Whitewater youth deer hunt questions

[kurtkwe]

My daughter drew a permit to hunt the refuge during the youth hunt in the Whitewater refuge MEA weekend. Just wondering if anyone else has participated in this in the past and how it went. I know they give out some permits for this refuge during 3B season as well so if anyone is willing to share some information it would be much appreciated. I have fished in this area many times but never hunted it nor given the crowds do I ever expect to again. I have hunted the bluff country in the past just not Whitewater. I'm not looking to have my daughter shoot someone's Boone and Crocket buck they have been scouting, she would be thrilled to come home with a nice doe on her first hunt.

[tjm]

Well you'll be in the best place in the state to take the buck of a life time.This area is my old stomping grounds of 17 years.

I have never hunted the refuge but hunted close to it many times.Seen plenty of monsters.When your in beaver heading up the gravel road to weaver when you see the river next to the road on your right thats where i would be looking.Problem is you need a boat to get accross the creek or walk in from the blacktop.

If you walk in from the blacktop there is a logging road that goes all the way back to this area.Most of the big bucks hang in this area.Early mornings you can see several big bucks out in the field.

I would give anything for a 1 day hunt in this area.Good luck to you/lil girl shoot a monster of a lifetime

[hartner62]

What area will you be in? I hunt in Elba and there are plenty of deer in that area. If you guys will be down there during the 3b season maybe we could set her up on one of our drives. We usually do very well. Last year I did a drive by myself and pushed out two bucks and a doe (12,16 points) and the girl I had standing in the prime spot missed both at about 25 yards. If I can help I would love to help your daughter get her first deer. Let me know.

[lunker651]

Never hunted the refuge before but close to it. Heard some good hunting stories from there. Look for food plots and thickets and you shouldn't have any problems taking a deer.

[kurtkwe]

Thanks for all the help so far. She will be hunting MEA weekend which is Oct 19-22. I have no plans on hunting the 3B season as we hunt up in zone 168 during the regular deer season. The rules for this youth hunt say I must be with her and unarmed. We plan on walking the area a few times prior to the hunt as it is only an hour from home. If I'm reading the regs right you can small game hunt in the refuge. On the maps it appears there is a road on the east side of the river which you can walk in on. I have fished many times on the river in this stretch but never noticed a road on the east side only on the west side. I was thinking of bringing waders and walking accross the river to gain access to this area. I also noticed some good access on the far west side of the refuge. My daughter can outwalk me so I'm not afraid of taking a hike in a ways though the drag out would be tough.

[tjm]

Not many areas to cross in waders.That east road is the 1 i'm talking about.Long walk but well worth the walk.

If you have any plans on just shooting a deer in my mind thats a wasted tag.She should have a excelent chance at any buck and a very great chance at a buck of a lifetime.Once again good luck

[adaylate]

My daughter didnt draw a license this year but she did get her first deer a fork horn from there last year a true trophy to her.A special time that I will always remember.She droped him with one shot and was shaking so bad afterwards.If you drive a little further down the road there is a parking spot on the right I think its the refuge line.I've crossed there with chest wadders and Hip boots when the water is low. Good luck to your daughter