Looks like a great place for a tree stand. If you are familiar with using a pump shotgun then you might want to consider a pump big game rifle like Rem 760.. lots of calibers to choose from that are better than the common 30-30. good luck finding that buck. A little bit of freezing temps wouldnt hurt getting those leaves to drop.
Nocturnal Blacktail
- Thread starter Evan B
- Start date
And it's killed more deer than my Creedmoor
Coach Potter
Legend
Big meadows are pretty settings but older bucks rarely show themselves in those places during daylight. If there was a significant food source (probably isn’t if it’s a natural meadow) in that meadow, maybe it would attract a doe in estrus and maybe he’d follow her, but aside from that it’s highly unlikely he ever shows up there during shooting light.
A few cameras scattered around some of the trails being used might give you some clues. Unfortunately, the spots you’re most likely to have a chance to kill him, probably aren’t going to be spots that are “fun” to be in. I’ve only hunted WT and MD but big bucks are typically older and they’re all hard to hunt. He’s a stud of a buck! I’d love to see a picture of you holding his horns
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A tree stand would give you a better opportunity. Heavy timber and brush can feel like you’re viewing the world through s straw. An elevated straw is a little better.
A few cameras scattered around some of the trails being used might give you some clues. Unfortunately, the spots you’re most likely to have a chance to kill him, probably aren’t going to be spots that are “fun” to be in. I’ve only hunted WT and MD but big bucks are typically older and they’re all hard to hunt. He’s a stud of a buck! I’d love to see a picture of you holding his horns
.A tree stand would give you a better opportunity. Heavy timber and brush can feel like you’re viewing the world through s straw. An elevated straw is a little better.
Went out to split some firewood and disturbed a couple blacktail that were bedded down a few feet away. One doe and a 3-point buck. The buck was 3-point on his right side and broken off on his left. Maybe he got in a fight with the 4-point (if one of the neighbors didn't shoot him the other day). And he was limping on his right rear leg. I looked to see if he'd been shot, but there was no apparent wound. Anyway, they moved over to the neighbor's yard whilst I split firewood.
@Evan B have you been seeing doe’s? If you are seeing doe’s, the bucks will be around.
The interesting thing about blacktail season in western OR/WA is, depending on location, the rut varies quite a bit, but each day thing can change quite a bit. For reference, my buck was taken in the Willamette valley. The bucks have been pretty hot on the doe’s where I am for at least a week or more. Find doe’s you will find bucks
The interesting thing about blacktail season in western OR/WA is, depending on location, the rut varies quite a bit, but each day thing can change quite a bit. For reference, my buck was taken in the Willamette valley. The bucks have been pretty hot on the doe’s where I am for at least a week or more. Find doe’s you will find bucks
I've only seen does on camera in the meadow at night. Didn't see any while hiking today.
I am bummed I couldn't re-set the camera back on the trails today, and not sure I'll get them set before the season is done. But i've got plans forming for next season. I'm heading out there again Friday for the last day.
That’s right. I now remember your original observation of all deer nocturnal.
Would be interesting to see how this plays out this week, and beyond. The deer I hunt seem to be very nocturnal the first half of October. Second half of the month, the deer start becoming more active during the day. By Halloween, they seem to be moving around plenty during daylight hours. I’ve now taken two solid bucks on Halloween.
Where you are at, seems like it gets going later. If you find they are still nocturnal thru this week you might consider archery? The unit I hunt opens back up 11/21 to 12/13 for archery. I know there’s a lot of hunters who really like the late archery for blackies.
Pink Nighty
Legend
If they're purely nocturnal and you have an idea of where they bed, maybe you could bump em off the bed before shooting light? Get em moving and off their patterns? It's the last day after all
I don't even own a bow, so that's a pretty steep hill to climb methinks.
Big game hunting in the state of Washington is by far very very far harder than ANY fishing on the planet. I'd be more successful midge fishing for blue whales than killing a spike blacktail on public land. Let alone fulfill a 3 pt minimum out this way.
Scudley Do Right
Legend
If you can bait and the apples aren't working you can make a cheap diy corn feeder. I made one out of 4" PVC. Chunk of pipe, 45deg joint bottom and twist off on top. Fill it with a bag of feed corn and tilt it up and strap it around a tree trunk. Like a giant bird feeder. I've killed two BT buck out of my climbing tree stand. Both with a shot gun in the thick stuff. That angle makes a big difference on getting a shot.
Not in Washington state I hope.
Scudley Do Right
Legend
Yeah it was. Probably 15 years ago. Used it in the off season for pictures. Evan said he was in OR and it was allowed.