Post by: CP on October 09, 2017, 08:23:39 AM
Post by: h20hunter on October 09, 2017, 08:39:01 AM
Post by: bobcat on October 09, 2017, 08:55:20 AM
Post by: JakeLand on October 09, 2017, 09:06:23 AM
About October 28th, in my experience.give or take a day :tup:
Post by: Salmonstalker on October 09, 2017, 09:25:51 AM
Post by: 180-GRAIN on October 09, 2017, 10:00:27 AM
Post by: fishnfur on October 09, 2017, 06:50:36 PM
I put my cam back out in the yard a couple of hours ago. We normally get a burst of nocturnal activity around Oct. 15th, just for a couple days, then it dies out till around the 10th of November.
Post by: BoneCollector1 on October 09, 2017, 07:03:16 PM
Post by: 3nails on October 09, 2017, 07:21:23 PM
Post by: AKBowman on October 09, 2017, 07:27:15 PM
The colder weather and early darkness with the clouds this year could kick things off way early.
Post by: Turner89 on October 09, 2017, 07:50:30 PM
x3About October 28th, in my experience.give or take a day :tup:
Post by: fishnfur on October 09, 2017, 09:43:41 PM
Scott Haugen, in his book Trophy Blacktails - The Science of the Hunt, writes that the dates similar to those above correspond to the time that the big mature bucks first start showing an interest in breeding and make their first excursion in order to check out the locations of the doe herds (in Oregon). Having seen photos and read reports on this WA forum over the past several years of big bucks moving at mid-day in mid-October, Haugen's remarks are clearly not consistent with local observations.
I'll leave it to you all to consider the implications of the apparent variance BT buck behavior, and when it occurs, across the geographic range of the animal. One thing seems certain, you never know what might be going on out in your woods once mid-October comes around. There's only one way to find out for sure.
Here's a good refresher article on buck behavior. This one's on WT bucks (of course) since there are virtually no studies on BT bucks. I believe that virtually all of the ten items apply to BT bucks though:
https://www.qdma.com/10-things-know-mature-buck-movements/
Edit: BTW - that's one hell of a nice BT 3nails!
Post by: Mallardmasher on October 11, 2017, 08:59:43 AM
Post by: MrSmallington on October 11, 2017, 01:40:12 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 11, 2017, 09:58:21 PM
Taking off November 16-19th... any chance I might get lucky making bleat calls? first timer here.
Some guys swear by a doe bleat. It only takes one time using a bleat can, then having a buck run in after you throw out a call to feel like you have a magic can in your possession. Personally, I've never had any response at all to a bleat. I use them quite frequently though as I still hunt, especially if I make some noise. The idea is that you're pre-warning any other deer nearby that there is another deer (you) walking in the woods. In theory, it keeps the other deer from going on full alert and possibly bolting when they hear you move. They expect to see a deer after already having heard the deer in advance. (I got that off the HowtoHunt.com Blacktail App.) I really hate the bleat can though. It rattles in my pocket and if I hit it with my gun stock, it really makes a bad noise. Silence is golden.
It might be a bit early, but rattling antlers can get exciting pretty quick if you get some responses. I'd recommend you use the "search this forum" function for rattling, or rattling blacktails and read up. Also, check out numerous articles via Google and a few videos on Youtube. Maybe a grunt tube used in conjunction with the antlers, especially later in the season would be appropriate.
Good luck!
Post by: Band on October 12, 2017, 08:25:45 AM
Post by: Old Man Yager on October 12, 2017, 11:24:04 AM
Post by: fishnfur on October 12, 2017, 11:50:44 AM
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/techpub/b49.pdf
If you're not up to reading scientific journals, the main take-away should be that once a few does start estrous cycling, bucks will start responding by chasing etc. It likely doesn't take more that just a handful of does in an area, and possibly just one doe near the immediate area that you're hunting for you to think that the rut is on. And for that spot where you are standing and watching a buck nosing or chasing a doe, it is essentially on, at least for a few days or so. For the region overall though, until enough does are entering estrous (say late October), the rutting behavior is a localized phenomenon. Early to mid-November is when the majority of the successful breeding takes place.
Post by: hillbillyhunting on October 12, 2017, 10:11:14 PM
I guess this year I'm that guy that hopes we see some action early this year. I am usually one who laughs at the rut threads and thinks it will be just like every other year, but its hard to not be hopeful when you have experiences like this.
Post by: fishnfur on October 12, 2017, 11:13:09 PM
That buck seems to be the Harvey Weinstein of the Blacktail world. He's not taking no for an answer.
Post by: steeleywhopper on October 12, 2017, 11:26:07 PM
Taking off November 16-19th... any chance I might get lucky making bleat calls? first timer here.
Use the Doe Bleat. I called in a 3x4 blacktail for a first time hunter in 2009, second week of general. I killed a nice mature 2x2 using a doe bleat with 20 minutes of light left on the last couple days of the late hunt a few years back.
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 13, 2017, 06:43:07 AM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 13, 2017, 08:09:42 AM
Kid you not a buddy got a pic of this rutted up bad boy with 2 does last week. Look at his neck. Buddy said he could have walked up and roped him.
I would have said prove it :chuckle:
I seen a nice buck scent checking 3 does at the shop this last week...and have seen a few more bucks showing themselves in the last 4-5 days...there starting to move gentlemen....I'm ready for tomorrow
Post by: PolarBear on October 13, 2017, 08:19:32 AM
Post by: TheFewTheProud on October 13, 2017, 09:58:55 AM
Post by: Whitenuckles on October 13, 2017, 01:19:38 PM
The biggest buck I have on camera was breeding a doe at 10:20am on Oct 17th.
Post by: 180-GRAIN on October 13, 2017, 05:36:25 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on October 13, 2017, 05:52:46 PM
I wish we could have the 1-10 nov to hunt the grey ghost.have you looked at the special permits? There are some blacktail permits that I think cover those dates.
Post by: Martinhunter on October 14, 2017, 07:21:53 PM
Post by: PolarBear on October 14, 2017, 10:49:16 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 18, 2017, 03:15:08 PM
Post by: DaveMonti on October 18, 2017, 03:25:29 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 18, 2017, 03:41:44 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 18, 2017, 03:52:28 PM
Post by: WSU on October 19, 2017, 09:26:26 AM
Post by: JDHasty on October 19, 2017, 12:35:41 PM
That being said I did see a monster of a blacktail a week ago on Friday night and he was definitely cruising looking for does.
Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on October 19, 2017, 01:59:43 PM
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Post by: lazydrifter on October 19, 2017, 02:58:49 PM
I saw a new buck in the neighborhood today, a nice little 5 pt. Maybe someone can get him tomorrow.I wish we could have the 1-10 nov to hunt the grey ghost.have you looked at the special permits? There are some blacktail permits that I think cover those dates.
My middle son drew a GMU 621 any buck tag that goes from Nov. 1 - the 15th. He has high hopes for a really big buck.
Post by: fishnfur on October 19, 2017, 03:30:08 PM
I grabbed my can call and tipped it once, just in case it might slow them down. I doubted it would work, but it was worth a shot. No more than 10 seconds later, a fourth deer comes from a drainage behind me, and stotting at about head-high leve like a big bouncing ball, passed about 20 feet to my right as it went by me. It stopped behind a tree about 30 yards past me and was fully obscured except for his head. What I should have done was scoped it with my rifle, which was still on my shoulder. What I did was glass it, to see if it was a buck or doe. It was a small fork horned buck, but he didn't give me a moment more. He stotted off crossing the path of the other three deer, white flag waving at me as he disappeared.
I'm glad I didn't put the scope on him because I probably would have shot him. He was likely only a 1.5 y/o buck and no more than a hundred pounds. Glad to let him grow awhile. I sure felt like an idiot though. One minute of pandemonium and I've still got my rifle shouldered.
Bumped a couple other unknowns out of beds during the morning and had a 5 minute standoff with a doe as I was working my way out of the woods. It's definitely heating up out there.
Post by: Whitenuckles on October 19, 2017, 06:16:02 PM
Post by: JDHasty on October 19, 2017, 06:56:55 PM
Had some quick action this morning. Went to a spot I'd twice bumped deer while walking in the dark. I decided to arrive and enter the woods at first light instead of bumping them. While it was light enough to see out on the road, once in the woods, it was still very dark. I pushed in a few hundred yards and slowed down to a crawl. I reached the first bench up, and though it was still pretty dark, I could see. Dang if I didn't stick my toe into some bump in the road making a bit of a thump. Not loud, but noticeable. I held my position and waited while watching into the darkest woods. Just seconds later, out of nowhere, three deer running at light speed in a fully crouched positions blow by my position about 50 yards in from me. All three flew by in well less than a seconds time, heads low, running at incredible speed and at a height that was no higher than my knee. I was totally shocked how fast it had happened, and without any sound whatsoever. If I hadn't been looking in that direction, I never would have known they had been there. A few seconds later, one of them let out a bawl from probably 100 yards away as it ran. I know BT sneak about in crouched positions, but I've never before heard of them running that way.
I grabbed my can call and tipped it once, just in case it might slow them down. I doubted it would work, but it was worth a shot. No more than 10 seconds later, a fourth deer comes from a drainage behind me, and stotting at about head-high leve like a big bouncing ball, passed about 20 feet to my right as it went by me. It stopped behind a tree about 30 yards past me and was fully obscured except for his head. What I should have done was scoped it with my rifle, which was still on my shoulder. What I did was glass it, to see if it was a buck or doe. It was a small fork horned buck, but he didn't give me a moment more. He stotted off crossing the path of the other three deer, white flag waving at me as he disappeared.
I'm glad I didn't put the scope on him because I probably would have shot him. He was likely only a 1.5 y/o buck and no more than a hundred pounds. Glad to let him grow awhile. I sure felt like an idiot though. One minute of pandemonium and I've still got my rifle shouldered.
Bumped a couple other unknowns out of beds during the morning and had a 5 minute standoff with a doe as I was working my way out of the woods. It's definitely heating up out there.
That is exactly what I was talking about when we had the discussion a while back about that Can Call. I still don't know if a person can cold call a blacktail in with one, I still have never tried, but they work great for turning or re-positioning them or getting them to step out and take a look see or to come back if they have moved off into cover before you can get a shot off. I also keep one in my pocket and if while still hunting I make some noise like stepping on a branch I will stand dead still and give it a turn or two just in case a deer is nearby and hear the noise.
My neighbor got a decent buck Tuesday and I am hearing reports of other guys getting mediocre bucks or filling their antlerless tags. Nothing big since the first weekend of Archery Season when a buddy got a hella nice one. Even filling an antlerless tag was a bit tricky over the weekend. I filled mine, but usually we have three or four nice does in camp by Sunday afternoon the first weekend of Modern Season.
Post by: fishnfur on October 19, 2017, 07:13:44 PM
Post by: pd on October 19, 2017, 07:29:06 PM
(No bench legs down your way, right??)
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on October 19, 2017, 07:39:49 PM
When does it start?
The buck I got yesterday was definitely getting a swelled neck.
Post by: Crunchy on October 19, 2017, 08:32:43 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 19, 2017, 09:18:03 PM
Fish&Fur, that is a funny (not funny, buy you know what I mean) story. I would have loved to see them sprint at ground level. I can't even imagine!
(No bench legs down your way, right??)
They're only benchlegs if they're big, and somebody else gets 'em. Seeing something new in the woods is always a treat. I wonder though, how many times has that happened when I wasn't aware of it. :dunno: Probably many.
Post by: JDHasty on October 20, 2017, 09:15:05 AM
Post by: PolarBear on October 20, 2017, 09:25:16 AM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 20, 2017, 10:24:12 AM
(https://storage04.dropshots.com/photos7000/photos/1401964/20171020/x_125658.jpg)
Post by: JDHasty on October 20, 2017, 10:29:53 AM
Bigger bucks are finally starting to show themselves
(https://storage04.dropshots.com/photos7000/photos/1401964/20171020/x_125658.jpg)
Nice!
Post by: fishnfur on October 20, 2017, 07:15:37 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 21, 2017, 06:25:25 AM
Post by: bigbore40 on October 21, 2017, 07:20:36 AM
Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on October 21, 2017, 08:38:26 AM
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Post by: Old Man8383 on October 21, 2017, 09:55:46 AM
Post by: lokidog on October 21, 2017, 10:17:04 AM
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Post by: JDHasty on October 21, 2017, 10:50:21 AM
Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on October 21, 2017, 11:07:44 AM
Bucks were out all over the place when I was driving to Scatter Creek this morning.All over the place? Please elaborate. I just went by scatter crk lol
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Post by: Mallardmasher on October 21, 2017, 11:34:44 AM
Post by: Whitenuckles on October 21, 2017, 12:36:55 PM
Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on October 21, 2017, 12:47:14 PM
Grunted in a masher 3x3 for a friend this morning, the buck came out of the reprod facing away from us, grunting back. Buddy did not give me time to grunt at him, to turn him around. He whistled, that buck ran like a bat out of hell. I looked at him and said REALLY, when is the last time you heard a buck whistle. Called in a dink 2pt he was not interested in shooting.I've seen people whistle and it works
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Post by: JDHasty on October 21, 2017, 12:53:31 PM
Bucks were out all over the place when I was driving to Scatter Creek this morning.All over the place? Please elaborate. I just went by scatter crk lol
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One big one under the overpass at Dupont, two forkhorns at Trosper Rd by Mcdonalds and a smaller three point buck right behind a doe on Case Rd where it floods.
Post by: lokidog on October 21, 2017, 12:59:07 PM
My son just missed one that had tried to mount the doe he was with. Unfortunately, when he was at 20 yards, she was in the way behind him. Then, he moved to the side and I misjudged the distance so my son shot just over him with the crossbow. :-(
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Had a pair of bucks follow two more doe past us, not as close of a shot opportunity and missed the bigger one. A little buck fever I think. ;) The younger one was more interested in the doe's butt, but the bigger one rubbed the crap out of a tree at 35 yards, too bad he was behind some other trees as this was almost the only time he stayed in one place.
Post by: Mallardmasher on October 21, 2017, 01:35:37 PM
Post by: andr3wxmma on October 21, 2017, 02:42:51 PM
Post by: JDHasty on October 21, 2017, 03:58:51 PM
Post by: fish vacuum on October 21, 2017, 04:32:35 PM
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Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 21, 2017, 04:39:50 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on October 21, 2017, 05:13:40 PM
Post by: JDHasty on October 21, 2017, 06:33:34 PM
Post by: lokidog on October 21, 2017, 06:46:27 PM
Post by: Whitenuckles on October 21, 2017, 06:52:17 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 21, 2017, 07:04:00 PM
Spent the day at a girls HS swim meet. No bucks in that pool.
I thought today would be the day the flood gates opened. Perfect nasty weather.
I'm not liking the forecast for next week. Seems like warming weather usually keeps the deer active primarily at night - much like it was a couple of years back. Good to see some are reporting activity.
Post by: fishnfur on October 21, 2017, 07:30:04 PM
Grunted in a masher 3x3 for a friend this morning, the buck came out of the reprod facing away from us, grunting back. Buddy did not give me time to grunt at him, to turn him around. He whistled, that buck ran like a bat out of hell. I looked at him and said REALLY, when is the last time you heard a buck whistle. Called in a dink 2pt he was not interested in shooting.
Mallardmasher - could you expound on the technique you use when you're trying to grunt in a buck? I use a grunt call fairly frequently in conjunction with rattling and sometimes by itself. I've never had a response. Thanks for any help you can provide.
Post by: JDHasty on October 21, 2017, 07:42:16 PM
Pics or it didn't happen Loki! (congrats!)
Spent the day at a girls HS swim meet. No bucks in that pool.
I thought today would be the day the flood gates opened. Perfect nasty weather.
I'm not liking the forecast for next week. Seems like warming weather usually keeps the deer active primarily at night - much like it was a couple of years back. Good to see some are reporting activity.
I decided to shoot birds on weekends for a couple weeks and am going to take the 30th & 31st off work and hunt deer again.
I had suggested that last weekend was going to be really tough for the guys who hadn't been out during Archery & Muzzleloader Season. IIRC we had a year like this about six years ago too. I was confident I could solve my bratwurst problem w/a fat doe, but was skeptical about guys who were not familiar with where the deer were moving through this year as opposed to normal years and I was right on that account. Other than my doe, all we had was one dink that a buddy shot in camp by Sunday evening. From what I have heard today the deer are using their usual locations this weekend. Everyone I talked to was seeing bucks today.
I was out during Sept and during ML Season on my stands and in my blinds, not sure if I would be able to shoot my bow after the wreck, but it didn't matter. Unlike last year wherein I had deer in front of me every day and was passing on decent mature bucks, this year I never had the opportunity while set up. I did botch getting a shot at a real nice one two weeks ago w/my bow. But that was the only deer I would have even considered putting my General Season tag on that I had anywhere near where I needed him to be.
Post by: 257 Wby Mag on October 21, 2017, 08:42:40 PM
Post by: JakeLand on October 21, 2017, 08:44:53 PM
Post by: Mallardmasher on October 21, 2017, 09:01:22 PM
About 30 years ago when we began using WT tactics. I was driving a gravel road just after the close of modern season, and had a big buck jump out of the woods next to me and run along side me in the ditch for over a 10th of a mile, peal off in to an alder bottom, where one big buck was rubbing and another was grunting and chasing a doe. He heard the commotion from a ways away and was only focused on the party. Just what works for me
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on October 21, 2017, 09:03:30 PM
And they are still hanging out together. Watched a doe cruise through the field this afternoon, no sign of any interested buck tagging along or trailing, not even the little spike that I have pictures of.
Thoughts on whether it is rutty swelling or just normal to each critter for their sizes?
Post by: Mallardmasher on October 21, 2017, 09:24:15 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 21, 2017, 09:51:57 PM
Post by: lokidog on October 21, 2017, 10:25:30 PM
Pics or it didn't happen Loki! (congrats!)
Spent the day at a girls HS swim meet. No bucks in that pool.
I thought today would be the day the flood gates opened. Perfect nasty weather.
I'm not liking the forecast for next week. Seems like warming weather usually keeps the deer active primarily at night - much like it was a couple of years back. Good to see some are reporting activity.
Trying to get downloaded (new phone/com[puter combo is not as easy as my last one :-(
). All but one buck seen today had its head in a doe's butt, seemed pretty rutty to me. :dunno:
Post by: fishnfur on October 21, 2017, 10:26:03 PM
What a buck! Big back yard bucks sometimes get so big and nasty they often don't quite fit the template of being a beautiful animal. Awesome!
Great pic and post on the grunting. I'm surprised you didn't stipulate: Do not whistle! Thanks for taking the time to post your routine.
Post by: fishnfur on October 21, 2017, 10:29:04 PM
Pics or it didn't happen Loki! (congrats!)
Spent the day at a girls HS swim meet. No bucks in that pool.
I thought today would be the day the flood gates opened. Perfect nasty weather.
I'm not liking the forecast for next week. Seems like warming weather usually keeps the deer active primarily at night - much like it was a couple of years back. Good to see some are reporting activity.
That part of the pre-rut/rut hasn't changed. It seems to run on different clocks in different regions of Western WA.
Again, congrats to your wife Loki.
Trying to get downloaded (new phone/com[puter combo is not as easy as my last one :-(
). All but one buck seen today had its head in a doe's butt, seemed pretty rutty to me. :dunno:
Post by: lokidog on October 21, 2017, 10:37:53 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 21, 2017, 10:43:04 PM
Post by: lokidog on October 21, 2017, 10:46:21 PM
I'll have to report you to a mod for that!
Oops, sorry, I accidentally deleted that..... :rolleyes:
Post by: fishnfur on October 21, 2017, 10:52:10 PM
I'm a poor judge of swollen buck necks, but I agree, that three-point looks pretty normal. The forkie actually looks a year older to me, but it may just be the way he's standing. He looks bigger bodied and his neck seems to be enlarged. :twocents:
Nice wife-spike Loki!
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on October 21, 2017, 10:56:44 PM
I forgot Blacktail Sniper's question:
I'm a poor judge of swollen buck necks, but I agree, that three-point looks pretty normal. The forkie actually looks a year older to me, but it may just be the way he's standing. He looks bigger bodied and his neck seems to be enlarged. :twocents:
Nice wife-spike Loki!
I agree, really hard to say for sure. The tarsal glands don't seem abnormal yet in the one pic., so I think you may be correct.
Thanks for the input! :tup:
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on October 21, 2017, 10:57:45 PM
This one looks rutty
I'd say that is a fair statement. :yike:
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on October 21, 2017, 11:02:03 PM
The great rut mystery :chuckle: IMO dont overthink it. If you can be in the woods, get in them now until season closer. Watch the barometer, and put priority on big fluctuations, and any good rainy blacktail days. Today was ideal for still hunting, but movement overall was minimal where I was anyway. Saw several rubs very fresh nothing indicative of a monster buck. I did tag out on a small 2x4. Glands were barely open and not real stinky. Not on does, but close by. I heard of a few other smaller bucks getting taken. The weather this upcoming week concerns me a bit. But its the magical.time of year when anything truly can happen. Punching a tag becomes a double edge sword.
Post by: Eric M on October 21, 2017, 11:32:00 PM
Post by: Whitenuckles on October 22, 2017, 08:05:24 AM
Post by: Mallardmasher on October 22, 2017, 08:36:30 AM
Post by: Whitenuckles on October 22, 2017, 08:41:23 AM
His neck looks swollenIt's like God threw a switch yesterday, turned the rut on like a light bulb! His neck is swollen, but the other 2 bucks were bigger. I wish I took a pic, but I was busy enjoying the show.
Lots of deer I've never seen before coming through the yard. Now the wife needs to head to church so I can blast one without her knowing :chuckle:
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 22, 2017, 09:50:04 AM
Hey they were attacking the house and you needed to protect it :chuckle:His neck looks swollenIt's like God threw a switch yesterday, turned the rut on like a light bulb! His neck is swollen, but the other 2 bucks were bigger. I wish I took a pic, but I was busy enjoying the show.
Lots of deer I've never seen before coming through the yard. Now the wife needs to head to church so I can blast one without her knowing :chuckle:
Post by: fishnfur on October 22, 2017, 01:32:20 PM
Hunted the extreme southern portion of Ryderwood/530 till noon, then home for family time. Thermals blew one deer out of a bed on a bluff below me, but other than that, I saw/heard/felt nothing else in the woods.
Lots of guys lighting 'em up this morning in that area though. Heard 17 different shots or bursts of shots between first light and 10:00 AM. These are the days I go home depressed.
Post by: JDHasty on October 22, 2017, 03:45:30 PM
He's a handsome buck - he's got a post-coital smile on his mug too. I'd love to see the two bigger ones.
Hunted the extreme southern portion of Ryderwood/530 till noon, then home for family time. Thermals blew one deer out of a bed on a bluff below me, but other than that, I saw/heard/felt nothing else in the woods.
Lots of guys lighting 'em up this morning in that area though. Heard 17 different shots or bursts of shots between first light and 10:00 AM. These are the days I go home depressed.
I talked to another guy who filled his general tag with a spike this morning and saw lots of deer out.
Saw nothing largish buck wise, but is happy. He doesn't really know
That means both of our new hunters got deer, and that is a big plus.
Post by: Bigshooter on October 22, 2017, 03:58:59 PM
Post by: fish vacuum on October 23, 2017, 10:53:42 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 24, 2017, 12:01:28 AM
Post by: PolarBear on October 24, 2017, 06:31:48 AM
Post by: Thefisherman83 on October 24, 2017, 07:45:55 AM
Post by: PolarBear on October 24, 2017, 09:34:37 AM
I shot a nice 3x4 Sunday. He had fresh cuts on his head from fighting, but he wasn’t stinky at all, he was also LOADED with fat. Neck was starting to swell.Was that your buck on the Vail Permit Holders Facebook page? Nice buck.
Post by: Thefisherman83 on October 24, 2017, 09:42:14 AM
I shot a nice 3x4 Sunday. He had fresh cuts on his head from fighting, but he wasn’t stinky at all, he was also LOADED with fat. Neck was starting to swell.Was that your buck on the Vail Permit Holders Facebook page? Nice buck.
Yes it was, thank you.
Post by: The scout on October 24, 2017, 04:48:19 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 24, 2017, 09:42:53 PM
Post by: bankwalker on October 24, 2017, 10:06:36 PM
Also have had a small 2pt and a couple different spikes in the yard chasing the does around for the last week.
Last night we had the first big boy show up in the yard. Staying to far under the apple trees to see his antlers in the porch light. But he was Big!
Post by: Turner89 on October 24, 2017, 11:09:22 PM
Today was brutaly quite, and hot. Great napping weather.
Post by: CP on October 26, 2017, 11:26:32 AM
Post by: PolarBear on October 26, 2017, 12:42:43 PM
Post by: lokidog on October 26, 2017, 03:52:55 PM
Set up a piss drib bag on a fresh rub line, rattled and called this morning. In 2 locations I got 5 bucks to come in. Unfortunately they were all spikes and forkies, nothing worth shooting. Hopefully by the last couple of days the bigger boys will be interested.That's cool.
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Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 26, 2017, 06:22:42 PM
Set up a piss drib bag on a fresh rub line, rattled and called this morning. In 2 locations I got 5 bucks to come in. Unfortunately they were all spikes and forkies, nothing worth shooting. Hopefully by the last couple of days the bigger boys will be interested.
Are you doing light rattles? Or going all out
Post by: beav1980 on October 26, 2017, 07:04:05 PM
Post by: JDHasty on October 26, 2017, 07:11:40 PM
What's a piss drip bag? I've tried rattling with no luck. Are u adding grunts as well? How long do you stay per session?
I don't rattle, but tried it in late Sept and stopped before a big buck came :dunno: my buddy saw it go past his place headed my way and it was "going somewhere" in a hurry. Headed right to where I was at, I just didn't stick with it long enough.
I was banging up a storm using a Knight & Hale Pack Rack. But remember this is not advice, only one experience. YMMV, I didn't have the first clue what I was doing, but thought I would kill a little time before heading over to where I was going to hunt that evening.
Post by: highside74 on October 26, 2017, 07:35:10 PM
Post by: CLARKTAR on October 26, 2017, 07:53:14 PM
For blacktail bucks this next 5 days will be your best time to rattle one in. September is to early and the Nov late season is to late. This is the Goldilocks week for rattling bucks. Just right.Rattle at dawn, or end of the day? I have some spots I know hold bucks.... Want to try rattling.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Post by: highside74 on October 26, 2017, 08:07:25 PM
For blacktail bucks this next 5 days will be your best time to rattle one in. September is to early and the Nov late season is to late. This is the Goldilocks week for rattling bucks. Just right.Rattle at dawn, or end of the day? I have some spots I know hold bucks.... Want to try rattling.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
At this time of year bucks start to move all day long. You can do it whenever. Set up do your sequence and then be still for at least 15 minutes. You can move into the wind and rattle every so often or just stay put. It works in timber and in clearcuts next to bedding areas.
But like any deer hunting you can't just give up if it doesn't work one day. This is the time of year to try it everyday. Specially if you know where bucks or fresh buck sign is.
Post by: CLARKTAR on October 26, 2017, 08:15:57 PM
Great. I will give it a go. Have a neat spot with a ton of buck rubs, and I found a well used bedding area during elk MZ nearby. Even had a few does and fawns sleeping. Good intersection of trails near the rubsFor blacktail bucks this next 5 days will be your best time to rattle one in. September is to early and the Nov late season is to late. This is the Goldilocks week for rattling bucks. Just right.Rattle at dawn, or end of the day? I have some spots I know hold bucks.... Want to try rattling.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
At this time of year bucks start to move all day long. You can do it whenever. Set up do your sequence and then be still for at least 15 minutes. You can move into the wind and rattle every so often or just stay put. It works in timber and in clearcuts next to bedding areas.
But like any deer hunting you can't just give up if it doesn't work one day. This is the time of year to try it everyday. Specially if you know where bucks or fresh buck sign is.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Post by: fishnfur on October 26, 2017, 08:33:04 PM
Hunted up in Kitsap today. No rubs or rutting activity apparent at all out past Purdy. Dead in the woods - no action on a scent wick. Missed a long shot with my slug gun on a buck that stood up in a cut at 10:30. Heard maybe four other shots all day.
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 26, 2017, 08:46:25 PM
stay hidden and be downwind of where you expect them to come from. Also, expect that they will circle you and try to get downwind to see who/what you are - not always, but more so than not.
Hunted up in Kitsap today. No rubs or rutting activity apparent at all out past Purdy. Dead in the woods - no action on a scent wick. Missed a long shot with my slug gun on a buck that stood up in a cut at 10:30. Heard maybe four other shots all day.
Leave my deer alone... :chuckle:
There are rubs showing up everyday. Hopefully I can get the kid on a buck tomorrow.
Post by: PolarBear on October 26, 2017, 09:03:21 PM
What's a piss drip bag? I've tried rattling with no luck. Are u adding grunts as well? How long do you stay per session?Wildlife Research Center Ultimate Scrape Dripper filled with Moccasin Joes blacktail doe scent. It slowly drips scent but only diring the day. I start out with light rattling and grunting to try not to spook and close by bucks. 10 minutes or less of noise 20-30 minutes of quiet. 30-45 minutes after last noise before leaving.
Post by: philepe on October 27, 2017, 11:06:01 AM
This morning saw another buck very briefly because he took off when I walked out the front door :) around 10:30.
It may have been the same buck but Im not sure. Funny thing is that the doe was trailing behind and followed after him.
Post by: Turner89 on October 27, 2017, 11:11:34 AM
They are defiantly moving around, just need to find a doe and keep your eye on her. The bucks won't be to far away.
Post by: 7mmfan on October 27, 2017, 11:56:28 AM
9:30am in the middle of a cut with the blazing sun shining on it. I saw a really nice buck chasing a doe. I couldn't get on him for a shot.
They are defiantly moving around, just need to find a doe and keep your eye on her. The bucks won't be to far away.
Getting me all jazzed up man! I can't get out until Sunday. :'(
Post by: 180-GRAIN on October 27, 2017, 12:55:14 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 27, 2017, 12:56:20 PM
Post by: Buckmark on October 27, 2017, 01:17:17 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 27, 2017, 01:27:41 PM
Post by: 180-GRAIN on October 27, 2017, 02:15:20 PM
There was some pretty good rut activity last week around that storm. Now with the temps in the 60's and clear night skies its slowed dramatically. I think its going to kick in right after the season ends.... :'(
I agree!
Post by: bobcat on October 27, 2017, 05:47:38 PM
Post by: pope on October 27, 2017, 06:14:02 PM
Well, you know the rut really doesn't start until about November 1st, right? The day after the season's over. There's a reason why the season ends on the 31st. Actually when I used to really start getting lots of pictures of bigger bucks, was about a week into November. Then about the 14th or 15th all of a sudden, no more bucks. Yep, just before late season starts. :bash:
I get excited when posts show up documenting rut behavior in late October...it's usually out near Shelton or up in Whatcom, but in my local spots action is slow. Where I hunt, it's right in line with the regs. I've taken a day off on Halloween a couple of times and been disappointed. Most bucks show up cruising trails they otherwise don't use after the first week of November, according to my camera research, although I did happen across a buck while moving a tree stand on November 1st in 2015 (pretty sure I caught up to him in late buck that year). My best opportunity is always late buck, a magical time in the woods.
Post by: fishnfur on October 27, 2017, 07:41:07 PM
Well, you know the rut really doesn't start until about November 1st, right? The day after the season's over. There's a reason why the season ends on the 31st. Actually when I used to really start getting lots of pictures of bigger bucks, was about a week into November. Then about the 14th or 15th all of a sudden, no more bucks. Yep, just before late season starts. :bash:
That's right on Bobcat.
Post by: JDHasty on October 27, 2017, 08:57:14 PM
I suggested that the guys coming out for Mod Season wait until last weekend and they didn't wait, and were pretty well shut out the opening weekend (I got a fat doe w/my bow, but I had been out and had them pretty well figured out). They made up for it last weekend, but had to travel every day because I was bird shooting and not hosting deer hunters.
I am taking Monday and Tuesday off and will hunt deer again from about noon Sunday after bird shooting, through Tuesday evening.
I kinda' think the best BT hunting is from about the 20th of Oct for about a week, but more of the guys whose opinion I really respect think it's Halloween that is best.
I'm confident, we'll see what happens.
I feel an obligation to my dogs to get them out on birds as much as I can and am satisfied with my choices. If I don't close the deal on a nice buck this next week I will lay off until December.
Post by: fishnfur on October 28, 2017, 12:49:57 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 28, 2017, 12:58:04 PM
Post by: JDHasty on October 28, 2017, 03:17:48 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 28, 2017, 04:27:44 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 28, 2017, 04:37:29 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 28, 2017, 04:41:49 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 28, 2017, 06:19:17 PM
Post by: Whitenuckles on October 28, 2017, 06:41:39 PM
Post by: Duckslayer89 on October 28, 2017, 07:34:49 PM
Post by: JDHasty on October 28, 2017, 07:51:15 PM
I didn't see a deer tonight. Rode probably 8-10 miles on mountain bike glassing and walking through cuts. The other day I did have a small button buck cruising nose to the ground running down the road I was walking up
You are not alone. No one I talked to saw much of anything, some did, but not what they wanted to shoot. I took a drive this evening (just to take a break) and checked out an apple tree near Steilacoom that should have had deer (they were there every evening until Wednesday) and a cemetery and come up with a big fat goose egg.
They now are sportin' their winter coat and 70 degree daytime temps can't be conducive to a lot of activity. I shot birds today and it was not that comfortable in a T-shirt. Me thinks they are out all night feeding and bedded where it is cool all day.
Post by: Duckslayer89 on October 28, 2017, 07:58:10 PM
I didn't see a deer tonight. Rode probably 8-10 miles on mountain bike glassing and walking through cuts. The other day I did have a small button buck cruising nose to the ground running down the road I was walking up
You are not alone. No one I talked to saw much of anything, some did, but not what they wanted to shoot. I took a drive this evening (just to take a break) and checked out an apple tree near Steilacoom that should have had deer (they were there every evening until Wednesday) and a cemetery and come up with a big fat goose egg.
They now are sportin' their winter coat and 70 degree daytime temps can't be conducive to a lot of activity. I shot birds today and it was not that comfortable in a T-shirt. Me thinks they are out all night feeding and bedded where it is cool all day.
Ya I was hunting in a t shirt almost all night it felt like a late August bear hunt! I did see one deer in the pitch black driving out. I heard a shot near where I ran into a couple forum members earlier I'm hoping they connected and it wasn't someone shooting grouse. Which I saw a bunch of tonight
Post by: WSU on October 28, 2017, 08:09:24 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 28, 2017, 10:55:56 PM
Who knows, maybe they'll be up and doin' it tomorrow. It could happen.....
Post by: AKBowman on October 29, 2017, 08:20:40 AM
He hit my trail about 70 yards down and I could just see his chest, head and a white face with very large antlers. He worked a cedar branch like a licking branch which I have never seen a BT do. He looked downhill then looked uphill (my way) then started down away from me. I tipped the can and gave him a soft grunt on the tube which stopped him for a minute. He looked my general direction then walked away grunting.
Got my heart pumping for sure! This was at 9am down in a pretty deep hole where he felt comfortable making the rounds. DEFINETLY rutting.
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 29, 2017, 04:13:29 PM
Post by: kodiak 907 on October 29, 2017, 05:11:06 PM
Post by: hunt4life on October 29, 2017, 06:42:58 PM
Post by: PolarBear on October 29, 2017, 06:53:31 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 29, 2017, 07:34:05 PM
She stops 15 feet above me and almost completely downwind - I can't believe she's still standing there. (I was expecting down thermals when I went in, but it was so warm out, the 5 mph prevailing SW breeze was the only wind.) I'm glassing frantically hoping there's a buck on her tail, occasionally checking her to see if she's nervous or watching some hidden suitor behind her. Needless to say, she was alone.
After about three minutes of her standing still, doing God knows what just above me, just for fun, I look over my shoulder and give her a tiny wave with my hand. Her eyes double in size, her ears perk up and stand erect. I go back to glassing for bucks and, as expected, about 3 seconds later she apparently worked up the nerve and took the one more step she needed to get my wind and smell my humanness. She blows loudly and makes a noisy bounding retreat encompassing most of the hillside before exiting the area. All good fun for me, but despite the misty conditions and a strong feeling that today was the day I'd notch my tag, that encounter was the highlight of the day.
The forest floor did have significant and deep deer tracks in many areas indicating running, rapid turning, screeching halts, etc. suggesting to me that there's quite a bit of chasing going on, though likely all happening at night. Not good news for the coming two days.
Post by: PolarBear on October 29, 2017, 07:42:27 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 29, 2017, 07:53:26 PM
Post by: PolarBear on October 29, 2017, 08:13:50 PM
:yeah: lots of new rubs...tracks from overnight. Torn up ground from sparing....all going on at night. They are running so hard at night they are sleeping the day away....Yep
Post by: fishnfur on October 29, 2017, 09:03:39 PM
Edit: If that bust of activity around the 22nd indicated the first estrous phase, (which typically does not result in pregnancy in does) and you believe that the estrous cycle is the often stated 28 days, then the next estrous cycle and burst of buck rutting activity would occur around the 17th of November - right in the middle of Late Buck. I use the 19 - 23 day cycle (average 21 days) determined in a WA State study back in the 1940s, which if that is the case, places the main rut phase a full week earlier, around the 10th of November - :'( Sounds about right, huh Bobcat?
Post by: bobcat on October 29, 2017, 09:29:37 PM
Post by: wooltie on October 29, 2017, 09:57:00 PM
Post by: Turner89 on October 29, 2017, 10:18:14 PM
We'll see what happens in the best 2 days of the season. Hopefully not fighting the fog.
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 30, 2017, 07:11:51 AM
Post by: 180-GRAIN on October 30, 2017, 07:40:15 AM
Post by: JDHasty on October 30, 2017, 08:49:50 AM
I am a little skewed toward full on rut starting a little earlier, like last weekend. But I hunted Sept Archery pretty hard and then a couple weekends of the ML season w/my bow and then I host a few guys for Mod Season so... I had only shot pheasants one day until last week.
I suggested that the guys coming out for Mod Season wait until last weekend and they didn't wait, and were pretty well shut out the opening weekend (I got a fat doe w/my bow, but I had been out and had them pretty well figured out). They made up for it last weekend, but had to travel every day because I was bird shooting and not hosting deer hunters.
I am taking Monday and Tuesday off and will hunt deer again from about noon Sunday after bird shooting, through Tuesday evening.
I kinda' think the best BT hunting is from about the 20th of Oct for about a week, but more of the guys whose opinion I really respect think it's Halloween that is best.
I'm confident, we'll see what happens.
I feel an obligation to my dogs to get them out on birds as much as I can and am satisfied with my choices. If I don't close the deal on a nice buck this next week I will lay off until December.
Decided to go to work today and tomorrow. I talked to quite a few people who were out yesterday and nothing much is moving during the day. I didn't bother going out yesterday.
Seasonal allergies made it such that I was coughing up a storm. Even on the best day I couldn't get w/in a hundred yards of any buck I would be interested in shooting the way I am right now. Until we get a good freeze mold and mildew spores will continue to take a toll.
I will pick it back up next month. It has been my experience that once BTs are in their winter coat they just don't move much during the day in weather like this.
Post by: predatorG on October 30, 2017, 08:53:44 AM
stay hidden and be downwind of where you expect them to come from. Also, expect that they will circle you and try to get downwind to see who/what you are - not always, but more so than not.
Hunted up in Kitsap today. No rubs or rutting activity apparent at all out past Purdy. Dead in the woods - no action on a scent wick. Missed a long shot with my slug gun on a buck that stood up in a cut at 10:30. Heard maybe four other shots all day.
That's because there's no deer in Kitsap... we've done our best to make that common knowledge by now :rolleyes:
Post by: predatorG on October 30, 2017, 09:02:09 AM
Post by: JDHasty on October 30, 2017, 09:13:19 AM
I'm praying that this relative lack of activity means a late rut, and some good action during archery season! Fingers are crossed.
I'm glad you said "I'm praying" and not, "I'm figuring." This Season has been different enough that the best I can come up with so far this Season is: "I am making an educated guess and hoping...."
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 30, 2017, 11:45:43 AM
(https://storage04.dropshots.com/photos7000/photos/1401964/20171030/x_143508.jpg)
Post by: WSU on October 30, 2017, 11:58:55 AM
Post by: krapmit on October 30, 2017, 12:36:03 PM
Post by: JDHasty on October 30, 2017, 12:49:27 PM
Ive got a buck on camera and he's still nocturnal. coming out hour or so after the does who are still coming out to feed 15 min before dark.. This is in pierce county.
They are in their winter coat and I don't think they can take much of this weather at all. I was pheasant shooting on JBLM on Saturday and was in a t-shirt and moved from shadow to shadow just to be somewhat comfortable. I took my dogs to the lake and wet and watered them after a half hour and their tongues were still hanging out.
Post by: JimmyHoffa on October 30, 2017, 01:00:22 PM
probably laying in the ferns in the alders. Now that the leaves are falling, they can get a little cooler in there.Ive got a buck on camera and he's still nocturnal. coming out hour or so after the does who are still coming out to feed 15 min before dark.. This is in pierce county.
They are in their winter coat and I don't think they can take much of this weather at all. I was pheasant shooting on JBLM on Saturday and was in a t-shirt and moved from shadow to shadow just to be somewhat comfortable. I took my dogs to the lake and wet and watered them after a half hour and their tongues were still hanging out.
Post by: MuleySniper on October 30, 2017, 01:24:32 PM
Post by: kodiak 907 on October 30, 2017, 01:35:00 PM
This last week of warm sunny weather is saving a lot of bucks.
Next week is calling for lows in the 20-30 and clouds. Tough luck for all the rifle guys.
Post by: JimmyHoffa on October 30, 2017, 01:42:51 PM
They’re chasing the does but mostly at night and first light.yeah, saw that. Supposed to be cold with rain and snow for the elk opener....which usually overlaps BT rut and have to see bucks charging around all day anyways. >:(
This last week of warm sunny weather is saving a lot of bucks.
Next week is calling for lows in the 20-30 and clouds. Tough luck for all the rifle guys.
Post by: SteelheadTed on October 30, 2017, 06:31:07 PM
Post by: PolarBear on October 30, 2017, 07:12:31 PM
Post by: JDHasty on October 30, 2017, 07:23:54 PM
Well hell. I took the day off from hunting partly out of frustration and partly to get a few chores done. I have a MS I permit and am hot in a huge rush yet. 5:45 this evening I was fixing an eldery friends fence and gate. The elk had knocked it down. As I was sitting on the ground banging on a hinge with a wrench I lookex up and about 80 yards away was a big 4 point staring me down. He stood broadside while I continued to work on the gate for close to 10 minutes. I almost packed my rifle with me but didn’t. :bash: I have accidentally rattled up a buck with an arrow on my riser but never with a wrench and a gate hinge. :chuckle:
My buddy says that starting a fire and burning slash always brings them around, as does brush trimming and firewood cutting.
Post by: PolarBear on October 30, 2017, 07:29:59 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 30, 2017, 10:21:54 PM
Sorry for your bad luck PolarBear - you've been waiting for a shot on a big buck for a long time.
Post by: fish vacuum on October 30, 2017, 10:49:06 PM
I agree that this is a slow year. I've seen some deer, but not near as many as years past. Last year was the best year I can remember. The low rub activity kind of bothers me. That just tells me there isn't as many bucks this year.I had more bucks on camera this summer than ever before. It's like all the deer have disappeared in the last month. Zero pics on the camera. No fresh tracks anywhere. It's a head scratcher. Even the ridges that always seem to have fresh sign show absolutely nothing.
We'll see what happens in the best 2 days of the season. Hopefully not fighting the fog.
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
Post by: shadowless_nite on October 30, 2017, 11:18:48 PM
I agree that this is a slow year. I've seen some deer, but not near as many as years past. Last year was the best year I can remember. The low rub activity kind of bothers me. That just tells me there isn't as many bucks this year.I had more bucks on camera this summer than ever before. It's like all the deer have disappeared in the last month. Zero pics on the camera. No fresh tracks anywhere. It's a head scratcher. Even the ridges that always seem to have fresh sign show absolutely nothing.
We'll see what happens in the best 2 days of the season. Hopefully not fighting the fog.
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
I had a nice 4x4 coming to my camera and bait daily till after the 1st week of October. This is on a private tree farm surrounded with other properties so they don't stray far from safety. He would only show up after 9pm. Then right when I checked my cameras after muzzy elk season was over I found he had disappeared. It wasn't until last weeks crap storm had rolled through that he resurfaced and in good health. Caught him mid morning following a doe. And he later showed up on a camera on the other end of the property where I had never got him before.
I feared someone shot him muzzy deer season, but suspected pre rut had got him to start changing patterns and begin cruising different routes. This last week of awkwardly warm weather, clear evenings and fuller moon phases hasn't helped anyone and he has disappeared again since last weekend. My best guess is the rut is going to be a bit later, kinda like the fishing this year running 1 week or 2 later than usual.
Post by: BLH69 on October 31, 2017, 05:13:05 AM
Post by: JDHasty on October 31, 2017, 08:58:35 AM
Man, I take my rifle, knife, and hunter orange almost everywhere with me this time of year. I've had bucks come and go while my rifle was 25 yards away. Not again if I can help it.
Sorry for your bad luck PolarBear - you've been waiting for a shot on a big buck for a long time.
35 years ago I used to work on Fort Lewis. One morning I had to call my boss and tell him I wouldn't be in. I had shot a pretty decent four-point buck right at the junction of the Dupont/Steilacoom Rd & East Dr. I used to just keep a shotgun in my 1971 Mach 1 back in those days. He wouldn't go into the trunk so a GI and I seat belted him in the passenger seat.
Post by: pygmy1985 on October 31, 2017, 10:48:26 AM
So, the deer rode shotgun!Man, I take my rifle, knife, and hunter orange almost everywhere with me this time of year. I've had bucks come and go while my rifle was 25 yards away. Not again if I can help it.
Sorry for your bad luck PolarBear - you've been waiting for a shot on a big buck for a long time.
35 years ago I used to work on Fort Lewis. One morning I had to call my boss and tell him I wouldn't be in. I had shot a pretty decent four-point buck right at the junction of the Dupont/Steilacoom Rd & East Dr. I used to just keep a shotgun in my 1971 Mach 1 back in those days. He wouldn't go into the trunk so a GI and I seat belted him in the passenger seat.
Post by: SteelheadTed on October 31, 2017, 01:05:27 PM
Post by: WSU on October 31, 2017, 01:45:26 PM
Post by: 2MANY on October 31, 2017, 01:52:37 PM
Happy Halloween.
Post by: kodiak 907 on October 31, 2017, 02:19:06 PM
More bucks for us archery guys now! Come on 11/22.
Post by: redi on October 31, 2017, 02:44:53 PM
Post by: HunterofWA on October 31, 2017, 02:51:10 PM
Seeking phase is happening. It’s definitely a little late and the last week of nice weather really screwed the rifle guys.
More bucks for us archery guys now! Come on 11/22.
Yes! :drool: I need this guy:
Post by: DaveMonti on October 31, 2017, 06:13:22 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 31, 2017, 07:38:38 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 31, 2017, 07:41:37 PM
Post by: SteelheadTed on November 01, 2017, 12:38:38 PM
Seeking phase is happening. It’s definitely a little late and the last week of nice weather really screwed the rifle guys.
More bucks for us archery guys now! Come on 11/22.
Not so fast, we still have 4 days of late rifle! ;)
Post by: highside74 on November 01, 2017, 01:24:47 PM
Post by: CP on November 02, 2017, 02:23:01 PM
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on November 02, 2017, 02:27:50 PM
What are the odds of the rut still happening on Nov 16th?
Pretty much 100% for the bucks. There is always a second rut when does that didn't get bred the regular rut come back into cycle. Once the first rut happens, bucks are on the prowl for quite a while. I have seen bucks acting rutty well into Dec.
And they will travel much farther to find available does as there are way fewer does in heat late. When I hunted the late muzzleloader season in Western Washington, we'd see way more truly big bucks than any other time of year. It's their last chance to get lucky and they seem to know it.
Post by: fishnfur on November 02, 2017, 04:40:43 PM
Post by: lokidog on November 02, 2017, 06:38:14 PM
Post by: fishnfur on November 02, 2017, 11:10:05 PM
Post by: JDHasty on November 03, 2017, 10:01:51 AM
Post by: Elkpiss on November 03, 2017, 01:06:51 PM
Post by: fish vacuum on November 03, 2017, 02:08:37 PM
.Lol. I've actually had people question why my vacation usually starts after opening weekend.
Post by: JDHasty on November 03, 2017, 02:14:08 PM
.Lol. I've actually had people question why my vacation usually starts after opening weekend.
I had the 30th & 31st off. On Monday morning my boss said: What are you doing here?
Whenever I think I have BT hunting kinda a little bit figured out enough that I can plan a couple moves ahead, reality comes along and smacks enough sense into me that I am reminded - I don't know crap.
Post by: fish vacuum on November 03, 2017, 02:15:52 PM
Post by: DaveMonti on November 03, 2017, 07:20:13 PM
Post by: kodiak 907 on November 03, 2017, 07:26:36 PM
Post by: Mallardmasher on November 04, 2017, 05:03:46 AM
Post by: opdinkslayer on November 04, 2017, 08:03:35 AM
Post by: CLARKTAR on November 04, 2017, 09:10:32 AM
Rut just getting started last weekend out here on the peninsula. Saw a big old forkie yesterday on patrol with a huge neck and a glazed over look in his eye. Good year to have a late permit for blackies! :tup:I've seen a few yesterday all rutted up.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 04, 2017, 10:27:23 AM
alone
(https://storage04.dropshots.com/photos7000/photos/1401964/20171104/x_131937.jpg)
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 04, 2017, 04:54:31 PM
(https://storage04.dropshots.com/photos7000/photos/1401964/20171104/x_194541.jpg)
Post by: fishnfur on November 04, 2017, 06:05:39 PM
I was going to go out with my camera yesterday and try to find some animals. All three batteries were dead, so I put them on charger and postponed a couple of days. I'm tempted to hang a trail cam too, but with all the Elk guys out, it's a risk that I'll never see it again.
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 04, 2017, 06:42:36 PM
Post by: fishnfur on November 05, 2017, 01:08:47 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on November 05, 2017, 01:11:08 PM
Post by: lokidog on November 05, 2017, 06:39:56 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 05, 2017, 07:52:48 PM
Post by: lokidog on November 05, 2017, 08:34:56 PM
I've seen 10 bucks in the last 2 days....watched a spike run all over a clear cut looking for does for 20 min....he started to leave and I threw out a few grunts and used the can call and he came a running...quite funny to see him act all stupid lol
There's a good reason the season is not open right now. :rolleyes:
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 05, 2017, 08:47:52 PM
Post by: Harbor_hunter on November 06, 2017, 07:44:50 AM
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on November 06, 2017, 08:14:39 AM
I gave it a half-hearted attempt in the pissing rain this AM. Thought I might see some WTs in the JBH Reserve on the Columbia River - struck out there too. Nothing moving anywhere. From the sounds of it, the elk hunters were having a pretty good morning.
An old buddy of mine from Alaska manages the JBH Reserve. They had some big floods there several years ago and the population of whitetails shrank afterwards. Don't know if the deer just left the area or died off.
Post by: pianoman9701 on November 06, 2017, 08:19:30 AM
Post by: shadowless_nite on November 06, 2017, 11:16:56 AM
I gave it a half-hearted attempt in the pissing rain this AM. Thought I might see some WTs in the JBH Reserve on the Columbia River - struck out there too. Nothing moving anywhere. From the sounds of it, the elk hunters were having a pretty good morning.
Hmmm... I drove by the jbh refuge yesterday about 3pmish and saw this bruiser inside there, following a doe around. Another 5 doe and fawns feeding also. 2nd biggest I've seen in there. Pictures don't do him any justice at all.
(https://s1.postimg.org/9s5sxsy7wv/20171105_153900_0.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/1ev0bvat1n/)
(https://s1.postimg.org/439zekeprj/20171105_153927.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/3sn5lezhm3/)
Post by: jsnmac on November 06, 2017, 12:12:35 PM
My daughter has a special youth tag for Mason County and we have been hunting hard. We saw our first deer of the season last Saturday. I think it was a doe, she ran off and didn't give us a chance at a shot.
Driving home after dark a doe ran in front of us on Saturday night and last night a three point almost did the same thing.
Seems they are nocturnal everywhere we have been.
Post by: JDHasty on November 06, 2017, 12:19:21 PM
Post by: fishnfur on November 06, 2017, 04:04:24 PM
-Yard cam last night shows mature doe hanging with her button buck and a yearling. Seems slow in Stella/Ryderwood.
-I'm still thinking 9 - 12 Nov might be peak of the rut.
Post by: NRA4LIFE on November 06, 2017, 04:23:31 PM
Post by: Buck Rub Jr on November 06, 2017, 06:22:54 PM
Post by: BLDtraLR on November 06, 2017, 06:57:54 PM
Post by: beav1980 on November 06, 2017, 07:10:16 PM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on November 07, 2017, 08:44:05 AM
Post by: WSU on November 07, 2017, 09:05:10 AM
Post by: highside74 on November 07, 2017, 12:38:20 PM
Post by: Hilltop123 on November 07, 2017, 01:16:10 PM
In Bremerton working today I had 2 Does trot across the road in front of me from a yard I couldn't see at this point and into the woods across the street. I slowed way down to a crawl as I approached the yard and was able to see around the trees I spot this guy trying to figure out if he should follow or stay put. He couldn't help him self and he was quickly right behind his current love and waiting for his moment of glory.That's a dink, for Bremerton. Nice to see they are still in town, though. Keep your eye open, there is bigger boys than that, cruising the streets.
Post by: Mudman on November 07, 2017, 01:25:44 PM
Post by: Whitenuckles on November 07, 2017, 02:22:55 PM
Post by: Eric M on November 07, 2017, 05:15:49 PM
Post by: Buck Rub Jr on November 08, 2017, 09:37:05 AM
Post by: N7XW on November 08, 2017, 10:36:41 AM
Post by: fishnfur on November 08, 2017, 10:54:12 AM
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on November 08, 2017, 11:40:03 AM
This 6 month old fawn was ruttin' hard yesterday. :chuckle:
Double beam, as it were, :chuckle: on his left side?
Post by: notellumcreek on November 08, 2017, 06:11:57 PM
Had a doe locked down and didn’t care about anything else.
Get to work quit driving around looking for bucks! :chuckle:
Post by: fishnfur on November 08, 2017, 06:15:30 PM
Nice photos guys! Thanks for posting them!
Post by: Turner89 on November 08, 2017, 07:33:30 PM
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
Post by: Watimberghost on November 08, 2017, 07:37:16 PM
Post by: Turner89 on November 08, 2017, 07:42:47 PM
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
Post by: Buck Rub Jr on November 08, 2017, 07:43:16 PM
Had a doe locked down and didn’t care about anything else.
Get to work quit driving around looking for bucks! :chuckle:
So many deer back there today, 4 bucks. Is this the one you got pics of?
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on November 08, 2017, 08:14:57 PM
I'm sure everyone has already seen this freak.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171109/f919ad17260f3aea0a944e51fbdff071.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171109/bf8e30deb9db7c1733aa6013e2f9a7ff.jpg)
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Geezus :0
Post by: Turner89 on November 08, 2017, 09:05:21 PM
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
Post by: redi on November 08, 2017, 11:39:30 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on November 09, 2017, 05:17:35 AM
Post by: JDHasty on November 09, 2017, 08:22:28 AM
Post by: fishnfur on November 09, 2017, 08:35:31 AM
This buck showed up in the middle of the night to scent check the apple trees. I've never seen this one, nor any four-point in the yard before. Looks like he's sexually frustrated - the branches in his rack indicate he's been taking out his frustrations on neighborhood plantings.
Post by: 7mmfan on November 09, 2017, 08:36:54 AM
Post by: JDHasty on November 09, 2017, 08:38:54 AM
Nice find JD. He is well muscled.
This buck showed up in the middle of the night to scent check the apple trees. I've never seen this one, nor any four-point in the yard before. Looks like he's sexually frustrated - the branches in his rack indicate he's been taking out his frustrations on neighborhood plantings.
Tail sticking straight out!
Post by: fishnfur on November 09, 2017, 02:23:04 PM
Good genetics on that young buck. He will be a big fella in a year or 2
That's what I was thinking too. I think he's likely a 3 year old.
Here's one from two days ago who's body looks 3 - 4 y/o on vid, but the white face and small eyes in relation to his face may indicate he's older. Pretty unspectacular rack either way. He was scent checking a rubline somewhere around 11:00 AM. That was the only action during a four day soak. Pretty slow.....
Post by: fishnfur on November 09, 2017, 03:23:07 PM
Good genetics on that young buck. He will be a big fella in a year or 2
That's what I was thinking too. I think he's likely a 3 year old.
Here's one from two days ago who's body looks 3 - 4 y/o on vid, but the white face and small eyes in relation to his face may indicate he's older. Pretty unspectacular rack either way. He was scent checking a rubline somewhere around 11:00 AM. That was the only action during a four day soak. Pretty slow.....
Edit: I disparaged his antlers too quickly. If you're counting legal points, it turned out he has three plus an eyeguard on the right. 4x2 in WT speak.
Post by: DaveMonti on November 09, 2017, 10:21:50 PM
Post by: JDHasty on November 09, 2017, 10:31:41 PM
Good genetics on that young buck. He will be a big fella in a year or 2
That's what I was thinking too. I think he's likely a 3 year old.
Here's one from two days ago who's body looks 3 - 4 y/o on vid, but the white face and small eyes in relation to his face may indicate he's older. Pretty unspectacular rack either way. He was scent checking a rubline somewhere around 11:00 AM. That was the only action during a four day soak. Pretty slow.....
Edit: I disparaged his antlers too quickly. If you're counting legal points, it turned out he has three plus an eyeguard on the right. 4x2 in WT speak.
Old buck whose antlers are on the slide. By B&C standards not a trophy, but by any rational standard: getting out in front of this guy makes him a trophy.
I have a buck that was a better B&C measured trophy when he was younger and bigger, but I missed him. Never would have been B&C anyway, but to not mount him with his split eared cape and put those antlers (antlers most hunters will never see, yet alone collect) would do that old rascal a disservice. He is what he was on the day I got him, and he was a couple years smarter than when I first saw him.
Post by: fishnfur on November 09, 2017, 11:45:48 PM
I sure hope we get a freeze soon. The forecast has lows in the mid-40s for the foreseeable future. The hardwoods and brush down here still have a lot of leaves reducing visibility, which may make this the most difficult Late Buck season in the last many years.
Post by: XJcoug13 on November 10, 2017, 09:23:13 AM
Post by: predatorG on November 10, 2017, 09:51:45 AM
Good genetics on that young buck. He will be a big fella in a year or 2
That's what I was thinking too. I think he's likely a 3 year old.
Here's one from two days ago who's body looks 3 - 4 y/o on vid, but the white face and small eyes in relation to his face may indicate he's older. Pretty unspectacular rack either way. He was scent checking a rubline somewhere around 11:00 AM. That was the only action during a four day soak. Pretty slow.....
Edit: I disparaged his antlers too quickly. If you're counting legal points, it turned out he has three plus an eyeguard on the right. 4x2 in WT speak.
i don't care about the points here, his antlers look nearly black and that's super super cool
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 10, 2017, 09:56:45 AM
I have the buck tag for gmu 658. been hitting it hard but have only seen 4 does and one small buck. This has been my worst year of deer hunting to date.. going to hit some closed gates in a couple hours. hoping today is the day 8)
Good luck in there...deer are scarce...I'll be heading out there tonight to camp till wed for elk to help a couple friends
Post by: N7XW on November 10, 2017, 10:15:33 AM
Post by: fishnfur on November 10, 2017, 11:18:48 AM
Slow out there.
Post by: Harbor_hunter on November 10, 2017, 09:10:21 PM
Post by: fishnfur on November 11, 2017, 07:25:35 AM
Good luck out there today! Shoot straight.
Post by: slowhand on November 11, 2017, 07:49:44 AM
I can't wait. Get You some!
Wait! Just Get one..... :chuckle:
Post by: Harbor_hunter on November 11, 2017, 04:37:32 PM
Post by: slowhand on November 11, 2017, 08:09:02 PM
Good for you. I’m just looking for a buck also at this point. If it’s got horns it’s going down.
Post by: fishnfur on November 12, 2017, 07:48:26 AM
Ended up shooting a little two point this morning. First buck I have seen so far during the permit season. Not the buck I was hoping for, but was a good morning in the woods all in all.
:tup:
Post by: fishnfur on November 12, 2017, 08:11:33 AM
Post by: lokidog on November 12, 2017, 08:35:26 AM
just checked yard cams - no bucks in the last two days. . Local rut appears to be done. That timing is consistent with every other year I've put cams out. I have little hope to see any more come in this season. Bummer.
There was a buck with a doe in my back yard two days ago, but did not see much of anything yesterday, does or bucks. I'll be checking my trail cameras today though.
Post by: DaveMonti on November 12, 2017, 09:08:46 AM
Post by: JakeLand on November 12, 2017, 03:14:26 PM
Been out all weekend and they're froggy as can be
Post by: fishnfur on November 12, 2017, 05:33:57 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 12, 2017, 05:35:10 PM
(https://storage04.dropshots.com/photos7000/photos/1401964/20171112/x_201914.jpg)
Post by: DaveMonti on November 12, 2017, 06:23:39 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 12, 2017, 07:33:43 PM
Post by: fishnfur on November 13, 2017, 08:01:00 AM
If you would have seen the hole he was in you would see why he's built like that...he was 300ish yds away when I took that pic...his antlers don't match his body that's for sure
He looks like he's got six to eight years on that body - huge!.
Great photo! How did you say you take those again? What optics/camera?
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 13, 2017, 08:54:06 AM
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on November 13, 2017, 10:03:42 AM
About 9:30 this morning, not a care in the world.
Post by: fishnfur on November 13, 2017, 10:23:07 AM
Cellphone, Carson hookups, 20-60x80 razor hd
Thanks! You get great results with a phone on the Vortex optics.
Just checked yard cam. Four-point from a few nights ago came in at 6:30 PM - about six hours earlier than I'd expect to see a buck in the yard. He must be searching hard to be here that early. Several does in the yard last night at midnight too. Seems to be an atypical year when compared to the past. Hope it lasts a few more days.
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 13, 2017, 01:59:00 PM
Cellphone, Carson hookups, 20-60x80 razor hd
Thanks! You get great results with a phone on the Vortex optics.
Just checked yard cam. Four-point from a few nights ago came in at 6:30 PM - about six hours earlier than I'd expect to see a buck in the yard. He must be searching hard to be here that early. Several does in the yard last night at midnight too. Seems to be an atypical year when compared to the past. Hope it lasts a few more days.
It takes a little getting used to but it works good for me :tup:
Post by: TeacherMan on November 13, 2017, 02:54:35 PM
Post by: JDHasty on November 13, 2017, 02:59:58 PM
Does it run all the way through the month? Or even Thanksgiving? Always wondered how long it really lasts?
The does seem to come in in late Oct/early Nov and then come back in in late Nov.
Post by: fishnfur on November 13, 2017, 04:33:12 PM
Post by: Eric M on November 13, 2017, 07:07:57 PM
Post by: fishnfur on November 13, 2017, 08:05:40 PM
Post by: PolarBear on November 14, 2017, 01:43:04 AM
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on November 14, 2017, 08:09:41 AM
First time any of the bucks I have caught on camera have been out in the daylight.
He was hot on her and not a care in the world...is it Thursday yet??
Post by: lokidog on November 14, 2017, 09:11:39 PM
Post by: fishnfur on November 15, 2017, 08:06:03 AM
It has really slowed down out here, unless the does are holed up and the bucks are sitting on them tightly. I haven't seen much activity, even at night, on the trail cams for a week.
Well you're full of good news, now aren't you! >:(
;)
Post by: slowhand on November 15, 2017, 09:59:43 AM
Post by: PolarBear on November 15, 2017, 10:15:29 AM
Post by: kodiak 907 on November 15, 2017, 10:19:56 AM
Good luck late buck guys and gals
Post by: fishnfur on November 15, 2017, 10:32:20 AM
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on November 15, 2017, 10:37:28 AM
Post by: slowhand on November 15, 2017, 11:19:04 AM
Post by: MADMAX on November 15, 2017, 11:24:18 AM
fingers crossed for late buck
Post by: lokidog on November 15, 2017, 07:36:15 PM
Still moving here as of yesterday, had this new branched buck show-up yesterday that I have not seen before.
That's a nice buck!
Saw a buck bedded down next to some feeding does after dark tonight.
Post by: beav1980 on November 15, 2017, 07:39:35 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 15, 2017, 07:57:39 PM
Post by: Turner89 on November 15, 2017, 08:12:09 PM
Post by: lokidog on November 15, 2017, 08:18:15 PM
I had to leave for work at 1am tuesday night. I saw a 2point following a doe right down the shoulder of hwy 2 in dowtown Sultan. The funny part was that they walked right by bubbas tavern, and there was 2 dudes standing outside the door smoking. :chuckle:
:chuckle:
Post by: JDHasty on November 15, 2017, 08:34:45 PM
I haven't seen a legal buck yet and have spent quite a few hours on it this season
fingers crossed for late buck
This is not a normal year, that is for sure. Patterns were different all throughout the summer and this fall. Will that influence what is normal in future years? Gee, I don't know.
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 16, 2017, 05:54:28 PM
(https://storage04.dropshots.com/photos7000/photos/1401964/20171116/x_203833.jpg)
Post by: Mallardmasher on November 16, 2017, 06:26:28 PM
Post by: N7XW on November 16, 2017, 06:36:45 PM
Why did I use my tag on a 2 pt :bash: :bash: :bash:
(https://storage04.dropshots.com/photos7000/photos/1401964/20171116/x_203833.jpg)
I've got a late archery tag. Trade you this guys location for the meat if I fill my tag.
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 16, 2017, 07:08:37 PM
Post by: N7XW on November 16, 2017, 07:14:06 PM
Post up some pics if your dad puts him down.
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 16, 2017, 07:25:37 PM
Post by: N7XW on November 16, 2017, 07:41:41 PM
Post by: fishnfur on November 16, 2017, 09:04:26 PM
Stopped by a bar & grill for dinner on the way home. The waitress said two guys came in for lunch. Both had tagged out in the first 30 minutes this morning. Probably locals with good pre-late season scouting (that's my excuse).
Post by: PolarBear on November 16, 2017, 09:15:25 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 17, 2017, 05:28:33 AM
I had to leave for work at 1am tuesday night. I saw a 2point following a doe right down the shoulder of hwy 2 in dowtown Sultan. The funny part was that they walked right by bubbas tavern, and there was 2 dudes standing outside the door smoking. :chuckle:You should have went down to the Loggers tavern and seen if there were any bucks there. Everyone knows they are larger deer down there.
Post by: 7mmfan on November 17, 2017, 08:45:24 AM
I had to leave for work at 1am tuesday night. I saw a 2point following a doe right down the shoulder of hwy 2 in dowtown Sultan. The funny part was that they walked right by bubbas tavern, and there was 2 dudes standing outside the door smoking. :chuckle:You should have went down to the Loggers tavern and seen if there were any bucks there. Everyone knows they are larger deer down there.
Big ol' does down there from what I hear.
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 17, 2017, 11:39:53 AM
Post by: DaveMonti on November 17, 2017, 11:53:09 AM
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on November 17, 2017, 01:31:41 PM
Post by: beav1980 on November 17, 2017, 02:44:59 PM
Post by: slavenoid on November 17, 2017, 04:16:56 PM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on November 17, 2017, 05:24:37 PM
Post by: Turner89 on November 17, 2017, 07:34:52 PM
Yes, there's a lot more BIG deer at the loggers, and a lot easier filling your tag down there. Usually out in the open all day.....I had to leave for work at 1am tuesday night. I saw a 2point following a doe right down the shoulder of hwy 2 in dowtown Sultan. The funny part was that they walked right by bubbas tavern, and there was 2 dudes standing outside the door smoking. :chuckle:You should have went down to the Loggers tavern and seen if there were any bucks there. Everyone knows they are larger deer down there.
Big ol' does down there from what I hear.
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
Post by: pd on November 17, 2017, 08:31:25 PM
Yes, there's a lot more BIG deer at the loggers, and a lot easier filling your tag down there. Usually out in the open all day.....I had to leave for work at 1am tuesday night. I saw a 2point following a doe right down the shoulder of hwy 2 in dowtown Sultan. The funny part was that they walked right by bubbas tavern, and there was 2 dudes standing outside the door smoking. :chuckle:You should have went down to the Loggers tavern and seen if there were any bucks there. Everyone knows they are larger deer down there.
Big ol' does down there from what I hear.
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
I gotta ask. Those big does at the Loggers. At what point do they become cows?
Post by: saylean on November 17, 2017, 08:33:54 PM
Post by: fishnfur on November 17, 2017, 10:23:56 PM
Lost my wallet somewhere in my travels today. No deer tags, no drivers licence, no cash, no debit, no credit....... :bash:
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 17, 2017, 10:30:52 PM
(https://storage04.dropshots.com/photos7000/photos/1401964/20171118/x_012125.jpg)
Post by: lokidog on November 17, 2017, 10:58:22 PM
Post by: MADMAX on November 18, 2017, 04:49:06 AM
unreal
walking
sitting
glassing
driving
Post by: fishnfur on November 18, 2017, 07:52:11 AM
seen 2 deer in 2 days
unreal
walking
sitting
glassing
driving
I've got one.
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 18, 2017, 09:35:28 AM
Post by: beav1980 on November 18, 2017, 10:38:40 AM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 18, 2017, 12:13:06 PM
Post by: Eric M on November 18, 2017, 04:18:33 PM
Congratulations. Look forward to the storyseen 2 deer in 2 days
unreal
walking
sitting
glassing
driving
I've got one.
Post by: HunterofWA on November 18, 2017, 05:09:17 PM
Congratulations. Look forward to the storyseen 2 deer in 2 daysI think he meant that he saw one deer. May be wrong. Can you clarify Fishnfur?
unreal
walking
sitting
glassing
driving
I've got one.
Post by: JakeLand on November 18, 2017, 06:51:00 PM
when you sober up :chuckle:Yes, there's a lot more BIG deer at the loggers, and a lot easier filling your tag down there. Usually out in the open all day.....I had to leave for work at 1am tuesday night. I saw a 2point following a doe right down the shoulder of hwy 2 in dowtown Sultan. The funny part was that they walked right by bubbas tavern, and there was 2 dudes standing outside the door smoking. :chuckle:You should have went down to the Loggers tavern and seen if there were any bucks there. Everyone knows they are larger deer down there.
Big ol' does down there from what I hear.
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
I gotta ask. Those big does at the Loggers. At what point do they become cows?
Post by: h20hunter on November 18, 2017, 06:52:50 PM
Post by: Moose22 on November 18, 2017, 07:05:25 PM
Post by: N7XW on November 18, 2017, 07:51:08 PM
Post by: Mallardmasher on November 18, 2017, 07:58:34 PM
Post by: beav1980 on November 19, 2017, 09:55:38 AM
Post by: JDHasty on November 19, 2017, 10:17:10 AM
Post by: andr3wxmma on November 19, 2017, 11:46:45 AM
Slowest weekend I have ever hunted. Saw a fork horn, a spike, a doe and a herd of two does and four fawns. Very little sign of any movement. Few tracks in fresh dew in the mornings.We saw one deer all day yesterday, turned out to be a decent enough buck bedded down for the guy i took looking for his first this weekend but it was hard hunting. No sign of them still rutting though.
Post by: Bullkllr on November 19, 2017, 12:07:17 PM
Post by: TriggerMike on November 19, 2017, 01:27:49 PM
Post by: Pegasus on November 19, 2017, 01:48:59 PM
Post by: Natedogg on November 19, 2017, 02:01:37 PM
Post by: cem3434 on November 19, 2017, 02:03:47 PM
Post by: andr3wxmma on November 19, 2017, 06:34:05 PM
Post by: PolarBear on November 19, 2017, 07:42:56 PM
Post by: Natedogg on November 19, 2017, 08:23:47 PM
Post by: PolarBear on November 19, 2017, 08:58:31 PM
Post by: fishnfur on November 19, 2017, 09:03:20 PM
Lost wallet Friday morning, I thought at Freddies. Turned out it fell out of my pocket at Freddies and into my bib pants and then eventually, fell out the pant leg and onto a road in the Capitol Forest. Got a call last night from a hunting husband/wife that they found it. Sacrificed the AM hunt today to drive to Oly to get it. That was the good part of the weekend.
Went out to Willy Hills for the PM - hunting my alder property. Slow hunting, which I expected with the windy conditions. Taking a stand on a high spot overlooking a bench for the first hour produced zip. Headed down the hill and ran into a couple does feeding, completely oblivious to my noisy arrival 50 yards away. Watched them for fifteen minutes or so till they fed off in the distance, then hunted down the hill and looked for new rubs for the next hour. Came back up the hill through the same area and found one of the two does (I think) standing out by herself in the alder flat. She kept her eyes and ears on me, but she wasn't going anywhere. No bucks anywhere close by that I could see, so I worked up the hill above her till she thought I'd left, and to where I could only see her ass end. Clearly, she was waiting for a buck to come by, so I figured I'd wait along with her. She and I stood motionless in the pissing rain, 39 degrees, for over an hour. Once I was cold enough that I no longer cared if I killed a buck or not, I worked my way out with about thirty more minutes of light left for the day.
So ends the Modern Firearm season. :'(
Post by: Brandon.Hunter on November 19, 2017, 09:36:16 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on November 20, 2017, 05:59:40 PM
Post by: Turner89 on November 20, 2017, 06:28:59 PM
Hunters of Wa - sorry I re-read that post and saw my confusing entry. Meant to say only saw 1 buck in those two days.Those last 30 minutes are pretty good minutes.........
Lost wallet Friday morning, I thought at Freddies. Turned out it fell out of my pocket at Freddies and into my bib pants and then eventually, fell out the pant leg and onto a road in the Capitol Forest. Got a call last night from a hunting husband/wife that they found it. Sacrificed the AM hunt today to drive to Oly to get it. That was the good part of the weekend.
Went out to Willy Hills for the PM - hunting my alder property. Slow hunting, which I expected with the windy conditions. Taking a stand on a high spot overlooking a bench for the first hour produced zip. Headed down the hill and ran into a couple does feeding, completely oblivious to my noisy arrival 50 yards away. Watched them for fifteen minutes or so till they fed off in the distance, then hunted down the hill and looked for new rubs for the next hour. Came back up the hill through the same area and found one of the two does (I think) standing out by herself in the alder flat. She kept her eyes and ears on me, but she wasn't going anywhere. No bucks anywhere close by that I could see, so I worked up the hill above her till she thought I'd left, and to where I could only see her ass end. Clearly, she was waiting for a buck to come by, so I figured I'd wait along with her. She and I stood motionless in the pissing rain, 39 degrees, for over an hour. Once I was cold enough that I no longer cared if I killed a buck or not, I worked my way out with about thirty more minutes of light left for the day.
So ends the Modern Firearm season. :'(
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
Post by: 257 Wby Mag on November 20, 2017, 09:01:31 PM
Post by: lokidog on November 20, 2017, 10:05:40 PM
Post by: PolarBear on November 20, 2017, 10:35:59 PM
Post by: fishnfur on November 21, 2017, 10:21:48 AM
Hunters of Wa - sorry I re-read that post and saw my confusing entry. Meant to say only saw 1 buck in those two days.Those last 30 minutes are pretty good minutes.........
Lost wallet Friday morning, I thought at Freddies. Turned out it fell out of my pocket at Freddies and into my bib pants and then eventually, fell out the pant leg and onto a road in the Capitol Forest. Got a call last night from a hunting husband/wife that they found it. Sacrificed the AM hunt today to drive to Oly to get it. That was the good part of the weekend.
Went out to Willy Hills for the PM - hunting my alder property. Slow hunting, which I expected with the windy conditions. Taking a stand on a high spot overlooking a bench for the first hour produced zip. Headed down the hill and ran into a couple does feeding, completely oblivious to my noisy arrival 50 yards away. Watched them for fifteen minutes or so till they fed off in the distance, then hunted down the hill and looked for new rubs for the next hour. Came back up the hill through the same area and found one of the two does (I think) standing out by herself in the alder flat. She kept her eyes and ears on me, but she wasn't going anywhere. No bucks anywhere close by that I could see, so I worked up the hill above her till she thought I'd left, and to where I could only see her ass end. Clearly, she was waiting for a buck to come by, so I figured I'd wait along with her. She and I stood motionless in the pissing rain, 39 degrees, for over an hour. Once I was cold enough that I no longer cared if I killed a buck or not, I worked my way out with about thirty more minutes of light left for the day.
So ends the Modern Firearm season. :'(
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I was well aware that I would later question leaving early. I don't yet (but as a reminder for later when I do, I'm stating my case so I can go back and refresh my memory). Unusual setup on this one:
- I pulled my cams off the property in July since I had no bucks on cam all spring and summer.
- I didn't think this doe was hot yet, just out trolling for a friend. She was likely a day or two until she was ready to breed. Either way, if a buck had been close, he'd have come in unless he knew I was there.
- winds were swirling up and down the hill, my scent was everywhere above, below and behind me. The property is surrounded by a brand new huge cut on both uphill sides of a finger ridge and pastureland below. The chances of a buck showing up from the 180 degrees on the far side of her during the next 30 minutes were getting slimmer by the moment.
- It was already really dark out due to the heavy overcast/pouring rain conditions. I was already questioning whether I could accurately target a shot with my open sights.
- Once the hands and toes were numb and I was starting to shiver a bit, in my mind, it was definitely time to pull chocks and leave. I gave it a good chance. It didn't happen.
- I still had other spots to check on the way out , and it turned into a scary drive home in the pouring rain and copious standing water on the road.
It was a fitting end for a difficult MF season. I've still got my MS tag un-notched, so it ain't over yet.
No deer at all on backyard cam since the 16th.
Post by: predatorG on November 22, 2017, 06:54:33 AM
Hunters of Wa - sorry I re-read that post and saw my confusing entry. Meant to say only saw 1 buck in those two days.Those last 30 minutes are pretty good minutes.........
Lost wallet Friday morning, I thought at Freddies. Turned out it fell out of my pocket at Freddies and into my bib pants and then eventually, fell out the pant leg and onto a road in the Capitol Forest. Got a call last night from a hunting husband/wife that they found it. Sacrificed the AM hunt today to drive to Oly to get it. That was the good part of the weekend.
Went out to Willy Hills for the PM - hunting my alder property. Slow hunting, which I expected with the windy conditions. Taking a stand on a high spot overlooking a bench for the first hour produced zip. Headed down the hill and ran into a couple does feeding, completely oblivious to my noisy arrival 50 yards away. Watched them for fifteen minutes or so till they fed off in the distance, then hunted down the hill and looked for new rubs for the next hour. Came back up the hill through the same area and found one of the two does (I think) standing out by herself in the alder flat. She kept her eyes and ears on me, but she wasn't going anywhere. No bucks anywhere close by that I could see, so I worked up the hill above her till she thought I'd left, and to where I could only see her ass end. Clearly, she was waiting for a buck to come by, so I figured I'd wait along with her. She and I stood motionless in the pissing rain, 39 degrees, for over an hour. Once I was cold enough that I no longer cared if I killed a buck or not, I worked my way out with about thirty more minutes of light left for the day.
So ends the Modern Firearm season. :'(
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
30 minutes you can't get back...
Post by: fishnfur on November 29, 2017, 07:16:05 PM
Went out late in a ML - Any Deer area this evening. Swore I'd kill the first deer I saw. Forty-five minutes later, (4:35 PM), glassed a doe coming my direction. She walked within 20 - 25 yards of me. I couldn't pull the trigger - too easy, or just not the buck that I'd been waiting for all season, I'll never know :dunno:. I let her walk, then looked over her shoulder behind her somewhere. My hopes raised, thinking my buck was just behind her. Sadly, it was just her little button buck, who made it to 10 yards before I busted up the party and sent them bounding out of sight.
There's always tomorrow, but this season's growing short.....
Post by: andr3wxmma on November 29, 2017, 08:24:17 PM
Any updates?Saw two nice rack bucks feeding together right off the road mid day today, during my lunch break. They didnt seem to have a care in the world about chasing does or hiding from hunters.
Went out late in a ML - Any Deer area this evening. Swore I'd kill the first deer I saw. Forty-five minutes later, (4:35 PM), glassed a doe coming my direction. She walked within 20 - 25 yards of me. I couldn't pull the trigger - too easy, or just not the buck that I'd been waiting for all season, I'll never know :dunno:. I let her walk, then looked over her shoulder behind her somewhere. My hopes raised, thinking my buck was just behind her. Sadly, it was just her little button buck, who made it to 10 yards before I busted up the party and sent them bounding out of sight.
There's always tomorrow, but this season's growing short.....
Post by: beav1980 on November 29, 2017, 11:38:47 PM
Post by: fishnfur on November 30, 2017, 09:51:39 AM
All's quiet in the rain this AM. Nothin' movin'.
Post by: meat hntr78 on November 30, 2017, 07:05:28 PM