Post by: slim9300 on July 06, 2011, 05:06:43 PM
I would suspect there are some dandies in the unit considering the lack of hunting pressure and the limited number of tags, but I have no idea where to start. Any help would be greatly appreciated and I will post pics of her smiling face if she's lucky enough to kill anything.
You can PM me if you are more comfortable with that.
Thanks!
Conlan
Post by: Huntnphish on July 06, 2011, 06:06:34 PM
I could use a little help. My little sister is 10 years old and drew this tag with only two points! She loves hunting more than anything and I would love to see her get her first buck. I have no idea where to start other than to drive over there this summer and talk to a few land owners that live along the river bottoms. (I'm guessing that's where the majority of the Whitetails live)
Your problem is most of the Twisp River bottom is Alta, and the Methow River bottom is Pearrygin not Gardner.
Post by: Huntnphish on July 06, 2011, 06:13:14 PM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 06, 2011, 07:01:12 PM
Post by: slim9300 on July 06, 2011, 07:10:00 PM
There were only 6 antlered deer harvested by permit hunters in that unit last year, I'm pretty sure only one was a whitetail.
I realize that but out of the the 14 hunters drawn for the Whitetail tag last year, only 7 hunted. One 4x4 or bigger Whitetail was killed and that was it. There has to be a quite a few deer with that little pressure. I mean, it was about a 1% chance to draw the unit without factoring in bonus points. It has to be decent. Right?
Post by: slim9300 on July 06, 2011, 07:18:05 PM
The game dept land off hwy 20 between Mazama and Winthrop on the South side of 20 is whitetail infested it is area 231 ... huge whitetail but tricky to hunt do to all the safety zones ,,,need to get to the river and find some good trails and site where you can watch the river bank and see a lttle ways ... big ones !!!!!! pm me if you need too !!!
You are my savior. Thank you so much! I may take you up on that offer soon.
Post by: Huntnphish on July 06, 2011, 07:40:42 PM
I mean, it was about a 1% chance to draw the unit without factoring in bonus points. It has to be decent. Right?
Um, no! You will be best off hunting up toward Winthrop as Bowhunter says.
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 06, 2011, 07:50:10 PM
Post by: slim9300 on July 06, 2011, 08:04:50 PM
I mean, it was about a 1% chance to draw the unit without factoring in bonus points. It has to be decent. Right?
Um, no! You will be best off hunting up toward Winthrop as Bowhunter says.
What are you talking about? It's not decent anywhere else? I never said I was going to hunt anywhere else regardless. I had some ideas of places along Hwy 20 based on a few people's advice that I have spoken with. If I couldn't find anything here my next step was the game dept. From there I was just going to drive over there and talk to as many landowners I could and maybe spend some time at the local bar. Your advice has been worthless up until this point. Have you ever hunted unit 231 or are you just talking to talk?
Post by: slim9300 on July 06, 2011, 08:11:55 PM
all I can tell ya is I have seen 160 class whities in that area ..and huntin the rut would be your best chance of nailing one .....I did hunt their one time had alittle incentant with some dumb$$$$$$ and never went back but being you maybe THE ONLY ONE huntin their at that time you may get a big boy ..... and if you do I exspect a new gun or something ... :chuckle: :chuckle: 8)
Sweet! A 160" buck will get you something very nice. Lol. I'm a bowhunter and have many thousands of dollars in gear, I know I have something you will like. =)
Post by: Huntnphish on July 06, 2011, 08:46:19 PM
What are you talking about? It's not decent anywhere else? I never said I was going to hunt anywhere else regardless. I had some ideas of places along Hwy 20 based on a few people's advice that I have spoken with
Yes Slim, I have hunted there a time or two. The river bottoms are either in neighboring units or private. Because of this I think your best chance at access and locating whitetail is close to Winthrop.
Post by: bradslam on July 06, 2011, 09:25:11 PM
Post by: Bonehuntn on July 06, 2011, 11:12:21 PM
Post by: Okano-gun on July 07, 2011, 01:12:19 AM
Post by: slim9300 on July 07, 2011, 07:05:55 AM
I don't know if this helps, but I am a staunch conservative and I hate Seattle. =)
Post by: MtnMuley on July 07, 2011, 08:16:32 AM
Post by: highcountry on July 07, 2011, 08:39:03 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 07, 2011, 08:47:20 AM
What are you talking about? It's not decent anywhere else? I never said I was going to hunt anywhere else regardless. I had some ideas of places along Hwy 20 based on a few people's advice that I have spoken with. If I couldn't find anything here my next step was the game dept. From there I was just going to drive over there and talk to as many landowners I could and maybe spend some time at the local bar. Your advice has been worthless up until this point. Have you ever hunted unit 231 or are you just talking to talk?
[/quote]
This is the oddest post from a newcomer I've yet seen. I don't have a problem with new forum members coming in right off the bat and asking for advice on their draws, but to tell someone who takes the time to respond to you that his info is worthless? You might want to go join another forum if that's your introduction to ours. This is a friendly, helpful forum where people share freely. Your attitude stinks.
Post by: elkfvr on July 07, 2011, 09:01:52 AM
What are you talking about? It's not decent anywhere else? I never said I was going to hunt anywhere else regardless. I had some ideas of places along Hwy 20 based on a few people's advice that I have spoken with. If I couldn't find anything here my next step was the game dept. From there I was just going to drive over there and talk to as many landowners I could and maybe spend some time at the local bar. Your advice has been worthless up until this point. Have you ever hunted unit 231 or are you just talking to talk?
This is the oddest post from a newcomer I've yet seen. I don't have a problem with new forum members coming in right off the bat and asking for advice on their draws, but to tell someone who takes the time to respond to you that his info is worthless? You might want to go join another forum if that's your introduction to ours. This is a friendly, helpful forum where people share freely. Your attitude stinks.
[/quote] :yeah:
Post by: slim9300 on July 07, 2011, 09:11:43 AM
This is the oddest post from a newcomer I've yet seen. I don't have a problem with new forum members coming in right off the bat and asking for advice on their draws, but to tell someone who takes the time to respond to you that his info is worthless? You might want to go join another forum if that's your introduction to ours. This is a friendly, helpful forum where people share freely. Your attitude stinks.
After talking privately, that poster and I "worked out" the situation. I apologized for my post. Thank you for your observation.
I spend hundreds of hours on other hunting forums and this was the first time I stubbled upon a WA based forum. I realize my standing here and appreciate all of the help I have gotten for my sis thus far.
Post by: slim9300 on July 07, 2011, 09:15:01 AM
The pic attatched is of a buck I photographed last Monday the 4th. Between Winthrop and Mazama off hwy 20.
Nice!
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 07, 2011, 10:09:14 AM
This is the oddest post from a newcomer I've yet seen. I don't have a problem with new forum members coming in right off the bat and asking for advice on their draws, but to tell someone who takes the time to respond to you that his info is worthless? You might want to go join another forum if that's your introduction to ours. This is a friendly, helpful forum where people share freely. Your attitude stinks.
After talking privately, that poster and I "worked out" the situation. I apologized for my post. Thank you for your observation.
I spend hundreds of hours on other hunting forums and this was the first time I stubbled upon a WA based forum. I realize my standing here and appreciate all of the help I have gotten for my sis thus far.
Good enough. Time for a do-over. Welcome to HuntWA!
Post by: slim9300 on July 07, 2011, 10:22:04 AM
This is the oddest post from a newcomer I've yet seen. I don't have a problem with new forum members coming in right off the bat and asking for advice on their draws, but to tell someone who takes the time to respond to you that his info is worthless? You might want to go join another forum if that's your introduction to ours. This is a friendly, helpful forum where people share freely. Your attitude stinks.
After talking privately, that poster and I "worked out" the situation. I apologized for my post. Thank you for your observation.
I spend hundreds of hours on other hunting forums and this was the first time I stubbled upon a WA based forum. I realize my standing here and appreciate all of the help I have gotten for my sis thus far.
Good enough. Time for a do-over. Welcome to HuntWA!
Thank you!
It's funny. If this was my own tag I wouldn't care nearly as much or have any reason to create a thread on here. I would just drive over there and scout every weekend I had, like I always do in new areas. But all I want to do is see Kahlen get her first buck, hence how I found this site. It looks like she is well on her way and thanks to this thread we are 1000% better off. Thanks everyone. This seems like a great site with very good people.
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 07, 2011, 11:29:44 AM
Post by: boneaddict on July 07, 2011, 12:03:32 PM
Post by: boneaddict on July 07, 2011, 12:06:52 PM
Post by: slim9300 on July 07, 2011, 12:47:26 PM
P.S. The potential is great, but not a gimme. Best bet is to haul her smiling face over there to one of the landowners with a huge alfalfa field and there is about a 95% chance they'll let a youngster hunt it. There are some really good people that own large tracts of land in that bottom. Generally they are protective and only let family and friends hunt, but they tend to make exceptions for youngsters.
Yep. I was hoping to play the "cute little girl" card. =)
I would take any young kid that loved to hunt and asked me for help, to my honey holes if it meant getting them their first animal.
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 07, 2011, 01:10:40 PM
all yeah done this a many times myself and made lots of friends and has definately gotten me more places to hunt over the years for sure !!! :tup:P.S. The potential is great, but not a gimme. Best bet is to haul her smiling face over there to one of the landowners with a huge alfalfa field and there is about a 95% chance they'll let a youngster hunt it. There are some really good people that own large tracts of land in that bottom. Generally they are protective and only let family and friends hunt, but they tend to make exceptions for youngsters.
Yep. I was hoping to play the "cute little girl" card. =)
I would take any young kid that loved to hunt and asked me for help, to my honey holes if it meant getting them their first animal.
Post by: Huntnphish on July 07, 2011, 02:51:08 PM
After talking privately, that poster and I "worked out" the situation.
Its all good, he just misunderstood what I was saying is all. I will be in that unit helping someone with a quality tag at the same time, he gave me his contact info so I can let him know if I see a whitetail buck while hiking.
Post by: KopperBuck on July 07, 2011, 03:15:49 PM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 07, 2011, 03:39:56 PM
......don't worry about blabbing this unit to everybody. It already has by your westside of the mtn hunting extrodinaire, BH45.I guess not ... being game dept. land THIS IS ONE OF MY HONEY HOLES !!!!! :chuckle: :chuckle: you may want to go and try your luck too !! :chuckle: :chuckle: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Post by: MtnMuley on July 07, 2011, 03:46:53 PM
......don't worry about blabbing this unit to everybody. It already has by your westside of the mtn hunting extrodinaire, BH45.I guess not ... being game dept. land THIS IS ONE OF MY HONEY HOLES !!!!! :chuckle: :chuckle: you may want to go and try your luck too !! :chuckle: :chuckle: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Zero desire. I could list 100 better places to hunt whitetail in this state.
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 07, 2011, 03:57:57 PM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 07, 2011, 04:08:35 PM
The game dept land off hwy 20 between Mazama and Winthrop on the South side of 20 is whitetail infested it is area 231 ... huge whitetail but tricky to hunt do to all the safety zones ,,,need to get to the river and find some good trails and site where you can watch the river bank and see a lttle ways ... big ones !!!!!! pm me if you need too !!!hey slim ... please do not praise anyone o.k some just get offended and start stupid sheeet .....Boy I sure would like to take ya but then no would like me .. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
You are my savior. Thank you so much! I may take you up on that offer soon.
Post by: slim9300 on July 07, 2011, 04:11:38 PM
I would like to know where I said THEIR IS NOT BETTER PLACES TO HUNT WHITETAIL !!! He has a tag and I gave him some info ...not many places to choose from in this area ... They just do not let everyone hunt ....Mention wetside and see what ya come up with.... Exspecially around Winthrop ......and I love how some need to make smart$$$$ remarks on here knowing their is no way to justify themselves..What makes people do this ? I know but I will not let it get to me....If anyone wants my opinion please pm me ...I have high blood pressure ... 8)
Can you please pm me? Looks like I only have permission to respond to other's PMs. Sucks.
Post by: MtnMuley on July 07, 2011, 04:13:45 PM
I would like to know where I said THEIR IS NOT BETTER PLACES TO HUNT WHITETAIL !!!
Did I say you did? You told me that "I may want to go try my luck too". I then replied, "I have no desire". Simple communication gone bad I guess.
PS, I will justify every remark I make. :)
Post by: CedarPants on July 07, 2011, 04:23:24 PM
Slim - good luck on the hunt man, we all can't wait to see the smiles on your sister's face when she tags out this fall :tup:
Post by: slim9300 on July 07, 2011, 04:26:53 PM
Private is obviously a great option, but we did run into a few farther up river. Just a couple does here and there. Did see one pig 4pt just on the other side of the river. Old *censored*.
Ouch. So rumors of the vast majority of Whitetails migrating out of the unit for the rut are seemingly accurate? That blows. Too bad it wasn't a September hunt if that is the case.
I'm guessing that November 1st is probably going to be the best day to hunt then? Might not even be worth going if there are so few deer in November. Sounds like typical WA Fish and Game management. =(
Post by: slim9300 on July 07, 2011, 04:30:07 PM
I hereby announce that we should rename this thread "The Pissing Match" :chuckle:
Slim - good luck on the hunt man, we all can't wait to see the smiles on your sister's face when she tags out this fall :tup:
This site must be much different than the others I frequent. Pissing matches are just par for the course there. Lol
Thanks for the support.
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 07, 2011, 04:31:54 PM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 07, 2011, 04:35:31 PM
I just wish I could takes things differently :o :chuckle:I would like to know where I said THEIR IS NOT BETTER PLACES TO HUNT WHITETAIL !!!
Did I say you did? You told me that "I may want to go try my luck too". I then replied, "I have no desire". Simple communication gone bad I guess.
PS, I will justify every remark I make. :)
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 07, 2011, 04:38:28 PM
Post by: slim9300 on July 07, 2011, 05:25:08 PM
Boy I am in a bad mood for some reason ..but at least I can back my sheet up ... here is one from Gardner .... just a little one ...chances of killin a nice one on public land is O .... :yike:
I don't get it. You started off my thread telling me where the unit was "Whitetail infested" on public land and that there were some big bucks, and now you are saying the chance of killing a decent buck on public land is zero? Are you just screwing with me or am I misreading what you wrote? I am really starting to worry about this hunt, and I had some high hopes for Kahlen after a few guy's PMs and posts.
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 07, 2011, 05:31:21 PM
hahaha just joking thats why I posted one from GARDNER !!!!Boy I am in a bad mood for some reason ..but at least I can back my sheet up ... here is one from Gardner .... just a little one ...chances of killin a nice one on public land is O .... :yike:
I don't get it. You started off my thread telling me where the unit was "Whitetail infested" on public land and that there were some big bucks, and now you are saying the chance of killing a decent buck on public land is zero? Are you just screwing with me or am I misreading what you wrote? I am really starting to worry about this hunt, and I had some high hopes for Kahlen after a few guy's PMs and posts.
Post by: boneaddict on July 07, 2011, 05:35:46 PM
Quote
So rumors of the vast majority of Whitetails migrating out of the unit for the rut.....
BS
Whoever told you that doesn't have a clue. If it happens to be one of my best friends, sorry, but thats plain BS. They are in and out of your unit. but thats because the majority of the whitetails in that unit are along its borders. THERES a hint for you.
Post by: slim9300 on July 07, 2011, 05:36:50 PM
hahaha just joking thats why I posted one from GARDNER !!!!Boy I am in a bad mood for some reason ..but at least I can back my sheet up ... here is one from Gardner .... just a little one ...chances of killin a nice one on public land is O .... :yike:
I don't get it. You started off my thread telling me where the unit was "Whitetail infested" on public land and that there were some big bucks, and now you are saying the chance of killing a decent buck on public land is zero? Are you just screwing with me or am I misreading what you wrote? I am really starting to worry about this hunt, and I had some high hopes for Kahlen after a few guy's PMs and posts.
Man you are hard to read. Lol.
What about this question I asked earlier?
Ouch. So rumors of the vast majority of Whitetails migrating out of the unit for the rut are seemingly accurate? That blows. Too bad it wasn't a September hunt if that is the case.
I'm guessing that November 1st is probably going to be the best day to hunt then? Might not even be worth going if there are so few deer in November. Sounds like typical WA Fish and Game management. =(
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 07, 2011, 05:42:00 PM
hahaha just joking thats why I posted one from GARDNER !!!!Boy I am in a bad mood for some reason ..but at least I can back my sheet up ... here is one from Gardner .... just a little one ...chances of killin a nice one on public land is O .... :yike:
I don't get it. You started off my thread telling me where the unit was "Whitetail infested" on public land and that there were some big bucks, and now you are saying the chance of killing a decent buck on public land is zero? Are you just screwing with me or am I misreading what you wrote? I am really starting to worry about this hunt, and I had some high hopes for Kahlen after a few guy's PMs and posts.
Man you are hard to read. Lol.
What about this question I asked earlier?Ouch. So rumors of the vast majority of Whitetails migrating out of the unit for the rut are seemingly accurate? That blows. Too bad it wasn't a September hunt if that is the case.dude I do not know who is feeding you this information but it could only be for 2 reasons ....#1 they have no clue about it or #3 they are trying to steer you off in a different direction ... There are gettin to be more and whitetail in this unit than most think ... Nov. is a sweet time to be deer hunting NO MATTER WHAT THE SPECIES !!!! AND ONE MORE THING ...If I had to choose what days I wanted to hunt the rut it would be ( Nov.1st thru the 10th ) my opinion the hottest time to be in the woods !!!
I'm guessing that November 1st is probably going to be the best day to hunt then? Might not even be worth going if there are so few deer in November. Sounds like typical WA Fish and Game management. =(
Post by: boneaddict on July 07, 2011, 05:44:55 PM
That being said, November is ALMOST always the best time to nail a trophy whitetail, unless you are hunting over bait or a crop (same thing)
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 07, 2011, 05:46:42 PM
Its probably better suited as a quality tag if you are a local and know what you are doing. In the WDFWs defense, just because there is a tag and just because its in the rut, it doesn't mean you should apply for it. :) There is probably a local in Twisp that is really pissed that they didn't draw that tag right now.yeah buddy !!! thanks Bone !!!
That being said, November is ALMOST always the best time to nail a trophy whitetail, unless you are hunting over bait or a crop (same thing)
Post by: slim9300 on July 07, 2011, 05:48:34 PM
Its probably better suited as a quality tag if you are a local and know what you are doing. In the WDFWs defense, just because there is a tag and just because its in the rut, it doesn't mean you should apply for it. :) There is probably a local in Twisp that is really pissed that they didn't draw that tag right now.
That being said, November is ALMOST always the best time to nail a trophy whitetail, unless you are hunting over bait or a crop (same thing)
I was just worried (due to a pm I received) that they were migratory deer for some odd reason kind of like Mulies are in certain places. In my limited experience with Whitetail the bucks always seem to roam the river bottoms like crazy during the rut, when any other time of the year they wouldn't exist. Good to know that's how it is in Gardner too.
Post by: KopperBuck on July 07, 2011, 05:51:13 PM
And I wasn't hunting for WT, thus I wasn't seeing many. There's WT there.
Post by: slim9300 on July 07, 2011, 05:51:49 PM
:yeah:
And I wasn't hunting for WT, thus I wasn't seeing many. There's WT there.
Oh. Makes sense now.
Post by: boneaddict on July 07, 2011, 05:53:50 PM
Post by: bradslam on July 07, 2011, 07:02:30 PM
I'll post the advice in a seperate post.
Post by: Bonehuntn on July 07, 2011, 07:40:59 PM
Its probably better suited as a quality tag if you are a local and know what you are doing. In the WDFWs defense, just because there is a tag and just because its in the rut, it doesn't mean you should apply for it. :) There is probably a local in Twisp that is really pissed that they didn't draw that tag right now.
:yeah:
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 07, 2011, 07:45:05 PM
Man this thread got crazy. Just to let you know, I was the only late whitetail permit holder in the Gardner unit to harvest a buck last year. I have also hunted the Methow Valley for close to thirty years. I am willing to give some advice to help your sister, but I'll say a couple of things first. Like some of the others on this site, you turned me off with your earlier replies. Seems like you have a chip on your shoulder. Another thing that bothers me is why people have to get political for no reason. You say, "I am a staunch conservative and I hate Seattle." So what. I am middle of the road politically and I think it is a shame how divided this country has become. I know some very liberal people who are great hunters and show respect to the land and its wildlife. I also know some hard-core convervatives who are slobs, treat the outdoors like their own personal toilet bowl, and brag about poaching game. Which one do you think I would rather hunt with? Have some respect for others' beliefs. Also, I am not from Seattle, but I don't hate it and I know some great people who live there. You probably put down quite a few people on this site.is that the buck you got ??? :tup:
I'll post the advice in a seperate post.
Post by: bradslam on July 07, 2011, 08:02:29 PM
Post by: slim9300 on July 07, 2011, 09:24:08 PM
Man this thread got crazy. Just to let you know, I was the only late whitetail permit holder in the Gardner unit to harvest a buck last year. I have also hunted the Methow Valley for close to thirty years. I am willing to give some advice to help your sister, but I'll say a couple of things first. Like some of the others on this site, you turned me off with your earlier replies. Seems like you have a chip on your shoulder. Another thing that bothers me is why people have to get political for no reason. You say, "I am a staunch conservative and I hate Seattle." So what. I am middle of the road politically and I think it is a shame how divided this country has become. I know some very liberal people who are great hunters and show respect to the land and its wildlife. I also know some hard-core convervatives who are slobs, treat the outdoors like their own personal toilet bowl, and brag about poaching game. Which one do you think I would rather hunt with? Have some respect for others' beliefs. Also, I am not from Seattle, but I don't hate it and I know some great people who live there. You probably put down quite a few people on this site.
I'll post the advice in a seperate post.
Just so you are aware. The comment was tongue in cheek and basically a joke. I assumed that most of the guys that were "mad" at me for creating this thread figured I was a city boy intruding on their area. I also figured like most semi-rural people, they were conservative. I was simply trying to relate in a joking manor. I went to UW and lived in Seattle for 4 years from 2003-2007. I really did dislike living there but that was
just personal preference.
I have no chip on my shoulder. I am just trying to help my little sister kill her first buck.
Post by: boneaddict on July 07, 2011, 09:48:16 PM
Quote
I was the only late whitetail permit holder in the Gardner unit to harvest a buck last year. I have also hunted the Methow Valley for close to thirty years
Thats probably not a coincidence
Post by: Huntnphish on July 07, 2011, 10:24:35 PM
QuoteI was the only late whitetail permit holder in the Gardner unit to harvest a buck last year. I have also hunted the Methow Valley for close to thirty years
Thats probably not a coincidence
+1
Post by: bradslam on July 07, 2011, 11:07:10 PM
Post by: slim9300 on July 08, 2011, 06:59:36 AM
I'll try to get some info on here when I can. I'm actually on duty right now at my fire department working a 48 hour shift. It's after "productive" hours so I can be on the computer, but I'm trying to finish reports up between running calls and it is now after 11pm. I may not get to it until tomorrow.
Brad. I would greatly appreciate any help you can provide.
Is there any way you can PM me your email address? I tried sending you a PM but I think my privileges are still limited.
Post by: bradslam on July 08, 2011, 12:58:54 PM
Post by: slim9300 on October 14, 2011, 09:57:47 PM
Post by: slim9300 on October 17, 2011, 06:17:59 AM
Post by: slim9300 on November 17, 2011, 05:01:32 PM
Wish my little sis some luck!
Post by: slim9300 on November 20, 2011, 12:31:07 PM
Post by: bucklucky on November 20, 2011, 12:46:48 PM
Post by: boneaddict on November 20, 2011, 01:21:08 PM
Post by: upriver on November 20, 2011, 01:33:00 PM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on November 20, 2011, 01:45:51 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on November 20, 2011, 02:16:33 PM
Post by: slim9300 on November 21, 2011, 07:02:21 AM
My little sister Kahlen drew a special permit for Gardner as you guys know; a unit that normally takes 12 years to draw. The "problem" with the unit is that 95% of the whitetail habitat (river bottoms) is on private land and small parcels, so because of that I recruited a guide in advance. (at a very reasonable price I may add =)) Fred Miller owns or has access to a decent amount of land and I knew this would be our best bet to get Kahlen a whitetail buck. If it wasn't for Kahlen's age however, 95% of the land we had access to wouldn't be an option. Before I continue with the story, I will say that God was looking out for Kahlen on this hunt. Nothing else explains her incredible luck. =)
Saturday morning we saw 3 nice Whitetail bucks, 6 Muley bucks and about 120 does. The rut was in full swing. The problem was that she could only shoot a whitetail buck and they were all on private property we didn't have access to. Mid-day we did a couple mile walk through the only stretch of public land on the Methow river bottom. There were tons of tracks in the fresh snow, but the deer were moving across the river and into the higher country to bed. With 10-12" of snow we wouldn't be going that far after them and due to how thick the underbrush is in the timber, it was probably futile anyways. Not to mention my little sis was beat from fighting the snow for a few hours.
Here is where the luck comes in... Later that afternoon we were driving to some private property that we had permission to hunt for the evening. We were passing our guide's property on the west side of the two-lane highway, and on the opposite side of the road (out of the unit) we saw a buck chasing two does on a flat run. He was headed right for Fred's property (and our unit) and we pulled over to watch. He crossed 100 yards behind the truck and almost got smoked by two cars. After they ran into the timber we pulled a U-turn and hurried back to his road. We pulled in about 100 yards, parked the truck and started walking the gravel road and glassing the brushy timber. The buck had lost the does and was pacing slowing through the timber looking confused. He was VERY dumbed up from the rut, thank God. And we were actually between the buck and the does, so he was trying to get around us while I kept trying to get Kahlen setup for a clear shot. This literally went on for 4 or 5 minutes as we moved laterally along the edge of the timber as he did the same trying to get around us. He seemed to be getting restless (big shocker), but Kahlen was just too short to make use of the bi-pod on her rifle while seeing over the tall brush and she isn't able to hold steady off-hand. She is a crack shot with her Aimpoint scope, but she needs lots of time and a steady rest. I could have shot the buck a hundred times but that's how it goes.
Well, finally as the buck started to go right I realized he was moving toward a small opening. I grabbed her and we ran about 20 yards laterally to get a clear view. I set down the rifle and positioned it for her. As the buck walked into the opening I grunted and he stopped at 45 yards. I then started "coaching" her to shoot. She is always worried about making a perfect shot, and I could tell she was apprehensive. I finally said Kahlen, you need to shoot NOW! Just then she pulled the trigger and the buck mule kicked. He went 10 yards and flipped over dead. I'm glad nobody had a video camera because I jumped as high as I could and threw up a mighty fist pump. It was like I just killed a 400" bull. Don't ask me how someone can get so worked up over a Whitetail. (JK all you midwest boys) ;)
This may have been one of the weirdest hunts I have ever been on, but it easily ranks up there with the best. Kahlen is one lucky girl and that buck was destined to die from her bullet. He just happened to be a stud of a WA Whitetail. I want to thank Fred Miller of Fred's Whitetails because without his help there would have been almost no chance of Kahlen killing a buck. He is a kind person and we all thoroughly enjoyed spending time with him. If you want Fred's number send me a PM. He knows all of the units in a 30 mile radius like the back of his hand. Secondly I would like to thank Brad on here. He went out of his way to help Kahlen despite his dad having the same tag. I hope his old man killed a bruiser. Lastly, thank you guys for all the tips and encouragement. Kahlen always loves to look at these threads and see what people have to say. Oh and btw, she killed an elk in October too before her 10th birthday. She doesn't realize fully realize this yet (despite me telling her), but she has had a more successful year than most hunters will ever have. =)
Enjoy the pics.
-Conlan
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ppFsj7DSGSQ/TsnXQP-fArI/AAAAAAAAADw/9eczscd1X5M/s640/1.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2-y_1prGuKQ/TsnXXM_lz5I/AAAAAAAAAD8/CxUPRWsEccI/s640/2.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UaAhWdOoa9I/TsnXh1cQwTI/AAAAAAAAAEM/oRGorHVtQBA/s640/4.jpg)
Post by: buck man on November 21, 2011, 07:47:50 AM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on November 21, 2011, 07:57:21 AM
Post by: C-Money on November 21, 2011, 08:03:55 AM
Post by: bucklucky on November 21, 2011, 08:04:09 AM
Post by: slim9300 on November 21, 2011, 08:27:25 AM
Great story and pics! Congrats to your little sis. Real nice four point. Looks like he is about 18 inches wide. Nice job :drool: :tup:
Yep. 17.5".
I would have been more than happy with him. Lol.
Post by: Elkpiss on November 21, 2011, 08:39:42 AM
Post by: Wingin it on November 21, 2011, 09:49:33 AM
Post by: bradslam on November 21, 2011, 11:18:52 AM
Post by: Hornseeker on November 21, 2011, 01:13:08 PM
Post by: hambone on November 21, 2011, 03:08:44 PM
Post by: colockumelk on November 21, 2011, 03:33:03 PM
Post by: slim9300 on November 21, 2011, 04:40:51 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2F4a5d6a5e-ef0a-ca73.jpg&hash=d8926f6c0c6cdf6adcae21cc7064bc9b76e56449)
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on November 21, 2011, 04:49:53 PM
Post by: slim9300 on November 21, 2011, 04:58:15 PM
how did that 08 perform on that elk ? She is definately off to a good start :tup:
Like father and brother, like daughter I guess. Lol. By my age she may even have more elk than me. I really hope that is the case.
The rifle did great. The elk went about 100 yards and piled up.
Post by: colockumelk on November 21, 2011, 06:10:28 PM
Post by: boneaddict on November 21, 2011, 08:32:46 PM
Post by: TommyH on November 21, 2011, 09:04:44 PM