I've been traditional bow hunting for half my life. I'm in my early 30s. I've lived all over the US doing seasonal/term jobs, grad school and whatnot. I work in the sciences, so you can do that. I'm originally from Nebraska. I play the points game out west pretty hard and am about the start drawing some really good permits. I also rifle and muzzle loader hunt. I've kind of hunted all over, but Nebraska is home. I manage some of my dad's properties pretty much just for hunting and a healthy ecosystem. So, I've got really good hunting with OTC permits up my sleeve. I'm very excited about CT though.
Anyway, the woman I'm dating owns property in Washington. So does much of her family, but none of them live in the area. There family is from there, so they're not the folks who came in and bought up second homes. Anyway, I'm wondering what the hunting around there is like. From what I've read and researched, Litchfield county is pretty great. I just have some questions. I'm not going there this year, but I expect to in the future.
What should I expect? I do pretty much trophy hunt for age with bucks and shoot a lot of does. Do the deer get much age on them there? I've done a lot of research and haven't had this answered. Would I be a fool for passing on a 3.5 year old? I'm looking for the general thought on this. I know it can vary by area with a deer's home ranges and whatnot. Score wise, what's a big deer for the area? I don't really care about scores, but it's just a baseline to give me an idea.
What's a good sporting goods store or two around there?
Is there a store around I can buy Tordon RTU and other goodies to use in the forest when I'm fixing it up? (I'm a restoration ecologist) I really haven't googled this to be honest. We've talked a lot about my with to go ape shit with a chainsaw in there.
Should I hide my camo in shame when I hunt, or would I be ok to go get lunch or gas in it?
Also, I'm kind of a foodie of the Grandma food type, so what's a good place to get something around there? The lady friend is not a foodie. I'll eat anything as long as it's not super processed.
Thanks! I'd appreciate any good info on the area.
I love litchfield county, lots a big woods area (comparably speaking of course considering the overall size and population of CT) - Its not Northwest Nebraska.
There are some cool changes in elevation, rivers and creeks, etc. Just some nice looking areas to hunt, regardless if there are any deer around.
Deer is going to depend a lot on the property and surrounding properties and hunting pressure. Many would probably disagree with me, but I think the hunting pressure in that area is actually declining at least in the areas I hunt.
There are some really nice bucks in Litchfield county but they are spread out. Depending on the property you might hunt for a week and only see a deer or two (pretty common for me), so you shouldn't expect lots of opportunities. I rarely pass on anything and definately wouldn't pass on an adult buck. The shot opportunities are too few and far between. Most of my hunting in the big woods area are with rifle/shotgun. If I go with a bow I pretty much know I have no chance of killing anything, and am just going to enjoy the day.
Lots of bear too.
All this is based on my experience hunting marginal areas, if you a spot of prime private land, you might be tripping over deer.
Gene also hit the good eating as well. Was just at Hidden Valley last weekend with my wife...great place with local farm food.
I think if you were to manage the land as you suggested, it would greatly improve the herd in the area and therefore your odds. Keep in mind you'll need to pass on does and small buck to let them breed, otherwise all the food plots in the world won't bring the deer back.
Good luck with your search.
There is huntable state land in Washington? I didn't think there was any. I know there are come large preserves (Steep Rock) that are not huntable but I didn't realize there was any huntable public land there.