I didn't make the regular season for deer, but plan on getting out for muzzleloading this coming weekend and am hoping someone can give me some insight on the Satsop Unit.

I'm not looking for any zipper lip locations just some general guidance on areas that hold animals. I spent most of Saturday exploring up around Matlock and found what I think are some promising locations. For those in the know, am I on the right track or would you recommend exploring other areas? I did see several animals hanging out close to residential/farm areas, but think I'm a little behind schedule to be hunting private property.

Thanks in advance for any guidance.
JMS

I'm not sure about muzz hunting there but if it's anything close the modern season you may want to go elsewhere. Maybe the next drainage to the west. Satsop was a sea of orange & some without orange too??? There is some deer in there though.

Thanks for the reply Knophish. I did see a few folks last weekend, but nothing compared to elk season.

I've never hunted muzzle loader, but I understand its a whole lot less crowded than modern firearm.

I hunted satsup last year for Deer Muzzleloaderfro the first time , Myself and a buddy where done hunting by 9:00 am with two deer down. One was a doe and I got a nice two point. It's Kinda hard to find access in that game unit. we hunted the southeast part of the unit kinda off hwy101. But that was the only real area I got to look at being we got our deer so early.

Check you PMs, get ready to call me, and if you don't have an Atlas and Gazetteer, get one before you call me. I'm headed out tomorrow. Lots of public access, you just have to explore.

Andy

This is the only unit I hunt. There is so much area it would be hard to tell where is best. Lots of public access. A great spot to start is across from the Matlock store or anywhere off the cloquallam road. Just start exploring and good luck.

Hi all, thanks for the responses.

Dogfish, I got your message this morning (Wed) so will call tonight sometime in the middle of the evening with Atlas in hand. Talk with you then.

James

I just got back from hunting today(first day for the late muzzleloader season). I saw afew deer in the morning ,one small buck all the others does. The weather wasn't helping much, high winds and a little rain had most of the deer in the timber beded down. I did hear afew shots in the morning.
Did anyone do any good today ?

I got to within 35 yards of a nice doe at about 4:00pm, but I didn't want to pack her out in the dark, it was my first day of deer hunting this year, and I was already soaked. I'll wait a few days before I take a doe. Saw 4 deer and a small herd of elk, all within range.

The area I was in had all the animals in the open, out of the timber. I did find a few day old dead 3-point, beautiful little rack. Looked like someone had dragged it out a bit, then left it.

One less doe in that unit today.

Nice job Andy.

....make that 2 less does in that area.

I shot this doe around 11:00 on Saturday morning while still hunting a walk in only area. I was only a half mile in, but had the area to myself when I jumped a group of 2 or 3 deer. They all stopped to see what spooked them and I had a decent shot at 20 yards which dropped her in her tracks.

Thanks to all who gave advise on where to hunt. Special thanks to Dogfish who took the time to share some of his considerable knowledge of the area with me and point me in the right direction. Following his advise certainly paid off for me.

Nice big doe! Glad I could be of assistance.

Andy