Photo by Stephen B. Antus Jr.

Washington deer hunters are more determined, more passionate and more dedicated than any other group of Evergreen State hunters. In part, this can be explained by the diversity of deer hunting opportunities here. Mule deer, whitetails and blacktails are all available. They can be pursued in shrub-steppe coulees and temperate-zone rain forest, on sub-alpine aeries and along the Snake River breaks.

Hunting seasons in Washington are long, extending from September (for bow and arrow), through October and November (rifle and muzzleloader hunts), to a December archery finale. In recent years, many Washington deer populations have also rebounded from the hard days of the 1990s. And in many regions, hunter numbers and success rates have actually increased.

With all of these options for Evergreen State deer hunters, their critical decision is the same one facing deer hunters in every state: Where to hunt? The importance of that choice during the upcoming 2006 deer season is dramatically demonstrated by two traditionally productive deer destinations less than 100 miles apart.

The snow came early last winter and in March was still on the ground in the Okanogan Highlands.

In Okanogan County -- long renowned as the state's premier mule deer destination -- the herd had recovered in recent years from the devastating winter deer kills of the 1990s. Hunters have killed lots of deer, as well as some very large bucks. But many fawns that would have become legal bucks in 2007 and 2008 may have died in the snows of 2005-'06.

"It's been the toughest winter since 1996-'97," said Scott Fitkin, the WDFW's area wildlife biologist. "We had three feet of solid snow on the valley floor in the upper Methow Valley."

It also snowed a lot in Ferry and Stevens counties, but it melted quickly below 2,500 feet. As a result, the region's whitetails entered the spring in good shape, and hunters can expect to see lots of deer this fall.

"The moisture was great," said Steve Zender, Region 1 wildlife biologist. "We needed it to break the drought we've had the last few years. With all the moisture in the ground, we should have good forage and cover this summer."

Regardless of where they live, most Evergreen State deer hunters spend considerable time each summer choosing where to hunt. One of the best ways to help you make that decision is to simply read our annual Washington-Oregon Game & Fish deer forecast. Each year, we contact outfitters, regional wildlife biologists and managers for tips on the upcoming season. By combining all of these sources, we can give our readers the most accurate, concise and timely deer forecast available. Today, you hold that forecast in your hands.

REGION 1
Whitetails and Mulies
Far fewer people live east of the Cascade Mountains than in Western Washington. But the dry side of the state attracts more hunters, and they kill many more deer. Indeed, such place names as the Okanogan, Pasayten, Sherman Unit, Selkirks and Glacier Peak Wilderness are virtually synonymous with Washington deer hunting.