Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: mrhappy on September 28, 2023, 05:18:56 PM

Title: Hunting GMU 204 - Mid October Tactics
Post by: mrhappy on September 28, 2023, 05:18:56 PM: I am a new hunter and have set my sights on GMU 204. My brother and I are going to be out there during opening weekend (Oct 14-15) looking for mule deer. From what I have been reading mule deer can be challenging to locate during this time before the rut. I've been doing some escouting, there is a lot of public land in this GMU and I am trying to make a gameplan for tactics and hone in on areas that might hold deer during this time of year.

I am curious as to what would be some good tactics for hunting during this time? Glassing basins for spot and stalk, possibly walking through timber/burns doing some still hunting? What elevations / terrain would you guys recommend I focus my energy on this time of year?

Thanks,
Nick
Title: Re: Hunting GMU 204 - Mid October Tactics
Post by: MADMAX on September 28, 2023, 05:54:00 PM: Glass and be mobile or find a closed gate to hike in
There may be some hunting with written permission if you look around
It’ll probably be a pumpkin patch
Id also explore over towards the Sinlahekin
Lots of sideby sides and quads there though
Good luck
I bow hunted it years ago
So no recent intel to share
Title: Re: Hunting GMU 204 - Mid October Tactics
Post by: Kascade_Killer on September 28, 2023, 07:11:02 PM: Never hunted the unit personally but have family that has logged the country for years. It’s been awhile since I’ve spoke to them but they use to have an operation on Buckhorn Mtn and have pictures of some true giant timber dwellers. You shouldn’t have a problem finding a buck to shoot from what I’ve heard. Now if you’re targeting mule deer it might be a little tougher, the whitetail have taken over in parts of the unit.

Will be interesting to here your trip report with the influx of wolves in the area. Good luck and good hunting!
Title: Re: Hunting GMU 204 - Mid October Tactics
Post by: highcountry_hunter on September 28, 2023, 07:31:07 PM: Get off the roads. Be in your spot ready to watch and glass well before daylight. The first hour is your best bet but don’t go back to camp and nap at noon. Those bucks can’t stay bedded all day, they’ve at least gotta stand up to take a leak a few times a day.

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Title: Re: Hunting GMU 204 - Mid October Tactics
Post by: greenhead_killer on September 28, 2023, 07:35:21 PM: Quote from: Kascade_Killer on September 28, 2023, 07:11:02 PM
Never hunted the unit personally but have family that has logged the country for years. It’s been awhile since I’ve spoke to them but they use to have an operation on Buckhorn Mtn and have pictures of some true giant timber dwellers. You shouldn’t have a problem finding a buck to shoot from what I’ve heard. Now if you’re targeting mule deer it might be a little tougher, the whitetail have taken over in parts of the unit.

Will be interesting to here your trip report with the influx of wolves in the area. Good luck and good hunting!
I have a place not far from there. 15 years ago, could have been killer. Now all that old logged out stuff is so thick, it’s hard to see 30 yards in in places. Still some decent hunting, but it’s like a dry westside now. Thick and thick. If there’s any moisture, you’re getting just as wet as if you were in skagit or on the wynochee.
Just pick a spot and go. Never know what might happen
Title: Re: Hunting GMU 204 - Mid October Tactics
Post by: TeacherMan on September 28, 2023, 08:13:44 PM: Tons of great deer, don’t overlook the whitetail either. All big bucks are hard to find in October. Best part of the hunt will be the first hour of light every day which means you need to already be in place, I’d try to get as high as you can get. The further you are from the rd the more quality animals you will see from my experience when I lived there.
Title: Re: Hunting GMU 204 - Mid October Tactics
Post by: Kascade_Killer on September 28, 2023, 08:33:30 PM: Quote from: greenhead_killer on September 28, 2023, 07:35:21 PM
Quote from: Kascade_Killer on September 28, 2023, 07:11:02 PM
Never hunted the unit personally but have family that has logged the country for years. It’s been awhile since I’ve spoke to them but they use to have an operation on Buckhorn Mtn and have pictures of some true giant timber dwellers. You shouldn’t have a problem finding a buck to shoot from what I’ve heard. Now if you’re targeting mule deer it might be a little tougher, the whitetail have taken over in parts of the unit.

Will be interesting to here your trip report with the influx of wolves in the area. Good luck and good hunting!
I have a place not far from there. 15 years ago, could have been killer. Now all that old logged out stuff is so thick, it’s hard to see 30 yards in in places. Still some decent hunting, but it’s like a dry westside now. Thick and thick. If there’s any moisture, you’re getting just as wet as if you were in skagit or on the wynochee.
Just pick a spot and go. Never know what might happen

Yeah these pictures would have been about that time somewhere around 2012-14 I want to say.
Title: Re: Hunting GMU 204 - Mid October Tactics
Post by: Scruffy on September 29, 2023, 12:34:53 AM: It wouldn't hurt to have a bear and cougar tag in your pocket also