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Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: Boatman on January 17, 2021, 12:44:43 PM


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Title: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Boatman on January 17, 2021, 12:44:43 PM
I'm looking for recommendations on which North Central Washington units I should be looking at for a quality deer hunt for 2021.  My goal is to harvest a quality Mule Deer buck in Washington State.  I've lived in this state for 50 years and deer hunted since I was 10.  I have yet to kill a buck over 20" wide in this state. 

I'm considering the following units, but am open to suggestions based on your past experiences.......

247 Entiat....?
245 Chiwawa...?
224 Pearrygin...?
242 Alta....?

I'm in decent physical shape and I don't mind hunting away from the roads.  That being said, I'm not a young buck either.  I'm just hoping to find a good hunting experience WITHOUT having to leave Washington State.

Thank you in advance for your advice!
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Naches Sportsman on January 17, 2021, 12:50:43 PM
Throw 371 in there too. If I still lived in WA/ Yakistan area that would be the only unit I'd apply to for deer
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: ghosthunter on January 17, 2021, 01:01:42 PM
I'm looking for recommendations on which North Central Washington units I should be looking at for a quality deer hunt for 2021.  My goal is to harvest a quality Mule Deer buck in Washington State.  I've lived in this state for 50 years and deer hunted since I was 10.  I have yet to kill a buck over 20" wide in this state. 

I'm considering the following units, but am open to suggestions based on your past experiences.......

247 Entiat....?
245 Chiwawa...?
224 Pearrygin...?
242 Alta....?

I'm in decent physical shape and I don't mind hunting away from the roads.  That being said, I'm not a young buck either.  I'm just hoping to find a good hunting experience WITHOUT having to leave Washington State.

Thank you in advance for your advice!

We are holding hands. I have same points and plan to start trying to draw next year after I retire at 70 this year.
Always thought I would put in for Gardner because I know it well. But after this year maybe not.
Tagging along.

What is a quality hunt for you. Everyone is different.
Some will say shoot a big one and go home.
Some will say hunting out of a motel.
Some will say 10 day hunt.

For me my quality hunt will be 20 days plus out of my wall tents.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: cem3434 on January 17, 2021, 01:15:44 PM
Start applying to other states like MT that are fairly easy to draw and killing 22"-26" wide 4x4 is a realistic goal. 18 points in WA is not even close to a guarantee of drawing a tag in any of those units. I know several people who apply in these same units with 20+ points every year, my self included with 24 points this year. I'm almost 40 and have never drawn a quality or OIL tag in this state, so I'm grateful I started hunting out of state about 15 years ago. You should stop delaying your dreams of killing a decent muley and start saving up to hunt elsewhere imho.  :twocents:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: vandeman17 on January 17, 2021, 01:16:06 PM
Hate to be the bearer of bad news but a lot of the central wa mule deer units draw odds are terrible even with 18 points. I would say to pick two units you have always wanted to hunt and throw your name in the hat.  :twocents:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: boneaddict on January 17, 2021, 01:19:25 PM
Idaho
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Stein on January 17, 2021, 01:22:30 PM
Hate to be the bearer of bad news but a lot of the central wa mule deer units draw odds are terrible even with 18 points. I would say to pick two units you have always wanted to hunt and throw your name in the hat.  :twocents:

 :yeah:

You are looking at 1-9% draw odds with 18 points.....
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: builtfordtough on January 17, 2021, 01:27:53 PM
I have been putting in for Colorado and Wyoming.  I have 22 pts for Washington. Have not given up entirely on my dreams to hunt a quality mule deer hunt in this state.  My son will be a first year hunter this year so everything is all about him and will be immediately buying his points for out of state hunts.  Definitely contemplating buying him points for this state for anything. Whats the point??? I have been fortunate enough to draw 2 quality any bull tags (07,19) so there's always a chance I guess.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: cougforester on January 17, 2021, 01:37:24 PM
I'm looking for recommendations on which North Central Washington units I should be looking at for a quality deer hunt for 2021.  My goal is to harvest a quality Mule Deer buck in Washington State.  I've lived in this state for 50 years and deer hunted since I was 10.  I have yet to kill a buck over 20" wide in this state. 

I'm considering the following units, but am open to suggestions based on your past experiences.......

247 Entiat....?
245 Chiwawa...?
224 Pearrygin...?
242 Alta....?

I'm in decent physical shape and I don't mind hunting away from the roads.  That being said, I'm not a young buck either.  I'm just hoping to find a good hunting experience WITHOUT having to leave Washington State.

Thank you in advance for your advice!

Entiat 1.3%
Chiwawa 6.4%
Pearrygin 3.5%
Alta 8.8%

Those are your odds with 18 points as of last year of drawing those tags. Just FYI.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: MADMAX on January 17, 2021, 01:43:27 PM
Chewuch
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: ghosthunter on January 17, 2021, 01:47:08 PM
What happens to odds if two hunters with 18 points put in as a group? Any advantage?
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: vandeman17 on January 17, 2021, 02:01:40 PM
What happens to odds if two hunters with 18 points put in as a group? Any advantage?

Disadvantage because if one of your numbers comes up and only 1 tag is left, you are out of luck.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Mfowl on January 17, 2021, 02:18:01 PM
Are you rifle specific or do other weapon categories apply?
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Crunchy on January 17, 2021, 02:18:25 PM
Im in the 18 point club as well.  I am not holding my breath, but would love to draw so I can zero out and put in for easier tags to draw.  I am pot committed at this point though.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: full choke on January 17, 2021, 02:22:40 PM
Im in the 18 point club as well.  I am not holding my breath, but would love to draw so I can zero out and put in for easier tags to draw.  I am pot committed at this point though.

I suppose that takes the sting out of "Not Selected"?  :chuckle:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: vandeman17 on January 17, 2021, 02:59:03 PM
Im in the 18 point club as well.  I am not holding my breath, but would love to draw so I can zero out and put in for easier tags to draw.  I am pot committed at this point though.

Same with me. I set plans to hunt other states for deer as well as late season whitetail general in wa. If I happen to get lucky that’s great but don’t expect it at all. I think I will be at 17 points this year
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: The scout on January 17, 2021, 03:47:23 PM
Idaho


 :yeah: That’s exactly what I was going to say. I drew chiwawa unit a few yrs back, I love the unit and have spent tons of time in it. I also had a montana tag in my pocket, i had 10 days to spend in chiwawa, it was fogged in for like 7 days in a row and with snow in the forecast I bailed early and went to montana. Still was a awesome hunt. And I had zero issues eating my tag. But the 16 yr wait to get fogged out was the most disappointing part. I don’t apply in Washington anymore, see 10 times the big bucks in other states.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Igor on January 17, 2021, 04:11:41 PM
It's sad to see units like Chiwawa go so far downhill.  In the 80s that used to be our favorite unit.  The buck in my avatar came from the Chiwawa unit.  I still put in for it every year.....just for old times sake.  That unit still has some nice bucks, and would be my recommendation.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 17, 2021, 04:12:32 PM
Saw some nice bucks during that Chiwawa permit time.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Miles on January 17, 2021, 04:47:21 PM
I would never wait 18 years for any WA mule deer tag.  Big mule deer are doable (even in WA) without waiting that long for an overrated tag.   Good luck.   Best advice would be look at any other state with easy to draw odds.  It would most likely beat out a 18 year tag in WA. 
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: blindluck on January 17, 2021, 04:49:47 PM
I ran into a special permit holder multiple times this last season in one of the north central units, he hunted from Nov 1, thru November 18 or 19 and ended up shooting a 3 year old 16” 4x4 he was a little disappointed to say the least.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: huntnphool on January 17, 2021, 04:59:23 PM
 A 20” buck is a no brainer in any of those units, just pick one. :twocents:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: jstone on January 17, 2021, 05:06:16 PM
Utah
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: jstone on January 17, 2021, 05:07:52 PM
Jk
Any of those would work
Muzzy.!!!
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: buckfvr on January 17, 2021, 05:28:28 PM
Im in the 18 point club as well.  I am not holding my breath, but would love to draw so I can zero out and put in for easier tags to draw.  I am pot committed at this point though.

Same with me. I set plans to hunt other states for deer as well as late season whitetail general in wa. If I happen to get lucky that’s great but don’t expect it at all. I think I will be at 17 points this year

Your mention of "late season whitetail" reminded me of a notification from NWWG (Northeast Wa. Wildlife Group) at their Jan 4th zoom meeting with the commishes, wdfw staff has floated the idea of changing late season to an 8 day season rather than apr to save some deer, ya right.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: highcountry_hunter on January 17, 2021, 09:09:01 PM
Idaho

OTC Idaho is better than any current WA unit even with 200 points
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: deerlick on January 17, 2021, 09:59:40 PM
Montana
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: dvolmer on January 18, 2021, 09:06:36 AM
Start applying to other states like MT that are fairly easy to draw and killing 22"-26" wide 4x4 is a realistic goal. 18 points in WA is not even close to a guarantee of drawing a tag in any of those units. I know several people who apply in these same units with 20+ points every year, my self included with 24 points this year. I'm almost 40 and have never drawn a quality or OIL tag in this state, so I'm grateful I started hunting out of state about 15 years ago. You should stop delaying your dreams of killing a decent muley and start saving up to hunt elsewhere imho.  :twocents:

Best advice on this thread!
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: vandeman17 on January 18, 2021, 09:09:50 AM
He said multiple times in his post about not wanting to leave washington state for this hunt. I am pretty sure Idaho, Montana, Utah etc are not in the state of washington but I could be wrong.  :dunno:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Mtnwalker on January 18, 2021, 09:34:32 AM
He said multiple times in his post about not wanting to leave washington state for this hunt. I am pretty sure Idaho, Montana, Utah etc are not in the state of washington but I could be wrong.  :dunno:

They obviously know better. "Oh you want xyz? No you don't, here let me tell you what you actually want."  :chuckle:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Rainier10 on January 18, 2021, 10:24:10 AM
I had a tag that let me hunt Chiwawa and Entiat this past year.  I have never been in the other two units.  I would say that I saw more deer in Entiat but I also hunted entiat more.  I think any of those units will be good but you do need the weather to cooperate.  You need snow early to get them moving and clear weather during your hunt so you can glass.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: fishngamereaper on January 18, 2021, 10:38:45 AM
Pick a less popular unit and burn the points.

I get a "quality" wa deer tag every 6-7 years cause I avoid the popular units. I still have fun successful hunt's.  Most any central wa unit can produce big bucks.  My biggest mule deer to date came from a less popular unit near e-burg. So they are out there. Drawing the tag and the hunt itself is most of the fun. The harvest is an added bonus.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 18, 2021, 10:42:16 AM
He said multiple times in his post about not wanting to leave washington state for this hunt. I am pretty sure Idaho, Montana, Utah etc are not in the state of washington but I could be wrong.  :dunno:
he also said he wants a decent muley buck. HANDS down best advice for killing a 4pt over 20" wide is not to apply for sub 10% draw odds hunts. Its to go to MT and hunt the rut. Odds are not in his favor to draw a WA quality deer permit any time in the next 20 years. ID is no slam dunk. UT is DEFINITELY no slam dunk. MT there is a pretty reasonable expectation of a better than average 4pt if you can stay off the trigger long enough to find him.

Tomorrow is never a guarantee so get busy huntin  :twocents:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: vandeman17 on January 18, 2021, 10:47:25 AM
He said multiple times in his post about not wanting to leave washington state for this hunt. I am pretty sure Idaho, Montana, Utah etc are not in the state of washington but I could be wrong.  :dunno:
he also said he wants a decent muley buck. HANDS down best advice for killing a 4pt over 20" wide is not to apply for sub 10% draw odds hunts. Its to go to MT and hunt the rut. Odds are not in his favor to draw a WA quality deer permit any time in the next 20 years. ID is no slam dunk. UT is DEFINITELY no slam dunk. MT there is a pretty reasonable expectation of a better than average 4pt if you can stay off the trigger long enough to find him.

Tomorrow is never a guarantee so get busy huntin  :twocents:

Not to beat a dead horse but he said, he wanted to shoot a washington mule deer over 20" wide. Maybe its a goal of his, he didn't say and hasn't responded to his one and only post.

" I'm just hoping to find a good hunting experience WITHOUT having to leave Washington State." That is tough to do in Idaho and Montana.


Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 18, 2021, 10:49:59 AM
"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result."

 :twocents:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: fishngamereaper on January 18, 2021, 10:54:10 AM
"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result."

 :twocents:

Exactly how I feel with 23 oil points for goat, sheep and moose... :chuckle:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: vandeman17 on January 18, 2021, 10:58:10 AM
"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result."

 :twocents:

Totally agree as I am sitting with a decent amount of points and make out of state plans every year.

All I was getting at was he asked about central wa units with 18 points and where we would apply. Telling him to hunt Montana doesn't seem to be helpful feedback. I will now step aside
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Mtnwalker on January 18, 2021, 11:04:04 AM
He said multiple times in his post about not wanting to leave washington state for this hunt. I am pretty sure Idaho, Montana, Utah etc are not in the state of washington but I could be wrong.  :dunno:
he also said he wants a decent muley buck. HANDS down best advice for killing a 4pt over 20" wide is not to apply for sub 10% draw odds hunts. Its to go to MT and hunt the rut. Odds are not in his favor to draw a WA quality deer permit any time in the next 20 years. ID is no slam dunk. UT is DEFINITELY no slam dunk. MT there is a pretty reasonable expectation of a better than average 4pt if you can stay off the trigger long enough to find him.

Tomorrow is never a guarantee so get busy huntin  :twocents:

Quit sending guys to my honey hole! Jeez man!  :chuckle:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 18, 2021, 11:18:05 AM
Its a diversion tactic to better my WA draw odds  8)
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 18, 2021, 11:23:15 AM
If the goal is a bigger WA buck then scouting and hunting any of those units general season is a much better bet then trying to draw a quality tag. Like I previously stated, odds of drawing in the next 20 years is statistically very low and whether its general season or a permit season, big bucks are never a guarantee.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: ghosthunter on January 18, 2021, 12:04:31 PM
Well one of my partners killed a 27.5 buck at the end of the regular rifle season. We did have a little snow early and it was below 32 degrees most days.
My interest in the draw is to get to hunt later and for 20 days.
I second guess the unit because the FS is letting the Mountain Bikers build trails all over it.

The buck this year was the 2nd big buck we've taken out of 20 years of rifle regulars seasons.
We know of six others in different parts. So a over 20 incher is possible in regular season. But mostly luck.

Good luck OP
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Boatman on January 19, 2021, 08:46:12 AM
Guys:

Thanks for all the help.  With that advice, I think I'll start building points in Montana.  Will probably just buy a point in Montana this year.  Maybe I'll go with Plan B and go hunt late Whitetail in the Clearwater region with my cousin.  Apparently there are some tags left in a few of those units. 

Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: dilleytech on January 19, 2021, 09:17:12 AM
If I was boatman I would put in for whatever unit has the highest draw odds. Hopefully burn all those points you have invested in then forget about ever drawing again and hunt out of state.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Miles on January 19, 2021, 09:40:25 AM
We know of six others in different parts. So a over 20 incher is possible in regular season. But mostly luck.

Good luck OP

I disagree completely with the luck comment.  With a little effort and scouting, a 20+ incher is an attainable feat every year.   For those folks who grew up hunting a spot in wa and refuse to leave it, it may not be attainable.  Try new things and new places.   Adapt, as hunters should.  Get away from your typical pumpkin patches and put some time in.   
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 19, 2021, 10:00:40 AM
We know of six others in different parts. So a over 20 incher is possible in regular season. But mostly luck.

Good luck OP

I disagree completely with the luck comment.  With a little effort and scouting, a 20+ incher is an attainable feat every year.   For those folks who grew up hunting a spot in wa and refuse to leave it, it may not be attainable.  Try new things and new places.   Adapt, as hunters should.  Get away from your typical pumpkin patches and put some time in.   
mainly this. If a big buck is what a guy wants, he can't just leave it up to the deer gods. Attack it with deliberate purpose. Guys who kill big deer every year do so by going out and intentionally seeking out big deer. Its something anyone can do if they so choose.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 19, 2021, 10:04:37 AM
Guys:

Thanks for all the help.  With that advice, I think I'll start building points in Montana.  Will probably just buy a point in Montana this year.  Maybe I'll go with Plan B and go hunt late Whitetail in the Clearwater region with my cousin.  Apparently there are some tags left in a few of those units.
solid plan and good on you for taking the bull (or buck  :chuckle:) by the horns. You are the master of your own destiny. Tons and tons of killer muley tags left in idaho so don't think whitetail are your only option. Also id apply for MT, not just buy a point. You've got 50%+ draw odds so why not  :dunno:

Lastly, MT combo draw preference points have an expiration date. You can only buy points for 2 years without actually applying. 3rd year you will lose em if you don't use em. So consider that if you just do a point this year.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Igor on January 19, 2021, 10:08:48 AM

 Also id apply for MT, not just buy a point. You've got 50%+ draw odds so why not  :dunno:

Lastly, MT combo draw preference points have an expiration date. You can only buy points for 2 years without actually applying. 3rd year you will lose em if you don't use em. So consider that if you just do a point this year.

A MT deer hunt is just not economically feasible for some.  Two day drive to get to Eastern MT, hunt five days, two day drive back.  By the time you buy your tags, gas, food, lodging for 7 days, you are probably looking at $1500+.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 19, 2021, 10:16:40 AM

 Also id apply for MT, not just buy a point. You've got 50%+ draw odds so why not  :dunno:

Lastly, MT combo draw preference points have an expiration date. You can only buy points for 2 years without actually applying. 3rd year you will lose em if you don't use em. So consider that if you just do a point this year.

A MT deer hunt is just not economically feasible for some.  Two day drive to get to Eastern MT, hunt five days, two day drive back.  By the time you buy your tags, gas, food, lodging for 7 days, you are probably looking at $1500+.
but he said he is gonna go and also stated he planned to do idaho.  Sounds like he has some funds for a trip :dunno:


Also, food IS NOT a trip expenditure. You are eating food whether you are sitting on your couch at home or 3 states away on a hunt. If one chooses to not plan for normal food consumption on the road, that's either poor planning on their part or they are ok with spending the additional money on eating out and gas station grub.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Igor on January 19, 2021, 10:23:30 AM

 Also id apply for MT, not just buy a point. You've got 50%+ draw odds so why not  :dunno:

Lastly, MT combo draw preference points have an expiration date. You can only buy points for 2 years without actually applying. 3rd year you will lose em if you don't use em. So consider that if you just do a point this year.

A MT deer hunt is just not economically feasible for some.  Two day drive to get to Eastern MT, hunt five days, two day drive back.  By the time you buy your tags, gas, food, lodging for 7 days, you are probably looking at $1500+.
but he said he is gonna go and also stated he planned to do idaho.  Sounds like he has some funds for a trip :dunno:

Fine with me.................just something to keep in mind if you haven't done it before.  A few years ago our party spent around $1750 each for 9 days......so it's not exactly cheap.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 19, 2021, 10:38:02 AM
Thats pretty spendy. Hotel i assume?

To put that in perspective, if he hunted super far away, say Coalridge area, thats 982 miles away. There and back and add an absurd amount of extra driving once there, say 500 miles, is a total 2,464 miles total. Old Ford only averages 12mpg so he is gonna burn 206 gal of gas. At $3.00 a gallon thats about $619 (high side). Eat your own food and tent it. Add in your $700 in license and thats about $1,320.  Take a buddy and split gas and that knocks $300 off of that. Thats $110 a month or if you take a partner its less than a bill a month if you plan to save up for it a year out.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 19, 2021, 10:42:08 AM
Not everyone wants to do it that way but it can be done. I try and hunt 4 states a year. I do not make a ton of money but i find ways to make it affordable. Its not always the most comfortable or ideal but it can be done if yoh want it bad enough.. The "extra" stuff adds up but besides vehicle/gear failures, those extras are self inflicted  :twocents:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Alan K on January 19, 2021, 10:54:50 AM
Not everyone wants to do it that way but it can be done. I try and hunt 4 states a year. I do not make a ton of money but i find ways to make it affordable. Its not always the most comfortable or ideal but it can be done if yoh want it bad enough.. The "extra" stuff adds up but besides vehicle/gear failures, those extras are self inflicted  :twocents:

 :yeah:

Where there is a will there is a way!
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: bobcat on January 19, 2021, 10:57:49 AM
But Montana is one of the more expensive options. That's why I haven't done Montana yet, other than antelope 20 years ago. I get more meat per dollar in Wyoming, so I've been going there every year. Montana is definitely better if you're after antlers, but I hunt for meat.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 19, 2021, 11:12:38 AM
Let's get even crazier. Let's go somewhere even more reasonable like Lewistown. Lets take 2 buddies with us and lets get out of the truck and actually hike so we only drive 200 extra miles while we are there. We pack our own food and sleep in a tent. Thats 670x2+200 for a total of 1,540 miles. We drive cousin Toms slightly newer f150 and we average 15mpg. We only burn 103 gallons at $3.00 a gallon for a total of $309 on fuel. So each guy has to fork out $103 for gas, $700 for tag, and toss in $100 for a meal or two and snacks on the road. Thats a $903 week long vacation AND you bring home meat that you don't have to buy at the store which absolutely counts for something.

Like I try and tell people, you can plan a trip out almost down to the dollar if you are honest about what you want and need out of a hunt. Im ok with being uncomfortable to save a buck but if I go hunting with my dad I am gonna plan to fork out the money for a hotel and a few dinners out because he likes those things. Theres no wrong way to do a hunt except for not going hunting  :twocents:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: WSU on January 19, 2021, 11:25:56 AM
But Montana is one of the more expensive options. That's why I haven't done Montana yet, other than antelope 20 years ago. I get more meat per dollar in Wyoming, so I've been going there every year. Montana is definitely better if you're after antlers, but I hunt for meat.

If you are just after pounds of meat per dollar, it's pretty hard to beat hunting in state.  It's not that hard to kill a deer every year and be consistent with elk as well.  For a couple hundred bucks I've been getting hundreds of lbs of meat a year each year for a long time.

That said, I'm going to Montana this year for the first time.  I'm ready for a new experience and don't care about the cost vs. lbs of meat.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: fishngamereaper on January 19, 2021, 11:29:01 AM
Man I'm lost..

I thought this was about how to burn 18 points in wa... :o

 :chuckle:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: BULLBLASTER on January 19, 2021, 11:30:43 AM
Man I'm lost..

I thought this was about how to burn 18 points in wa... :o

 :chuckle:

Get with the times! Obviously the best way to burn wa points is to spend $2790 to go hunt out of state because cheap meat!  :chuckle:

As long as im reading correctly.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: fishngamereaper on January 19, 2021, 11:33:29 AM
Man I'm lost..

I thought this was about how to burn 18 points in wa... :o

 :chuckle:

Get with the times! Obviously the best way to burn wa points is to spend $2790 to go hunt out of state because cheap meat!  :chuckle:

As long as im reading correctly.

Sorry, my bad. I apologise.  :chuckle:

Carry on.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: WSU on January 19, 2021, 11:34:18 AM
I think the point is there is no reliable way to burn 18 points in wa because you can’t draw anything.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 19, 2021, 12:04:05 PM
I haven't looked at the stats but sure Bob has to see how the point break down for hunters and their points.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Stein on January 19, 2021, 12:13:38 PM
It's earlier in the thread, at 18 points the odds of drawing aren't good at all.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: bobcat on January 19, 2021, 12:24:11 PM
But Montana is one of the more expensive options. That's why I haven't done Montana yet, other than antelope 20 years ago. I get more meat per dollar in Wyoming, so I've been going there every year. Montana is definitely better if you're after antlers, but I hunt for meat.

If you are just after pounds of meat per dollar, it's pretty hard to beat hunting in state.  It's not that hard to kill a deer every year and be consistent with elk as well.  For a couple hundred bucks I've been getting hundreds of lbs of meat a year each year for a long time.

That said, I'm going to Montana this year for the first time.  I'm ready for a new experience and don't care about the cost vs. lbs of meat.

I sure can't count on getting an elk in Washington every year. I got one this year, but the one before that was in 2012. And deer, yes I can usually get one every year (except this year because I didn't really try) but that's still just 50 pounds of meat. Which is why I hunt out of state. And yes, it's also for the experience. If it wasn't, I'd be buying my meat at Safeway. But $700 for a deer tag? That's ridiculous.

To get back in topic, with 18 points I'd simply pick a good deer unit that has the most permits relative to the number of applicants. Which is what I always do anyway, regardless of how many points I have. I'll have 9 points for quality deer this year, maybe that will be enough? It used to be I'd draw every 4 years, now maybe that's gone up to 8?
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: luvmystang67 on January 19, 2021, 12:25:12 PM
Here's the real question, why do we keep putting in, keep accumulating points, keep giving a worthless fish and game department our money, when we all think its a terrible idea and that we'll never draw.  Are we just addicted to watching our points increase?  How many of us are not taking our very own advice here?

I hope you draw, as most of the rest of us also hope to as well.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: dvolmer on January 19, 2021, 12:26:54 PM
Man I'm lost..

I thought this was about how to burn 18 points in wa... :o

 :chuckle:

Get with the times! Obviously the best way to burn wa points is to spend $2790 to go hunt out of state because cheap meat!  :chuckle:

As long as im reading correctly.

Anybody that hunts big game in Washington or any other state that is, for "cheap meat" has lost their minds!  No matter what you are paying to hunt, wild game is not cheap!  All we are arguing here is if you want to spend $25 a pound or $125 a pound!!!  Ha Ha!!  In todays world, wild game meat is a bi-product of your sport.

Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Stein on January 19, 2021, 12:29:50 PM
Here's the real question, why do we keep putting in, keep accumulating points, keep giving a worthless fish and game department our money, when we all think its a terrible idea and that we'll never draw.  Are we just addicted to watching our points increase?  How many of us are not taking our very own advice here?

I hope you draw, as most of the rest of us also hope to as well.

I gave up two years ago for that very reason.  I likely won't draw a quality tag and I don't want to keep sending WDFW the message "doing great, keep up the good work."

In addition to that, with three license purchases in our house it gets expensive.

I'll put my son in for youth draws as they are still decent since people age out every year and it's not the same circus as adults, but when he ages out he'll be off the payroll for me in WA.

Yeah, a $700 tag is expensive.  So is going to Disney, skiing, going on a charter fishing trip and tons of other things I've done in the past.  $100 a day is pretty average for something I really like.

It's not for everyone, if I grew up hunting in WA and had it figured out I would likely think differently.  It became overly obvious that I was better off learning ground in another state.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: bobcat on January 19, 2021, 12:30:27 PM
So when I go to Wyoming and come home every time with 150 to 200 pounds of meat, I consider the meat to be free. The money I spent was for my vacation and would get spent on another kind of vacation if I wasn't into hunting.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: vandeman17 on January 19, 2021, 01:04:38 PM
Here's the real question, why do we keep putting in, keep accumulating points, keep giving a worthless fish and game department our money, when we all think its a terrible idea and that we'll never draw.  Are we just addicted to watching our points increase?  How many of us are not taking our very own advice here?

I hope you draw, as most of the rest of us also hope to as well.

I only apply for permits of critters that I plan to also hunt in the general season. It is then just a few extra bucks to maybe draw a tag. If I do finally draw, I am out. Currently I only apply for quality deer
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 19, 2021, 01:17:54 PM
Here's the real question, why do we keep putting in, keep accumulating points, keep giving a worthless fish and game department our money, when we all think its a terrible idea and that we'll never draw.  Are we just addicted to watching our points increase?  How many of us are not taking our very own advice here?

I hope you draw, as most of the rest of us also hope to as well.
I didn't see anyone telling him not to apply. What we are saying is you can't count on it or plan for it. Its just another opportunity to win a good hunt. The more opportunities you apply for the better your odds of winning a tag. Put in for WA. Put in for MT. Buy an idaho tag. And since you would then have an idaho license, put in for their draws as well  :twocents:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: idaho guy on January 19, 2021, 01:25:30 PM
Man I'm lost..

I thought this was about how to burn 18 points in wa... :o

 :chuckle:

Get with the times! Obviously the best way to burn wa points is to spend $2790 to go hunt out of state because cheap meat!  :chuckle:

As long as im reading correctly.

Anybody that hunts big game in Washington or any other state that is, for "cheap meat" has lost their minds!  No matter what you are paying to hunt, wild game is not cheap!  All we are arguing here is if you want to spend $25 a pound or $125 a pound!!!  Ha Ha!!  In todays world, wild game meat is a bi-product of your sport.
 

I disagree that you cant get a lot of cheap meat hunting in state. I can buy an elk license for 30 dollars and if I choose to shoot a cow in my area I shouldn't have to travle much or need much gas money and can just stay in my house for lodging. If i add 20 bucks for gas thats 50 dollars for around 160lbs of meat off cow? Thats like 30 cents per pound if I process the meat myself. When I go to Montana, I agree with you that meats expensive but I agree most of us would spend more on other vacations if we didn't hunt. Sportsman pack in Idaho is 125 bucks and you get a bear,turkey,deer,lion and a wolf tag. Thats a lot of meat minus the wolf       
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 19, 2021, 01:27:50 PM
Back to OP
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 19, 2021, 01:40:45 PM
Man I'm lost..

I thought this was about how to burn 18 points in wa... :o

 :chuckle:

Get with the times! Obviously the best way to burn wa points is to spend $2790 to go hunt out of state because cheap meat!  :chuckle:

As long as im reading correctly.

Anybody that hunts big game in Washington or any other state that is, for "cheap meat" has lost their minds!  No matter what you are paying to hunt, wild game is not cheap!  All we are arguing here is if you want to spend $25 a pound or $125 a pound!!!  Ha Ha!!  In todays world, wild game meat is a bi-product of your sport.
 

I disagree that you cant get a lot of cheap meat hunting in state. I can buy an elk license for 30 dollars and if I choose to shoot a cow in my area I shouldn't have to travle much or need much gas money and can just stay in my house for lodging. If i add 20 bucks for gas thats 50 dollars for around 160lbs of meat off cow? Thats like 30 cents per pound if I process the meat myself. When I go to Montana, I agree with you that meats expensive but I agree most of us would spend more on other vacations if we didn't hunt. Sportsman pack in Idaho is 125 bucks and you get a bear,turkey,deer,lion and a wolf tag. Thats a lot of meat minus the wolf       
is MT really that crazy per pound though. Given my above scenario where a guy spends $900 to go to MT, shoots a buck, and ends up with 80lb of finished product (add in $30 of pork for burger) thats $11.62 a pound.

If you truly just wanted cheap meat, round up buddies, buy 4 MT doe tags for $80 a pop and spend that same $100 on gas.  Thats $420 for 200lb+ of meat.  Thats $2.10 a pound. I challenge anyone to go buy 200lb of premium steaks and quality lean ground beef for less money....
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 19, 2021, 01:42:29 PM
Back to OP
but yes, we have digressed into a completely different topic.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 19, 2021, 01:56:07 PM
Here's the real question, why do we keep putting in, keep accumulating points, keep giving a worthless fish and game department our money, when we all think its a terrible idea and that we'll never draw.  Are we just addicted to watching our points increase?  How many of us are not taking our very own advice here?

I hope you draw, as most of the rest of us also hope to as well.

Because somebody has to win! It's not that expensive to put in a bunch of apps and it is in our home state. I wish it were a different system but as things stand, I still get a bunch of chances. Low odds but pretty low investment too.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: dilleytech on January 19, 2021, 02:14:58 PM
DIY Meat and fish are very cheap if your good at it 😏
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Westside88 on January 19, 2021, 02:27:32 PM
I saw a good post on an Eastman's post a while back. They used the term paralysis by analysis to describe that feeling when you have so many points that you want to make sure to spend them on the perfect hunt. So you end up applying for points many years and get fixated on the perfect unit. I'm right there with Quality and Bull elk points. In fact up until this year I wouldn't apply for both the same year in case I were to get drawn for both. I'm done with that, I'll be applying in units I want to hunt and if I get lucky I get lucky. If I draw both, oh well there's never any guarantees anyway.
To the OP, I'd ask yourself what your favorite type of hunting and terrain are, of course you want somewhere that has good animals available, but the hunt and atmosphere is what makes the memories. I was fortunate to draw a quality deer tag a few years ago. There's a good chance i never will again, but I sure hope my dad or one of my friends do because being out there in prime time with less hunters around is an amazing experience. Somebody is going to be drawn, why not you? good luck
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: idaho guy on January 19, 2021, 02:40:46 PM
Man I'm lost..

I thought this was about how to burn 18 points in wa... :o

 :chuckle:

Get with the times! Obviously the best way to burn wa points is to spend $2790 to go hunt out of state because cheap meat!  :chuckle:

As long as im reading correctly.

Anybody that hunts big game in Washington or any other state that is, for "cheap meat" has lost their minds!  No matter what you are paying to hunt, wild game is not cheap!  All we are arguing here is if you want to spend $25 a pound or $125 a pound!!!  Ha Ha!!  In todays world, wild game meat is a bi-product of your sport.
 

I disagree that you cant get a lot of cheap meat hunting in state. I can buy an elk license for 30 dollars and if I choose to shoot a cow in my area I shouldn't have to travle much or need much gas money and can just stay in my house for lodging. If i add 20 bucks for gas thats 50 dollars for around 160lbs of meat off cow? Thats like 30 cents per pound if I process the meat myself. When I go to Montana, I agree with you that meats expensive but I agree most of us would spend more on other vacations if we didn't hunt. Sportsman pack in Idaho is 125 bucks and you get a bear,turkey,deer,lion and a wolf tag. Thats a lot of meat minus the wolf       
is MT really that crazy per pound though. Given my above scenario where a guy spends $900 to go to MT, shoots a buck, and ends up with 80lb of finished product (add in $30 of pork for burger) thats $11.62 a pound.

If you truly just wanted cheap meat, round up buddies, buy 4 MT doe tags for $80 a pop and spend that same $100 on gas.  Thats $420 for 200lb+ of meat.  Thats $2.10 a pound. I challenge anyone to go buy 200lb of premium steaks and quality lean ground beef for less money....
 

I agree totally on the condition that you explain the economics of hunting to my wife  :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: huntnphool on January 19, 2021, 03:02:00 PM
Man I'm lost..

I thought this was about how to burn 18 points in wa... :o

 :chuckle:

Get with the times! Obviously the best way to burn wa points is to spend $2790 to go hunt out of state because cheap meat!  :chuckle:

As long as im reading correctly.

Anybody that hunts big game in Washington or any other state that is, for "cheap meat" has lost their minds!  No matter what you are paying to hunt, wild game is not cheap!  All we are arguing here is if you want to spend $25 a pound or $125 a pound!!!  Ha Ha!!  In todays world, wild game meat is a bi-product of your sport.
 

I disagree that you cant get a lot of cheap meat hunting in state. I can buy an elk license for 30 dollars and if I choose to shoot a cow in my area I shouldn't have to travle much or need much gas money and can just stay in my house for lodging. If i add 20 bucks for gas thats 50 dollars for around 160lbs of meat off cow? Thats like 30 cents per pound if I process the meat myself. When I go to Montana, I agree with you that meats expensive but I agree most of us would spend more on other vacations if we didn't hunt. Sportsman pack in Idaho is 125 bucks and you get a bear,turkey,deer,lion and a wolf tag. Thats a lot of meat minus the wolf       
is MT really that crazy per pound though. Given my above scenario where a guy spends $900 to go to MT, shoots a buck, and ends up with 80lb of finished product (add in $30 of pork for burger) thats $11.62 a pound.

If you truly just wanted cheap meat, round up buddies, buy 4 MT doe tags for $80 a pop and spend that same $100 on gas.  Thats $420 for 200lb+ of meat.  Thats $2.10 a pound. I challenge anyone to go buy 200lb of premium steaks and quality lean ground beef for less money....

 Don’t forget the cost of the vehicle, wear and tear, cost of the gear you use.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 19, 2021, 03:06:49 PM
Those aren't costs of a trip unless you are purchasing them for that trip. My 300wsm i bought 10 years ago can't count as a $1,000 cost on every trip i go on.  You could sell me on an oil change being a cost but thats about it.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: huntnphool on January 19, 2021, 03:29:14 PM
Those aren't costs of a trip unless you are purchasing them for that trip. My 300wsm i bought 10 years ago can't count as a $1,000 cost on every trip i go on.  You could sell me on an oil change being a cost but thats about it.

  :chuckle: So you’re saying my first salmon trip is the only one I have to consider the cost of my boat, downriggers, sonar, etc. from now on huh?

 My wife would disagree.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 19, 2021, 03:35:59 PM
You're comparing apples to oranges. A fishing boat is used exclusively for fishing. A vehicles is something you own regardless of hunting. My truck takes ne to work, the store, over mountain passes to visit family, taking the kids skiing, camping, the dump, to haul dogs to the lake to swim, etc, etc, etc. Low on the list of uses is miles driven for hunting.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: fishngamereaper on January 19, 2021, 04:36:01 PM
Good thing the guy didn't ask where to burn 20 quality elk points...

Speaking of which..... :tung:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: High Climber on January 19, 2021, 04:43:31 PM
Good thing the guy didn't ask where to burn 20 quality elk points...

Speaking of which..... :tung:
I’ve got 22... please advise!   
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Stein on January 19, 2021, 04:47:36 PM
You're comparing apples to oranges. A fishing boat is used exclusively for fishing. A vehicles is something you own regardless of hunting. My truck takes ne to work, the store, over mountain passes to visit family, taking the kids skiing, camping, the dump, to haul dogs to the lake to swim, etc, etc, etc. Low on the list of uses is miles driven for hunting.

I like the way you think.  My boat goes tubing, sightseeing, stores stuff over the winter, keeps me from speeding on the interstate and is basically paid for itself I think.  Probably time to invest more.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 19, 2021, 05:18:52 PM
I think you need to apply for the Entiat, Desert to name just a couple
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: jstone on January 19, 2021, 05:43:31 PM
I have boated someone up chelas before with the Manson tag. Only in nice COLD weather
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: idaho guy on January 19, 2021, 06:11:53 PM
Those aren't costs of a trip unless you are purchasing them for that trip. My 300wsm i bought 10 years ago can't count as a $1,000 cost on every trip i go on.  You could sell me on an oil change being a cost but thats about it.
 

the gun is an investment. I have never lost money on a gun I have sold. It is not even a cost of hunting its an investment!!  :chuckle: :chuckle:  to the op I would apply entiat and desert but all my knowledge was gained from looking at pictures on this website ha ha and I have never deer hunted in washington so theres that too.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 19, 2021, 06:48:57 PM
I have boated someone up chelas before with the Manson tag. Only in nice COLD weather
My friend rubs a fishing charter on lake Chelan. The member of deer he now sees on the lake is abysmal. He even runs up lake in Dec to see the migrators down by the lake and in his words it's depressing.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: M_ray on January 19, 2021, 07:06:11 PM
I don’t hunt for cheap meat I hunt for expensive horns  :sry:

And the only time it takes two days to Eastern Montana is in an ice storm otherwise we drive 13 hrs and a 1000 miles straight only stopping for fuel.

That said put in for the desert unit  :chuckle:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 19, 2021, 07:13:11 PM
The don’t hunt for cheap meat I hunt for expensive horns  :sry:

And the only time it takes two days to Eastern Montana is in an ice storm otherwise we drive 13 hrs and a 1000 miles straight only stopping for fuel.

That said put in for the desert unit  :chuckle:
  :chuckle:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: M_ray on January 19, 2021, 07:14:38 PM
 :chuckle:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Igor on January 19, 2021, 07:38:36 PM
I don’t hunt for cheap meat I hunt for expensive horns  :sry:

And the only time it takes two days to Eastern Montana is in an ice storm otherwise we drive 13 hrs and a 1000 miles straight only stopping for fuel.

That said put in for the desert unit  :chuckle:

Well, Everett WA to Broadus MT is 1006 miles.  I seriously doubt you can drive that in 13 hours..........
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Stein on January 19, 2021, 07:42:26 PM
Lots of deer before Broadus.  I leave my house at 5 am and have just enough time to do a quick scout before rolling into my hotel just as the sun sets.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: MADMAX on January 19, 2021, 07:44:41 PM
No deer there
Don't do it
Yes put in for Desert unit :chuckle:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Igor on January 19, 2021, 07:52:18 PM
Lots of deer before Broadus.  I leave my house at 5 am and have just enough time to do a quick scout before rolling into my hotel just as the sun sets.

WOW.  When you leave western WA at 5 am, it is 6 am in Broadus MT.  In November sunset in Broadus is around 4:30 pm.  You must know one helluva short-cut.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Stein on January 19, 2021, 07:54:36 PM
Yeah, don't go to Broadus.  The mule deer I hunt don't seem to know they are in the wrong place.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 19, 2021, 07:56:07 PM
Yeah but Broadus is pretty fun country. Biggest MT buck ive ever seen was on an antelope hunt in Broadus....the day before deer season  :bash: :chuckle:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: OutHouse on January 19, 2021, 09:16:50 PM
Gosh reading this thread really glad I don't put in for points anymore. It appears hopeless and if and when you do draw the opportunity is less and less the more the years go by. I'll just keep saving and some day maybe go to Alberta or Saskatchewan and hunt trophy mule deer.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: M_ray on January 19, 2021, 09:24:04 PM
I don’t hunt for cheap meat I hunt for expensive horns  :sry:

And the only time it takes two days to Eastern Montana is in an ice storm otherwise we drive 13 hrs and a 1000 miles straight only stopping for fuel.

That said put in for the desert unit  :chuckle:

Well, Everett WA to Broadus MT is 1006 miles.  I seriously doubt you can drive that in 13 hours..........

Live in the south sound and have been doing it for 20+ years  ;) leave at 5-6am make a couple stops so huntnphool can pee and get some more ice tea and pull in at 7:30-8-30 at night. Give or take depending on the 9 mountain passes and weather but this last year we had smooth sailing and did it in about 13 1/2. And I don’t hunt Broadus either but it is 1000 miles to spot x! Oh and it helps when phool drives the excursion has a massive tank and only one stop is needed for fuel when I drive I can make it in my Powerstroke on two stops and one last one in town just so I can top off before the morning hunt. Sounds like you might need a diesel with big tanks  ;)

Oh and having said all that I’d put in for the Desert  :tup:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Stein on January 19, 2021, 09:45:05 PM
 :yeah:

I got the 34 gallon tank in my F-150 for the express reason of being able to one stop it to my MT spot.  I can do it easily to pretty much any spot in MT now, before I used to practically coast into the first gas station in ID on fumes.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: huntnphool on January 20, 2021, 01:06:50 AM
:yeah:

I got the 34 gallon tank in my F-150 for the express reason of being able to one stop it to my MT spot.  I can do it easily to pretty much any spot in MT now, before I used to practically coast into the first gas station in ID on fumes.

 We generally stop in Butte for fuel, I can use the restroom and get my Mcds unsweetened ice-t at the same stop.....next stop is Sheridan, Wyoming. ;)
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 20, 2021, 06:19:36 AM
How do you guys not stop to piss more!?!?!?!  :chuckle:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Stein on January 20, 2021, 06:24:54 AM
One of my fishing buddies calls me "the camel."  In my youth, I drank 2 cups of coffee and a 2 liter of coke on his boat and didn't go until I we got back.

When my family joins, we usually stop once in WA, ID for gas, once in MT and then our destination.

When it's just me or me and my son, we can now stretch it to MT like huntnphool.  Start the pump, visit the facilities and get lunch out of the cooler.  By the time the pump stops, wheels up and eat on the road.  It's like I'm fleeing a forest fire, gotta get there as fast as possible.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Crunchy on January 20, 2021, 06:29:06 AM
When you get older you gotta pee more.  Heck.. nobody carries a pee cup or bottle these days?
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 20, 2021, 06:36:31 AM
I've done some beast drives. My best was Jasper CO. 22hrs straight through. I pissed 116 times though  :chuckle:
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Igor on January 20, 2021, 07:02:06 AM
One of my fishing buddies calls me "the camel."  In my youth, I drank 2 cups of coffee and a 2 liter of coke on his boat and didn't go until I we got back.

When my family joins, we usually stop once in WA, ID for gas, once in MT and then our destination.

When it's just me or me and my son, we can now stretch it to MT like huntnphool.  Start the pump, visit the facilities and get lunch out of the cooler.  By the time the pump stops, wheels up and eat on the road.  It's like I'm fleeing a forest fire, gotta get there as fast as possible.

You still haven't told me how you make it from Western WA to Broadus MT (1009 miles) in 10 1/2 hours.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: Stein on January 20, 2021, 07:06:49 AM
I've done some beast drives. My best was Jasper CO. 22hrs straight through. I pissed 116 times though  :chuckle:

That's rough, I don't do anything beyond 11 or 12.  Even then, it takes a few hours for me to straighten myself back out so I don't walk like a 150 year old.
Title: Re: 18 Quality Deer Points..... Where would you go?
Post by: M_ray on January 20, 2021, 09:25:59 AM
How do you guys not stop to piss more!?!?!?!  :chuckle:

Lots of practice and A steel bladder  :chuckle:

When you get older you gotta pee more.  Heck.. nobody carries a pee cup or bottle these days?


We are older and yes I used to drive a 53 footer and when I hunt Montana by myself I have experience making truckers Tea, my go to is a 32oz Gatorade bottle!
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