav on November 07, 2014, 06:40:17 PM
Quote from: gotcha on November 07, 2014, 06:24:44 PM
Few and far between. Spent alot of time up there. Just haven't seen alot.

I agree. In the late 80's we'd see a couple book bucks a day. Not anywhere near that these days. Now you are lucky to see one good buck a season. BUT...when you do see that buck it's usually a dandy!!! Would not be my first choice or even close to my first choice of units now. Though it only takes one stupid buck to make it great :chuckle:

Thank for the feedback, Rav. I've got a buddy that's never even seen a buck in the wild despite hunting the Grayback for three years (not hunting it hard, I think). You mentioned that the Margaret would not be your first choice or even close to your first choice. Could I be so bold by asking for some suggestions? We don't have permits, but are looking for open late buck hunts and live in Vancouver.

I grew up hunting blackpowder in the 578, and experienced some FANTASTIC hunting and shooting at deer. But since they went to a permit only BP hunt in '10, I've been pretty lost in the late buck. I don't know many places in the Lewis, Siouxon, Washougal or Coweeman units.
Title: Re: What's the Margaret like for late buck?
Post by: RadSav on November 07, 2014, 09:49:35 PM: Do you have a Weyco pass?

I'll try to work up a few ideas and send you a PM after I get all my packing done - probably wee morning!
Title: Re: What's the Margaret like for late buck?
Post by: longstevo on November 07, 2014, 09:53:10 PM: Negative on the Weyco pass. I understand the north side of the unit is mostly Weyco. I know the trail above Meta Lake isn't Weyco, so that's why I was thinking about that area. Seems like the only place to access the south side of the unit.

I will await your PM with extreme patience. Good luck with whatever trip you're packing for!
Title: Re: What's the Margaret like for late buck?
Post by: gotcha on November 08, 2014, 03:35:32 AM: Sirmissalot about what I saw.
Title: Re: What's the Margaret like for late buck?
Post by: BABackcountryBwhntr on November 08, 2014, 07:22:21 PM: if you have a 12 ga or a ML there is actually quite a few deer and some dandy bucks on the WDFW lands near vancouver lake. The toutle also has some good bucks in it as well.