I need a hunt…

[mossyhorn]

Everyone wants different things. I’ve killed a lot of critters. However my best deer is about 150”. My best elk is a 270” bull I killed in the snake River of Oregon.

No it’s not about the inches but I’d like to experience some higher quality hunts at some point. I have partners that I don’t get to link up with often because life got in the way. Best hunt I’ve been on was a recent one with some good friends from different parts of the country and just having a great time. I have a very small circle and like I said, If I want to hunt, often it’s by myself. Although I’d rather be sharing a camp with friends, it just didn’t work out this year. I’ve been on a lot of solo hunts, sitting around a fire at night wishing I had someone to share it with.

I’ve never done a guided hunt, never bought a tag. Always hunted otc or some easier to draw tags. Just thought this would be a good year to try something new.

 

[fisherman983]

There is always otc blacktails in Oregon also

Sent from my SM-S928U using Tapatalk

 

[Coopsdaddy]

If your older why is your outdoor time getting less.It should be more.
As I get older my hunts will not be on a time limit.

 

[aMurderOfCrows]

^ This. OTC blacktail.

California is supposed to have a pretty healthy black bear population as well

Doesn’t their archery deer season start in July?

 

[BRTreedogs]

Everyone wants different things. I’ve killed a lot of critters. However my best deer is about 150”. My best elk is a 270” bull I killed in the snake River of Oregon.

No it’s not about the inches but I’d like to experience some higher quality hunts at some point. I have partners that I don’t get to link up with often because life got in the way. Best hunt I’ve been on was a recent one with some good friends from different parts of the country and just having a great time. I have a very small circle and like I said, If I want to hunt, often it’s by myself. Although I’d rather be sharing a camp with friends, it just didn’t work out this year. I’ve been on a lot of solo hunts, sitting around a fire at night wishing I had someone to share it with.

I’ve never done a guided hunt, never bought a tag. Always hunted otc or some easier to draw tags. Just thought this would be a good year to try something new.

Unfortunately if you want a quality buck mule deer, or bull hunt I think you’re going to have to kick it up to $25k minimum if you want guide & tag.

There cheaper options but it’s essentially going to be the same general units everyone is hunting and just a guide to drive you around.

I could be wrong but I just don’t think there’s a long list of set aside otc outfitter tags out there, for quality areas.

The only hunts I’ve noticed under $10k with otc tags available are going to be more of an opportunity hunt.

 

[Cynoscion]

Come to South Texas and chase big old free range nilgai. It’s one of the best spot and stalk hunts that’s readily affordable and you’ll end up with a boat load of awesome meat to boot.
Check out the nilgai thread on here if you’re interested

 

[Wapititalk1]

Mossy, I just checked and there are some WEYCO walk in permits still available. I use these every year for blacktail mostly and have had really good luck. Nothing huge but puts some venison in the freezer. https://recreation.weyerhaeuser.com/Permits/Search

 

[Yoteassasin]

Wow, I didn’t expect some of these nasty comments. I’m not a lazy hunter, I just have done enough OTC hunts in my life that I don’t have a desire anymore to hunt with the masses for small deer or elk. I’ve killed plenty. I’ve lived in Alaska and got all my guide species by myself. I’ve killed archery elk solo in Wyoming. Had some amazing outdoor experiences in my life.

I’m at a point in my life that getting out is a lot harder than it use to be. Time is a premium. I get maybe 2 weeks a year that I can get out and hunt. I want to make the most of it. Often it’s solo. I’m getting older and am a year out on bilateral hip replacements. I just want a quality hunt and if I gotta pay some money to get one, well I’ve worked hard to be able to do that.

Sorry if my post came off as lazy. Just looking for some advice or some ideas, maybe some things I haven’t thought of. I was in a rush and probably could have written my OP better. I appreciate those that took the time to write a thoughtful response.

Tbh it comes off entitled … there is nothing wrong with otc hunts and getting “away from the peasants “ just takes a bit of creativity . Coastal black tail hunts in wa or and ca are all otc . Bear tags too . Get creative and out of your feels .

 

[RockAndSage]

California is supposed to have a pretty healthy black bear population as well

Doesn’t their archery deer season start in July?

You're probably right. Not sure about all the zones, but some archery tags do start in the 2nd or 3rd week of July, IIRC.

 

[Bulldawg]

lol, I read some/most of this, and what I take away from it, you kind of suck at hunting and want the easy button of baller tag and or a guide to take you to a big critter.

Ugh, I haven't killed a big deer, and I don't want to figure out how to do it, someone tell me where I can go to kill a big deer I have 7k to spend on a tag.

I think you should start golfing.

 

[Fire_9]

Everyone wants different things. I’ve killed a lot of critters. However my best deer is about 150”. My best elk is a 270” bull I killed in the snake River of Oregon.

No it’s not about the inches but I’d like to experience some higher quality hunts at some point. I have partners that I don’t get to link up with often because life got in the way. Best hunt I’ve been on was a recent one with some good friends from different parts of the country and just having a great time. I have a very small circle and like I said, If I want to hunt, often it’s by myself. Although I’d rather be sharing a camp with friends, it just didn’t work out this year. I’ve been on a lot of solo hunts, sitting around a fire at night wishing I had someone to share it with.

I’ve never done a guided hunt, never bought a tag. Always hunted otc or some easier to draw tags. Just thought this would be a good year to try something new.

What about a waterfowl hunt or a fishing trip with buddies?

 

[dieselchessy]

I have several friends and family who refuse to buy Washington hunting licenses. There is a common opinion that our game is mismanaged, our commission is corrupt, and our lands are locked up by logging companies. Many folks refuse to feed the system.
I still buy, but places to hunt are getting less and less, more crowded and less game.
Its been my experience that every other western state has much better hunting.
There is good reason Washington folks were overwhelming Idaho hunters.

I completely understand the OP’s opinion.

I don't know the solution, maybe expand to bear or pigs. Or shop around for an Oregon or NewMexico land owner tag for cow elk.

 

[displacedtexan]

lol, I read some/most of this, and what I take away from it, you kind of suck at hunting and want the easy button of baller tag and or a guide to take you to a big critter.

Ugh, I haven't killed a big deer, and I don't want to figure out how to do it, someone tell me where I can go to kill a big deer I have 7k to spend on a tag.

I think you should start golfing.

That.

But he's also an unstoppable solo killing machine.

 

[Sccritterkiller]

I would find some ground in west TX to hunt exotics. Plenty of low fence free range places...you dont have to dont have to do the high fence thing.
Axis, Fallow deer, Barbary sheep, and all the pigs you can shoot. Who knows what else you might see.
You can go anytime of the year.
Axis and Fallow are excellent table fare!

 

[TheDoublR]

You can in AZ, no donated gonads needed. You also can do so in a number of other western states. Some any weapon, some restricted usually to archery.

I dont hunt archery. I couldnt hit the broadside of a barn.

 

[TheDoublR]

I dont live in Washington but have long time friends there. They live in the western part of the state. They are in the same mindset ...... and dont hunt in WA.

The western side of the state is absolute garbage. The central and eastern portions can be incredible depending on the hunt.