West Biggs Antlerless Deer Hunt

MoJet Driver · 10-15-2001, 07:33 AM

I was fortunate enough to draw a West Biggs anterless deer tag this year and since I didn't see any horns during the eastern buck hunt, this will be my final chance to redeem myself with the wife.

According to the stats, there is an 84% success ratio on this hunt, so it would be terribly embarrassing to fall into the 16% catagory.

Has anyone done this hunt and would you be so kind as to provide some tips on areas? I have one area on the west bank of the John Day I'm sniffing around, but I am curious on other spots too.

I'm willing to reciprocate with a goose hunt if the tip turns out good.

Dave

Zen Leecher aka Bill W · 10-15-2001, 09:00 AM

I've had some hunts where I fell in the "loser" odds.

I had one in Montana where only 7% of the applicants didn't get drawn. It was a zone 700 area antelope hunt... and we had a guy applying with our group with the nickname of "Kiss of Death" Smith. He has the ability to make all the fish in a given lake go off the bite... and also as of that hunt, the ability to throw our group in with a bunch of 7% losers....

We didn't get drawn for deer licenses last year or this year either. He applied with us also. Next year we have preference points and it only takes one point to make it to the head of the list.

Maybe he'll make our truck break down on the trip over....

Artwo · 10-15-2001, 10:48 AM

MJD,
We hunt almost exclusively the East Biggs Unit (when we draw our tags) for both bucks and does. We have found that in this area the ranchers will let you hunt does on there property, all you have to do is go ask permission. The buck hunting is a different story though, most of the ranchers will lease out the buck hunting rights to an outfitter so they can't allow you to hunt for the bucks. I would asume that it would be the same for most private land in the West Biggs area as well.

JK

MoJet Driver · 10-15-2001, 06:28 PM

Zen L.,

Thanks for the reality check! I always try to remember it's the time in the field that counts. I'm kind of new to this married thing and the wife expects game or fish to be brought home sometime in this marriage! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Hopefully if I strike out I'll be able to show her this thread and she'll show me some pity! BTW, I picked up a 7mm Rem Mag, Browning 1885 model highwall. So far I am impressed with the tight groups with 150 grain rounds. I might even shoot it a lot next year to try and dial in some serious long range paper punching. So far it's been a fun caliber.

Artwo, thanks for the info. We'll see what we can do and definitely post our results, both on success and access. I've noticed that most of the land out there is a wheat/winter wheat deal, man I hope there is a sweet alfalfa field near by!

Dave

Flathead · 10-16-2001, 08:24 AM

MJD, "Kiss of Death" Smith sounds a lot like "Baldo" Roberts. Good luck on your hunt.
I'm heading out friday for the Cascade Elk Hunt. I'll give you a report on the 27th.

Zen Leecher aka Bill W · 10-16-2001, 08:36 AM

MoJet,

I like your choice of guns. I've been toying with the idea of getting an 1885 in a .30/30 with open sights (the tang peep). Thought that might make rifle hunting more sporting.

A single shot makes hunting a little interesting and you've got a very pretty rifle also. So, whatcha gonna do with your .338 cannon?

I surprised my wife opening weekend when I brought home a couple of pounds of duck breasts. She was starting to get the idea that hunting was a fraternal type of activity where guys went out, had a good time, and returned home empty handed.

MoJet Driver · 10-17-2001, 07:57 AM

Zen L,

If you want one of the 1885s you'd better act fast. I was told they were discontinued. I managed one of the last 7mm's in the warehouse. There still maybe a few out there. Didn't see .30-30 available on the web site.
http://www.browning.com/products/cat...model_1885.htm

I haven't decided what to do with the cannon yet. I'll probably sell to offset the new purchase.

Flathead: Indeed there is a resemblence. Scary that there might be two of him in the field! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] Good luck on your elk hunt.