Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: saudog on September 23, 2016, 08:33:08 AM

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Title: Stevens Pass_West Side
Post by: saudog on September 23, 2016, 08:33:08 AM

Hi,

It's been a while since I've posted on here but I used to get great general advice either by reply or PM when I would ask about an area.  I want to head up Saturday and try to get into a Wilderness for the high hunt.  I know slim odds that I will zero in on anything but it will be fun and I hope to find an area with future promise.

Is it worth heading up into the high country from trailheads on Stevens Pass/Highway 2 WEST of the pass?  I see some trailheads that are a short hike before you reach the boundary, and appear to get into some sup-alpine/alpine areas pretty quickly, if not steeply.  What are the odds I'll find a black-tail or hybrid blacky-mully up there?  Would I be that much better served to drive further east and around to areas on the dry side?

Thanks a lot for any advice you guys can offer.  I've got the itch for sure!!!

Cory

Title: Re: Stevens Pass_West Side
Post by: saudog on September 23, 2016, 08:41:31 AM

FYI, I have been thinking about Tonga Ridge, malachite peak, copper lake areas.  I could also drive past the ski resort if there were any high elevation trailheads on that side, but I don't really want to go as far as Leavenworth, Wenatchee lake, etc.

Title: Re: Stevens Pass_West Side
Post by: luvmystang67 on September 23, 2016, 08:50:01 AM

Without being too specific, I've been to some of the places you've mentioned.  I saw a pair of bucks and never got a shot.  Others we saw had seen bear but couldn't get a shot.  High country is always tough, but it does seem a little easier if you can locate areas with good visibility.  Thick and high country is tough to find stuff.  Try to find areas to target where you might be able to look across at openings or open areas that you can do a spot and stalk.

The deer are there, the bears are there, its worth a shot.  Still, I'd probably go to the east side having done both.  An hour long drive for more opportunity isnt too bad in my book.

The rest is up to you, but hopefully this gets you started.

Title: Re: Stevens Pass_West Side
Post by: jackelope on September 23, 2016, 08:50:42 AM

I would not look at the actual Tonga Ridge trail as a viable option to hunt on the weekends, especially this weekend with the beautiful weather that's coming. There will likely be lots of hikers. Maybe it's just me, but I'm not interested in sharing the trail with probably dozens of hikers.

Title: Re: Stevens Pass_West Side
Post by: NW-GSP on September 23, 2016, 09:11:41 AM

I have spent a good amount of time in that area and have never seen any deer. I am in no way saying that they are not there, I have mainly stayed on hiking paths

Title: Re: Stevens Pass_West Side
Post by: Cleetiswillfeedus on September 23, 2016, 09:53:49 AM

Don't waste your time around copper lake. It's boulder fields or timber. You won't find any deer in that area.

Title: Re: Stevens Pass_West Side
Post by: saudog on September 23, 2016, 10:31:48 AM

All, thanks a lot for your comments.  Much appreciated