Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: eburgtrapper on June 15, 2011, 09:33:51 PM
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My hunting partner and I got drawn for the desert hunt this year (oct. 29-nov. 6th modern tag) I wanted to see if anyone had any advice on the hunt. I plan on doing a lot of scouting, but it is always nice to hear what other people have to say.
Thanks, Jordan.
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Congrats! I will be hunting the same unit a few weeks after you so please save a big one for me. :)
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My buddy had the same tag a couple years ago. He hunted his butt off looking for a 160 buck and never found one. Shot a 155 buck. Said he saw bucks in the 150's everyday.
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Don't get discouraged on your scouting trips when you don't see any deer. They are nocturnal until november. Agree with stick, don't pass on a 160".
Also, don't make a shot your not 100% ok with. It is sick how many dead bucks have been found over the years from guys who cannot lay him down where he stands. :bash: Its hard tracking in the desert.
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congrats on getting the tag...Just out of curiosity how many points did you have, I've been putting in for that hunt for 11 years. I'd hold out for a 180 but that's just me.
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You got my tag! :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:
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:twocents: Aw some and good luck, You might try talking to some of the duck and geese hunters over there or see if there is a club, my brother in law hunts a lot over there for the flappers and has seen a few really nice ones and knows the area well... :tup:
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Thanks for the all the input everyone. Earshot, we had 10 points used on this tag. i live in Ellensburg so the desert isnt too far away, but it is not a unit i've ever tried to learn just cause it takes so long to get drawn for. One thing I've heard as far as scouting goes, the deer that are close to water prior to hunting get spooked out of the area by duck hunters when waterfowl opens in october. that would make it kinda frustrating to be watching a buck all summer and have him take off a couple weeks before the opener.
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Don't get discouraged on your scouting trips when you don't see any deer. They are nocturnal until november. Agree with stick, don't pass on a 160".
Also, don't make a shot your not 100% ok with. It is sick how many dead bucks have been found over the years from guys who cannot lay him down where he stands. :bash: Its hard tracking in the desert.
Couldn't have said it better myself. My dad's desert mule that he shot only went maybe 70 yards before he dumped. But not having a clear line of sight to him thanks to tall sage brush, and tracking in sand... took over an hour and a half to get his antlers in hand. Scary time.
Don't hold out for a 180'' either. That would probably be the toughest tag you would ever have to eat (not that there are not some there).
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lots of patience, most of its pretty flat it can be hard to get up high enough to really see far, some great bucks and lots of deer out there, i grew up only a few miles away from it, the actual desert wildlife area there is your best place to start
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eburgtrapper I live in the desert unit If you need any tips or direction on where to start scouting let me know .I scout everyday
