Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: 243dk on November 19, 2010, 09:17:40 PM

Title: late buck in the snow?
Post by: 243dk on November 19, 2010, 09:17:40 PM: So just wondering about this state. If I wake up and there is snow on the ground how will that effect the deer hunting. Good or bad
Title: Re: late buck in the snow?
Post by: Tman on November 19, 2010, 09:19:45 PM: GOOD! Snows is almost always good for hunting!
Title: Re: late buck in the snow?
Post by: Baggman on November 19, 2010, 09:22:44 PM: Way good with snow. Good blood tracking and locating. In any state.
Title: Re: late buck in the snow?
Post by: bigpaw 77 on November 19, 2010, 09:28:16 PM: I agree that snow is usually a good thing, It makes it easier to spot deer, Tracking is easier, Snow will get the deer moving and feeding. And I love to hunt in the snow as long as its not three feet deep.
Title: Re: late buck in the snow?
Post by: ser300wsm on November 19, 2010, 09:33:18 PM: SNOW is a very good thing for hunting...... Tracking, etc.. :twocents:
Title: Re: late buck in the snow?
Post by: Tman on November 19, 2010, 09:34:52 PM: The only downfall I've noticed to early winter snows is it is nearly impossible to be quiet in the woods, so closing the gap is a B$%%^!
Title: Re: late buck in the snow?
Post by: bigpaw 77 on November 19, 2010, 09:37:10 PM: Quote from: Tman on November 19, 2010, 09:34:52 PM
The only downfall I've noticed to early winter snows is it is nearly impossible to be quiet in the woods, so closing the gap is a B$%%^!
yeah, or if the snow starts to melt and then refreezes then your screwed for stalking. CRUNCH!! CRUNCH!! CRUNCH!!
Title: Re: late buck in the snow?
Post by: tony04 on November 19, 2010, 10:07:20 PM: at what point does the snow push deer to lower elevations? seems like when ever we get snow thats over a 4-5 inches, i see tracks heading down hill... theres a place i was planning on hunting this weekend thats at 4500', but there probably 2' of snow up there now...
Title: Re: late buck in the snow?
Post by: AKBowman on November 19, 2010, 10:43:56 PM: Quote from: tony04 on November 19, 2010, 10:07:20 PM
at what point does the snow push deer to lower elevations? seems like when ever we get snow thats over a 4-5 inches, i see tracks heading down hill... theres a place i was planning on hunting this weekend thats at 4500', but there probably 2' of snow up there now...

When it covers up their food. Or makes it difficult to move to their food. That is it. And it really depends on the area and the food sources so is impossible to say. I have seen BT's on kodiak wallowing through 4 feet of snow b/c they were browsing on neck high browse but I have seen them move down to eat kelp off the beach when the snbow was only 1-1/2 ft deep so it is tough to say. Spend time in your area especially in different weather conditions and you will learn what the deer do and when they will do it.
Title: Re: late buck in the snow?
Post by: 7mag. on November 19, 2010, 10:45:22 PM: Quote from: tony04 on November 19, 2010, 10:07:20 PM
at what point does the snow push deer to lower elevations? seems like when ever we get snow thats over a 4-5 inches, i see tracks heading down hill... theres a place i was planning on hunting this weekend thats at 4500', but there probably 2' of snow up there now...

Deer like the snow line fringe. Trace to 4 inches. Sometimes you'll find a solitary mature buck in a foot to foot and a half of snow, but most deer like the fringe.
Title: Re: late buck in the snow?
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on November 19, 2010, 10:48:00 PM: Does depart at 5-6", to get the fawns to winter range. Bucks will tolerate up to 16", but once the rut kicks in they travel to the does. Post-rut, some mature bucks migrate back up in elevation.
Title: Re: late buck in the snow?
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on November 20, 2010, 07:59:21 AM: I find that when the snow is 6" or more, you'll find the deer using the roads quite often (behind locked gates). You can get a nice vantage point, and watch a group of roads, you'll see them using them like trails! I remember late buck, about 20 yrs ago, I counted 27 bucks in one day during a 6" snow. I have yet to ever see a day like that. Unfortunately, that honeyhole has grown up, the deer pop is lower as well (less feed or cougars, not sure?).
Title: Re: late buck in the snow?
Post by: halflife65 on November 20, 2010, 09:36:40 AM: Terrible. Stay home. :chuckle:

Actually, good, unless it snows, warms up a bit and then freezes. The deer/elk can hear you for a mile when you're trying to walk through that.
Title: Re: late buck in the snow?
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on November 21, 2010, 10:34:45 PM: Letr snow leter snow leter snow, I think it is rights to a BBD. Big blackie down!!!
Title: Re: late buck in the snow?
Post by: krout81 on November 21, 2010, 10:49:38 PM: Snow is the best thing that can happen for Late season archery:-) I have seen a few big bucks hanging out in the deep snow, but its ruff going wading through it. I like 1-8 inches they seem to hang out and when I say hang out the just stand arround and its real easy to see them. I have only shot a few deer not in the snow. Find the fresh tracks and go after em might be miles might be yards yehaww
Title: Re: late buck in the snow?
Post by: PolarBear on November 21, 2010, 10:53:57 PM: Quote from: bigpaw 77 on November 19, 2010, 09:37:10 PM
Quote from: Tman on November 19, 2010, 09:34:52 PM
The only downfall I've noticed to early winter snows is it is nearly impossible to be quiet in the woods, so closing the gap is a B$%%^!
yeah, or if the snow starts to melt and then refreezes then your screwed for stalking. CRUNCH!! CRUNCH!! CRUNCH!!
That's why I am up in my treestand at least an hour before daylight, to let things quiet and calm down. In the evening I get in it around 1:00 and stay there until I can't see my feet. Trying to sneak up on anything in crunchy snow with a bow is a baaaaad idea.