Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: Critter Ritter on January 26, 2019, 03:58:57 PM

Title: EARLY Archery Desert Hunt
Post by: Critter Ritter on January 26, 2019, 03:58:57 PM: I was flipping through the 2018 big game regulations, and was looking at the quality deer archery choices and noticed the Early Archery desert hunt September 1st-October 5th.

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts and experiences were on this hunt.
NOT TALKING ABOUT QUALITY OF BUCKS IN THE UNIT. Just more of an hunting perspective, what's the deer behavior like during this time frame, are the deer somewhat patternable? Or are these deer non-patternable. I know it gets super hot out there so the deer probably wont stay out very long. But you think you would be able to pattern a buck coming back from one of the agriculture fields to head back to his bedding area. I know once a deer loses his velvet he usually goes nocturnal until the rut starts.
This hunt had me interested coming from someone whos gonna give archery hunting a serious try this year. Only down fall is I have to draw the tag. Haha
Title: Re: EARLY Archery Desert Hunt
Post by: boneaddict on January 27, 2019, 07:19:51 AM: It’s a hard hunt. If you are local and most of all have access to some ag, you’ll improve your odds dramatically.
Title: Re: EARLY Archery Desert Hunt
Post by: MerriamMagician on January 28, 2019, 08:34:53 AM: Rather than focus on scouting ag fields, use a boat to scout out the dune islands on Potholes Reservoir. A huge percent of the bucks in the unit summer on those islands and wetland areas. They'll still be on the islands in September.
Title: Re: EARLY Archery Desert Hunt
Post by: carlyoungs on January 28, 2019, 09:02:18 AM: Had this tag 2 years ago. It is about as challenging as it gets. Opener weekend was over 100 degrees. Opening day is the same opener as dove season. You will see deer just getting in range is tough. Where I was hunting there was no deer pattern saw different deer each day. If you want a challenge put in for it but it is not easy by any means
Title: Re: EARLY Archery Desert Hunt
Post by: splitshot on January 30, 2019, 07:31:52 PM: Hot and dry. I know lots of archers who aren't coming back. It is real tough 2 walk in sand when dry. Mike w