Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: Jlittlebear31 on June 17, 2024, 01:26:22 PM

Title: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Jlittlebear31 on June 17, 2024, 01:26:22 PM: My recently graduated 18 year old daughter drew a quality deer tag in the 204 (Nov. 1-20). I'll apologize up front for those that have been putting in for this tag for many years. She somehow drew it with 3 points. This is the first quality hunt our family of 6 has ever drawn. Needless to say, we're are pumped. I've spent sometime hunting deer and elk in this unit, mainly around Chesaw. I would be open to any assistance in helping my daughter fill this tag with a buck to remember. She (we) would be willing to trade some work in exchange.
My daughter has only shot blacktails before and nothing big. Knowing she may never draw another quality tag, I'm super excited for her and can't wait to see what we can come up with.
She likes the look of mulies but certainly won't turn down a whitetail either. I will be making some trips this summer to the area to scout and hike around.
I'd be in debt to anyone who wishes to help her out. Thanks and good luck to all.
Jake
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: vandeman17 on June 17, 2024, 01:45:08 PM: Congrats to your daughter. There are some good bucks up there and plenty of good ground to cover. I have property in the unit and if you get some weather, it will be a really fun hunt with a good chance at a mature mule deer or whitetail.
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Birdguy on June 19, 2024, 09:55:13 PM: I hope you're getting a ton of PMs full of quality intel. The day this community does not come out in support of a you huntress would be a very sad day indeed. I know we have at least a couple lucky forum members who have drawn this tag and many more who hunt the areas this tag covers. In this day and age this is literally an OIL tag, info on November quality buck for a young lady should be pouring in and hopefully you keep this near the top through modern season as well and more info comes your way. Both my kids and I have been putting in for this tag for years, if any of us draw I would hope for the community here to help out then too. Congrats, I am jealous, but very excited to see this adventure unfold for you two!!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Gentrys on June 19, 2024, 10:50:20 PM: Congrats to you and your daughter! Enjoy the experience and make the most of it. Took me 19 years to draw my first quality tag. This gives me hope that I might get lucky in the future and draw again. Wish I could help you with 204. Lot's of great people on this site that I'm sure will share info with you as they've done for me.
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: follow maggie on June 20, 2024, 06:52:43 AM: Good for her! I hope it’s a great hunt.
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Jlittlebear31 on June 20, 2024, 08:44:30 AM: Birdguy,
I've received a couple of responses privately and am very appreciative to those that reached out. I too consider this dang near a OIL draw, and realize how fortunate my girl was to draw it. I spoke with one member who said he'd been putting in for this tag for longer than my daughter has been alive!
I know the controversy and debate about not being a regular poster and now posting asking for help. I get it, and to each their own. With a tag like this and a daughter that's deserving and hard working, I have no shame in trying to help her get the best animal she can. I'm on Huntwa nearly daily, albeit more of a reader and observer.
Many thanks to those that have reached out, and again, will accept any help or information if others would like to share.
Jake
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: redi on June 20, 2024, 09:17:24 AM: Congratulations wish I had info to help. Hope you get info for success. Look forward to following along
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: fishngamereaper on June 20, 2024, 09:29:31 AM: Besides camp spots and geography those hunts are really hard to scout for.
Bucks show up in Nov that no one knew existed.
Hope for weather and I'd wait till the second week.... finding bucks won't be hard.
Set a goal and see if you can stick to it after you guys start seeing 130-140 class deer that become tempting..
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: finnman on June 21, 2024, 06:48:26 PM: That is awesome to hear! Congrats to you all!
This hunt was the first special permit my wife ever drew. Her and her sister in law applied as a party and drew out in 1997. Yeh we’re old!
We got some local intel and hunted the SE corner of the unit near the Andersons ranch.
They both shot 4x4 whitetails. Really fun hunt and we have been applying for this hunt ever since and have yet to draw. For those who do math that’s 27 years….we have drawn other hunts that were ahead of 204…but have yet to return.

Enjoy the unit and hunt and share some pics regardless of how large the buck is!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: greenhead_killer on June 21, 2024, 10:44:34 PM: Congrats on the draw. It’s a huge unit. I would just pick a few areas that look good and drive the roads. Get familiar with the general area. Like others have said, bucks show up in the rut that you never see any other time. Parts of the unit are insanely thick(east part) but there are openings. It’s more open the further west you go. Have an opportunity at either species just about anywhere you go. Good luck and enjoy the process.
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Jlittlebear31 on June 22, 2024, 08:50:37 PM: Thanks for the info Greenleaf. Definitely will spend some time learning the area and cruising.
Finnman, sheesh, that's a long time. Kinda feel a little guilty she drew it with 3.......I will share pictures of the journey for sure.
Fishngamer, those dandies that magically appear in November is what we're hoping for!
Red, thanks for the well wishes. We're gonna give it all!
Thanks to all, can't wait for this year to get started.
Jake
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Jlittlebear31 on August 27, 2024, 02:54:45 PM: Hey guys, just putting this one out there again in case anyone missed or is willing to help out. My daughter somehow drew the 204 quality tag for Nov. 1-20. We've spent some time on the unit this summer and have spent some time with some great Huntwa guys willing to help. I'm all ears if anyone is willing to lend a hand. Thanks to all and a special thanks to those who have reached out privately. She'll hopefully bag a monster with a really cool story!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Buckhunter28 on November 12, 2024, 05:17:44 AM: Any updates on this hunt??
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Jlittlebear31 on November 12, 2024, 08:24:09 AM: We spent the weekend exploring a few different areas and passed on two smaller bucks. A small 2x2 and a decent 2x3. We didn't see the number of deer we were hoping for, but we're optimistic for next week. We will be heading over the 14th after work and staying for the remainder of the season. Thanks for inquiring. Again, I'm all ears if someone has a line on a shooter. Hoping the cooler weather gets us some action!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Mtnwalker on November 12, 2024, 08:31:19 AM: Good luck over there, hope your daughter finds a toad! :tup:
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: jowings22 on November 12, 2024, 08:47:05 AM: I have no info on the unit, but best of luck to your daughter on turning up a good one! :tup:
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: bearhunter99 on November 12, 2024, 09:26:56 AM: Best of luck. Bucks are chasing does pretty hard right now around here. They should be moving!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Jlittlebear31 on November 20, 2024, 07:28:59 PM: Well first off, many many thanks for all that responded to this message or that I spoke with via private message or via phone/text. Harli and I hunted November 10th and 11th, then returned for the 15th-20th. I had talked up this tag so much with my daughter and thought it would be a cake. I know hunting in WA is never a piece of cake, but I thought this would be as close to a piece of cake as they come......I was wrong. I know the unit is crawling with deer, but we just had a rough time finding them. Harli turned down a few small 2 points, a couple 2x3's and spikes. For days, we didn't see any shooter bucks. On the 18th, we were walking in the national forest and a dark horned buck appeared 80 yards from us, just staring at us. By the time I got my binoculars up and she got her gun up, he bounded into the woods. We gave chase and immediately had to cross a fence. As we crossed, Harli took off her backpack and left it near the fence. We then began a 30 minute, .75 mile chase. Making our way through the 5 inches of snow, the downfalls, the ravines (up and down), the buck never stopped. Unlike most mule deer I've experienced, this guy never stopped to check his six or see what was behind him. It was now nearing dark and Harli suddenly said, "Dad, my blood sugar is low." She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was 5. For those that don't know, her pancreas does not work and she is forced to use insulin to keep her sugar down. On the other hand, when her sugar is too low, she is forced to raise it with juice, or other high carbohydrate drinks and food. Now, we religiously have emergency supplies on hand are always prepared. It was at this point I realized all her emergency supplies were in her backpack, not mine. Too low of blood sugar can cause her to pass out and eventually is fatal. So, immediately the panic (medically), heart break of hunting hard and getting so close to this buck without an opportunity, exhaustion and shivering from cold, a slight meltdown occurred. Me, out of fear and what to do? and Harli based on all the above. I tried not to show it, but my panic was real. We were quite a ways from her backpack, we had to navigate several big hills and all the national forest service has to offer. Not to mention the snow, the dark and having to cover just short of a mile. She was emotional and exhausted and her blood sugar was dropping rapidly (physical exertion is the only natural way to lower sugar). A lot went through my head.....leave her alone in the forest and run for the bag, take off together down the hill to the nearest farm, or grab a hold of her and start trudging. We decided on the latter and I kept telling her that if she got worse, she had to tell me so I could make a decision. Oh yeah, no cell service for help. Fortunately, we were able to make it to her backpack and get her blood sugar up to normal. Once her blood sugar was up, we were able to walk out.
The night of the 18th was rough, she was dejected and lacked motivation. To note, this was the second pursuit of deer we had to cancel due to her blood sugar levels. For some reason, she was battling lows all week.
The morning of the 19th, we had discussions on lowering our standards and just going home with some meat and hopefully a buck. We also discussed what to do for the day, as we were running out of time. Everything in both of us wanted to just drive roads and take it easy. However, I had a feeling that buck was gonna be close. So, we both agreed, let's make the 2.5 mile hike in the snow back to the same area.
We hiked the 2.5 miles and wouldn't you know, "Dad, my friggin blood sugar is low." She checked it and she was at 50....to those that don't know, that's very low and causes her to shake and feel nauseous. We were in the general area I wanted to be in, so we plopped down and she started drinking a Capri-sun. As soon as she plopped down, I heard some sticks break about 150 yards away. I looked up to see the body of a deer making its way up a steep hill away from us. I could tell the deer was a buck by the way he moved and held his head. However, I never actually saw his antlers. Knowing we were in no shape to chase him, I lied to her and said, "Oh, it's just a doe." She stayed sitting down in the snow drinking her juice and eating a sandwich. Suddenly, I caught movement on the same hill moving directly towards us at 100 yards. I could see he was respectable with very dark antlers. I told her "Sis, get your gun." She grabbed her gun and turned around to look up the hill. The buck was slowly sneaking above us and she said, "Dad, I can't see him." There was a few openings and I gave him the deer hunter "meh." Which caused him to stop perfectly broadside. Again, she said, "Dad, I can't find him." I was in the middle of trying to explain to her where he was, when she let her rip! I saw him drop, but then lost him. The happy tears started and we sat there for a few minutes. After 10 minutes, there was not a peep, but I could still not see the deer and had a slight nagging that I hadn't actually seen him drop. I told her to grab her gun and we began up the hill, slipping and sliding through the snow. I was able to film her reaction and response once she seen him, but I do not have permission to show that video. There were tears, thanks to God and prayers, hugs and everything you would expect. Very emotional for her and for me. I pushed this girl hard for a week. I told her, "That was a Man hunt" and she was in lock step with me the entire time. I could not be more proud of her and the effort she put out. The buck ended up dropping in his tracks with a perfect heart shot.
I am not as great a story writer as many on this forum, but I wanted to share a little piece of our hunt. I've been able to experience incredible and successful (and some not successful hunts) with all four of my kids and I look forward to many more in the future.
The man upstairs had his eye on us the entire time, and clearly had a plan for us and this deer even though at times, we wondered why things were going the way they were.
Again, many thanks to all who reached out and took the time to assist us in this hunt. I couldn't be more thankful for this hunt and the experience with my oldest daughter.
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Jlittlebear31 on November 20, 2024, 07:30:20 PM: Sorry about the sideway pictures. Not that computer savvy.
Jake
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: DeerThug on November 20, 2024, 07:48:15 PM: that is a dandy buck = way to get it done!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: X-Force on November 20, 2024, 07:52:48 PM: Great mass! Very nice buck
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 20, 2024, 07:55:49 PM: Nicely done to the both of you. I’m a type two diabetic and being at 50 is severely dangerous. The lowest I’ve ever been is 57.

Glad you both stuck with it . 👍
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: finnman on November 20, 2024, 07:57:07 PM: I am a type 2 diabetic and can’t relate to what your daughter and you went through! You are tougher than most and deserve a whole lot more credit than most!
Way to get er done! That’s a great heavy buck and nothing to wink at!
Thanks for sharing your story and good job on using the once in a lifetime tag!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Jason on November 20, 2024, 07:57:52 PM: Great buck and an awesome father daughter adventure. Congrats!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: SWHUNTER on November 20, 2024, 08:03:05 PM: Nice Buck! Congrats to your daughter and you. Thank God everything worked out and there was no medical emergencies.
My oldest daughter shot her first buck in the same unit. It was a special time.
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: actionshooter on November 20, 2024, 08:16:28 PM: Very cool story and great buck!!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: jrebel on November 20, 2024, 08:19:38 PM: Excellent buck and great story. Type 1 diabetes can be challenging at times. These challenges often discourage kids / young adults from exploring beyond their comfort / safety zone. Reading your story....I am sharing the same emotions you had....Excited for her success, but tearing up I have lived similar scenarios. My pack has glucagon and food now at all times. My son's pack has food and he carries Baqsimi nasal spray in his jacket. I will often carry fruit snacks and protein bars on my person.... We overdo it, because it is a hopeless feeling when in that situation. Glad it all worked out and super excited you were both blessed with a safe hunt and Amazing Buck.
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Jlittlebear31 on November 20, 2024, 08:35:15 PM: Ok, she just gave me permission to share.
https://youtube.com/shorts/bFZJ64lC9PY?feature=share
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: jrebel on November 20, 2024, 08:40:46 PM: Love the video..... :tup:
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: bearhunter99 on November 20, 2024, 09:24:08 PM: Congrats! Glad it all worked out!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: redi on November 20, 2024, 10:20:27 PM: Excellent outcome. Glad everyone is ok and very happy she shot a nice buck. Congratulations
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: boneaddict on November 21, 2024, 07:32:41 AM: I like that buck! Nicely done
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on November 21, 2024, 09:46:43 AM: Another heart warmer! Thanks for sharing, great deer, and video documentary to boot.
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: steeleywhopper on November 21, 2024, 11:37:46 AM: Great buck and great write up on a taxing yet unforgettable hunt :tup:
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: RB on November 21, 2024, 11:48:45 AM: Right on, great Buck congratulations! :tup:
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 21, 2024, 11:50:50 AM: Great buck and great write up! Thanks for sharing it. :tup:
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: brew on November 21, 2024, 11:56:28 AM: Awesome job. Great buck
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: hunter399 on November 21, 2024, 12:21:13 PM: Heck ya congrats 👏👍
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Griiz on November 21, 2024, 12:39:56 PM: So awesome. Thanks for sharing. Congratulations to you both!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: bigmacc on November 21, 2024, 12:51:37 PM: Quote from: boneaddict on November 21, 2024, 07:32:41 AM
I like that buck! Nicely done
X2👍
Great buck and story.👍👍
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: JohnVH on November 21, 2024, 12:56:15 PM: Thats one you wont forget, nice job!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: zagsfan1 on November 21, 2024, 01:03:07 PM: CONGRATULATIONS!! Thank you for sharing your story. Amazing deer and a lifetime of memories!!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Dan-o on November 21, 2024, 01:05:08 PM: Thanks for sharing.
.I'm glad you made it happen.
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Smokepole on November 21, 2024, 03:45:14 PM: Congratulations on a nice buck! :tup:
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: WildBear on November 21, 2024, 06:03:58 PM: What an experience. Glad all was well and a great buck! Thanks for sharing
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: powderbounder on November 21, 2024, 06:52:40 PM: Congratulations to your daughter. 😊 And great job dad on taking the time with your kids. Very happy emotions right there. Great looking buck.
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Gentrys on November 21, 2024, 06:57:02 PM: Thanks for the story and congrats! Love those thick dark horns!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Birdguy on November 21, 2024, 07:33:45 PM: Man that is AWESOME!!! Congratulations to both of you!! What an amazing memory! Great pics, amazing video :IBCOOL:
I was waiting to see this, not sure how I missed it yesterday!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: C-Money on November 22, 2024, 05:33:52 AM: Such a great deer!! Great video!! So happy for you guys!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Jlittlebear31 on November 24, 2024, 07:30:25 PM: Thank you all for the positive notes and comments. Harli has had the greatest time reading all your responses. It's a hunt and memories I will take to my grave. Thanks again!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: wafisherman on November 25, 2024, 10:12:17 AM: Congrats to you both. I know how amazing and meaningful this is for both of you. :brew: :brew:

Tried fixing the pics
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Jlittlebear31 on November 25, 2024, 01:31:30 PM: You did it! Thanks for correcting that sir!!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: sjhgraysage on November 26, 2024, 01:50:01 PM: Congrats! That is a good buck for that hunt!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on November 26, 2024, 02:01:23 PM: Awesome buck!
Title: Re: 18 year old daughter drew 204 quality deer
Post by: Alchase on November 26, 2024, 04:10:46 PM: It does not get any better then making memories sh will remember for her lifetime, great job!