Lick Creek (175) Buck Deer

[yogru]

I somehow drew the one tag.  I've never hunted the Blues and I'm about as far as a person can get away from this unit and still be in the state.  Oof!  That said, as someone that's been putting in for points since his young teens and had never pulled any deer special permit till now (and I'm currently in my mid 40s), I'm just excited for the first chance in my life to go mule deer hunting.  Don't get me started on quality deer permits, I'm relatively sure I'll die with 50+ points the way things are going.

I've looked at what could be found on he site from previous topics, and tried to contact a previous tag holder (with no luck).  I'm coming to you guys to try and get some basic ideas on what I'm in for.  If anyone local to the unit could spare some knowledge on weather conditions, high or low hunting, access, what to bring or look out for, I'd certainly be appreciative. 

Thanks,
T.C.

[bobdog86]

Had the tag a few years ago when it was a quality tag.  Still spend quite a bit of time in the area, pm me with any questions , be glad to help. Tag isn’t what it once was, but who knows. Good luck

[MeepDog]

Congratulations! I've always wondered why people bother putting in for that tag considering the odds but here you are.

Since that tag has a general season, it might be worth spending some time in the unit during general to get a better lay of the land and talk to other hunters on the ground. You should be able to see old rubs from last year's rut.

[bachto]

That late in November weather is going to be a real issue you will have to deal with. I drew a similar tag this year in the Wenaha. It's going to be very weather dependent. I would start as high in the unit as possible and go lower from there until you find the deer. Find the does and you will find the bucks.

[yogru]

Yeah, looking more and more like I'll need two plans.  One for if the weather isn't a complete bitch, and one for if she is.  Appreciate all the feedback guys.   

[Wizekrakr]

My guess of the weather in the 175 unit is not going to be your friend come November 20. Probably no way you are going to get over the top going into the mountain road south of Pomeroy.  My time in there last year I only saw one legal buck during deer and elk season. I did fill my quality elk tag. The first week of November last year we were up against 12 inches of snow on the 42 road. I would suggest you get out there to look around. Boots on the ground is your best knowledge.  Look at the canyons as you come up into the 175 out of Asotin. That late in the year that will probably be your best bet for filling your Buck Deer tag.  If you don't have chains for all 4 tires, it would be a good investment, carry a shovel, recovery gear, go prepared.

[yogru]

Thanks for the solid advice.  We've got 4wd, chains and a shovel.  Wish I had a winch, but maybe I'll toss in a come along.   

I got bored and was checking the harvest reports the last half decade and everyone has filled their tag. So that makes me feel better.  Looks like two years got 3 points, two years got 4 points, and one year got a 5 point. 

 

[csaaphill]

I've hunted this area before just above Pomeroy, Not telling you were to go but at Rose springs just past the cattle guard on your left, is a campsite. Years ago in the late hunt there I missed a nice buck for archery. I walked to the bottom the around the corner walked back up, and almost mid level a small herd came through and one big buck missed his butt. He just stood there and let me shoot about four times then ran off but there's a few around that part. Also bellow in the wheatfeilds there's a few fell free to hunt signs on the right. There's also a road that dead ends just above Rose springs drive to the end and hunt there all good bets.
Congrats!

[csaaphill]

I've hunted this area before just above Pomeroy, Not telling you were to go but at Rose springs just past the cattle guard on your left, is a campsite. Years ago in the late hunt there I missed a nice buck for archery. I walked to the bottom the around the corner walked back up, and almost mid level a small herd came through and one big buck missed his butt. He just stood there and let me shoot about four times then ran off but there's a few around that part. Also bellow in the wheatfeilds there's a few fell free to hunt signs on the right. There's also a road that dead ends just above Rose springs drive to the end and hunt there all good bets.
Congrats!

ooof I might be thinking on Peola on the lower end, and Rose springs might not be Lick creek, but I know a road but can't remember how far up from rose springs me and dad hunted and camped there in Elk. I if I could of been looking sooner might have scored a Spike elk in that area. Elk jumped up and ran off just as I looked his direction and ran down and up the side he went up on but never saw him again. but...
But if you find that road it dead ends a mile or so back and you can walk the ride down and sit and glass etc... there's an old logging road down the ridge that I walked along so yeah.

[yogru]

Really appreciate the insight.  Thanks for taking the time to reply!