Mike,

I've hunted both rifle/bow in the Valley, Modern rifle this year . I love the late hunt when it's wet and possibly some snow on the ground. I don't usually hunt in September because it can still be pretty hot/dry(noisy) and the underbrush can still be pretty thick. I've stalked deer in every corner of this county. It's just a matter of reading the regs closely and figuring out the gmu's. If you're outside in this county then you're in good deer stomping grounds. I've seen some monster blacktail here in lil' ol' Skagit Co. that would make you wet your pants.

As far as practice goes, I love to go down to the archery range in Mount Vernon. Silver Arrow I think it's called. If you're not a member then you can go through their outdoor course for 2 beer tickets in the honor box. They have something like thirty full size paper targets of everything from bunnies to grizzly bears at varying yardage.

I too live in Concrete. If you'd like to go to the range sometime give me a shout.

BTW, the archery shop in west Mount Vernon is up for sale. That would be a fun business. Not sure on the asking price but probably ain't cheap.

Regards,
Shane