Upcoming Washington State elk and mule deer hunt

Traceround

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Its about that time for me to make my annual trip home and get back into the back country and chase elk and mule deer. On the old site I’d had quite a bit of interest in this trip and questions about it. I’ve decided to create this thread in order for those of you that want too, to follow along and have away to keep up with how things are progressing. You can also follow it on Instagram if you’re into that as I’ll probably post a lot of little bits of information and photos on there as well. If y’all have any questions of comments, let me know! I’ll be leaving the day after thanksgiving and be out for 10 days and will update whenever reception allows.
Tonight I’ll update with equipment and gear if anyone is curious as to what we’ll be using. If there’s no interest, I’ll just shut my trap!
 
Very cool. We like lots of pics. Beautiful country out there. Spent some time around the Tri Cities and Spokane areas for work years ago. Probably drove through about everywhere at one point though. Much like NY if you could just ditch the big city you'd have it made.
 
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Its about that time for me to make my annual trip home and get back into the back country and chase elk and mule deer. On the old site I’d had quite a bit of interest in this trip and questions about it. I’ve decided to create this thread in order for those of you that want too, to follow along and have away to keep up with how things are progressing. You can also follow it on Instagram if you’re into that as I’ll probably post a lot of little bits of information and photos on there as well. If y’all have any questions of comments, let me know! I’ll be leaving the day after thanksgiving and be out for 10 days and will update whenever reception allows.
Tonight I’ll update with equipment and gear if anyone is curious as to what we’ll be using. If there’s no interest, I’ll just shut my trap!
Good Luck !!!!
 
Good luck man! This is on my soon to do list. I am looking hard at Idaho since they have locked in pricing for 3 years on licenses. Still debating buying one for Xmas.
 
Good luck man! This is on my soon to do list. I am looking hard at Idaho since they have locked in pricing for 3 years on licenses. Still debating buying one for Xmas.
Went Black bear hunting in ID years ago. Beautiful country out there sorry I never made it back.. FYI: I used Boulder Creek Outfitters.
 
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I want to do a DIY hunt on public land, so that is why I was looking at the 3 year non-resident license. I figure I may know where I'm going and what I am doing by the 3rd year :D
If youre interested in archery there are some really good late season opportunities for elk and mule deer in Washington state you n the units we are hunting. All over the counter tags, no draws. Trophy mule deer and cow or spike bull elk. That’s what we’re doimg this year. Growing up there gives me an advantage on knowing the area and the local game agent being my high school best friend helps keep an eye on animal movement!
 
Question.
How many of us can you take along?
I’m sure we could put together a plan and organize a trip pretty easy. I have one guest I’m bringing from NC this year. And this year is kind of a scouting year. We’ve only had a couple of us ever hunt this late season before but it’s been a long time.
 
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Better ask how much the Non Resident License and tag fees are first. I am guess around $1000 for both license and tags, am I right?
I believe it’s around $700 for mule deer and elk combined this year. If you happen to be a disabled veteran with a rating of 30% or higher, you can pay resident pricing of about $70
 
I’m sure we could put together a plan and organize a trip pretty easy. I have one guest I’m bringing from NC this year. And this year is kind of a scouting year. We’ve only had a couple of us ever hunt this late season before but it’s been a long time.
Too late to get something going for this year. But how about we discuss this for next year after you get back?
 
A work friend wants to set up an Idaho mule deer hunt next year. I'll need to get my fat ass into shape starting now.
 
Too late to get something going for this year. But how about we discuss this for next year after you get back?
I’d be all in for a meeting a few of you guys and us putting a plan together. We generally start planning the next one as soon as we get back from the upcoming hunt!
 
I’d be all in for a meeting a few of you guys and us putting a plan together. We generally start planning the next one as soon as we get back from the upcoming hunt!
That be cool.
We will be waiting for photos from this trip and talk to you later.
 
So I got bored packing and figured I’d take a a break and update everyone on the progress and also the packing list I typically take with me.
First stop is the weapon. I’m shooting a 2018 Hoyt Hyperforce paired with a 300 spine weight Gold Tip Black Label arrow with a 100gr Rage Hypodermic and Rage Nocktournals. I’ve been shooting as well as someone with a bum shoulder and two torn rotator cuff muscles can expect to shoot. Pretty much minute of angle and I’m feeling comfortable out to 60. The bow is running about a 65lb draw weight right now and a 29” draw length.
A98B2490-76BD-4CA8-96C9-F7F3026F7CEA.jpeg

The pack I use is a Badlands Monster. At one point I was a paid Pro Staffer with another pack company and once I started using Badlands equipment I switched brands, even though it meant paying out of pocket for my equipment. I’ve ysed this pack for everything from Elk and Mule deer out west to Whitetail hunting here locally. The main compartment usually holds my jacket. The side pouches are just convienence items, ie gloves, smokes, phone..
8B8E04EB-231C-4D2D-9E43-9D6EADD3CCAA.jpeg

The rear pocket contains my game bags and my survival items. You can always tell someone who’s been lost in the woods by the amount of fire starters in their pack. I carry A LOT. I’ve had to spend nights out alone and stranded when weather turned, so I don’t skimp on fire. Two is one. One is none.
726374DF-FA83-496F-A197-A9CE648E0581.jpeg

Also carry some parachute cord, a spare knife and phone battery pack.
77C99277-8049-4378-95E3-67A54994838C.jpeg

My bingo chest rig is Badlands as well and has space for 10x42 Binos and a range finder. The Garmin get clipped to the side for 2 way communication and GPS use.
0842B2D7-3753-4EB4-811F-443B37D0A25E.jpeg

Right side is my wind check. I try and have multiple uses for everything I use. So my wind check is baby powder or talcum powder in case I get a rash or chaffing while I’m out in the back country.
B1DBAB58-CE67-4D4C-8981-E3D960ACA00B.jpeg

Left side is my knife sharpener.
8778732B-9772-4B79-86F5-5A7DEC458AF6.jpeg

Bottom pouch is for the range finder
240BC7B7-917B-4729-9C49-BF14E8E0F82C.jpeg

And the top is for the Binos
278B210A-D1EC-4CAF-9648-B367C4BBD822.jpeg

The back has a small zipper pouch that I keep all my licenses in for the states I hunt. I also keep this awesome knife in there that if I remember correctly, @NCLivingBrit gave me when we met up one time to exchange some trade items!
207893AE-50C0-4600-A726-8A05E3BBA002.jpeg

Now that laundry is done, it’s time to start packing clothes!
Later Gents!
 
So I got bored packing and figured I’d take a a break and update everyone on the progress and also the packing list I typically take with me.
First stop is the weapon. I’m shooting a 2018 Hoyt Hyperforce paired with a 300 spine weight Gold Tip Black Label arrow with a 100gr Rage Hypodermic and Rage Nocktournals. I’ve been shooting as well as someone with a bum shoulder and two torn rotator cuff muscles can expect to shoot. Pretty much minute of angle and I’m feeling comfortable out to 60. The bow is running about a 65lb draw weight right now and a 29” draw length.
View attachment 86456

The pack I use is a Badlands Monster. At one point I was a paid Pro Staffer with another pack company and once I started using Badlands equipment I switched brands, even though it meant paying out of pocket for my equipment. I’ve ysed this pack for everything from Elk and Mule deer out west to Whitetail hunting here locally. The main compartment usually holds my jacket. The side pouches are just convienence items, ie gloves, smokes, phone..
View attachment 86465

The rear pocket contains my game bags and my survival items. You can always tell someone who’s been lost in the woods by the amount of fire starters in their pack. I carry A LOT. I’ve had to spend nights out alone and stranded when weather turned, so I don’t skimp on fire. Two is one. One is none.
View attachment 86459

Also carry some parachute cord, a spare knife and phone battery pack.
View attachment 86458

My bingo chest rig is Badlands as well and has space for 10x42 Binos and a range finder. The Garmin get clipped to the side for 2 way communication and GPS use.
View attachment 86460

Right side is my wind check. I try and have multiple uses for everything I use. So my wind check is baby powder or talcum powder in case I get a rash or chaffing while I’m out in the back country.
View attachment 86461

Left side is my knife sharpener.
View attachment 86462

Bottom pouch is for the range finder
View attachment 86463

And the top is for the Binos
View attachment 86464

The back has a small zipper pouch that I keep all my licenses in for the states I hunt. I also keep this awesome knife in there that if I remember correctly, @NCLivingBrit gave me when we met up one time to exchange some trade items!
View attachment 86468

Now that laundry is done, it’s time to start packing clothes!
Later Gents!

I don't hunt, but want to just so I can set up all the cool gear and packs. Does that make me a kind of loser? :(

Everything looks well planned. Very nice.
 
I don't hunt, but want to just so I can set up all the cool gear and packs. Does that make me a kind of loser? :(

Everything looks well planned. Very nice.
I’d recommend it I’ve youve never tried it before! It’s the one time of year I live for. Being out there and doing it all on your own is where it’s at. We only hunt public land, over the counter areas and it’s probably the hardest hunting you can do. But it makes it all the sweeter when it pays off!
 
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