Post by: TimberMuleys on January 06, 2025, 10:07:43 AM
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Post by: hunter399 on January 06, 2025, 10:44:37 AM
The smart ones don't post,or social media there hunts.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 06, 2025, 11:04:33 AM
I'm sure there's a few more.So I'm dumb :dunno:
The smart ones don't post,or social media there hunts.
Post by: Buckhunter24 on January 06, 2025, 11:16:54 AM
Post by: hunter399 on January 06, 2025, 11:53:17 AM
What I meant is that anybody that wants to keep there honey hole a secret,are not gonna post.I'm sure there's a few more.So I'm dumb :dunno:
The smart ones don't post,or social media there hunts.
It wasn't a personal attack against you or the OP.
I enjoy all harvest pics,try to congrats as many as I can.
Sorry ,I should of said that different.
Post by: TimberMuleys on January 06, 2025, 11:54:07 AM
It’s okay Karl. I’m dumb too. 5/6 big buck killers I know of this year are also dumb. Maybe we can start a club.I'm sure there's a few more.So I'm dumb :dunno:
The smart ones don't post,or social media there hunts.
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Post by: TimberMuleys on January 06, 2025, 11:56:02 AM
Haha you’re good. I figured that’s what you meant. You have a point to a certain extent. Posting only brings more attention and the wrong people will just try to poach spots. But I want others to post harvest pics because I thoroughly enjoy them, so I post too.What I meant is that anybody that wants to keep there honey hole a secret,are not gonna post.I'm sure there's a few more.So I'm dumb :dunno:
The smart ones don't post,or social media there hunts.
It wasn't a personal attack against you or the OP.
I enjoy all harvest pics,try to congrats as many as I can.
Sorry ,I should of said that different.
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Post by: Feathernfurr on January 06, 2025, 12:02:12 PM
In Karl’s case I can understand posting because it’s a draw unit, and the difficulty he displayed in his story will keep away the lazy people.
But at the end of the day it’s too easy for information to be distributed to the masses online. It’s shocking what you can find out just from a couple of key details and photos online, and I’ve lost too many honey holes to be careless anymore.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 06, 2025, 12:33:08 PM
In the last 24hrs I've been referred to as an elitist hunter who buys my success which is comical because I make like 65k a year at the company I've been with for now 20 years which gives me 4 weeks of vacation in which I burned 3 on killing this year's buck. I paid for zero access to the land he was on. All it cost me was the time and effort to go nock on some doors. Same is it would cost any other tag holder. Now I'm an idiot for posting about that hard work so others can maybe glean some info or motivation from it. Takes me many hours to write, edit, and post all the pics. I don't do it because I like it, I do it because I feel it's important to keep this forum alive and thriving (which it isn't). If we all stop sharing and posting this place will continue to die a slow cringy death. It's stuff like this that makes me question why I even try :dunno:
It's very simple to share without giving away where you are. In the case of my desert hunt, I didn't feel it was an issue posting the unit because 1) I wanted Intel about the unit from folks who know it and the only way you get that is to divulge the unit itself.
2) it's the most put in for unit in the state. It's no big secret it can and will produce big deer.
3) It's an absolute grinder of a tag. So many people think all it takes to kill a big buck is merely getting the tag. I really wanted to drive home that it couldn't be further from a slam dunk. 44 days in that unit and the only fun I had was driving home for good the day after I killed :chuckle:
As for otc hunts, just don't post any pictures that give away locations. And if for some reason someone was able to figure out where I was hunting in say Idaho, And they want to try and go kill a big buck there I say have at it because if they have the grit to go grind that out then they earned it.
To the OP's question, I catch wind of maybe 5 or 6 a season, mostly from permit hunts. There was one other from the Desert this year.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 06, 2025, 12:35:37 PM
All good. I mean, you're not wrong. I'm a mule deer hunter in the year 2024, can't be very bright if that's my passion :chuckle:What I meant is that anybody that wants to keep there honey hole a secret,are not gonna post.I'm sure there's a few more.So I'm dumb :dunno:
The smart ones don't post,or social media there hunts.
It wasn't a personal attack against you or the OP.
I enjoy all harvest pics,try to congrats as many as I can.
Sorry ,I should of said that different.
Post by: Dan-o on January 06, 2025, 12:39:16 PM
The infighting is unfortunate to say the least, but we are way better off with you here.
You elitist, you. :chuckle:
Post by: ASHQUACK on January 06, 2025, 12:54:15 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on January 06, 2025, 12:55:25 PM
All good. I mean, you're not wrong. I'm a mule deer hunter in the year 2024, can't be very bright if that's my passion :chuckle:What I meant is that anybody that wants to keep there honey hole a secret,are not gonna post.I'm sure there's a few more.So I'm dumb :dunno:
The smart ones don't post,or social media there hunts.
It wasn't a personal attack against you or the OP.
I enjoy all harvest pics,try to congrats as many as I can.
Sorry ,I should of said that different.
First step in the recovery process... admitting you have a problem.. :tup:
:chuckle:
For the OP
Plenty of deer that caliber hit the ground every year.
Most don't make it to social media...or even see a tape measure for that matter.
Heck i know of a couple that didn't even see the taxidermist...cut at the skull plate hanging in a shop. :chuckle:
Post by: frazierw on January 06, 2025, 01:01:27 PM
Post by: 2MANY on January 06, 2025, 01:28:51 PM
I just don't understand why he needs to be so mean.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 06, 2025, 01:41:47 PM
Karl really hurt my feelings.because it's January mainly :chuckle:
I just don't understand why he needs to be so mean.
Post by: 2MANY on January 06, 2025, 01:46:53 PM
Stare at some elk...............If you can spot em.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 06, 2025, 01:51:40 PM
Go to the feed station.
Stare at some elk...............If you can spot em.
Post by: LDennis24 on January 06, 2025, 02:14:22 PM
Post by: hunter399 on January 06, 2025, 02:15:48 PM
I want to say congratulations again.
Both your bucks are extraordinary animals,also I'm 💯 percent you guys will hunt hard and be successful in the future.
Again sorry,I said that way wrong,not everyone does social media/ hunting. Just thought there might be a handful of 180 bucks out there that nobody knows about.
I enjoyed both your harvest story's.
Thank you for sharing!
Post by: LDennis24 on January 06, 2025, 02:20:35 PM
Post by: 2MANY on January 06, 2025, 03:14:04 PM
Just sayin.
Post by: hunter399 on January 06, 2025, 03:29:03 PM
Ain't first you're last.It's true.... 😂
Just sayin.
Post by: Ironhead on January 06, 2025, 03:56:50 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on January 06, 2025, 04:02:36 PM
I know of 2 others, one was 189 6/8" out of the Methow and a 200"+ out of another area. I will try and get some pics this week.
I believe the one out of the Methow was the kid who killed the big one during the general season correct? Absolute whopper.
Post by: TimberMuleys on January 06, 2025, 04:09:33 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250107/f3a87c5e887cda9c4af078ac7c901c20.png)I know of 2 others, one was 189 6/8" out of the Methow and a 200"+ out of another area. I will try and get some pics this week.
I believe the one out of the Methow was the kid who killed the big one during the general season correct? Absolute whopper.
This one?
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Post by: TimberMuleys on January 06, 2025, 04:10:18 PM
I know of 2 others, one was 189 6/8" out of the Methow and a 200"+ out of another area. I will try and get some pics this week.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250107/6d7c1fb0000d76182cc63842cb912f04.png)
This one was 204” was this the one you were talking about?
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Post by: Ironhead on January 06, 2025, 04:17:38 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250107/f3a87c5e887cda9c4af078ac7c901c20.png)I know of 2 others, one was 189 6/8" out of the Methow and a 200"+ out of another area. I will try and get some pics this week.
I believe the one out of the Methow was the kid who killed the big one during the general season correct? Absolute whopper.
This one?
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Not either one of those. The girl is Jarrod's daughter, dont know who the boy is. Nice bucks though.
Post by: jackelope on January 06, 2025, 04:19:49 PM
I'm sure there's a few more.
The smart ones don't post,or social media there hunts.
*their
Post by: LDennis24 on January 06, 2025, 04:30:19 PM
I'm sure there's a few more.
The smart ones don't post,or social media there hunts.
*their
Post by: huntnnw on January 06, 2025, 05:24:07 PM
Post by: Alan K on January 06, 2025, 06:07:20 PM
For every big buck you see shared on any social platform theirs is probably 5-10 you have no clue about. I get pics sent to me ever year from locals in areas of giants that nobody ever sees on social media. This happens all over the state .
:yeah:
Post by: 7mmfan on January 06, 2025, 06:36:15 PM
Post by: muleyslayer on January 06, 2025, 07:26:10 PM
For every big buck you see shared on any social platform there is probably 5-10 you have no clue about. I get pics sent to me ever year from locals in areas of giants that nobody ever sees on social media. This happens all over the state .I think there is a lot of truth to this statement, it happens in every state. In 2023 a co worker of mine shared a picture of a buck his cousin shot during 2nd rifle in Colorado . He said the guy didn’t have social media, buck was easily a 260” type gov. Tag buck. I never seen it posted anywhere on the internet.
As for the question from the OP I heard of the bucks you listed that were taken this year. The last time I remember a lot of mature bucks being taken in Washington was in 2020, with the snow storms that hit on the general rifle season, but 180 can be a tall order in Washington.
Post by: TimberMuleys on January 06, 2025, 07:38:09 PM
For every big buck you see shared on any social platform there is probably 5-10 you have no clue about. I get pics sent to me ever year from locals in areas of giants that nobody ever sees on social media. This happens all over the state .I completely understand that there are many bucks killed very year that many don’t know about. That’s kind of why I started the thread because I know there’s bucks out there nobody is sharing, but how many are truly in that 180”+ range? I would just really like to know how rare a buck of that caliber is in WA. 1 180” buck per 500 fawn bucks born? 1 in 1000? More? There’s not really a way of guaging that but I thought maybe using harvest statistics I could get an idea. I would be surprised if on average there are more than 20-25 bucks over 180” killed in WA every year. Maybe that’s just because I hunt in a bad unit. But it’s seems like there’s around 20k bucks shot in WA a year. (Yes I know that’s a rough number) if only 20 of those bucks are 180” plus? Would that mean the number would be 1 in 1000? I think it would be less because big bucks are getting killed at a lesser rate than smaller bucks right?
Maybe this is dumb, but does anyone else see my thought process?
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Post by: Weatherby92 on January 06, 2025, 08:02:39 PM
My assumption is that the number of 180"+ harvests in WA annually is higher than your guess...I have zero data to back that up tho.
Post by: muleyslayer on January 06, 2025, 08:04:39 PM
The hardcore guys that scout states like Colorado turn up a 190 plus type buck after looking at 200 to 500 bucks. The guys that scout Idaho a lot are closer to 500 bucks to find a 180 to 190. I would say in Washington it’s probably 800 to 1000. That’s sounds absolutely ridiculous, but we just don’t have the mule deer population or management strategies of other western states.For every big buck you see shared on any social platform there is probably 5-10 you have no clue about. I get pics sent to me ever year from locals in areas of giants that nobody ever sees on social media. This happens all over the state .I completely understand that there are many bucks killed very year that many don’t know about. That’s kind of why I started the thread because I know there’s bucks out there nobody is sharing, but how many are truly in that 180”+ range? I would just really like to know how rare a buck of that caliber is in WA. 1 180” buck per 500 fawn bucks born? 1 in 1000? More? There’s not really a way of guaging that but I thought maybe using harvest statistics I could get an idea. I would be surprised if on average there are more than 20-25 bucks over 180” killed in WA every year. Maybe that’s just because I hunt in a bad unit. But it’s seems like there’s around 20k bucks shot in WA a year. (Yes I know that’s a rough number) if only 20 of those bucks are 180” plus? Would that mean the number would be 1 in 1000? I think it would be less because big bucks are getting killed at a lesser rate than smaller bucks right?
Maybe this is dumb, but does anyone else see my thought process?
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Post by: Feathernfurr on January 06, 2025, 08:07:35 PM
Post by: TimberMuleys on January 06, 2025, 08:16:51 PM
So don’t take this the wrong way… but it really feels like you’re trying to justify to yourself that you killed one of the biggest bucks in the state this season. If that is what’s going on, there’s nothing wrong with it. I went through a similar thing with a really nice whitetail in a different state a few years back. We live in a world where hunting feels like a big Richard measuring contest sometimes and it’s pretty easy to get sucked in. Your buck is a hammer, killing a deer like that on public in a general season is rare in a lot of states, not just Washington, with the caveat of some of the monster muley areas that regularly produce 190-220’s. You should be proud of it and know that you’re in a pretty small group killing bucks of that class this season. I know plenty of guys that had quality draw tags that killed 140’s-160’s.I appreciate the honesty, and there definitely could be some truth to that. I would like to know where my buck compares. But I’m really kinda trying to wrap my head around the reality of being able to do it year after year. I listen to the Rokcast a lot and I know Travis has talked about it some, but none of those guys hunt Washington. I know the chances are extremely low to even do it once, but that’s my goal going into every season. Just trying to find another buck of that caliber is difficult, let alone ever having a chance at killing it. I’m a big math nerd and numbers guy so I kind of like to have a number to wrap my head around. Kinda helps motivate me that the next “1 in 1000” buck could be on the next ridge or behind the next tree. But if I don’t find another buck of the caliber I’m looking for, it’s also a reality check and to not get discouraged because if it was easy and they were everywhere there wouldn’t be a challenge. Sorry if it seems like I’m trying to get in a Johnson measuring contest, I’m really not. Just an obsessed kid who loves mule deer.
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Post by: Feathernfurr on January 06, 2025, 08:31:15 PM
All that being said I’m not a huge muley guy, but I’d be willing to wager that not a ton of guys are killing a 180” every year in Washington. Between me and the 5-6 guys I shed hunt with, across multiple states, I’d bet we have probably 6 sheds out of 700-800 muley sheds that would make 180-200”.
Post by: TimberMuleys on January 06, 2025, 08:39:47 PM
Totally understand. The last 4 deer I’ve killed have all been target bucks that I dedicated the season to. 2 of the 4 were statistically once in a lifetime for the region where they were harvested. The other two were actually old and regressing. It’s definitely a different level of cat and mouse trying to single one out. I think shooting for a number can always be a little tough, a lot of things go into a good scoring deer of any species. Mature is more the thing I look for now, if the score matches that even better. I generally spend the next 4 months looking for sheds until I find one that excites me and then work my way backwards to finding that deer in the summer and then targeting him in the season.Yeah I agree on maturity. I do get a little too stuck on score sometimes, but if there was a better scoring buck that I knew for sure was young and an old heavy buck with some character or that I had history with, I’m pulling the trigger on the older one every time. Thanks for your honesty and response. Did you find the 4 bucks you singled out to be much more rewarding? Regardless of size?
All that being said I’m not a huge muley guy, but I’d be willing to wager that not a ton of guys are killing a 180” every year in Washington. Between me and the 5-6 guys I shed hunt with, across multiple states, I’d bet we have probably 6 sheds out of 700-800 muley sheds that would make 180-200”.
I ask because I know there’s some pride involved with the horns on my buck, but I truly loved the cat and mouse and process of singling him out. It was definitely much more rewarding than my other big buck. I knew about my other big buck, but hadn’t singled it out and made it my target like this year. Maybe it’s not true, but I feel like even if the buck I shot this year was 30”+ smaller, it still would’ve been my favorite because of the experience of singling him out and hunting him in his difficult habitat.
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Post by: boneaddict on January 06, 2025, 08:56:08 PM
Post by: TimberMuleys on January 06, 2025, 08:57:10 PM
At some point you stop killing them and start photographing them. You know it’s a lot harder to get a good photo of a buck than it is to kill it. ;) :chuckle:Not gonna disagree with you on that. I think I have to graduate to archery first before I get to photography haha
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Post by: boneaddict on January 06, 2025, 08:58:17 PM
Post by: Feathernfurr on January 06, 2025, 09:08:08 PM
Archery is definitely the next step! Although I’ll admit I have more trophy size animals with a recurve than my compound. There’s a Golden Horseshoe somewhere that I think accounts for that.
I would say targeting a buck for me was absolutely more rewarding, but comes with a lot more anxiety and a little melancholy when it’s all over. It’s like losing a friend almost. How long you play the game for has a huge impact too. One of mine consumed my world for the entirety of a 3 month season and I killed him on the final morning of the season.
I will admit sometimes I miss the idea of the old days when I was young and I was just going in imagination. The ideas of giant bucks stepping out at first light that I didn’t even know existed.
I think in the end you hunt what makes you happy. I love shooting does and little bucks with a bow, if I live in a state where I can have multiple tags I absolutely will. In Washington where I only get one, I’m definitely trying to target a mature buck until the 11th hour and then some unfortunate doe or young buck is filling the freezer.
Post by: baldopepper on January 06, 2025, 09:26:41 PM
Post by: Dan-o on January 06, 2025, 09:30:15 PM
When I was younger a major sporting goods store in Salt Lake sponsored a big buck contest. Top prize was a new jeep and prizes were awarded to top.30 bucks submitted. They always had at least a couple hundred brought by for submission. While the winner was usually a brute, most outside of the top 10 entries would not have scored 180. Utah at that time sold 280,000 deer permits every year. I think that's kind of an indicator of how unusual bucks scoring 180+ are.
Wolfe's Sporting Goods!
I dreamed of winning that Jeep many times.......
Post by: baldopepper on January 06, 2025, 09:40:59 PM
When I was younger a major sporting goods store in Salt Lake sponsored a big buck contest. Top prize was a new jeep and prizes were awarded to top.30 bucks submitted. They always had at least a couple hundred brought by for submission. While the winner was usually a brute, most outside of the top 10 entries would not have scored 180. Utah at that time sold 280,000 deer permits every year. I think that's kind of an indicator of how unusual bucks scoring 180+ are.
Wolfe's Sporting Goods!
I dreamed of winning that Jeep many times.......
Brother took second one year with a buck with 37 inch spread and 21 points. Won a new rifle and a spot on the televised award presentation. Yes it was Wolfe's.
Post by: 2MANY on January 06, 2025, 09:54:39 PM
Someday I'll show you the pictures.
Post by: huntnnw on January 06, 2025, 10:22:56 PM
Post by: boneaddict on January 07, 2025, 07:43:00 AM
It’s a lofty goal, but we all dream about the next one.
180 is also just a number. Every once in awhile I see a buck that won’t score didly, but is a trophy of a lifetime. I got one this fall that was like that. I’ll try to post it up later.
Post by: idahohuntr on January 07, 2025, 07:58:42 AM
Another part of it, to me was leaving technology behind. No trail cams, no baits, no lures, no 600 yard shots. Matching wits with an ole mossback and getting within 20 to 30 yards of him is a thrill.This, in my opinion, is far more rare among hunters today than finding 180+ bucks.
Post by: jjhunter on January 07, 2025, 02:02:45 PM
I love mule deer - always been my number 1. Lots of ways to measure success and challenge ourselves in the mule deer woods. I spend a lot of time at it in some pretty cool places across the west and continuously get my butt kicked. Even with great tags and the best technology, a big mule deer is a rare critter.
I met a “kid” on my first trip to Colorado that was frequenting the same glassing ridge as I was. He told me that he had killed a buck over 180” in 8 different states/provinces. I thought that was such a cool accomplishment…killing a big mule deer in that many different landscapes/environments.
I’ve kinda adopted that challenge for myself. I enjoy the research and strategy as much as the hunting in my quest. So far, I’ve done it 4 states. I also had a goal of killing 3 over 200” before I hang it up. I think I’ll get both done. It’ll take a lot of tags and a lot of days.
Post by: 2MANY on January 07, 2025, 02:20:18 PM
My goal every year is essentially finding and filming 500 bucks. How that number evolved I don’t really know, a game to get my kids involved, a solid goal, not sure. This is from when I filmed exclusively in Washington and continued even when I went out of state. After 30 plus years of doing this, I wish I kept better stats. I see a couple every year, not very many. 180 is a magical buck. Really 170 is. Ninety percent of the 200 inch bucks seen are likely 180. I kid about the filming part, but hunting is a form of evolution. Learning and understanding mule deer, so that you can basically go anywhere and know you’ll find what there is to find, because you know the animal. You know where he is going to stand, when and why. You make your own luck, but a little luck is always good. Hard work and patience does pay off. Another part of it, to me was leaving technology behind. No trail cams, no baits, no lures, no 600 yard shots. Matching wits with an ole mossback and getting within 20 to 30 yards of him is a thrill. There are fewer and fewer 180 bucks out there. That being said, I saw three this weekend and was successful on filming two.
It’s a lofty goal, but we all dream about the next one.
180 is also just a number. Every once in awhile I see a buck that won’t score didly, but is a trophy of a lifetime. I got one this fall that was like that. I’ll try to post it up later.
Your pictures are incredible.
I love the fact no tag is required as well.
Post by: baldopepper on January 07, 2025, 02:34:31 PM
1) genetics-some areas seem to have that gene pool that produces big racks. Just getting old doesn't guarantee a big rack. Lots of 5-6 year old bucks never get much beyond an average 4x4.
2) great environment-put the right gene pool in a great environment and you'll get big results.Much tougher on em in scraggly areas with poor nourishment
3) Luck-simply got lucky enough to avoid predators and hunters to mature into a big buck. Probably the toughest of all aspects of making a 180+ buck
Post by: bearhunter99 on January 07, 2025, 02:44:33 PM
At some point you stop killing them and start photographing them. You know it’s a lot harder to get a good photo of a buck than it is to kill it. ;) :chuckle:
Depends on the size of your lens... :yike: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: Definitely some truth to that though.
Post by: jjhunter on January 07, 2025, 02:59:23 PM
I wonder if the 20-teens will end up being the heyday of my hunting career…?
Post by: CarbonHunter on January 07, 2025, 03:13:20 PM
Post by: The scout on January 07, 2025, 03:17:32 PM
Does anyone else look back and realize just how good the 20-teens were across the West for mule deer as compared to the last 4-5 years?
I wonder if the 20-teens will end up being the heyday of my hunting career…?
I keep thinking the same thing, we are still coming away with 170-180 class bucks each year. Which we are happy with. But not seeing nearly as many, and not as many huge bucks we aren’t getting opportunities at either. I keep making excuses in my head for it. Ultimately too many people is the common thing across the board. Lots of big camps shooting every buck they see is taking a toll as well. One year of it isn’t a huge deal but 10 years of it can take a toll for sure.
Post by: boneaddict on January 07, 2025, 04:11:24 PM
Post by: baldopepper on January 07, 2025, 04:11:39 PM
Post by: boneaddict on January 07, 2025, 04:14:26 PM
Post by: bigmacc on January 07, 2025, 04:33:37 PM
The 2000’s were even better than the teens in a lot of areas and that was just half a dozen years after some horrible winter kill years. Deer used to rebound much faster than they have been lately or at least it seems that way.You should have been around in the 50’s-60’s and 70’s😆👍
I myself have never had a buck scored, in fact no one in our family has going back to 1917. Some know the story of the hundreds of racks my great grandpa had hanging in his shop back in the day, bucks from himself, my great grandma, his brothers and cousins and my dad, they all just ended up in the shop, over 400 of them. Some were in the 30-35” range, some were massive non-typicals, 4 of them had 25 total points or more! I’m sure there were a few 180’s in the bunch😆 We will never know because when my great grandpa asked my dad if he wanted them when they were selling the place my dad replied, “ no, we’ll get more”. Until the day my dad passed he regretted that decision😢
They all got donated to the scouts and other charities including some craft type folks.
As for myself, like others I’m at the point where I don’t care about “the kill” anymore, I still enjoy scouting them, watching them ( to this day I still observe and learn) and helping the younger generation in our camp be successful with their hunts.
And Karl, your pulling in 65k, man you guys are riding the gravy train, keep up the good work, I still got stock😆🤣😆👍
And yes, I for one love your posts.👍👍
Post by: Ironhead on January 07, 2025, 05:11:20 PM
Post by: Ironhead on January 07, 2025, 05:13:06 PM
Post by: jjhunter on January 07, 2025, 05:26:45 PM
Nice goals JJ. This years adventure for me was the Badlands. Crazy cool the variety of country these guys reign over.
I’ve got piles of points in South Dakota. Just waiting for it to turn back on….like everywhere…
Post by: TimberMuleys on January 07, 2025, 05:34:02 PM
One more of the 189 3/8" buck.Dandy. Thanks for sharing.
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Post by: highcountry_hunter on January 07, 2025, 07:30:04 PM
From all the years of hunting in WA and all the people Ive known over the years nobody is killing 180" every year out in this state if they are hunting just public land. There might be some guys with huge ranches they can hunt and control the population and harvest rates to grow big bucks and even then getting a buck to 180 is hard. I feel like if I put forth the effort like I use to for whitetails I have a easier time turning up a gross 180 whitetail on cam every year than a muley.I was wondering when Gods gift to hunting was going to chime in on this one…
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Post by: hunter399 on January 07, 2025, 07:33:27 PM
Lol.... 😂From all the years of hunting in WA and all the people Ive known over the years nobody is killing 180" every year out in this state if they are hunting just public land. There might be some guys with huge ranches they can hunt and control the population and harvest rates to grow big bucks and even then getting a buck to 180 is hard. I feel like if I put forth the effort like I use to for whitetails I have a easier time turning up a gross 180 whitetail on cam every year than a muley.I was wondering when Gods gift to hunting was going to chime in on this one…
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I tend to agree with him though. 😂
92 percent of the time.
Post by: hunter399 on January 07, 2025, 07:58:12 PM
:yeah:One more of the 189 3/8" buck.Dandy. Thanks for sharing.
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Post by: huntnnw on January 07, 2025, 08:29:30 PM
From all the years of hunting in WA and all the people Ive known over the years nobody is killing 180" every year out in this state if they are hunting just public land. There might be some guys with huge ranches they can hunt and control the population and harvest rates to grow big bucks and even then getting a buck to 180 is hard. I feel like if I put forth the effort like I use to for whitetails I have a easier time turning up a gross 180 whitetail on cam every year than a muley.I was wondering when Gods gift to hunting was going to chime in on this one…
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I’m living rent free in someone’s head :chuckle: jealousy running deep with a keyboard warrior .
Post by: blindluck on January 07, 2025, 08:50:32 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 07, 2025, 08:56:43 PM
Post by: huntnnw on January 07, 2025, 09:01:56 PM
Fortunately I got to see pictures of a buck this year that is over 200” and 32-33 wide, I’ve been sworn to secrecy for good reason. If you saw the buck there is no question of its huge rack surpassing the magical number, it’s a sight to behold. It’s really cool knowing there are deer like this in our state. Maybe someone will get to hang their tag on it this year and post some pictures but if they didn’t I would totally understand. Just got back from twisp last week saw a lot of deer and a dandy 4x4.
I dunno if the one on fb made it on here , but there was a video of a live buck that said was at a job site at stehekin. Absolute giant and looked like a big mountain muley in that country .
Post by: baldopepper on January 07, 2025, 09:04:35 PM
Fortunately I got to see pictures of a buck this year that is over 200” and 32-33 wide, I’ve been sworn to secrecy for good reason. If you saw the buck there is no question of its huge rack surpassing the magical number, it’s a sight to behold. It’s really cool knowing there are deer like this in our state. Maybe someone will get to hang their tag on it this year and post some pictures but if they didn’t I would totally understand. Just got back from twisp last week saw a lot of deer and a dandy 4x4.Did you know there are those out there paying pretty hefty fee for the location of mule deer like that. Used to be just for big elk, but I've heard it's up to as high $5,000 if the deer is actually located. Kind of a side income for some of the elk reward spotters in Utah (and there a lot of local spotters down there)
Post by: 2MANY on January 07, 2025, 09:06:39 PM
Post by: Ironhead on January 07, 2025, 09:14:17 PM
Mule deer taste like sage brush.Get out of your Prius ya flatlander and hunt the mountains. They taste a little different from up there. 8)
Post by: muleyslayer on January 07, 2025, 09:54:17 PM
Does anyone else look back and realize just how good the 20-teens were across the West for mule deer as compared to the last 4-5 years?I started hunting mule deer “seriously” in 2016, I look back on those years a lot. I definitely kick myself for losing opportunities on big bucks for my lack of experience. Oh well, as you stated I hope that’s not the last heyday.
I wonder if the 20-teens will end up being the heyday of my hunting career…?
Keep up the strong work on your goals!
Post by: huntnnw on January 07, 2025, 10:24:49 PM
Mule deer taste like sage brush.Get out of your Prius ya flatlander and hunt the mountains. They taste a little different from up there. 8)
Ive killed lots of muleys in sage and never have noticed a sage taste to any of them
Post by: baldopepper on January 07, 2025, 10:26:50 PM
Does anyone else look back and realize just how good the 20-teens were across the West for mule deer as compared to the last 4-5 years?I started hunting mule deer “seriously” in 2016, I look back on those years a lot. I definitely kick myself for losing opportunities on big bucks for my lack of experience. Oh well, as you stated I hope that’s not the last heyday.
I wonder if the 20-teens will end up being the heyday of my hunting career…?
Keep up the strong work on your goals!
Went on my first deer hunt in about 1955. Seen lean years and good years. Some areas we hunted back then have maintained fairly well, other areas not so much. Been debated numerous times on this forum what the overall cause of the downturn in numbers is, and there is no one answer. The 20 teens will probably be your " good old days" but not necessarily only because of the deer numbers. They are the days when you were younger, could hunt harder and longer and usually with friends and family. You get older and that zeal to hunt hard is still there, but your body says whoa. Many of those friends and family have quit hunting,or worse, passed on. I miss the old days, partially because we saw and shot a lot deer, but mostly the places I saw and the people I saw them with. I still get out every year, still enjoy it but it ain't the good old days. Make the most of yours while you can.
Post by: huntnnw on January 07, 2025, 11:18:05 PM
Post by: huntnphool on January 07, 2025, 11:23:22 PM
Mule deer taste like sage brush.
None of mine have. :twocents:
Post by: 2MANY on January 07, 2025, 11:44:27 PM
Kind of.
Post by: huntnphool on January 07, 2025, 11:49:38 PM
It was a joke you city slickers.
Kind of.
:chuckle:
Post by: muleyslayer on January 08, 2025, 04:45:27 AM
Does anyone else look back and realize just how good the 20-teens were across the West for mule deer as compared to the last 4-5 years?I started hunting mule deer “seriously” in 2016, I look back on those years a lot. I definitely kick myself for losing opportunities on big bucks for my lack of experience. Oh well, as you stated I hope that’s not the last heyday.
I wonder if the 20-teens will end up being the heyday of my hunting career…?
Keep up the strong work on your goals!
Went on my first deer hunt in about 1955. Seen lean years and good years. Some areas we hunted back then have maintained fairly well, other areas not so much. Been debated numerous times on this forum what the overall cause of the downturn in numbers is, and there is no one answer. The 20 teens will probably be your " good old days" but not necessarily only because of the deer numbers. They are the days when you were younger, could hunt harder and longer and usually with friends and family. You get older and that zeal to hunt hard is still there, but your body says whoa. Many of those friends and family have quit hunting,or worse, passed on. I miss the old days, partially because we saw and shot a lot deer, but mostly the places I saw and the people I saw them with. I still get out every year, still enjoy it but it ain't the good old days. Make the most of yours while you can.
👍
Post by: muleyslayer on January 08, 2025, 04:46:23 AM
Buck I saw posted on fb . A giant and a once in a lifetime buck for anyone.Awesome buck! Thanks for sharing
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on January 08, 2025, 05:01:12 AM
Post by: jjhunter on January 08, 2025, 07:06:57 AM
Post by: jjhunter on January 08, 2025, 07:10:03 AM
Does anyone else look back and realize just how good the 20-teens were across the West for mule deer as compared to the last 4-5 years?I started hunting mule deer “seriously” in 2016, I look back on those years a lot. I definitely kick myself for losing opportunities on big bucks for my lack of experience. Oh well, as you stated I hope that’s not the last heyday.
I wonder if the 20-teens will end up being the heyday of my hunting career…?
Keep up the strong work on your goals!
Went on my first deer hunt in about 1955. Seen lean years and good years. Some areas we hunted back then have maintained fairly well, other areas not so much. Been debated numerous times on this forum what the overall cause of the downturn in numbers is, and there is no one answer. The 20 teens will probably be your " good old days" but not necessarily only because of the deer numbers. They are the days when you were younger, could hunt harder and longer and usually with friends and family. You get older and that zeal to hunt hard is still there, but your body says whoa. Many of those friends and family have quit hunting,or worse, passed on. I miss the old days, partially because we saw and shot a lot deer, but mostly the places I saw and the people I saw them with. I still get out every year, still enjoy it but it ain't the good old days. Make the most of yours while you can.
That’s damn good perspective right there…I didn’t think about it in those terms.
Post by: boneaddict on January 08, 2025, 07:14:35 AM
Post by: hunter399 on January 08, 2025, 09:06:58 AM
Spots that produce big muley bucks are special.
Keep em secret boys.
I have no idea what it would of scored(never scored anything),only pic I got of him.
I didn't hunt that spot this year,I just let the thieves have it.
I will say ,I'm going back. I already have a few hours into welding a lock box together.
Post by: TimberMuleys on January 08, 2025, 10:21:26 AM
I had one spot that was most likely gonna produce 140-150 class mule deer. Went back after a month soak,camera stolen.Good grief that buck has a big body!
Spots that produce big muley bucks are special.
Keep em secret boys.
I have no idea what it would of scored(never scored anything),only pic I got of him.
I didn't hunt that spot this year,I just let the thieves have it.
I will say ,I'm going back. I already have a few hours into welding a lock box together.
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