Late Archery Hunting ramblings

Hello Fellow bowslingers



I have to apologize for the lenth of time between now and my last posting. I have been busy developing a new website and didn't get back here to check on what was happening. I had set up a couple posts and I thought I had them set to post automatically but alas, they didn't. I am new to all of this computer techy stuff and I learn, forget, relearn only
to find out that something has changed. So, SORRY ABOUT THAT.
Back to bowhunting deer and all it entails. It is late November and
the pacific northwest weather is definitely in late season mode. In this
state, we have two archery hunts for deer and elk. One is the early season
in September and then the late season in Nov/Dec.
I have talked about the early archery hunting season, with all the sunshine, berries and all but not to much about the late season. The archery hunting late season is like a whole different world in the mountains. It mostly rains with intermittent episodes of drizzle below 3,000 feet. I usually hunt deer and elk in the south cascade mountain region of western Washington. We can see Mt St Helens from our favorite elk hunting area. Because of the wide spread devastation and following regrowth activity in the area, it has the largest elk herd in the state. In fact, I read an article I found from the Washington Dept. of Fish and Game that talked about there being to many elk and over 170 animals perishing due to the lack of browse. Hard to believe.
Our bowhunting deer season and bowhunting elk season overlap where we hunt so for those who haven't filled a tag, we are hunting both. Most years, we still like to tent camp but I have a old camper we use from time to time. It is small but dry. I also set up a cabin tent for supplies and to use as a drying room. I purchased an inexpensive drying rack that is freestanding and will hold two sets of clothes. I have a propane heater that I set on low and we hang our drenched clothes on the rack to dry for a day so we always have dry camo. Even so, good gore tex rain gear is invaluable.
Late bowhunting season starts on the day before thanksgiving and goes through Dec 7th this year. I have been busy putting my late hunt paraphenalia together and plan on leaving next Tuesday morning to set up camp. Archery hunting in this part of the world is a lot like hard work sometimes but I enjoy every minute of it. I have actually made it to the gym about
3 times a week for the past couple months and I feel ready. The walking is either uphill, downhill or sidehilling on ground covered with wet slippery fallen branches. Even with all that, I find archery hunting and camping to be a blessed event. Every year I thank our creator for allowing me to partake of the majestic splendor of our hunting heritage. Until next time, good hunting.