Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: jjness11 on June 21, 2017, 10:33:45 AM

Title: High Hunt for 2017
Post by: jjness11 on June 21, 2017, 10:33:45 AM: I am thinking about trying the High Hunt this year. Curious as to what some of the Veterans of these hunts think? I am looking at Mt. Baker, Pasayten, and Alpine Lakes. I am leaning more towards Pasayten, because I have the most experience in that Wilderness Area, but I am open to any suggestions. Not looking for any honey holes, just want to know what the feedback is. I will be packing in on my back, and probably doing a 5 day hunt. Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: High Hunt for 2017
Post by: teamhughes2007 on June 22, 2017, 07:31:50 AM: I absolutely love the high buck hunt. Keep in mind that it will take a few years to find the right spot. Some have too many people, others just don't have deer. We have hunted the same spot for 6 years. The first year we only saw a few does and one two-point. After becoming more familiar with the area, we routinely see plenty of legal bucks and have harvested a few good ones.

Prepare for all weather conditions. We have hunted from 20 deg and snowing up to 80 deg and sunny and everywhere in between. Also, don't cut weight by cutting food. We made that mistake our first year and it wasn't much fun. Now we pack a little more weight in food and eat really well, which helps with all of the hard hunting...most of the high alpine terrain is brutal steep. Make sure you practice longer shots (200+yds) as these areas rarely present close ones.

It may take a little while to find "your spot;" but once you do, it'll become your favorite hunt.
Title: Re: High Hunt for 2017
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 22, 2017, 07:55:07 AM: Yea the Pasayten is an excellent place to high hunt and there are some decent bucks there. Plus trails to into the core then branch off them to your area.
Title: Re: High Hunt for 2017
Post by: bobcat on June 22, 2017, 08:41:17 AM: This may not be the best year to hunt the high hunt, especially in the Pasayten. Would make for a nice camping trip though.
Title: Re: High Hunt for 2017
Post by: JimmyHoffa on June 22, 2017, 08:45:27 AM: Quote from: bobcat on June 22, 2017, 08:41:17 AM
This may not be the best year to hunt the high hunt, especially in the Pasayten. Would make for a nice camping trip though.
You thinking winter kill?
Title: Re: High Hunt for 2017
Post by: bobcat on June 22, 2017, 08:48:10 AM: Quote from: JimmyHoffa on June 22, 2017, 08:45:27 AM
Quote from: bobcat on June 22, 2017, 08:41:17 AM
This may not be the best year to hunt the high hunt, especially in the Pasayten. Would make for a nice camping trip though.
You thinking winter kill?

Yes, that, and the very high harvest that happened during the regular 2015 modern firearm season.
Title: Re: High Hunt for 2017
Post by: bigmacc on June 22, 2017, 09:52:23 AM: Quote from: bobcat on June 22, 2017, 08:48:10 AM
Quote from: JimmyHoffa on June 22, 2017, 08:45:27 AM
Quote from: bobcat on June 22, 2017, 08:41:17 AM
This may not be the best year to hunt the high hunt, especially in the Pasayten. Would make for a nice camping trip though.
You thinking winter kill?

Yes, that, and the very high harvest that happened during the regular 2015 modern firearm season.

Lots of factors, including the ones listed, are making the Pasayten not to good for for awhile :twocents:
Title: Re: High Hunt for 2017
Post by: jjness11 on June 26, 2017, 10:52:43 PM: Quote from: bobcat on June 22, 2017, 08:48:10 AM
Quote from: JimmyHoffa on June 22, 2017, 08:45:27 AM
Quote from: bobcat on June 22, 2017, 08:41:17 AM
This may not be the best year to hunt the high hunt, especially in the Pasayten. Would make for a nice camping trip though.
You thinking winter kill?

Yes, that, and the very high harvest that happened during the regular 2015 modern firearm season.

That definitely makes me wonder about Pasayten. I hunted Harts Pass last year pretty hard with no success. I am leaning more towards Mount Baker Wilderness because of the above reasons....
Title: Re: High Hunt for 2017
Post by: muleracks on July 09, 2017, 09:53:05 PM: Most High Hunters will suggest an area where they are not.
Nothing prettier than a big old blacktail buck.
Post your photo.
Title: Re: High Hunt for 2017
Post by: Bushcraft on July 09, 2017, 10:21:07 PM: Quote from: muleracks on July 09, 2017, 09:53:05 PM
Most High Hunters will suggest an area where they are not.
Nothing prettier than a big old blacktail buck.
Post your photo.

Or, are they suggesting an area where they claim not to be, but sometimes actually are. Maybe. :chuckle: ;)
Title: Re: High Hunt for 2017
Post by: RB on July 09, 2017, 10:24:49 PM: Quote from: Bushcraft on July 09, 2017, 10:21:07 PM
Quote from: muleracks on July 09, 2017, 09:53:05 PM
Most High Hunters will suggest an area where they are not.
Nothing prettier than a big old blacktail buck.
Post your photo.

Or, are they suggesting an area where they claim not to be, but sometimes actually are. Maybe. :chuckle: ;)

Inconceivable! :chuckle:
Title: Re: High Hunt for 2017
Post by: Miles on July 11, 2017, 07:42:54 AM: Just go pick a spot and give it hell. You will never find a honeyhole by asking on forums like this. If you do a google search and not much new information pops up....start there.
Title: Re: High Hunt for 2017
Post by: boneaddict on July 11, 2017, 07:59:09 AM: Its a great time to go camping. Enjoy the mountains. Its big country with few deer, and that was when the population was at its best. Now that it has declined in many areas, those pockets of deer will be even further apart. Odds of notching your tag will not be very high. That doesn't stop most people. Look how many people put in for draws even though their odds of success are abysmal. If you are seriously looking for a buck, look for a wilderness that "feeds" areas least affected by wolves and fire. That wouldn't include the Pasayten by the way.
Title: Re: High Hunt for 2017
Post by: White Pass Outfitters on July 11, 2017, 01:43:02 PM: Pasayten still and will always hold a few nice bucks if you know where to go. But without horses its a little tougher. My spot is 20 miles deep.