Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: Hoythunter on November 04, 2018, 02:32:45 PM

Title: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Hoythunter on November 04, 2018, 02:32:45 PM: I’ve had nothing short of a dream season so far, notching my tag on two beautiful bulls in WA & ID. When I found out late summer that I drew 3 quality tags, I knew I had to do what I could to give each hunt my full effort. Like most, I have limited vaca and most of my planned scouting trips were sidelined in favor for the actual hunt(s). I have Nov 15-20 slated to be in the woods. It doesn’t look too promising for snow just yet. I’ve heard both sides of the fence, people saying this particular hunt is totally dependent on higher elevation snow levels, and others saying don’t worry about it, they’ll be in there regardless. Anyone have first hand experience with this tag or area in November? I’m setting realistic goals, not expecting a monster but looking for the one that catches my attention. I’m a self-proclaimed whitetail fanatic so chasing around Mule Deer will be something I don’t have a ton of experience with.

I’d love to hear from anyone who has experience with this unit in mid-November. Thanks!
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: jstone on November 04, 2018, 03:01:18 PM: There will be some in there. I bow hunt that unit every late season. Snow or no snow there are a few dandy’s in there. BUT they will not be by the road. Maybe? I never hunt close to the road. To many hunters by the roads.
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: Hoythunter on November 04, 2018, 03:11:58 PM: Thanks jstone. First item being packed is my spotting scope.
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: bear on November 04, 2018, 03:12:37 PM: Had the tag twice. No snow either time. I won’t apply for it anymore. Just hunting local bucks, but it only takes 1 big deer to make it a dream hunt. Good luck
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: Bigshooter on November 04, 2018, 03:15:31 PM: I've seen some big bucks in the swakane driving back to camp in the dark. I'm sure the rut will keep the big guys up during the daylight.
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: Hoythunter on November 04, 2018, 03:21:19 PM: Quote from: bear on November 04, 2018, 03:12:37 PM
Had the tag twice. No snow either time. I won’t apply for it anymore. Just hunting local bucks, but it only takes 1 big deer to make it a dream hunt. Good luck

Not what I wanted to hear :chuckle:

It is what it is. Looking forward to the experience and hopefully a 5.5 yr old local trashy buck will show himself. I’ve had such a incredible fall so far, this hunt is icing on the cake. I’ll be sure to post the good, bad and the ugly after this hunt.
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: vandeman17 on November 04, 2018, 03:47:48 PM: Plenty of good deer in the unit. I have seen some dandies with no snow but snow does help. Just get to high vantage points and sit behind your glass as long as you can. Pick the area apart.
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: grade-creek-rd on November 05, 2018, 08:19:56 AM: Most hunters who hunted in there probably had the modern "quality" permit (I had it in 08') and that's early Nov. I didn't have any snow and the best buck I saw was a 20" 3 pt...but Swakane is wintering grounds, so regardless of snow, your late Nov permit should be good/great no matter the snow conditions down low as the high country will be void of deer by then and they will have migrated down...hopefully all the way down, either way, you will have a great time and see animals!

Grade
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: Hoythunter on November 05, 2018, 08:49:29 AM: Quote from: grade-creek-rd on November 05, 2018, 08:19:56 AM
Most hunters who hunted in there probably had the modern "quality" permit (I had it in 08') and that's early Nov. I didn't have any snow and the best buck I saw was a 20" 3 pt...but Swakane is wintering grounds, so regardless of snow, your late Nov permit should be good/great no matter the snow conditions down low as the high country will be void of deer by then and they will have migrated down...hopefully all the way down, either way, you will have a great time and see animals!

Grade

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and vote of confidence. I’m really looking forward to getting boots on the ground.
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: Bigbuckoholic on November 05, 2018, 08:55:28 AM: I was up in the chiwawa the last two days just north of your unit and was in about 10” of fresh snow At around 6500’. It had the deer moving that’s for sure. Good luck and keep us posted how you do!
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: Hoythunter on November 05, 2018, 09:23:41 AM: Quote from: Bigbuckoholic on November 05, 2018, 08:55:28 AM
I was up in the chiwawa the last two days just north of your unit and was in about 10” of fresh snow At around 6500’. It had the deer moving that’s for sure. Good luck and keep us posted how you do!

Good to know, thank you. I heard the Chiwawa burned up pretty bad this summer, how’d it look?
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: jstone on November 05, 2018, 09:44:18 AM: Stevens Pass has snow in it this morning.
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: bowsandhose on November 05, 2018, 10:04:35 AM: I had that tag in 2016 it was in the 70s my first 2 weeks in there. pray for weather or it's tough hunt for mature Bucks
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: Hoythunter on November 05, 2018, 12:27:39 PM: 70 degrees is brutal enough in September, let alone November. 10 day reflects cooler temp but not much moisture. Will make the best of it with whatever hand I’m dealt.
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on November 05, 2018, 01:20:21 PM: Assuming there's no major snowfalls look for ceanothus (buckbrush) in the mid elevations (3,000-5,000'). Find the does, they won't move very far unless they get disturbed or there's a good storm. They will be within 3-5 miles of winter range typically. Your best bet is to keep checking as many doe groups as you can find.

I'd love to have that permit this year!
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: Cervus on November 06, 2018, 12:12:51 PM: We've had quite a bit of cold wet weather in 250 over the last week. I checked cameras last night, and was surprised they only logged one shooter. I didn't see any fresh rubs either, but lots of tracks, especially up high. Hopefully the big guys show up for you by the 15th!
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: running_bull on November 06, 2018, 08:21:58 PM: WS up there wensday and checked it out and I wasn’t impressed at all
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: Hoythunter on November 06, 2018, 09:44:32 PM: Quote from: running_bull on November 06, 2018, 08:21:58 PM
WS up there wensday and checked it out and I wasn’t impressed at all

I’ll be sure to bring a good camera along in the event the only shooting I do photographing the landscape :chuckle:
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: jrebel on November 06, 2018, 10:01:16 PM: Was up helping a tag holder today. Saw 30+/- deer with two young bucks. Only one of the young bucks was pushing does. A dusting of snow up top with very little sign in in. At best we are a week to early.....at worst this is gonna be tough sledding. Good luck to the other tag holders.
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: Hoythunter on November 06, 2018, 11:00:17 PM: Thanks for posting your experience / update. I’ve been a bit restless at work and home knowing I have a tag in my pocket and several hunters are in the woods. I’m hoping my patience to wait until 15th pays off.
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: Hoythunter on November 13, 2018, 02:52:29 PM: Well guys and gals, the time has finally arrived. I’m headed over tomorrow afternoon and beginning my hunt the 15th. I have until the last day of the season, if needed.

Any last minute advise from those that have hunted this or neighboring units in the past? I figure there’s no reason to re-invent the wheel this time of year, I’ll be searching for the groups of does in hopes a stud is close by...
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: jrebel on November 13, 2018, 02:58:38 PM: We put a decent buck to rest last night. Still looking for one more. Slim Pickens so far. Lots of small bucks chasing doesand the one shot was hard in the rut. He had 10 or so does with him.

Good luck and we may see you up there. We are in a green Jeep.
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: throttlejocky20 on November 13, 2018, 03:09:34 PM: Different unit but i shot my buck on the 4th. neck swelled up and hind legs hard from piss. hunt hard use your glass you will be just fine. I learned that the deer are there you just have to glass them out. Even if there isnt a lot of migrating deer in the area there will still be some great bucks if you spent the time looking for them.
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: Rainier10 on November 13, 2018, 03:25:10 PM: You can't shoot the big ones if you are skinning the little ones.

Get off the road but don't go straight down, go a little ways down, turn left or right and just start sidehilling. Your dream buck could be just over the next rise.
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: jrebel on November 13, 2018, 07:10:26 PM: .
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: X-Force on November 13, 2018, 07:14:41 PM: Nice buck!

Any other pictures of him?
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: fish-on37 on November 13, 2018, 07:16:34 PM: Good job, nice buck.
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: jrebel on November 13, 2018, 07:17:39 PM: Quote from: X-Force on November 13, 2018, 07:14:41 PM
Nice buck!

Any other pictures of him?

Only with the hunters face....won't post those. It is a tall rack with deep forks minus the back right that is crabbed (genetics in the area). Three cool brow tines on the right and the crooked brow time on the left. Cool buck really.
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: X-Force on November 13, 2018, 07:25:26 PM: That’s what I was hoping to see... his bases
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: Hoythunter on November 13, 2018, 07:35:12 PM: Quote from: jrebel on November 13, 2018, 07:17:39 PM
Quote from: X-Force on November 13, 2018, 07:14:41 PM
Nice buck!

Any other pictures of him?

Only with the hunters face....won't post those. It is a tall rack with deep forks minus the back right that is crabbed (genetics in the area). Three cool brow tines on the right and the crooked brow time on the left. Cool buck really.

Great buck, thanks for posting. Is that the one you guys killed earlier this week? How many more tag holders in your group? Thanks again, that’s got my blood pumping
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: jrebel on November 13, 2018, 07:44:11 PM: It was killed yesterday. Two in the group with tags. This is the sons buck....the dad has limited mobility. We are still looking for his buck...hoping to find him a great one to anchor. :tup:
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: HntnFsh on November 14, 2018, 05:35:03 AM: Nice buck. Hope you find him a bruiser!
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 14, 2018, 05:39:15 AM: That's a nice buck good luck filling the other tag. :tup:
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: jstone on November 14, 2018, 06:24:29 AM: Nice buck.!!

Good job
Title: Re: Swakane
Post by: jstone on November 14, 2018, 06:25:03 AM: Good luck to all who has the tag!!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Hoythunter on November 16, 2018, 04:35:55 PM: BBD, I’ll send pics and more info once we get done packing this dude outta the hell hole he died in. Why didn’t anyone warn me about the vertical in this place?!?!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: The scout on November 16, 2018, 05:04:45 PM: Nice work! can’t wait to see him
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: elkoholic1 on November 16, 2018, 05:07:36 PM: :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: jstone on November 16, 2018, 05:13:29 PM: Very cool...!!!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: jstone on November 16, 2018, 05:14:10 PM: I have packed many out in the dark in the swakane
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 16, 2018, 05:27:13 PM: Are you volunteering?
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: X-Force on November 16, 2018, 05:28:54 PM: Excited to see the buck and read the story
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: elkrack on November 16, 2018, 05:29:19 PM: Great Muley!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: jstone on November 16, 2018, 05:43:21 PM: I would if I was in town
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 16, 2018, 06:44:08 PM: Posting BBD, and two hours later no picks, I do believe that borders on being a BAN-ABLE OFFENSE.🤔
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: fishngamereaper on November 16, 2018, 07:03:53 PM: :tup: good job.

It's a good buck for sure. Worth the wait.
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Hoythunter on November 16, 2018, 07:36:02 PM: Well what a fun hunt but I’m wiped. We spotted this guy last night way down in a hell hole, him and 18-20 does. We made a great stalk that panned our perfectly. By the time we got within range it was last shooting light. He soaked up lead from my 7mm mag like a champ, right before he barrel rolled all the way to the bottom. He died 2 miles straight down from the nearest road. Luckily we had great help otherwise I’d still be there. I have great respect for these mountain studs coming from a life long whitetail hunter. Thanks to all those that reached out to me for advise on this hunt, not to mention offering to help pack it out. I’m not a Mule Deer expert but I think this buck is a fine representation of what the area has to offer this time of year.
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: fish-on37 on November 16, 2018, 07:40:22 PM: Nice buck, congrats.
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: mountainman on November 16, 2018, 07:42:21 PM: A beauty for sure! Great job on a well earned trophy!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Hoythunter on November 16, 2018, 07:42:54 PM: Wife got in on the fun...
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Birdguy on November 16, 2018, 07:44:11 PM: That is an awesome buck!! Way to go! He is a beautiful dark horned beast!!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 16, 2018, 07:44:31 PM: Best late buck yet, that a masher.👍
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: jmscon on November 16, 2018, 07:58:37 PM: What a nice buck!! Congrats!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: jackelope on November 16, 2018, 08:05:46 PM: Great swakane buck. Congrats!!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: muleyslayer on November 16, 2018, 08:40:20 PM: Nice buck congratulations
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Dan-o on November 16, 2018, 09:18:29 PM: QUOTE FROM HOYTHUNTER: I think this buck is a fine representation of what the area has to offer this time of year.

That might be the biggest understatement I've seen on Hunt Wa.

Congratulations on taking a monster.
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: JBar on November 16, 2018, 09:25:26 PM: Epic season hoythunter!! Great buck!!!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: hunting4sanity on November 16, 2018, 09:43:03 PM: Congratulations, great looking buck!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: full choke on November 16, 2018, 10:43:49 PM: Cool buck! :tup:
Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Griz231 on November 17, 2018, 08:25:53 AM: Great buck! Congrats! Getting me excited for late archery next week.
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Hoythunter on November 17, 2018, 08:32:06 AM: Quote from: Griz231 on November 17, 2018, 08:25:53 AM
Great buck! Congrats! Getting me excited for late archery next week.

Thanks all for the kind words. This has been a dream season for sure. I look back at all the hunting weekends I had to miss will raising two little ones and although I wouldn’t change anything for the world, this year helped my soul make up for lost time in Gods country.

Good luck next week, Griz!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: mburrows on November 17, 2018, 08:58:23 AM: Well done!!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: jstone on November 17, 2018, 09:31:39 AM: I love that country. I hunt it every late archery. Except this year, cause I already got my Deer. I will be helping my son in law try to get his. Old Pack Mule :chuckle:
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Hoythunter on November 17, 2018, 09:39:41 AM: Quote from: jstone on November 17, 2018, 09:31:39 AM
I love that country. I hunt it every late archery. Except this year, cause I already got my Deer. I will be helping my son in law try to get his. Old Pack Mule :chuckle:

Any archery deer in that country is a trophy! Good luck guiding and thanks again for all the help you offered me on this hunt. You can have your unit back, I’m happily bowing out! :chuckle:
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Dwrecknfish on November 17, 2018, 03:51:33 PM: What a stud! Congrats!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: jrebel on November 17, 2018, 04:25:41 PM: Great buck...congrats
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Ironhead on November 17, 2018, 05:18:32 PM: Nice Buck, Congratulations!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: chukarchaser on November 17, 2018, 05:54:21 PM: Awesome congratulations
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: dupedc on November 17, 2018, 08:11:36 PM: Beautiful buck! Thanks for sharing your story! Congratulations!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: SkookumHntr on November 17, 2018, 08:46:53 PM: stud buck you got there man! WTG!!!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: The Fin on November 18, 2018, 09:45:00 AM: Awesome buck :tup:
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on November 19, 2018, 05:45:06 AM: Congrats on a dandy :tup:
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: NOCK NOCK on November 19, 2018, 09:43:15 AM: Nice. Love the deep forks. Congrats
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: boneaddict on November 19, 2018, 10:05:49 AM: Beautiful buck for sure. ESPECIALLY this year.
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 19, 2018, 10:23:27 AM: Good job I did well by the tag
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on November 19, 2018, 11:16:34 AM: Nice!
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Hoythunter on November 19, 2018, 02:37:07 PM: Thanks again for all the kind words. I’ll admit it’s starting to sink in a bit more than before. My exposure to Mule Deer has been limited as for about the last 20 years I’ve obsessed over whitetails. Looking back at the hunt, the country, and quality of deer I now see why it takes so long to draw one of these tags. It’s a special experience, I could only imagine what might crawl outta the high country given more snow and migration in full swing. Again, a special thanks to those that sent PM’s and encouragement along the way. This is a fantastic forum with fantastic people :tup:
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: bowsandhose on November 21, 2018, 06:12:36 AM: Way to go. That's a great buck nice way to end your great year
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Yakirack on November 21, 2018, 07:36:19 AM: Awesome buck! Good for you :tup:
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: MtnMuley on November 27, 2018, 08:26:57 PM: Great buck :tup: Would love to hear what he taped out at
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Hoythunter on November 27, 2018, 09:19:50 PM: Quote from: MtnMuley on November 27, 2018, 08:26:57 PM
Great buck :tup: Would love to hear what he taped out at

Thanks! Haven’t taped him and don’t know enough about Muley’s to guess if he’s 160” or 170”? I’ve taped enough Whitetails and Elk to get pretty dang close on a consistent basis; I haven’t spent enough time with Mule Deer to know? I’m open to hear guesses, tho :dunno:
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: dilleytech on November 28, 2018, 09:07:54 AM: Quote from: Hoythunter on November 27, 2018, 09:19:50 PM
Quote from: MtnMuley on November 27, 2018, 08:26:57 PM
Great buck :tup: Would love to hear what he taped out at

Thanks! Haven’t taped him and don’t know enough about Muley’s to guess if he’s 160” or 170”? I’ve taped enough Whitetails and Elk to get pretty dang close on a consistent basis; I haven’t spent enough time with Mule Deer to know? I’m open to hear guesses, tho :dunno:

If we’re throwing guesses my bet is around 145-150. Sweet buck
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: SuperDave on November 28, 2018, 08:16:37 PM: Nice looking buck, congratulations
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 28, 2018, 08:38:10 PM: Great buck :tup:
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 29, 2018, 03:20:46 PM: My friend was up there for a few days chasing deer around. Did see 2 sets of wolf tracks. There goes that area.
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Hoythunter on December 05, 2018, 01:07:14 PM: Quote from: dilleytech on November 28, 2018, 09:07:54 AM
Quote from: Hoythunter on November 27, 2018, 09:19:50 PM
Quote from: MtnMuley on November 27, 2018, 08:26:57 PM
Great buck :tup: Would love to hear what he taped out at

Thanks! Haven’t taped him and don’t know enough about Muley’s to guess if he’s 160” or 170”? I’ve taped enough Whitetails and Elk to get pretty dang close on a consistent basis; I haven’t spent enough time with Mule Deer to know? I’m open to hear guesses, tho :dunno:

If we’re throwing guesses my bet is around 145-150. Sweet buck

I had my Taxidermist tape it out of sheer curiosity and he came back with a hair over 161”. I really don’t care much for score but it was more for my knowledge and judging other Mule Deer bucks in the future
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: boneaddict on December 05, 2018, 01:27:49 PM: 150 class is where I’d put him if I were to size him up in the field. Perfect mass and beautiful shape. Love the dark antlers. Pretty buck! Again, excellent even more so for this year.
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: elkoholic1 on December 05, 2018, 07:07:02 PM: GREAT BUCK CONGRATS :tup:
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Hoythunter on December 05, 2018, 07:46:29 PM: Quote from: elkoholic1 on December 05, 2018, 07:07:02 PM
GREAT BUCK CONGRATS :tup:

Thanks! Already got the euro back, he’ll look good on the wall.
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: MtnMuley on December 05, 2018, 10:28:45 PM: That was quick. Buck looks great :tup:
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Matth on December 06, 2018, 07:51:41 AM: That's a great buck WTG.
Title: Re: Swakane (BBD!)
Post by: Wunderlich33 on December 06, 2018, 09:51:02 AM: Great buck!!