Post by: RadSav on February 19, 2015, 05:31:32 AM
When the state took our bulls away and took the hallowed ground late muledeer hunt away my interest in Washington state diminished. We continued to kill our cows and small westside bulls and we put deer and bear in the freezer each year. But, I rarely ever hunted hard. And when I got married Washington State hunting became more about her success and much less about mine.
Well, with failing health and a busy business I have decided I'm not getting any younger or healthier. So now is the time if I'm ever going to have one more run. So I am officially claiming 2015 as the year I recommit to Washington State bowhunting! I have yet to decide east or west for elk. Yet to decide which deer species I want to put my tag on. But plans are in the works to relive my youth and put some new heavy horns on the wall! For the first time in about 20 years I'm actually getting excited about the upcoming season here at home!!
Anyone else making plans to put some Washington record book animals on the ground this year? I'm even thinking about going after old mellon head and trying to break the state blackbear record :dunno: Who knows, with all the years of "Not Drawn" points built up, maybe I can even get drawn for something with horns :IBCOOL:
Join me in re-committing to Washington state. Let's make this year 1985 all over again!
Post by: Watimberghost on February 19, 2015, 06:00:52 AM
Post by: jackelope on February 19, 2015, 06:04:15 AM
Join me in re-committing to Washington state. Let's make this year 1985 all over again!
Should I get my mullet fired back up again? Business in the front, party in the back?
I'm always all about Washington hunting. Try to kill a big buck every year which is mostly why I don't kill a buck every year. I'm in.
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on February 19, 2015, 06:15:06 AM
Post by: DoubleJ on February 19, 2015, 06:40:31 AM
Post by: Dhoey07 on February 19, 2015, 06:41:15 AM
Washington still has great opportunities for OTC archery hunting. I'll be hunting an any elk unit for almost 2 weeks and have a month and a half to shoot a whitetail. No record book animals needed for me though, after an empty 2014, I'm looking to put some meat in the freezer :tup:
Post by: pianoman9701 on February 19, 2015, 06:51:23 AM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on February 19, 2015, 07:14:38 AM
Post by: D-Rock425 on February 19, 2015, 09:09:21 AM
Post by: D-Rock425 on February 19, 2015, 09:12:32 AM
Post by: bobcat on February 19, 2015, 09:32:48 AM
Post by: vandeman17 on February 19, 2015, 09:42:35 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on February 19, 2015, 09:52:42 AM
I think I'm a few years behind ya. I used to push and attempt to do it all. It seems the busy factor of life has forced me to back off. Throw in a few kids that are coming of age and the priority to hunt for me seems to drop down the list. I'll root you on and hope that in a few years I too will recommit to enjoying all this state has to offer.
Best of Luck!
Post by: Gobble Doc on February 19, 2015, 10:27:17 AM
Post by: bullfisher on February 19, 2015, 10:37:49 AM
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on February 19, 2015, 10:51:23 AM
Post by: Curly on February 19, 2015, 11:37:24 AM
Post by: RadSav on February 19, 2015, 12:54:01 PM
1985 all over again. Sweet another drock will be born.
I already feel old enough. Now I REALLY feel old >:(
Post by: elkboy on February 19, 2015, 01:08:51 PM
I'm in. On the property where we hunt whitetail (early muzzleloader), we're going to put some stands back in the dark timber where the big antlers hide. We've taken a lot of does and smaller bucks last few years, and this year will be the year for chasing some bigger bucks!
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on February 19, 2015, 01:51:18 PM
1985 all over again. Sweet another drock will be born.
I already feel old enough. Now I REALLY feel old >:(
He offered to help pack though. If your in my area id give ya a hand too. But I bet your not.
Post by: Becky on February 19, 2015, 02:21:46 PM
Join me in re-committing to Washington state. Let's make this year 1985 all over again!
Should I get my mullet fired back up again? Business in the front, party in the back?
:chuckle: :chuckle: please do.
Post by: RadSav on February 19, 2015, 05:12:52 PM
If your in my area id give ya a hand too. But I bet your not.
Tie up a big enough blacky in your back yard and I'll be right over :chuckle:
I have never killed a real good benchleg. Thinking this might be the year I decide to give them some serious effort. Two years ago I watched a bench that I'm pretty sure was big enough to be the new state record. Was too high and too far away for me to go after :o Maybe I'll hold off on a few peanut butter cookies and see if I can find him again. He's only a half mile from Mellonhead so that just might work!
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on February 19, 2015, 05:26:44 PM
I hate that you can't get the deer, cougar, and bear package anymore, so I got the full meal deal. :bash: haven't gotten a elk license in years so I guess I better think about where to go.
Anyone want to hunt elk bow with me in the North Sound unit? :dunno:
Post by: RadSav on February 19, 2015, 05:32:51 PM
Anyone want to hunt elk bow with me in the North Sound unit? :dunno:
There are elk in the North Sound unit?
:chuckle:
Post by: carlyoungs on February 19, 2015, 05:33:49 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on February 19, 2015, 05:39:44 PM
How did you get the deer multiseason it hasnt drawn yet?For the most part all you have to do is apply and you will get the multi season deer permit. They have not drawn yet. Only one person in the state didn't draw last year and they are on this site.... :chuckle:
Post by: RadSav on February 19, 2015, 05:42:59 PM
I wasn't the only one :tung:
Post by: trophyhunt on February 19, 2015, 05:44:51 PM
>:( >:( >:(:chuckle:
I wasn't the only one :tung:
Post by: RadSav on February 19, 2015, 05:47:56 PM
Post by: RadSav on February 19, 2015, 05:48:35 PM
Post by: RadSav on February 19, 2015, 06:03:37 PM
Mellon is going to be my toughest decision. I love bear since they give me an opportunity to whack a critter each year with the boom stick. But I've watched this guy for so long I almost feel as though I need to tag him with a bow or let him go breed more. I expect the decision will be easy once he is in front of me while I have bow in hand and gun on my back. Though if the berries are late and I want to tackle the big bench at the same time I'll be forced to leave the gun behind. Hate that dang rule!!!
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on February 19, 2015, 06:06:29 PM
Anyone want to hunt elk bow with me in the North Sound unit? :dunno:
There are elk in the North Sound unit?
:chuckle:
Oh they make the mistake on occasion to grace the unit. :chuckle:
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on February 19, 2015, 06:07:48 PM
How did you get the deer multiseason it hasnt drawn yet?
I bought the special application for the draw, and I'm not RadSav! :chuckle:
Post by: trophyhunt on February 19, 2015, 06:09:11 PM
So you do understand why I am not banking on eastside even with near max points, don't you?Oh I feel your pain and understand! With 19 points for quality and bull elk categories, I don't think I'll ever draw my quality tag for the east side! With the possible changes this year with the archery and muzzy, I might just ghost point my quality tag if I don't get the multi elk. Took me 6 years to get the multi elk the only time I drew it, that tag is the ticket!
Post by: D-Rock425 on February 19, 2015, 06:42:58 PM
Post by: ridgefire on February 19, 2015, 08:05:52 PM
Post by: RadSav on February 20, 2015, 12:25:33 AM
Radsav if i draw multi season elk can i come shoot a crippled westside bull with you?
Like shooting fish in a barrel...if you can get the WDFW to allow bull hunting in the late season :chuckle:
Early season they seem to be much more spunky. I think the badly afflicted animals die off during the winter leaving a more healthy base going into the next fall. But, with time and pressure those bulls with the bum leg start getting banged up quite good as the soil returns to a damp, moldy, and cold state. The six sick large bulls we saw during late season in Winston that had hoof rot BAD nearly kept me from ever returning. Shooting one of them would have been a mercy killing. Never in my life have I seen complete pain and anguish on the face of a wild animal. The two biggest I think I could have killed with a spear as they could not go anywhere! I bet neither of them made it to the end of the week. Why WDFW encourages bowhunters to kill healthy cows and yet will not allow us to put a suffering bull down just breaks my heart. Just walking away knowing they are about to endure a horrible death when at 12-15 yards they almost seemed they wanted us to take their life quickly was one hard pill to swallow. As long as the rules remain the same and their is still hoof rot in the region I will not go back. I don't ever want to watch that, powerless, again. It was terrible!! :'(
The old stomping ground that I am thinking of targeting this year seems void of hoof rot. It's steep, rough, nasty country. Elk must be healthy just to get up there. Unfortunately that means I too must be healthy to get up there. Probably why so few bowhunters can be found during the season. You aren't going to find any lazy slug of a bull hunts in that area. To get a 330 or better bull in there you are going to need to hunt smart as well as hard. And that will only get you to having him on the ground. That's the easy part in this country ;) Not even sure my mile of mule tape, climbing spikes and tackle is going to make the pack out of there any easier. But I'll be sure to call Tupac first before I call you :chuckle:
If you do get the multi tag and want to chase some cripples...buy the WEYCO pass. Not many elk left in there, but it could be a good hunt if you don't mind watching animals suffer. Still quite a few high 200 bulls to be had in there. Even a couple over 300 that aren't moving too fast. One of the healthy bulls I saw this last late season was comfortably over 320 and there was good evidence he was a resident bull. If I thought I could pass on the sick to tag a nice rack I'd go back early this year after him. I just don't think I can handle watching that horror show two years in a row :( I'm just now getting over the nightmares and upset stomach from this past December.
Post by: Bigshooter on February 20, 2015, 12:34:57 AM
Join me in re-committing to Washington state. Let's make this year 1985 all over again!
No thanks. I pass.
Post by: RadSav on February 20, 2015, 12:49:59 AM
1985. Hmm, just getting ready to graduate from college so wasn't doing much hunting at the time. Maybe 2015 is it! First I get that turkey with a bow and then I get my first buck.
Sounds like a good plan to me! First bow turkey is a hoot! Just remember...center back, going away!! That's always been my highest percentage shot!
You put as much effort into your fist buck as you do on turkeys and I have faith you'll be showing off that glory pic in 2015. I'll be looking forward to seeing that :tup:
Post by: RadSav on February 20, 2015, 01:50:08 AM
Join me in re-committing to Washington state. Let's make this year 1985 all over again!No thanks. I pass.
Party Pooper :tung:
Post by: Miles on February 20, 2015, 05:11:25 AM
Post by: Big6bull on February 20, 2015, 02:40:24 PM
Post by: Ridgerunner on February 20, 2015, 02:55:37 PM
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on February 20, 2015, 03:41:25 PM
Post by: RadSav on February 20, 2015, 04:35:51 PM
I cant wait to see this thread at the end of hunting season, lol.
I hope it will be epic! Although if we go into late season and have to fill the freezers with stupid cows don't expect many pictures :chuckle:
I had thought about saying, "Let's relive 1984" as that was the year I not only predicted size and quantity, but the exact dates I was going to fill my tags :o (Oregon of course). I hit the elk, bear and antelope right on schedule, but the family still gives me grief for missing the muledeer date by 20 days and about 40 inches. You would think they would give me some credit for taking my one and only 7X7 bull almost to the hour I predicted :dunno: But NOooo...all they remember is my average 3X4 muley almost three weeks late >:( Family... :tung: :tung: :chuckle:
Post by: kentrek on February 20, 2015, 05:20:38 PM
Deer is up in the air still......and il leave the bears to rad :chuckle:
Post by: RadSav on February 20, 2015, 05:41:42 PM
Deer is up in the air still......and il leave the bears to rad :chuckle:
No bear? That's the best part of hunting western Washington! Plus you get to shoot one to get the monkey off your back and still hunt for a trophy as your second. What's not to like about that? ;)
Post by: kentrek on February 20, 2015, 06:00:26 PM
Deer is up in the air still......and il leave the bears to rad :chuckle:
No bear? That's the best part of hunting western Washington! Plus you get to shoot one to get the monkey off your back and still hunt for a trophy as your second. What's not to like about that? ;)
Idk bears have never been my thing.....i guess by the time bear season rolls around I'm already too focused on bulls
I would like to do at least one spot an stalk bear with my bow someday, who knows..with the later September season maybe this will be the year of the bear !!
Post by: Jonathan_S on February 20, 2015, 06:24:34 PM
This year we should have a Savora Kill Pics Thread :tup:
Post by: xXLojackXx on February 20, 2015, 08:11:21 PM
Post by: RadSav on February 20, 2015, 08:33:37 PM
Rad, you going to give "that spot" one more shot while your knees still function??
Nope, I think "That Spot" is all yours now! Well, unless I draw a goat tag :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Me get drawn for something I want...Sorry, but that's funny~ I guess I did say, "Let's make this year 1985 all over again!", didn't I? WDFW hated me just as much if not more back then. But at least I still had hope in 1985 :ACRY:
Post by: RadSav on February 21, 2015, 02:46:21 AM
Maybe we both need to shoot PSE's and 2213's again! Wonder if we can find a couple old Jet-Flites with three inch over draws out there in good shape :chuckle: Maybe we can find some 4" Bi-Delta vanes too :dunno:
Post by: Fullabull on February 22, 2015, 06:37:28 PM
Post by: dreamingbig on February 22, 2015, 07:00:57 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: RadSav on February 22, 2015, 07:04:36 PM
I am in. I was only 6 in 1985 though and tagging along with my dad hunting Nooksack elk.
Nooksack was a well kept secret back in '85! Your dad probably did pretty well :dunno:
Post by: dreamingbig on February 22, 2015, 07:06:12 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Jonathan_S on February 22, 2015, 07:27:46 PM
Post by: Piscatory_5 on March 01, 2015, 09:48:38 PM
Post by: RadSav on February 17, 2016, 05:32:51 PM
Wanting to do something special in the spring to kick it off. Have been toying with two different turkey options. Option #1 is to shoot a video that can be used for the business as a commercial. This would require a couple head shots. That would be in the NE corner and require taking at least two Merriams...which is what I normally do. Option #2 is to work on getting the WA slam in one year with the bow. I've done it a few times, but never each one with the bow. I have taken each species with a bow, but never in one year. A friend told me that WDFW shows no record of it being done with a bow let alone in one year. That could be fun! Not as easy to get Easterns as it was back in the mid 90's. But with some luck I'm confident I can at least get a shot at one.
Toughest part is getting a "true" Eastern and a "true" Rio. WA state says Lincoln county birds are Rio. I have shot three there and none of them appeared to have one ounce of Rio in them. There are also a number a places on the westside where taking a bird is almost easy. But those birds are at least 50% Merriam if not more. Taking all three with as pure of birds as WA has to offer is definitely a challenge and a lot of travel. Would be easier if Weyco would extend the pass as I have good Eastern spots eight to ten miles from a gate. But heck...challenge is the exciting draw in the whole thing.
I would definitely ditch the whole video thing if trying for the WA slam. I do, after all, have that face for radio and voice for silent film. :rolleyes: Decisions - decisions! I'm getting excited already.
This will be the big project until we find out if we get drawn for Multi-Season and/or Spring Bear. Once those draws are over I can start making all the big game plans!
Post by: MLBowhunting on February 17, 2016, 05:37:52 PM
Post by: RadSav on February 17, 2016, 06:18:51 PM
I wasn't born yet! life must have been boring before 19881985 all over again. Sweet another drock will be born.
I already feel old enough. Now I REALLY feel old >:(
I bet your parents have fond memories of those years prior to 1988. :chuckle:
Post by: RadSav on February 17, 2016, 06:21:26 PM
Sounds like you have a plan. :tup:
I talked to JPhelps today about cameras and video classes. If we go Option #1 I might need to talk you into being a camera man :chuckle:
Post by: MLBowhunting on February 17, 2016, 07:00:16 PM
Post by: sakoshooter on February 17, 2016, 07:39:21 PM
Post by: D-Rock425 on February 17, 2016, 08:05:47 PM
Post by: predatorpro on February 17, 2016, 08:06:21 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on February 17, 2016, 08:12:31 PM
Post by: kentrek on February 17, 2016, 08:12:53 PM
Post by: RadSav on February 17, 2016, 08:30:37 PM
Biggest challenge this year will probably be finding a cougar when I want one. I've never shot one. I've called in a few back when we needed to draw. Never had the tag. And of course I see them often when turkey hunting...closed season. Will be interesting to see how successful we can be if targeting cougar exclusively next winter. Sure to be a hoot.
Post by: coachcw on February 17, 2016, 08:39:54 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on February 17, 2016, 08:44:57 PM
I'll tag along with you if you need a young guy to pack out all these monsters.
You might need some binkees to keep him happy though. :chuckle:
Post by: RadSav on February 17, 2016, 09:46:18 PM
I'll tag along with you if you need a young guy to pack out all these monsters.
You might need some binkees to keep him happy though. :chuckle:
I hear D-Rock is an expert at packing cows and does. Just not sure he can handle a real big game animal. :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: Bigshooter on February 17, 2016, 10:10:43 PM
Post by: RadSav on February 18, 2016, 03:15:19 AM
Not many states where you can hunt Merriam, Rio and Easterns in a single year. Has Roosevelt and Yellowstone elk - both world class potential. Whitetail, Muledeer, Blacktail and Benchleg. Big body bear from coast to alpine. And some of the best quality cats even though you can no longer use hounds. If you are lucky enough to draw a tag Washington has some of the best goats, best bighorn and best shiras moose in the country.
Not bad for a state that sucks balls. :tup:
Post by: predatorpro on February 18, 2016, 04:34:35 AM
Still a downer I see. :tung:
Not many states where you can hunt Merriam, Rio and Easterns in a single year. Has Roosevelt and Yellowstone elk - both world class potential. Whitetail, Muledeer, Blacktail and Benchleg. Big body bear from coast to alpine. And some of the best quality cats even though you can no longer use hounds. If you are lucky enough to draw a tag Washington has some of the best goats, best bighorn and best shiras moose in the country.
Not bad for a state that sucks balls. :tup:
Exactly!
Post by: kentrek on February 18, 2016, 04:47:20 AM
Still a downer I see. :tung:
Not many states where you can hunt Merriam, Rio and Easterns in a single year. Has Roosevelt and Yellowstone elk - both world class potential. Whitetail, Muledeer, Blacktail and Benchleg. Big body bear from coast to alpine. And some of the best quality cats even though you can no longer use hounds. If you are lucky enough to draw a tag Washington has some of the best goats, best bighorn and best shiras moose in the country.
Not bad for a state that sucks balls. :tup:
Exactly!
Can you imagine if it was managed alil better ?? If hoof rot was stopped before it got out of the stella...if Hounds & baiting were legal again...if the black tail never got that hair loss disease...if the east side was managed like idaho for branched bulls...if they treated all invasive species equal...
Okay now I feel like a downer after thinking about it :'(
Post by: Bigshooter on February 18, 2016, 04:53:45 AM
Still a downer I see. :tung:
Not many states where you can hunt Merriam, Rio and Easterns in a single year. Has Roosevelt and Yellowstone elk - both world class potential. Whitetail, Muledeer, Blacktail and Benchleg. Big body bear from coast to alpine. And some of the best quality cats even though you can no longer use hounds. If you are lucky enough to draw a tag Washington has some of the best goats, best bighorn and best shiras moose in the country.
Not bad for a state that sucks balls. :tup:
You are right WA does have a lot of opportunity. But with that opportunity comes tons and tons of hunters.
I took a buddy and his wife with me to MT last year on a mule deer hunt. It was there first ever out of state hunt. Usually they are archery hunters becuase there are fewer achery hunters than rifle hunters. When they got home from MT they sold both of there bow's and bought a wall tent and they both say they will never hunt WA again.
Post by: D-Rock425 on February 18, 2016, 08:56:57 AM
I packed a few spikes too. :tung:. If I ever draw again I'll probably just shoot another raghorn 4pt on opening day because I have no self control and I'm not afraid to let carbon fly.I'll tag along with you if you need a young guy to pack out all these monsters.
You might need some binkees to keep him happy though. :chuckle:
I hear D-Rock is an expert at packing cows and does. Just not sure he can handle a real big game animal. :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: RadSav on February 18, 2016, 03:01:02 PM
You are right WA does have a lot of opportunity. But with that opportunity comes tons and tons of hunters.
I took a buddy and his wife with me to MT last year on a mule deer hunt. It was there first ever out of state hunt. Usually they are archery hunters becuase there are fewer achery hunters than rifle hunters. When they got home from MT they sold both of there bow's and bought a wall tent and they both say they will never hunt WA again.
Why not hunt them both? I love hunting Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon. I've even had great times in Arizona, Utah and Colorado. I've thoroughly enjoyed Texas, South Carolina, West Virginia, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Florida, Missouri and even Californexico. And some of my favorite places on earth are in Canada. But, there is something special about home too!
Sure there are way too many hunters in this state. Sure they have mismanaged predators to a point our opportunities are reduced. Sure the corruption in WDFW during the 80's and 90's damaged trust and species alike. Sure not having a real republican governor since 1976 has left us with a wildlife council made up of bleeding hearts, fudge packers, activists and granola poopers. But the ease of scouting your back yard, the work a full day and still tag an elk, the time spent with close friends...that is special. We can not spend four straight months out of state chasing three animals we know so well we have nicknames for them - Drop Tine Brutus, Daddy War Buck and Mellon Head. That creates a relationship with our quarry we just can not achieve when hunting other states.
Is hunting easier elsewhere? For some things - sure! Is the quality better elsewhere? For some things - sure! Is our success rate higher elsewhere? For some things - sure! Is it worth the money to hunt elsewhere? For some things - sure! Does that make it less enjoyable to hunt in Washington? Only if you want or allow it to be! Every state has it's negatives. Just ask the residents of those other states and they will read off much the same things as WA residents do. But, the negatives will only ruin our enjoyment if we let them. Plenty of positives to make sure that doesn't happen.
Post by: jackelope on February 19, 2016, 09:50:13 AM
Still a downer I see. :tung:
Not many states where you can hunt Merriam, Rio and Easterns in a single year. Has Roosevelt and Yellowstone elk - both world class potential. Whitetail, Muledeer, Blacktail and Benchleg. Big body bear from coast to alpine. And some of the best quality cats even though you can no longer use hounds. If you are lucky enough to draw a tag Washington has some of the best goats, best bighorn and best shiras moose in the country.
Not bad for a state that sucks balls. :tup:
That's my take on it.
:tup:
Post by: Watimberghost on February 19, 2016, 10:02:18 AM
Post by: bobcat on February 19, 2016, 03:41:27 PM
It's sure nice to read something positive about this state for a change. I need a reminder once in a while myself.
Post by: RadSav on February 20, 2016, 02:44:23 AM
It's sure nice to read something positive about this state for a change. I need a reminder once in a while myself.
I think we all need a reminder once in a while. Life can be overwhelming at times. Political disagreements with leadership can sour our outlook on home. And the never ending "Not Drawn" notices each year can really effect our ability to remain positive in the midst of so much good.
Maybe one of my favorite hunting stories can help us remember what Washington can be if we keep a positive view of what opportunities we have here in our back yard.
I remember one eventful day the year before CL and I started hunting together. Long before I met my wife. I had hiked into my favorite bear spot solo early on a foggy September morning. I could hear a bear working up the same ridge I was on but the clouds/fog were so thick I could not see 30 yards. So I just sat there waiting until he emerged like a ghost. The hill was steep and when the Winchester 88 rolled the 400# brute over at 25 steps he tumbled down the hill gaining speed until he hit the tall timber below. Had I let him get five more feet he would likely have rolled toward the trail instead of toward the cliffs and no mans land...Doh!!! So what would have been a high country hunt with success, plus back to the truck before noon, ended up being a multiple pack all day event. My misfortune ended up resulting in one of the best solo days in the high country I have ever witnessed.
Though my one tag was filled my adventure was just beginning. While skinning the big boy I had two other bear come by and say hello. They woofed and snapped teeth, stood on hind legs and one even made a mock charge. It was an unusual scene in the high country where bear are more typical spooky than aggressive. But this is the Washington high country...my wonderful day was not over yet.
On my first pack of meat to the truck I shot three of the most plump monster blue grouse you can imagine. While at the truck I fired up the camp stove tossed some fresh grouse in with my Top Ramin and added some adolescent stinging nettles. For desert I had poppy seed muffins I baked the day before with huckleberries I had picked on the previous trip. It was a lunch of champions. This was turning out to be one of the best days ever!
As I started at the trailhead once more the fog began to lift. And by the time I hit the peak of the ridge the afternoon sun had begun burning off the cover and blue sky began to emerge. Not really my favorite thing when packing, but it was a beautiful sight as I broke through the south facing timber and gazed down the eastern ridge of huckleberries. I was not the only one breaking from the timber into the open spaces between huckleberry patches. To my left were two young blacktail bucks eating berries with great fervor. In my haste to pull my Canon F-1 from my pack and attach the telephoto I did not notice the buck to my right. When his movement caught my attention he was bounding down the hill. In the fleeting glance I could see a large branched rack, 3 maybe 4 points per side, heavy beams and a benchleg behind. The thunderous pounding rocked the alpine earth as he descended the open face and disappeared into the timber below. I was so focused on his exit I did not realize the two smaller bucks had retreated back into the timber where we had both come. The Washington alpine was producing a spectacular display just for my pleasure.
It was not long before I reached my final cache of skull and hide. The evil yellow orb was pounding the back of my neck and the humid temperature was rising fast as I once again reached the top of the ridge. I stumbled on a rock and the heavy pack twisted and flipped me to the ground. I remember thinking to myself, "That was fortunate. This is a perfect place to take a rest and a snack break." The rolled up hide was a wonderful pillow to just sit back against. It had become a perfectly clear afternoon. From the comfort of this spot I could see for miles as if I was reclined at the top of the world! I had a tremendous view up the valley right into the large glacier. Far in the distance Mount Rainier stood in an amber haze. All alone on top of Gods greatest creation is so peaceful you can't help but enjoy yourself. Washington is a magnificent place if you just fall down and take the time to look around once in a while!
I could see hikers working their way to the top of a peak to my left. I pulled the Pentax from my pack and watched as they traversed each switchback on their ascent to the top. I smiled as I watch them celebrate at the top as if they were reaching the pinnacle of a great expedition. I had attempted to reach that summit the year before and turned back as weather had crashed into the mountain and removed all chance of a scenic view. I felt a moment of shame as I watched them so happy to have done what I was unwilling to do. Whether hunters or simple outdoor enthusiast Washington State has something for us all to enjoy.
I focused the glass to the next furthest ridge and a large slide. This had become a ritual of sorts when weather co-operated on these high hunts at my bear spot. There in the usual spot were the residents of the vertical towers. Something about mountain goats stir my soul. I never grow tired of watching their seemingly effortless movements across terrain no human could attempt to cross. "One day before I die", I keep telling myself, "One day I will run my hands through the hair of a Washington mountain goat I tagged myself." A dream I still have today was born on that ridge so many years ago. If I die tomorrow it will be my biggest regret as a hunter who loved hunting the wilds of Washington.
It was just one day in over half a lifetime spent hunting Washington state. I had awoke to start the day in my own bed, tagged a world class blackbear and fueled my trek with a lunch largely of things I had harvested in the back country. I had been near spitting distance of three bear, two blacktails and one benchleg. I had glassed mountain goats, glaciers and watched the heavens open up to expose one of America's greatest wonders. Few places in this country you can be witness to so much beauty and diversity in wild game in one single day with nothing but two feet and a pack on your back. And to think this is our back yard. It is a shame so many are unable to see it through the tainted glass of politics and hatred toward the WDFW. We are so truly blessed!
Post by: JeffRaines on February 20, 2016, 05:16:37 AM
It's sure nice to read something positive about this state for a change. I need a reminder once in a while myself.
I think we all need a reminder once in a while. Life can be overwhelming at times. Political disagreements with leadership can sour our outlook on home. And the never ending "Not Drawn" notices each year can really effect our ability to remain positive in the midst of so much good.
Maybe one of my favorite hunting stories can help us remember what Washington can be if we keep a positive view of what opportunities we have here in our back yard.
I remember one eventful day the year before CL and I started hunting together. Long before I met my wife. I had hiked into my favorite bear spot solo early on a foggy September morning. I could hear a bear working up the same ridge I was on but the clouds/fog were so thick I could not see 30 yards. So I just sat there waiting until he emerged like a ghost. The hill was steep and when the Winchester 88 rolled the 400# brute over at 25 steps he tumbled down the hill gaining speed until he hit the tall timber below. Had I let him get five more feet he would likely have rolled toward the trail instead of toward the cliffs and no mans land...Doh!!! So what would have been a high country hunt with success, plus back to the truck before noon, ended up being a multiple pack all day event. My misfortune ended up resulting in one of the best solo days in the high country I have ever witnessed.
Though my one tag was filled my adventure was just beginning. While skinning the big boy I had two other bear come by and say hello. They woofed and snapped teeth, stood on hind legs and one even made a mock charge. It was an unusual scene in the high country where bear are more typical spooky than aggressive. But this is the Washington high country...my wonderful day was not over yet.
On my first pack of meat to the truck I shot three of the most plump monster blue grouse you can imagine. While at the truck I fired up the camp stove tossed some fresh grouse in with my Top Ramin and added some adolescent stinging nettles. For desert I had poopy seed muffins I baked the day before with huckleberries I had picked on the previous trip. It was a lunch of champions. This was turning out to be one of the best days ever!
As I started at the trailhead once more the fog began to lift. And by the time I hit the peak of the ridge the afternoon sun had begun burning off the cover and blue sky began to emerge. Not really my favorite thing when packing, but it was a beautiful sight as I broke through the south facing timber and gazed down the eastern ridge of huckleberries. I was not the only one breaking from the timber into the open spaces between huckleberry patches. To my left were two young blacktail bucks eating berries with great fervor. In my haste to pull my Canon F-1 from my pack and attach the telephoto I did not notice the buck to my right. When his movement caught my attention he was bounding down the hill. In the fleeting glance I could see a large branched rack, 3 maybe 4 points per side, heavy beams and a benchleg behind. The thunderous pounding rocked the alpine earth as he descended the open face and disappeared into the timber below. I was so focused on his exit I did not realize the two smaller bucks had retreated back into the timber where we had both come. The Washington alpine was producing a spectacular display just for my pleasure.
It was not long before I reached my final cache of skull and hide. The evil yellow orb was pounding the back of my neck and the humid temperature was rising fast as I once again reached the top of the ridge. I stumbled on a rock and the heavy pack twisted and flipped me to the ground. I remember thinking to myself, "That was fortunate. This is a perfect place to take a rest and a snack break." The rolled up hide was a wonderful pillow to just sit back against. It had become a perfectly clear afternoon. From the comfort of this spot I could see for miles as if I was reclined at the top of the world! I had a tremendous view up the valley right into the large glacier. Far in the distance Mount Rainier stood in an amber haze. All alone on top of Gods greatest creation is so peaceful you can't help but enjoy yourself. Washington is a magnificent place if you just fall down and take the time to look around once in a while!
I could see hikers working their way to the top of a peak to my left. I pulled the Pentax from my pack and watched as they traversed each switchback on their ascent to the top. I smiled as I watch them celebrate at the top as if they were reaching the pinnacle of a great expedition. I had attempted to reach that summit the year before and turned back as weather had crashed into the mountain and removed all chance of a scenic view. I felt a moment of shame as I watched them so happy to have done what I was unwilling to do. Whether hunters or simple outdoor enthusiast Washington State has something for us all to enjoy.
I focused the glass to the next furthest ridge and a large slide. This had become a ritual of sorts when weather co-operated on these high hunts at my bear spot. There in the usual spot were the residents of the vertical towers. Something about mountain goats stir my soul. I never grow tired of watching their seemingly effortless movements across terrain no human could attempt to cross. "One day before I die", I keep telling myself, "One day I will run my hands through the hair of a Washington mountain goat I tagged myself." A dream I still have today was born on that ridge so many years ago. If I die tomorrow it will be my biggest regret as a hunter who loved hunting the wilds of Washington.
It was just one day in over half a lifetime spent hunting Washington state. I had awoke to start the day in my own bed, tagged a world class blackbear and fueled my trek with a lunch largely of things I had harvested in the back country. I had been near spitting distance of three bear, two blacktails and one benchleg. I had glassed mountain goats, glaciers and watched the heavens open up to expose one of America's greatest wonders. Few places in this country you can be witness to so much beauty and diversity in wild game in one single day with nothing but two feet and a pack on your back. And to think this is our back yard. It is a shame so many are unable to see it through the tainted glass of politics and hatred toward the WDFW. We are so truly blessed!
What an awesome story.
Post by: MLBowhunting on February 20, 2016, 07:30:23 AM
Post by: wsucowboy on February 27, 2016, 05:45:37 PM
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Post by: RadSav on April 09, 2016, 06:29:00 AM
It was not meant to be! The wife returned from the doctor visibly shaken. "I waited too long...I have to have major surgery!", she says. Seems the surgery needs to happen soon and April 12th is the day. Recovery - eight to ten weeks with 3 to four days in hospital. I called CL and Bearpaw, offered to send someone in my place or cancel the trip. >:( Both were supportive and said not to worry, we'll do it again next year. I still feel guilty for letting them down. But it is nice to know we have good friends and sincere support.
God willing, I will make it out on a few morning hunts before the end of the season. But, that only puts me in reach of a couple spring birds...if I'm lucky. And likely those would be only one sub-species. Lorraine comes first so we'll just pray for the best and see what happens.
We remain optimistic as we wait for the multi-season results to show up. The good news in all of this is that Lorraine should be in better shape for the 2016 elk, deer and bear seasons than she has been since she tagged her last big bull! So we expect this to be only a small setback in what we hope will be an epic year for the RadSav clan in Washington.
For all you Spring Gobbler hunters hitting the woods this next week...Good Luck! Wish I could be out there with you all. Keep your positive attitude on what this great state has to offer. It should be one heck of a good year. :tup:
Post by: RadSav on May 15, 2016, 06:11:57 AM
Lorraine and I spent a lot of time discussing what we are going to do for elk this year. As many know she drew the multi-season elk this year. And even though we like our westside elk hunting we decided we should take advantage of the multi-opportunity and put her in for eastside draw. Problem is she drew quality elk in 2011 so she doesn't have many points. So after days of discussion we decided I would buy an eastside archery tag and we would put her in for two archery season permits on the group option. I will try my best to get a left over multi-season tag when they come available just in case. Not expecting to be victorious, but I am excited to try. If we don't draw and/or I don't get a leftover I will spend plenty of time as caller for CL and her on the westside.
In trade for my risk Lorraine decided to get a modern firearm deer tag for the first time. This will give me about eight days of early deer hunting all to myself. Anywhere I want to go! I can't remember the last time I was afforded that. Could be fun! I'll take a good deer hunt over a good elk hunt any day. So I'm pleased :tup: I start my conditioning for the high country on Monday. Not sure I will succeed in reaching that level, but I plan to give it a darn good try. We'll see if I have to make a trip to Canada for pain medication to get me through the rough parts. ;)
Post by: RadSav on May 15, 2016, 06:46:17 AM
So I get to the counter and order up our $516 with of multi-tags and applications. As I was folding my new license and multi-deer tag the guy standing behind me says, "Happy birthday. It's going to be one hell of a year, isn't it?" Huh, this guy must know me. So I turn around to see who it is...And there is nobody there. I mean there is NO BODY there!!! Not one single person in the entire front third of the store besides the two ladies at the counter and myself. :yike: I ask the ladies if they heard someone say "Happy birthday". They looked at me like I was having a nervous breakdown. I got chills and a serious freak quiver down my spine. I grab my stuff and get the heck out of there. :o
Now my OIL dreams have been going on for decades of disappointments. My #1 goal in bowhunting life is to tag a mountain goat in Washington state. #2 would be to get a moose in Washington state. Trailing a far distant third is tagging a sheep. But the whole ride home I just keep telling myself, "You're going to draw a sheep tag!" How crazy would that be? Cousin Bobcat two years ago, cousin Lokidog last year, and could it possibly be a family hat-trick? I'm telling you, freaked out or not I got some seriously positive vibes ringing through my joints the past week. If nothing else, it has me forgetting about my 50th pity-party and getting excited for the year. I definitely needed that!
Post by: D-Rock425 on May 15, 2016, 07:05:42 AM
Post by: Mr Mykiss on May 15, 2016, 07:21:39 AM
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Happy Birthday
Post by: RadSav on May 15, 2016, 07:25:42 AM
Post by: lokidog on May 15, 2016, 10:01:25 AM
Post by: RadSav on May 15, 2016, 03:21:44 PM
Better start thinking of your tags soon. May 18 coming quick!
Post by: RadSav on May 15, 2016, 03:54:52 PM
Wouldn't that Just be awesome! This year should be great you're drawing bull permits just like me and you get a sheep tag. Just remember I have a pack frame and will travel.
If you draw the tag, Lorraine and I draw the tag, and CL joins in on our group tag...your elk camp will never be the same. :o Us old farts like first class these days. We might need to hire a camp chef and a masseuse! :chuckle:
Post by: kentrek on May 15, 2016, 04:00:42 PM
Good luck on the draws :tup:
Post by: RadSav on May 15, 2016, 04:26:54 PM
Thank god your not going for toutle again :o that was scary....
Good luck on the draws :tup:
Thank you for the wish of good luck!
I'm sure last year will not be the last time I put in for Toutle. We always see descent bulls in there. Was actually surprised how many we saw last year. Of course we weren't the ones with the tags. And I did not see anything that would exceed 300 last year. Fun place to hunt! What was scary about Toutle?
I was surprised to see the success rate of Toutle Bull bowhunters last year. Much higher than I expected. Almost eight points higher rate than Peaches, 10 points higher than Observatory. The two season chance must really help.
Post by: D-Rock425 on May 15, 2016, 07:02:46 PM
we have Dinker he's always in camp so we can make him camp cook. He comes back to camp early everyday because most mornings he leaves late.Wouldn't that Just be awesome! This year should be great you're drawing bull permits just like me and you get a sheep tag. Just remember I have a pack frame and will travel.
If you draw the tag, Lorraine and I draw the tag, and CL joins in on our group tag...your elk camp will never be the same. :o Us old farts like first class these days. We might need to hire a camp chef and a masseuse! :chuckle:
Post by: RadSav on May 15, 2016, 07:13:49 PM
we have Dinker he's always in camp so we can make him camp cook. He comes back to camp early everyday because most mornings he leaves late.
How does he do with ribeyes? Need a chef that knows the difference between kosher salt, iodized salt, table pepper, tellicherry, med-rare and well done.
Post by: kentrek on May 15, 2016, 07:30:42 PM
Thank god your not going for toutle again :o that was scary....
Good luck on the draws :tup:
Thank you for the wish of good luck!
I'm sure last year will not be the last time I put in for Toutle. We always see descent bulls in there. Was actually surprised how many we saw last year. Of course we weren't the ones with the tags. And I did not see anything that would exceed 300 last year. Fun place to hunt! What was scary about Toutle?
I was surprised to see the success rate of Toutle Bull bowhunters last year. Much higher than I expected. Almost eight points higher rate than Peaches, 10 points higher than Observatory. The two season chance must really help.
Im just kind of a negative Nancy toward the toutle, just don't think it's the kind of experience a guy waits that long for.....for me the mudflow has the best hunting experience in that area...what an awesome area to hunt !! Same cool looking bulls, older age class,& your not hunting logging country ! I know every unit is what you make it and you have a long history in the toutle but from my experience the last few years the mudflow is hands down the better adventure....the place is down right addicting !
Those east side units can be pretty good too tho :chuckle:
Post by: RadSav on May 15, 2016, 09:19:01 PM
I liked the Toutle back in the days when bull hunters got a big head start before all the cow hunters. The hunts I had with tag holders back then was fantastic. The very first time I bugled during season in there we had four bulls come in at the same time. Of course that is unlikely to happen these days, but there are elk in just about every type of hunt condition you could want in Toutle. Makes it fun. But definitely not what it used to be, for sure.
I've never stepped foot in the Mudflow area. Might have to do that some day. Though since I never draw anything...what's the point? :chuckle:
Post by: kentrek on May 15, 2016, 09:36:49 PM
I've never stepped foot in the Mudflow area. Might have to do that some day. Though since I never draw anything...what's the point? :chuckle:
Maybe your looking at it all wrong, you haven't drawn because you've been putting in for the wrong tag....the tag gods realized your situation and have actually been helping you out by not letting you draw an inferior tag
Seems obvious the mudflow is calling you
Post by: RadSav on May 15, 2016, 11:05:03 PM
Maybe your looking at it all wrong, you haven't drawn because you've been putting in for the wrong tag....the tag gods realized your situation and have actually been helping you out by not letting you draw an inferior tag
Seems obvious the mudflow is calling you
That very well could be. :dunno:
But those are the same elk we hunt in the late season (not me, but family/friends WDFW doesn't hate). And instead of a seven day season in September you get a 15 day season in December. That gives you northern Loo-Wit/Mudflow and Toutle bulls all together with twice the time to pass up a few.
Cool part about December is that those bulls use the same routes, same trails, same skid roads they have the past 15-20 years. If hunters don't abandon the game plan for that area success is extremely high. Even with the reduced numbers of late. September seasons can be a lot of fun, but December is when you really get to see the Toutle come alive. And for me...I hunt three times harder in the cold weather than the heat of early fall.
Last time the wife had a cow tag she could have killed a large 5 or 6 every single day of that late hunt. I went off chasing a P&Y blacktail and could have taken my pick of three bulls within ten minutes of leaving the truck...all 300+ class. Coming out in the dark that night we had one of the very few legit 345-350 class bulls I've seen on the north end block the road. We sat there for almost five minutes while he decided which side of the road he wanted to use to get out of there. Healthy with no limp either.
So it really depends on how you like to hunt. September bugle or December still hunt. Myself I like to hunt solo so December Toutle is right in my wheelhouse. Though it definitely won't be this year. And if we draw eastside, probably won't be for another 20 years.
Post by: RadSav on May 16, 2016, 04:13:03 AM
Post by: kentrek on May 16, 2016, 08:29:44 AM
Post by: RadSav on May 16, 2016, 02:18:19 PM
While deer is my favorite animal to hunt, it is not like an OIL where I would risk it all for an opportunity. So if I am unable to feel comfortable reaching the high country I'll have backup plans that include blacktail. I had really thought that I would have whitetail as a backup since I have never taken a "good" whitetail in Washington. But every source I have tells me this is not the year to expect much in the way of whitetail hunting. Every one of those I spoke with say they lost 75-80% to the outbreak last year. Whitetail can wait.
Early Washington blacktail hunting is so much different than Oregon it will take a lot of scouting to find success on a decent animal. So I will likely take advantage of my need to travel for pre-hunt field conditioning to further scout new and better early season blacktail spots. Narrowing that spot down has already begun. But it is becoming harder and harder to find early Columbia blacktail spots that might hold 125+ bucks outside city limits. Where I once had over a half dozen spots I now have only one. And last time I was in there I found two cameras. So it appears to no longer be a secret. >:( Will be good for me to get out and see what I can find!
Post by: Ridgerunner on May 16, 2016, 03:15:44 PM
Post by: RadSav on May 16, 2016, 04:06:58 PM
I like your thinking RADSAV! I am recommitting to WA for mule deer this year, I've got a handful of spots that I need to learn, this is the year I'm committing to it.
Washington really has some great muledeer hunting for the young hunter willing to give it heck. Our high country, extreme adventure muledeer is not easily exceeded in other states. Our low land, easy access is a looooongggg way from being a Montana, Utah, New Mexico, Alberta or even Idaho. But for those wanting to leave some blood on the trail and push themselves to the heavenly heights...we have some great OTC hunting. Just have to be willing and able!
It wasn't that long ago when top bowhunters from across the country would come to Washington to hunt trophy muledeer. Glenn St. Charles held the world record for more than a few years. I can't remember the guys name that owned "The Muffin Break". But his collection of WA muledeer was impressive! And of course every year I look forward to Boneaddict's stories of muledeer with the stick and string, right here on Hunt-WA.
Is WA the place to go for 200+ deer? No. But adventure, scenery, challenge and quality of hunt is available right here. Just not going to find it too close to the truck like some of the other states and provinces.
Good luck Ridgerunner. :tup: Hope your commitment will reward you with a great season. The possibilities are exciting! What is your weapon choice going to be for muledeer?