Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: dan11011 on May 01, 2018, 09:25:43 PM

Title: Special Permit for Antlerless Deer??
Post by: dan11011 on May 01, 2018, 09:25:43 PM: Help me understand the Special Permit for "Antlerless Deer". I understand the Second Deer obviously, but I can't wrap my head around a Special Permit for Antlerless Deer. With so many units during the general season being Any Buck or Any Deer, why would you trade your general tag to solely hunt a doe? I know they have some different hunt dates. But still..? :dunno:

Maybe its obvious and I'm just not seeing it.
Title: Re: Special Permit for Antlerless Deer??
Post by: bobcat on May 01, 2018, 09:28:24 PM: Easier to find and shoot a doe than a buck. Especially in units that have the 3 point minimum for bucks. Someone might just want an easy meat hunt. Especially a younger hunter, or an older hunter. Also, as you said, some have different seasons which might fit better with someone's schedule, and, being something other than the general season will always be a much more enjoyable hunt, at least if you're hunting public land.
Title: Re: Special Permit for Antlerless Deer??
Post by: dan11011 on May 01, 2018, 09:31:47 PM: Well I guess there's my answer. Thank you bobcat.
Title: Re: Special Permit for Antlerless Deer??
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on May 01, 2018, 10:38:19 PM: Quote from: dan11011 on May 01, 2018, 09:25:43 PM
Help me understand the Special Permit for "Antlerless Deer". I understand the Second Deer obviously, but I can't wrap my head around a Special Permit for Antlerless Deer. With so many units during the general season being Any Buck or Any Deer, why would you trade your general tag to solely hunt a doe? I know they have some different hunt dates. But still..? :dunno:

Maybe its obvious and I'm just not seeing it.

You can still hunt the general season and tag out on a buck if you find one, the permit for antlerless does not mean you have to sit out the general season unless you want to or choose to tip an antlerless one over.
Title: Re: Special Permit for Antlerless Deer??
Post by: Skyvalhunter on May 02, 2018, 05:15:18 AM: Or just wait a few years when all the Quality buck areas become antlerless only :chuckle:
Title: Re: Special Permit for Antlerless Deer??
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on May 02, 2018, 10:45:49 AM: If you really want meat, but also want to be a selective buck hunter, an antlerless permit in the pocket is pretty good insurance and resolve keeper to hold out to the last hour of the last day. It also lets you bring home meat without killing a younger buck that may have trophy potential in a year or two. It can make a lot of sense for someone hunting their own property or one with limited access where not taking a buck gives it a decent chance of being there older and available next year.

Also as Bobcat stated, easier to be successful with less effort, which is often very attractive for the less hardcore enthusiast in the family. I know quite a few hunters who have spouses or kids willing to contribute to putting up meat, but prefer to do so in as little time as possible. I have one friend who's wife typically only hunts when she either has an antlerless permit near their house, or her husband has located a buck he can take her to shoot.