Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: fishnfur on October 30, 2017, 10:42:46 PM

Title: Hunting rubs 2017
Post by: fishnfur on October 30, 2017, 10:42:46 PM: Looking for feedback for tomorrow's hunt - if anybody is still awake.

I was planning on hunting a 2016 rubline tomorrow that I found in Sept while archery hunting. It was well used last year and in a well hidden spot. I was going to hunt it several days ago but plans changed. I have no idea if it is even used this year, and rubs down here have been late getting started this year. Considering how slow the action has been, does anyone think that this is worth risking an hour drive and at least a half-day tomorrow to go sit on this rubline and see if magic happens? I'm starting to question it, but the alternatives don't sound that promising either.

Any thoughts? Thanks for your input.
Title: Re: Hunting rubs 2017
Post by: Smokepole on October 31, 2017, 05:02:38 AM: I only hunt fresh rub lines. Even better if I can catch him in the act. :chuckle: Seriously... if you don't have fresh sign, maybe you should move to a new area. I like to hunt until I find good amounts of fresh sign, then slow down and work the area over good. :twocents:
Title: Re: Hunting rubs 2017
Post by: fishnfur on October 31, 2017, 05:14:19 AM: Good input. Thanks. I think I'll head down there and sit on them until first light, when I can examine/glass them from distance for fresh activity. Move on quickly as indicated.
Title: Re: Hunting rubs 2017
Post by: fishnfur on November 01, 2017, 12:05:52 AM: Well, when I got close to my destination this morning, I changed my mind and decided to hit a cut for first light.

I did make it into that rubline at noon, and not surprising, no new rubs since Sept., and at that time, there was just one old rub getting re-worked. This place got absolutely hammered in the last two or three years. There are big rubs everywhere, small rubs, elk rubs, you name it. As I explored further, I found that there are rubs on almost every alder tree that is not in a tight group. I can't imagine that this place is going to escape a year without any deer getting in there and tearing it up. but so far, that is the case. I sat on this rubline and rattled for about an hour and a half with zero results.

I know some people are seeing new rubs, but almost all the new rubs that I've seen this year appear to have been made by a spike or small forkie. I'm really curious just what the heck the mature bucks are doing these days. My gut tells me that in just the next day or so, new big rubs will suddenly appear. I plan to be out off and on during the off days to see if anything changes, and when it occurs. More to come.....