Skokomish Archery Deer 11/1-13

[LongBomb]

Drew the Skokomish late archery deer 11/1-13. Should be good timing for some blacktail rut action! I'm not expecting a monster just a good time calling/rattling blacktail.
If anyone has some info they feel like sharing I'm all ears.

[Sundance]

Big unit with lowlands, timber co property, and national forest that goes right up to the park. I think the wildlife gates close on October 1st, but that could have changed. I’d be tempted to bike in up towards the park especially if there is early snow. Chasing rutting blacktail in the snowline is an awesome experience.

[LongBomb]

 
Thanks! Anyone know if these gates are still getting closed 10/1? The only article I found that talked about this was from 2013

[Platensek-po]

Thanks! Anyone know if these gates are still getting closed 10/1? The only article I found that talked about this was from 2013

Yes they are. There are a few good areas to access pretty easily. You could also get a walk/bike in pass with green diamond if you want but it’s def not necessary.

[LongBomb]

Thanks appreciate the info

[Sundance]

Something else to consider- I’ve had a quality blacktail rut on the peninsula in the past for an area I’m very familiar with. What I found (this has been experienced in multiple GMU’s) is there are hot spots for rut activity the first 2 weeks of November. I spent the first 5 days of my quality tag hunting out of treestands in areas I had scouted since April and had been seeing good quality bucks. Those first five days I didn’t see a deer, so I decided to go mobile and still hunt other areas and use calling. I found myself getting into pockets of deer going crazy with the rut, one spot had nine bucks running around. In past years while scouting during the rut I’ve noticed the same thing, certain areas just seem to hold the deer like they congregate for the rut. I’ve found alder bottoms that look like a tractor was pulling a plow through and the ground is churned up a with ferns completely leveled from sparring and brawls. I’d suggest keeping an open game plan and be willing to relocate to different areas/terrains if you’re not seeing cruising deer or rutting activity.

[LongBomb]

Sundance thanks for the info, much appreciated!

[shadowless_nite]

I've had this tag years ago and went through some of the wildlife gates looking for deer. Found some but not much, changed areas/terrain for more of a cruising road hunt with the wife and deer were hit or miss. Drew it again a handful of years later and were greeted by a lot more hikers/mushroom pickers at trail heads. Never did connect on anything worth shooting but definitely saw some. This was also during the time when it was still 2pt min for deer. Lots of areas get local pressure right before so it kinda throws preseason scouting for a loop especially if your not from the area.

Also it's WET! So be prepared for the full rainforest experience. And if a big storm does come along be aware the skokomish river road will flood and not be passable for a short amount. If your lucky you get to see the salmon swimming back across the road!

[LongBomb]

Heading out tomorrow!

[ljsommer]

Heading out tomorrow!

This sounds like it will be an adventure -  I can't wait to hear how it goes! I love deer hunting with a bow in late season; I always felt like a woods-ninja!

[Sundance]

Snow level dropping to 3000' tomorrow afternoon, then 3500' on Wednesday. Could be interesting this week.

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=WAZ513

[bankwalker]

I live out in matlock. There's good rut activity the last week.
I havent seen any eye catching bucks worth mentioning. But I think you are timing it just right this year

[LongBomb]

A bit late on a follow up to this thread. Men plan and life happens. I wasn't able to make it out once for this hunt. A real bummer but it is what it is.
Thanks to those that reached out with info!

[Sundance]

Sucks eating a tag you never got to hunt, had to experience this twice now. There’s always another year and maybe another time. Family comes first.

[pd]

A bit late on a follow up to this thread. Men plan and life happens. I wasn't able to make it out once for this hunt. A real bummer but it is what it is.
Thanks to those that reached out with info!

"Men plan, but stuff happens."  A quote for the ages.

Don't be discouraged.  Your turn will come again.