Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: Stein on October 22, 2018, 07:24:56 PM

Title: Youth Blues East Deer - can't find the whitetail
Post by: Stein on October 22, 2018, 07:24:56 PM: I'm finalizing our plan for my daughter's 3pt or better youth tag for Blues East. She has 145, 172, 178 and 181 available outside of area 1040. Due to her school schedule, we can't afford a scouting trip, so it's all desktop and word of mouth.

Based on my OnX research, our plan is to stay in Lewiston and focus on 178 and 181. Neither have a ton of public, but do have a decent number of WDFW private landowner sites, unfortunately many are by written permission and you need to show up to get contact info. We are also looking at the Chief Joseph unit and the George Creek unit as well as my usual strategy of finding small chunks of state land.

We are looking for the first legal animal and she is all tuned up with her .243. She can do 12 mile days no problem and actually enjoys more challenging hunts.

If anyone has any pointers or comments on our strategy, it would be greatly appreciated. Any good value hotels in Lewiston or Asotin would also be helpful (either good hunting/hotels or places to avoid).

We have three days to get it done before she has to be back to school. Whether we get one or not, I really look forward to these trips as it is the best opportunity for quality time together.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share pointers.
Title: Re: Youth Blues East Deer
Post by: borntoslay on October 22, 2018, 07:46:59 PM: Sounds like a recipe for success already my friend. You hike 12 miles a day you will find a legal whitetail. Probably a couple a day depending on what days you go

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Title: Re: Youth Blues East Deer
Post by: Stein on November 10, 2018, 04:59:17 PM: Well, we logged boot miles and truck miles and uncovered a full curl ram, 3 shooter mule deer bucks, at least a hundred turkeys, ducks, geese and one pheasant but a grand total of 1 whitetail doe. No whitetail bucks at all or even a hint as to where they may be.

We're staying in Lewiston and spent the day in 181. I'm thinking it just isn't whitetail habitat - unfortunately all the area around it is pretty much the same type of habitat.

I have a few spots lined up in 145 for tomorrow but would welcome any advice on how to get my daughter on a 3 pt whitetail. The permit is good for 145, 172 except 1040, 178 and 181
Title: Re: Youth Blues East Deer - can't find the whitetail
Post by: emac on November 10, 2018, 05:43:24 PM: Your best bet is 145 or 178. That being said hopefully you have permission in those units cause it is mainly private. And if you dont get permission in advance you likely wont get anynow. There are some ffth and some state ground but those get hammered and dont hold much deer.

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Title: Re: Youth Blues East Deer - can't find the whitetail
Post by: hoyt2002 on November 10, 2018, 06:17:31 PM: George creek area has very few white tail. This year in particular. Didnt even see a single whitetail doe during general season. 178 is the better bet if you can get some permission.
Title: Re: Youth Blues East Deer - can't find the whitetail
Post by: Stein on November 10, 2018, 07:01:34 PM: Quote from: hoyt2002 on November 10, 2018, 06:17:31 PM
George creek area has very few white tail. This year in particular. Didnt even see a single whitetail doe during general season. 178 is the better bet if you can get some permission.

I can confirm that, but the scenery is something else.
Title: Re: Youth Blues East Deer - can't find the whitetail
Post by: borntoslay on November 10, 2018, 07:16:28 PM: Gotta be some whitetails hanging around the dam

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Title: Re: Youth Blues East Deer - can't find the whitetail
Post by: emac on November 10, 2018, 08:55:00 PM: Quote from: borntoslay on November 10, 2018, 07:16:28 PM
Gotta be some whitetails hanging around the dam

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Mainly mulies. Might catch a wt everyonce in awhile

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Title: Re: Youth Blues East Deer - can't find the whitetail
Post by: kramman on November 11, 2018, 11:08:57 AM: Stein sent ya a pm.