Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: methowman on June 22, 2010, 08:04:20 AM

Title: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: methowman on June 22, 2010, 08:04:20 AM: Well, 8 points has paid off. Myself & my Bro in law have drawn permits for the East Okanogan unit for any whitetail buck. We haven't hunted that unit in the past as we normally hunt in the Winthrop/Twisp area.
With the changes to the permit system I choose the 204 in the Buck Deer catagory as my first choice &
finally got drawn. Based on the harvest reports from the game dept there are plenty of deer in that unit.
We will be scouting the area out this summer & could use a little help from anyone willing to point us in the right direction of a good starting point. Thanks to any responders....
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: yelp on June 22, 2010, 08:10:10 AM: Mt. Hull - Ninemile creek Area. Last days of the permit are sometimes the best. This is the buck I killed in 2000 with that permit.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: methowman on June 22, 2010, 08:12:47 AM: Sweeeet, Nice buck... I hope we can be as fortunate. Did you have other choices on shooters that year ?
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on June 22, 2010, 08:23:41 AM: Get in touch with Buckmark. 8)
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: kramman on June 22, 2010, 12:28:58 PM: congrats on the tag ive been putting in for that tag every year for 8 yrs. and nothing.Im hunting over there during muzzy w/ my son in sept. I know a few whitetail areas but we usually hunt mulies.Ive always seen lots of whities around Havillah and mt. anne.If you need someone to come over and drink your beer,cook dinner and drag your deer I would like to help.With patience and hunting during the rut you should score well.1st year you put in for it!REALLY!UNBELIEVABLE!Get touch with some people on here who either live or have property overthere.1st year huh!Why dont you just crush my nuts and steal my wife and kids too!Lucky devil thats a great tag.
kramman
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: yelp on June 22, 2010, 12:48:10 PM: Quote from: methowman on June 22, 2010, 08:12:47 AM
Sweeeet, Nice buck... I hope we can be as fortunate. Did you have other choices on shooters that year ?

2 others.. :)
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: MtnMuley on June 22, 2010, 04:24:44 PM: The areas yelp has listed are good areas, but there is a lot of private land on Mt. Hull and Ninemile. That's a huge unit with tons of public access scattered throughout the unit. The entire unit holds whiteys. Get a good map of public/private lands and go kill a couple of dandys! Best of luck!
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: mossback91 on June 22, 2010, 04:33:53 PM: There is some good whiteys out there! Goodluck!
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: Black Ram on June 22, 2010, 07:35:02 PM: I have hunted the 204 for six years now and pulled out big mulies every year seen alot of white tail bucks but not what i wanted try the lower hills below lake bonaparte on your way back to tonasket that is where ive seen the most white tail bucks. good luck
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on June 22, 2010, 10:49:39 PM: I've seen some nice White Tail bucks on the NW side of Boneparte Mtn. Seen quite a few just off FR 300.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: methowman on June 22, 2010, 11:16:14 PM: Thanks for the guidance to all that have responded. I'm stokked to get over there to have a look at the areas you have mentioned. I plan on talking to a few land owners about access to hunt there land during the permit period. It never hurts to ask...

I feel very fortunate to have this permit opportunity and a fresh batch of vacation time at work to use for hunting in November.

Good luck this year, stay safe...

Methowman
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: Ghost Hunter on June 24, 2010, 05:36:36 AM: I'll be going over next week. Plan on a little scouting, and picking up some fresh info. Last few years have been hunting Toroda Creek area from Bodie to Chesaw. I have access to some private land, but too much public land to ignore. Always a few come off Bonaparte. Good Luck.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 24, 2010, 05:43:56 AM: Good luck sorry to hear you wont be hunting the valley this year!!
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: saylean on June 24, 2010, 10:12:59 AM: Thats a hell of a buck Yelp. Good luck Methowman.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 25, 2010, 10:02:19 AM: Very cool! Best of luck to you. :tup:
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: Earshot on June 25, 2010, 12:47:58 PM: I also got drawn for this unit...10 points come in handy...don't know this area very well. It has been 20 year sense I've hunted this unit. all the help is appreciated. thanks :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: yelp on June 25, 2010, 01:35:17 PM: Tough season. The rut just starts the last few days of the hunt. I always hope for the nasty weather in this unit to help get things started. :) We used to draw this permit with only needing 4-5 points on average. I am going to post another buck taken out of this unit on this permit. Looking for photo.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: methowman on June 25, 2010, 01:56:55 PM: Right-on, Nothing like a picture to get everyone pumped to go hunting. Thanks yelp...
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: head hunter on June 25, 2010, 05:32:02 PM: sweet dropper yelp!:drool:
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: yelp on June 25, 2010, 06:55:44 PM: THis is my buddy's buck..he shot it with a muzzy. He got it up Toroda Creek.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: fireoff on June 27, 2010, 03:28:00 PM: Hey there, PM me would ya i might have some info for you
thanks Doug
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: yelp on June 29, 2010, 06:50:31 PM: I also have hunted the Tunk Mountain area and seen some good ones.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: Earshot on June 29, 2010, 08:44:55 PM: Are most of the areas referred to public land or do I need to try and get access to private property.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: yelp on June 29, 2010, 08:53:07 PM: Quote from: Earshot on June 29, 2010, 08:44:55 PM
Are most of the areas referred to public land or do I need to try and get access to private property.

There is a lot of public land. Check this out..
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: Earshot on June 29, 2010, 09:18:23 PM: Thanks I'll have to make a few scouting trips this summer and early fall to check out some of these areas.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: kramman on June 29, 2010, 09:42:35 PM: highlands snow park.As you come up the rd. from Havillah once you get on public land theres a gated road on your right then past that theres another on your left.Hike either one and drop into the draws toward the fields of Havillah.The roads may even be open before oct.1st alot of the roads in the area get gated after that.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: MtnMuley on June 30, 2010, 07:58:26 AM: Quote from: kramman on June 29, 2010, 09:42:35 PM
highlands snow park.As you come up the rd. from Havillah once you get on public land theres a gated road on your right then past that theres another on your left.Hike either one and drop into the draws toward the fields of Havillah.The roads may even be open before oct.1st alot of the roads in the area get gated after that.

Most of the area you just described is private land. Also much of it is leased by a local outfitter.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: Earshot on June 30, 2010, 09:54:59 AM: Sounds like I need a good map that shows land ownership. thanks for the input
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: kramman on June 30, 2010, 02:22:51 PM: mtnmuley those roads are both fs roads as long as you have a good map and know where you are at and know how to use a gps theres alot of land there to hunt.The road on the left goes back miles.Yes the area is leased THE PRIVATE PROPERTY not the nat. forest and yes there are a ton of wtail there not only on the private property you just have to know where your at like always.Had someone patrolling that area 3 yrs ago during muzzle season came up to me said this area was leased by --- outfitter.I stated outfitters are leasing public property now huh?After a few mumbled words he turned around and left.This would be one of the areas I hit if I ever get that tag.Earshot or methowman if you have any ?s you can pm me goodluck with that tag keep us informed in nov.
Kramman
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on June 30, 2010, 03:31:20 PM: Yea, we hunted over there last year and I noticed that outfitter had posted some of his signed in places that are public land. >:(

We hunted mainly off the 100 road. Seen quite a few in that area.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: MtnMuley on June 30, 2010, 03:57:40 PM: kramman, I was referring to your "drop into the draws towards the fields of Havillah". Yes, those are both Forest Service roads, but many of the lower draws off both of them lead right into the private. Actually, on the road to the west, private runs up and just below the road. GPS with the proper mapping would be a must to be in there and not cross lines. Yes, that outfitter has posted signs where he shouldn't.....those I ignore.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: alvordgen on June 30, 2010, 10:30:19 PM: I also drew this tag. Dont know how to use this site, dont know who is going to see this. need info on whitetail in the 204 late draw. please. from a muley hunter.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: Earshot on July 01, 2010, 09:09:41 AM: Kramman, thanks for the info and heads up on the outfitter posting public land. It's hard enough going into an unfamilur area without having someone trying to keep you out. I might take you up on your offer and PM you if I have questions. thanks again
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: KimberRich on July 01, 2010, 09:20:26 AM: We're talking about the Nov. any Whitetail tags right? Like the 1-18th or something?
I've hunted the unit for years and also put in for the tag but was unsuccessful but only had 1 point as I got drawn for a doe tag last year and ended up shooting a nice WT buck of course..
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: Earshot on July 01, 2010, 09:27:11 AM: Anybody got pictures of good whitetail coming out of this unit?
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: chukarchaser on July 02, 2010, 11:51:37 AM: If an outfitter is posting public ground, why not name him hear? Get the word out amongst a pssobile customer base.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: yelp on July 02, 2010, 03:11:41 PM: Not too many outfitters in that area...pretty easy to figure out....MtnMuley isn't that DC of CO? :dunno:
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on July 02, 2010, 03:54:52 PM: All I remember from the signs is that they are white with black or red lettering.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: PLUVIUSWAPITI on July 16, 2010, 08:46:46 PM: Just looking for a little info. Hunted around lost lake and strawberry mountain three yrs ago, I have heard that they have logged a lot of strawberry mountain. My boy has a youth tag and a second tag in that unit(whitetail doe only). Thanks
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on July 16, 2010, 09:55:21 PM: They logged the SE side of the mountain pretty good up along the 050 road. Around the top is still pretty good. We hunted down off the 100 road last year.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: ELK SHOT on July 17, 2010, 06:40:55 PM: Nice buck indeed from the year 2000
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: KimberRich on July 21, 2010, 08:09:29 AM: Couple Bucks I've shot in the past couple years in 204.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: KimberRich on July 21, 2010, 08:11:03 AM: Another..
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: wastickslinger on July 21, 2010, 08:17:12 AM: Quote from: yelp on July 02, 2010, 03:11:41 PM
Not too many outfitters in that area...pretty easy to figure out....MtnMuley isn't that DC of CO? :dunno:

That would be my guess too.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: 400out on July 21, 2010, 10:08:00 AM: Quote from: KimberRich on July 21, 2010, 08:09:29 AM
Couple Bucks I've shot in the past couple years in 204.
Hey did you shoot that from your door step I see a house in the background :dunno:
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: KimberRich on July 21, 2010, 02:24:22 PM: Quote from: 400out on July 21, 2010, 10:08:00 AM
Quote from: KimberRich on July 21, 2010, 08:09:29 AM
Couple Bucks I've shot in the past couple years in 204.
Hey did you shoot that from your door step I see a house in the background :dunno:

Not even close. That's my buddies proprty where we were camped and we hunt a different area. Would have been nice to shoot it from the door step though.. That buck was down in a nasty, thick, steep draw that was a bear to get him out of.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: Skyvalhunter on July 21, 2010, 02:38:45 PM: Who said hunting would be easy?
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: KimberRich on July 21, 2010, 02:58:18 PM: Quote from: Skyvalhunter on July 21, 2010, 02:38:45 PM
Who said hunting would be easy?

If it were easy I wouldn't do it.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: Birdguy on July 24, 2010, 06:49:12 PM: If it were easy I wouldn't do it.
[/quote]

As the Buddy who owns the property, bought the camper, drives the truck, and bought the quads (after dragging the buck in pic.1 out with you) I would say you have it pretty easy :tung:. I think paying for fuel and food and helping me drag out my deer is a sweet deal for you, and I know you agree. Building the cabin next month and having a great big warm dry place to hunt from this fall (and hopefully MANY MANY MANY falls to come) will make it that much easier :IBCOOL:. Based on the deer movement the last two times I was over there I would say to shoot one from the new porch WILL happen. Maybe not you or I, but I bet my Dad with his limited mobility will get one eventually if he can still go.

All joking aside there is great land and deer in the area. After the last cabin burned we spent several years hunting the national forest around unit 204 and saw some great bucks. There are bruisers taken each fall. There is a wealth on knowledge on this site and some truly great info has been given. Get over and scout and you will not be sorry :hunter:.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: PLUVIUSWAPITI on August 08, 2010, 12:33:59 PM: okay folks, my boy drew one of thirty-five youth permits for the 204 unit, then friday we get a special app. permit in the mail for a drawing to hunt the eder unit, this a 6000 acre area and walk in only. I can't find a map so where is this unit from lost lake campgound where we will be camping. thanks
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: Ghost Hunter on August 08, 2010, 03:38:25 PM: Take the Nine Mile Rd. off the Oroville - Chesaw highway.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/special_hunts/drawings/deer_hunt_scotchcreek.html (http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/special_hunts/drawings/deer_hunt_scotchcreek.html)
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: Ghost Hunter on August 08, 2010, 03:42:29 PM: Actually the Ninemile Rd. may be a bit far east :dunno:
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: PLUVIUSWAPITI on August 08, 2010, 04:48:09 PM: Thanks Ghost Hunter, I'll wait to see if the boy gets drawn for this. If so then we will have to make a trip over and do some scouting in late September.
Title: Re: Unit 204 East Okanogan
Post by: highmuley on October 15, 2010, 02:11:24 PM: I have hunted this unit all my life. What does the permit cover? Is it a late or 2nd buck permit?