Long Shot Ask: 2nd Deer antlerless Washtucna Tag *UPDATED*

[Sundance]

Big ask and I am open to suggestions. I drew the 2nd Deer rifle tag for Washtucna (GMU's 139/142/284/381) which is a mule deer doe only. I have several private owners lined up that I am going to head over and speak with before the season along with public lands to check out. I do have a rifle deer tag, but I drew a Buck Deer hunt for whitetail and don't have any interest at this time in shooting a muley buck. I put in for this tag because it's an eastern WA hunt with open terrain and less nasty weather. I will be taking my two sons, age 7 and 5 with me (non hunting) to have their first big game hunting experience. Normally I hunt western WA, but my hunting style along with the weather isn't conducive to young hunters and seeing a lot of animals.

I don't see myself making this a tough hunt. I'm looking to get my boys out in the field, see some animals, and if the stars align taking a doe with them there. Success on this hunt for me isn't filling a tag, but a positive experience with my sons in the field. I imagine we will do a lot of driving, glassing, and sitting over areas for an ambush. Any advice on where to go, people to ask or other helpful information is greatly appreciated. I can meet in-person in the next week when I drive over there to scout, or if you'd like to PM me we can exchange phone numbers. Thanks for any help and I hope everyone has a successful season.

[grade-creek-rd]

don't forget to take a rifle for coyotes, a shotgun for birds (quail, pheasants, huns)...and lots of snacks! One thing I did with my boys was take along dry firewood and stop for lunch, make a fire, cook hotdogs and marshmallows and hot cocoa...(of course for the fire, make sure it's on public land...farmers might not like the idea of it, even in the late season).

Good luck and most of all have fun!

Grade

PS. I have no idea on private land owners, but hopefully there is enough public land to hunt!

[johnbmyersii]

WDFW does a reserve to hunt private land program that could be worth looking into. Have a great time I love the palouse

[cbond3318]

PM sent

[Sundance]

WDFW does a reserve to hunt private land program that could be worth looking into. Have a great time I love the palouse

I’ve looked at a lot of those “reservation to hunt” spots out by Colfax/Pullman area. From what I remember there were more whitetail out there than mule deer. Would you suggest certain areas to stay away from since it’s a mule deer doe tag?

[bustedoldman]

All the BLM/state land hold does pretty much….When time rolls around PM and I’ll send you several spots.

[Sundance]

All the BLM/state land hold does pretty much….When time rolls around PM and I’ll send you several spots.

Thank you for the offer, I will reach out before I head that way. Many thanks

[Karl Blanchard]

WDFW does a reserve to hunt private land program that could be worth looking into. Have a great time I love the palouse

I’ve looked at a lot of those “reservation to hunt” spots out by Colfax/Pullman area. From what I remember there were more whitetail out there than mule deer. Would you suggest certain areas to stay away from since it’s a mule deer doe tag?

North of 26 Id say stay west of Dusty. South of 26 gets pretty whitey past dusty but you've still got primarily mule deer all along the snake river breaks clear to idaho

[Nwgunner]

I got a spot with lots of animals 30 minute east of tri cities.  Problem is its like a half mile hike form the parking area and up a small hill to the wdfw property.  I see deer everyday while hunting, mostly does.  I can share it with you if you like, but this area is getting more and more popular thanks to onx.  Its for your boys and i respect that, and can get you to a good spot, not for your buddys. 

[Sundance]

WDFW does a reserve to hunt private land program that could be worth looking into. Have a great time I love the palouse

I’ve looked at a lot of those “reservation to hunt” spots out by Colfax/Pullman area. From what I remember there were more whitetail out there than mule deer. Would you suggest certain areas to stay away from since it’s a mule deer doe tag?

North of 26 Id say stay west of Dusty. South of 26 gets pretty whitey past dusty but you've still got primarily mule deer all along the snake river breaks clear to idaho

Thank you Karl, this is very helpful.

[Sundance]

I got a spot with lots of animals 30 minute east of tri cities.  Problem is its like a half mile hike form the parking area and up a small hill to the wdfw property.  I see deer everyday while hunting, mostly does.  I can share it with you if you like, but this area is getting more and more popular thanks to onx.  Its for your boys and i respect that, and can get you to a good spot, not for your buddys.

Thank you for the offer, it’s a one-time deal since I’m usually a blacktail junkie. I can respect wanting to keep a good spot under your hat, I’ve had some elk and deer spots get blown up in the past. I will reach out to you when I head that way to scout, again I appreciate all the help.

[Sundance]

I just wanted to update everyone that contributed to this thread and sent me PM’s. Unfortunately I did not get to hunt this tag as I have been wrapping up my quarantine from a positive Covid-19 test. Found out the day before the opener and I’ve been laying low ever since. Health wise, the family and I are ok and I’m just fighting fatigue. Thanks again to everyone who reached out with advice and offers to help, I wish I could have put it to use.