Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: rynohunter37 on July 16, 2016, 08:42:08 AM

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Title: Muleys - North of Winthrop
Post by: rynohunter37 on July 16, 2016, 08:42:08 AM

Hello all!
I recently got out of the Marine Corps and moved back to  Western Washington from North Carolina. I haven't explored the Okanogan a whole lot and I'm looking for some pointers or a good place to start.
I don't have much of a desire to stick to the trails or roads, as I assume that is where the majority of hunters will be.  I'm looking to backpack it in a little deeper and put in the work to get it done.
I have been looking (A LOT) into hunting the areas north of Winthrop. Does anyone have any better info or previous experience in that area?
More specifically Mcleod Mountain, Tiffany Mountain, or maybe the Horseshoe Basin Area?

I am open to other suggestions as well, not just that area. Like I said, I plan on backpacking it.

Thanks for all the help and responses!

Title: Re: Muleys - North of Winthrop
Post by: Miles on July 16, 2016, 10:25:16 AM

Sounds like you're on the right track.  Pick a spot and explore.  One thing I've found is you'll never find a honey hole asking for help and advice.  Those areas are found on your own.

Title: Re: Muleys - North of Winthrop
Post by: VortekNW on July 16, 2016, 11:17:29 AM

Sent you a PM (might have been an email?).

Title: Re: Muleys - North of Winthrop
Post by: 7mmfan on July 18, 2016, 08:56:22 AM

You won't be alone if you go into most any named basin, whether near a trail or not. All those areas you named are known haunts for outfitters and back pack hunters a like. There are deer there, but you won't be alone. There is seclusion to be found in other areas, but you need to get out there and find it. It sounds like you have the will and the want to do that.

If you're hunting the high buck, the deer can be very isolated. Lots of ground with nothing in it, with the majority of the deer being concentrated in core zones. Find those zones, and begin looking for more zones like them and you will begin finding deer consistently in the wilderness. Often they are above timberline.   :twocents:

If you're hunting the general season, you will find less company in the wilderness, and depending on weather, less animals as well. Years like last year left the high country a ghost town. This year may be different with the cool/wet weather we've had. You can hunt National Forest land at lower elevations and get away from people, again you just need to put in the time and find where people aren't.

That area got hammered last year with high harvest and relatively high winter kill this winter. It will be a tougher than normal year to deer hunt in that area, but you will find animals if you get out and go.