Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: Deserthunter2016 on September 25, 2017, 04:14:06 PM

Title: Does anyone do a high backcountry hunt in October modern firearm??
Post by: Deserthunter2016 on September 25, 2017, 04:14:06 PM: Does anyone do a high country hunt in the October modern season? I know it depends a lot on weather if the deer will be moving lower. Just curious if anyone does it. Not asking for secret spots. Thanks!

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Title: Re: Does anyone do a high backcountry hunt in October modern firearm??
Post by: Bushcraft on September 25, 2017, 04:14:42 PM: Yes.
Title: Re: Does anyone do a high backcountry hunt in October modern firearm??
Post by: Deserthunter2016 on September 25, 2017, 04:21:13 PM: How do you like it? Less hunting pressure?

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Title: Re: Does anyone do a high backcountry hunt in October modern firearm??
Post by: Bushcraft on September 25, 2017, 04:32:29 PM: Yes, but like anything, it depends upon where you intend to go. Staying warm and in Predator Mode requires bringing more/better layers and perhaps some more gear. You'll have to factor that into whether the additional weight warrants the excursion.

If horses can get there, it will likely be a zoo. If some people have had success in an area earlier in the year, word will get out and it will be a zoo. I have an allergic reaction to seeing others in the backcountry so I try not to go anywhere there is a trail livestock can use in the first place. That said, it doesn't seem to be anywhere near as nutty as High Buck. I think the weather, or threat of weather keeps a lot of guys from doing it.
Title: Re: Does anyone do a high backcountry hunt in October modern firearm??
Post by: Deserthunter2016 on September 25, 2017, 04:35:26 PM: Thanks a lot!

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Title: Re: Does anyone do a high backcountry hunt in October modern firearm??
Post by: 2MANY on September 25, 2017, 04:38:51 PM: The best days up high in October are after a big front pushes through and the critters come out.
True for elk or deer.

If it's stormy hunt the timber line just below the meadows.
My 2 cents.
Title: Re: Does anyone do a high backcountry hunt in October modern firearm??
Post by: savagehunter on September 25, 2017, 04:42:26 PM: We hunted our high hunt spot a couple of years ago during when locked out by fire during the high hunt. Spent three days modern opening weekend up there. Didn't see a thing move not a bird not a marmot and no deer. I actually think they were higher up the valley at the time as it was still hot but ? We had the whole place to ourselves zero hunters all three days.
Title: Re: Does anyone do a high backcountry hunt in October modern firearm??
Post by: Bushcraft on September 25, 2017, 04:55:52 PM: It's a food/water/shelter thing year around.

Water is easy for them.

Shelter is easy too.

Find the food they are keying in on that time of year and you'll find deer.
Title: Re: Does anyone do a high backcountry hunt in October modern firearm??
Post by: Watimberghost on September 25, 2017, 05:02:41 PM: Quote from: Bushcraft on September 25, 2017, 04:55:52 PM
It's a food/water/shelter thing year around.

Water is easy for them.

Shelter is easy too.

Find the food they are keying in on that time of year and you'll find deer.

:yeah:
Exactly
Title: Re: Does anyone do a high backcountry hunt in October modern firearm??
Post by: kselkhunter on September 25, 2017, 06:12:13 PM: I only hunt wilderness areas for all species, so "yes". Far less hunters in the backcountry in general rifle seasons compared to September high buck season (noting more areas are open outside of "high buck"). Just have to be prepared for different weather.
Title: Re: Does anyone do a high backcountry hunt in October modern firearm??
Post by: JimmyHoffa on September 25, 2017, 06:32:11 PM: Quote from: 2MANY on September 25, 2017, 04:38:51 PM
The best days up high in October are after a big front pushes through and the critters come out.
True for elk or deer.

If it's stormy hunt the timber line just below the meadows.
My 2 cents.
I agree with this. The old timers near me wait to pack into the wilderness until modern because the chances of storms are so much better than during the high hunt. High hunt you might get heavy clouds and some rain, ridgeline snow every few years; but in October it seems to be more of a likelihood.
Title: Re: Does anyone do a high backcountry hunt in October modern firearm??
Post by: 2MANY on September 26, 2017, 08:04:11 AM: Quote from: Watimberghost on September 25, 2017, 05:02:41 PM
Quote from: Bushcraft on September 25, 2017, 04:55:52 PM
It's a food/water/shelter thing year around.

Water is easy for them.

Shelter is easy too.

Find the food they are keying in on that time of year and you'll find deer.

:yeah:
Exactly

Since I'm not very smart and have never taken the time to worry about it, what are the westside high country blacktail deer eating in October???
Title: Re: Does anyone do a high backcountry hunt in October modern firearm??
Post by: Bill W on September 26, 2017, 08:14:25 AM: Depending on where you go you may only find frozen deer poop and tracks. When the central WA deer season was longer I thought it was smart to go as high as possible as late as possible. I went into my high hunt area on November 3rd one year. All I saw was frozen deer poop and old tracks. The deer were out of there.
Title: Re: Does anyone do a high backcountry hunt in October modern firearm??
Post by: Odell on September 27, 2017, 01:17:53 PM: Yes. Echo everything said so far. Tougher weather and sometimes the deer have moved out.