Eastern Washington Archery

[SPTalley1978]

I'm kinda burned out on hunting the same overhunted and underpopulated mule deer spots in Nebraska. Was looking at what states offer reduced rate tags for vets with a VA rating and Washington happens to be one of them. I'm not looking for much, just new country and a good hunt. Is it worth the drive from the east side of Nebraska to give Washington a look, or would I be more suited sticking to what I'm familiar with another year?

 

[alecvg]

Without spending a ton of time scouting, you will likely be traveling over there to hunt high pressure 2-3 year old deer. Some neat country in areas of the state though.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If you come over, pick up a bear tag, great predator hunting here. Is it worth it? Not if you think you are going to shoot a pope and young buck. If you want to hunt and see some amazing country and do something different then it probably will be.

 

[Elkangle]

Wa has better blacktails then mulies, both are in some amazing country...as said above realistic expectations and having a bear tag would be huge

id recomend flying and doing a 5 day exploring hunt before Driving 4 days

Shoot me a pm and maybe we could trade hunt ideas

 

[Danny Hoey]

I live here and I don't do it. But I will say this, you have the option to hunt desert mulies, scabeland mulies, or mountain mulies. So maybe that would scratch your itch?

 

[Jake538]

I grew up in southeast Washington. Now reside in Utah, the southeast part of the state can have decent mule deer hunting, honestly hunting pressure during the archery hunt is nowhere near that of hunting here in Utah. You can definitely get away from others. Lots of rolling foothills with agriculture or canyons of the blue mountains to chase mule deer. Without scouting any legal 3 point muley you can find is a trophy. Like others have recommended, take your rifle and pick up a bear tag. Very high odds of seeing some if your hunting more in the mountains.

 

[dirtytough]

I would try to get a tag in Colorado or Idaho. If that didn’t pan out I would try to hunt Washington if you are looking to deer hunt. It’s not great but there are deer and there are a few big deer.

 

[Bachto]

I live in Eastern, WA. I have to say that I don't think it is worth the time and travel. There are deer here and you could have a fun experience. If I was hell bent on doing it I would focus on alpine zones in the wilderness areas. As mentioned, get a bear tag.

 

[Grundy53]

You'll be traveling all that way to hunt over hunted under populated mule deer.

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[Caseknife]

Wasn't aware that Washington had reduced price tags for NR D/A Vets, same price as residents, good for them, about the only thing that our department has done right.

Reiterate what most have said, good state to explore new country, just don't get to set on harvesting a buck.

 

[Mr.Ktm]

If you are looking for an adventure this year then you definitely could. For hunt quality you would probably be passing through better states on your way here. But, have mostly missed deadlines for this yr in other states.

 

[shootnrun]

If you just want to get out for a week or two and have an adventure, do it. If you're happy taking the first 2x3 you see, with potential at maybe a 4pt of you really luck out... PM me and I can get you started. But if you want to see a lot of deer, pass on some 140s hoping for a "true giant" dont...

 

[SPTalley1978]

You'll be traveling all that way to hunt over hunted under populated mule deer.

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The interesting aspect to that is how many folks east of Nebraska think this state with 14% public land is some sleeper state. Before the 2012 drought related EHD die off it was good. Now days the good mule deer are safely living on untouchable private land. I totally goofed on getting any tags this year, so it's a point building and adventuring year.

 

[SPTalley1978]

If you just want to get out for a week or two and have an adventure, do it. If you're happy taking the first 2x3 you see, with potential at maybe a 4pt of you really luck out... PM me and I can get you started. But if you want to see a lot of deer, pass on some 140s hoping for a "true giant" dont...

I'm a single string guy so any opportunity to put on a stalk is welcomed.

 

[<cascadehunter>]

Are you dead set on a Muley? If you come all the way to Washington, maybe give Blacktail a shot being that they’re unique to WA/OR. I don’t think your average WA Muley is any more impressive than your average WA Blacktail, and it would certainly be new and different country if that’s what you’re looking for.

 

[Alpine4x4]

Its going to be hot, lots of bugs, and your chances of shooting a bear are probably higher than that of a legal mule deer Its beautiful country though. I have seen a lot of forkies running around lately, but nothing good yet in person or on camera. Going to swap some cards this weekend, hoping to see our bears coming through.

 

[SPTalley1978]

Are you dead set on a Muley? If you come all the way to Washington, maybe give Blacktail a shot being that they’re unique to WA/OR. I don’t think your average WA Muley is any more impressive than your average WA Blacktail, and it would certainly be new and different country if that’s what you’re looking for.

Definitely not dead set. Just looking into last minute options. I've pondered Roosies in Oregon but that's not a solo adventure I'm ready to commit to yet.

 

[Jtb.kfd]

I also live in eastern WA, if you are looking for an archery only hunt I would plan to go into the backcountry. Much of the lower elevation land that holds mule deer and is open during archery (non draw) is going to be fairly crowded. If you are ok with getting into the mountains/foothills (2,500’ on up) and hiking in a bit you can find areas where you will be alone. The deer numbers in many areas aren’t like other western states and you will be limited to 3pt min restrictions in every general tag unit for muley’s. Not impossible, but like all hunting in a new area it takes some work and time to figure out where to go to find success. As much as I dislike our politicized fish and wildlife commission, I do love hunting in this state and my family has high success on public land, general season hunts. Any trip to a new state, new area and new experience is always worth it in my view. As others have mentioned, hunting blacktails in the western half of the state is a blast. Lots of public land, good numbers of deer and the general season is open to any legal buck. If you hunt west of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) which runs right down the Cascade mountain range that is the dividing East/West line for the state. Any deer west of the PCT is a “blacktail” per state regs. When my kids were younger we would hunt just over the trail on the west side to utilize the any buck regulation. The attached pic is my daughters first buck, a blacktail by WA regulations. More of a blend of the two species. This deer was taken above 6000’. The second pic is of another “blacktail” that was in the same area. If you hunt the coastal lowlands for blacktails the deers body size will be considerably smaller.

 

[Softtail103]

Colville National Forest is 1.5 million acres. Get away from the people who won’t hike in deep to find much better hunting. Huge mule deer if you want to hike in and find them. If you can’t scout the forest use On X Hunt. Hike at least 3 miles in to separate yourself from the hunters who won’t hike in that far. Thousands of miles of logging road you can’t drive on. Shots from 100 to 1200 yards. This big boy is from Colville National Forest.

 

[SPTalley1978]

I also live in eastern WA, if you are looking for an archery only hunt I would plan to go into the backcountry. Much of the lower elevation land that holds mule deer and is open during archery (non draw) is going to be fairly crowded. If you are ok with getting into the mountains/foothills (2,500’ on up) and hiking in a bit you can find areas where you will be alone. The deer numbers in many areas aren’t like other western states and you will be limited to 3pt min restrictions in every general tag unit for muley’s. Not impossible, but like all hunting in a new area it takes some work and time to figure out where to go to find success. As much as I dislike our politicized fish and wildlife commission, I do love hunting in this state and my family has high success on public land, general season hunts. Any trip to a new state, new area and new experience is always worth it in my view. As others have mentioned, hunting blacktails in the western half of the state is a blast. Lots of public land, good numbers of deer and the general season is open to any legal buck. If you hunt west of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) which runs right down the Cascade mountain range that is the dividing East/West line for the state. Any deer west of the PCT is a “blacktail” per state regs. When my kids were younger we would hunt just over the trail on the west side to utilize the any buck regulation. The attached pic is my daughters first buck, a blacktail by WA regulations. More of a blend of the two species. This deer was taken above 6000’. The second pic is of another “blacktail” that was in the same area. If you hunt the coastal lowlands for blacktails the deers body size will be considerably smaller.

That's a respectable first buck for sure. I'm starting to think either stick with Nebraska this year and start putting a blacktail plan together for next year, or hunt somewhere closer for black bear and make a blacktail plan. The plus side to hunting with a stickbow is every legal deer is an opportunity to be successful.