2006 Washington High Hunt

[HC]

We are already getting excited about the upcoming 2006 Mule Deer hunting season. As the months pass, we are working on our plans for the upcoming season. We will be hunting in the Entiat area. Our group, which consists of grandfather, son, and grandsons have hunted mule deer in WA state our entire lives including some back pack hunts into wilderness areas. But this will be our first hunt in the Entiat. We are packing in on horses this year and will be staying in a roomy wall tent for a change. Does anyone have any strategies, tips, or advise, regarding this area? What is the likelyhood of seeing some black bear? We're not new to Mule Deer hunting and will likely be doing a lot of glassing/spotting and then trying to stalk in on bedded bucks. My father, who will be 70, will most likely glass meadows and avalance chutes nearer to camp.

I am a new member of these forums and have enjoyed reading many of the past entries. There is a wealth of information here.

Last season, my youngest boy killed a small 4x4 in Central Washington. If I can figure out how to do it, I will post the picture of his first Mule deer.
HC

 

[ridgerunner]

Good odds of seeing some black bear in there. ARe you going in on your own or with an outfitter. It sounds like you have the right strategies to be successful up there, its not much different country than anywhere else.

 

[HC]

Ridgerunner, We are hiring an outfitter to pack us into our location. We have been working with Icicle Outfitters and they have discussed with us many options as far as the types of locations go. I think we have settled on a pretty good area! We're looking at maps and talking with former clients who have also been very helpful!

This is a new location for us and as with all new hunting areas, this year will be a learning experience. But if we see what we think we're gonna see as far as they type of country and deer activity, we will likely return on a regular basis because of the advantages of learning a particular area.

 

[ridgerunner]

I sent you a pm, click on the little red flag or inbox.

 

[whojr]

2006 will be our 3rd High Hunt with Icicle Outfitters. Top notch outfitters - you will not be dissappointed.

Take a look at our report from last year: http://www.gamefishin.com/gfboard/forum_posts.asp?TID=10358&KW=fishunter

advice: make a group packing list so you don't duplicate food/supplies and manage your weight limits. Icicle has a comprehensive list they give out, but you can do a search here to get started.

quarter or debone your kill; dragging 200+ pounds back to camp is work.

Bring good food - you'll need it. We had steak and homemade meals (stew; spaghetti, beef stroganof, etc.) each night - no need for dehydrated food. Buy heavy duty Technica Ice on ebay for medium sized coolers. Pack 1 cooler for first half, and 1 for second half which we duct taped closed until then to keep it cold.

My 65 year old father made the trip last year, and will make this year's trip as well despite last year's bronco ride thru 5-6 different bee's nest on the trail, the last of which left the old man on the ground. Let dad go at his own speed on the trail, and don't let him pack anything other than his rifle. Bring a first aid kit for cuts and ibuprofin or stronger for everyone's sore everything.

Consider renting a satellite phone for peace of mind. We did last year for about $100 on a 10-day trip and it was nice to call home every few days, and know that if something happened we had a way to call for help. Just remember to turn it off to preserve the battery (we didn't the last night).

Sit back and take in the seclusion often (the only people we see is our partners except for a backpacker here and there), because it goes by in a hurry and before you know it, you're back at the rat race waiting for the next high hunt.

 

[forkhunter]

Hey, I sent a PM. Check your box!! Thanks.

 

[Muleyslyr]

Don't get much better advice then whojr gave ya. Definately bring a bear tag with ya....lot's of bear up there in Sept. Good Luck....welcome to MM!

 

[HC]

Hey Forkhunter, I checked my PM and didn't see your message! I'm hoping you still want to give me some feedback!

 

[HC]

whojr, thanks for the great info. I like your idea about the satellite phone. I'll look into it. Sounds like things got a little western on your trip in. I am hoping for a bit less excitement on our trip into camp. I am looking forward to seeing your report on gamefishin.com. Feel free to leave me a PM if you think of anything else! I appreceiate you takin the time to reply!

 

[Jkononen]

Hey The one thing that you must not forget is your favorite woodshop student Joe Kononen.

 

[HC]

Hey Joe! Pack your bags and grab your rifle! Let's go huntin'
In exchange, I'll hunt blacktail with you in that secret record book blacktail spot you have!

 

[MuleySniper]

I'm unclear wether you are packing or going horseback in aways, but if you are, be sure to bring a fishing pole with casting floats and flies. The high lake trout fishing is incredible. Especially if you are hiking in. Generally, granola eaters are the only other people other than hunters you see in the hike in areas, so the lakes are seldom fished. I'm unsure how well the berry crop was this year, but that will likely determine the quantity of bears you'll encounter. Likewise I'm sure youll enjoy the trip whether you fill out a tag or not. You should even get a cougar tag, there are getting to be a lot of them buggers around too.

 

[HC]

MuleySniper- yea, I agree with you regarding the bear and cougar tags, we usually get the combination Deer, Elk, Cougar, and Bear tags for that very reason. As far as our hunt goes, we will be hiring an outfitter to pack us and our camp in via horses and mules. We have done the high hunt in the past by backpacking into wilderness areas and although it's a blast, it's also very hard work just to get into camp and then back to the trail head. By going in by horses we hope to have more energy for the hunt and have a few camp comforts we don't usually get to enjoy.

Your suggestions on taking along some fishing gear is a good one. As stated, we have done a fair amount of backpacking and just love to fish for those high lake trout! Unfortunately, on this trip we are extrememly limited on time so I expect that every available minute will be spent on locating Mule Deer Bucks. If one of us is fortunate enough to tag out early, efforts will go to help locate animals for the others in the party. I suspect that someday, when we can afford more time, fishing will be part of the plan on trips such as this. I appreciate your suggestions! HC

 

[Bearhunter]

Hey Mike, good to see you finally joined the site here, lots of good info can be picked up here. Im jeaslous of you guys hunt, we are going back to Montana this year so it we should have alittle fun also. James P

 

[HC]

Hey James! I'm the one who's jealous! We are looking forward to our hunt for sure. My dad is getting pretty excited which I am really happy about. This trip is really for him. My older boy will be going along to capture it on video and knowing him, I'm sure he'll edit the heck out of it. We are enjoying the planning process and are putting together our gear. I just wish we could get away for a few more days though! I see you have been on MM for a while now. I've enjoyed looking at you pics and posts.

You'll have to stay in touch, I'd like to talk to you about the Entiat area sometime and gleen any info that might be helpful on our hunt. You have been successful with your archery gear so I will be looking for any tips you might have for us on this trip!


Also, I am looking to purchase some new glasses and I would be interested to know what you're using. I am looking at some 10X42 leica, swarovski or the new leupold golden rings. (I'd like to find a nice used pair) Call me sometime!

 

[Bearhunter]

I wish I would have known you where looking for some new glass. I just sold my Swarovski 10x42 for $750 they were like new. I sold theme because I bought the Leica Geovids 10x42, they have the 1300 yard range finder in them, Ill bring them by sometime If your looking for the pair to have for a lifetime these are the ones having the range finder built into theme is the only was to go, beats carrying both and if you ever get back into bow hunting its a necessity. Talk to ya later