Thoughts on X2 this year

[BRHunter]

Sitting on 10 points. Last few years I've been holding out for X2. Sounds like it's been terrible the last few years.

I feel like this year could see some good antler growth but I also know this unit can be weather dependent.

What are your thoughts on X2 this year? What else would be on your radar with 10 points? I'm almost at the point to just keep holding out for a muzzle loader hunt or late season archery hunt.

 

[pacer1975]

I have read not many deer in x2 unless you know the sweet spots. You could draw x2 rifle and with 10 pts. No chance for late archery in the top units. You could draw early bow in a few units. X6a you can draw rifle, has alot of deer, not giants, and lots of bear.Tuff call. Goodluck.

 

[BRHunter]

Yes I should be able to draw it this year.

I just don't think I could commit enough time to make it worth it this year. I've got an idaho deer hunt in Oct., so vacation will be limited.

I know guys who hunted it in 2018 and 2019 and they did very well. The hunting report seemed pretty good. However, the last couple years just really seemed to go down hill. I've talked to both the big game biologist and local Game Warden and they said the same.

With such a good winter this year, I'm wondering if it will be better.

 

[Moe]

Any of the X zones should be better this year. 6a could be really good with the recent fires and the winter this year. Bass hill muzzy would be good.

 

[Hntndux]

X2 is a shadow of what it used to be. The main issue now is access. Collins timber has all of the great area locked up and has created a sanctuary over the past 5yrs. I'd hold out for x5b or one of the muzzy hunts...

 

[marburg]

X2 is a shadow of what it used to be. The main issue now is access. Collins timber has all of the great area locked up and has created a sanctuary over the past 5yrs. I'd hold out for x5b or one of the muzzy hunts..

I don't think people realize what an issue this has become. A large chunk of that unit is off limits now and it didn't take long for the game to figure it out.

X2 is living on its past reputation, with all that ground locked up it's not worth 1/3 of the points it demands now.

 

[chrisamx]

Sitting on 10 points. Last few years I've been holding out for X2. Sounds like it's been terrible the last few years.

I feel like this year could see some good antler growth but I also know this unit can be weather dependent.

What are your thoughts on X2 this year? What else would be on your radar with 10 points? I'm almost at the point to just keep holding out for a muzzle loader hunt or late season archery hunt.

I have same points...kind of like middle of nowhere. I wouldn't mind one getting one of the archery hunts.

 

[pacer1975]

You could draw the best early bow units for true mulies vs. Hybrids with 11 pts.

 

[chrisamx]

You could draw the best early bow units for true mulies vs. Hybrids with 11 pts.

What is best in your opinion?

 

[pacer1975]

Look at % of 4pt. Or better in the digest. It's pretty obvious.

 

[Bwht4x4]

I spent the last 8 or 9 days of the hunt in X-2 in 2021 with a buddy that drew. I suggested he apply and he drew with 9 or 10 pts. We had a bit of weather and pretty cold temps during the hunt and saw a bit of the migration of deer heading south from OR and the Collins Pine area. In all those days we were there and of all the deer we saw, we never saw anything bigger than a 12-inch wide forky! Only saw one small 4 pt killed that was in the back of a truck. It was disappointing and I felt bad that I recommended it to my buddy. Unless you have some solid info on a buck in a specific spot I'd apply some where else. I'm back up to 7 pts myself and deciding between a few good archery hunts like X5B in 4 or 5 years.

 

[1WingLow]

I drew an X-2 tag. I have never been in that area, may be a long season with scouting and then the hunt. Sure looking forward to it though.

 

[Calbuck]

You’re looking at a disappointing experience from what I’m seeing and hearing. All you can do is make the best of it and maybe you’ll happen upon a big one. Have fun camping and hunting and be happy to be out there with few hunters.

 

[huntindad4]

We were in x2 a couple weeks ago and saw an uptick in deer from the last few years. Probably saw 8 or 10 bucks. One is gonna be pretty good and a few decent bucks. Definitely still very spotty though.

The burned areas of the last several years aren't growing back much but grass. I think hurting the deer and antelope. But may be helping the elk herd and unfortunately probably the horses.

We don't spend much time in the best time of day looking for deer. Only out one evening till dark and didn't leave camp before daylight even one day. We go to camp and spend family time. A little shed hunting and shoot some coyotes. So not much deer scouting.

This sunset pic shows what a lot of the burned area that used to have sage and buck brush but now has grass.

Good luck. Last year I hunted deer there was 2015. Had a couple big bucks get away from us and killed a 3 year old 4 point. Saw more and more deer towards the end. A lot of folks say the migration is done but I talk to a few locals over there that still see new deer move in late in and after season.

I love it there. The comments saying it's terrible and you're in for a disappointment are only right if you let them be. Talk to the guy in Blue Mtn. Lookout. Have fun.

 

[1WingLow]

I appreciate the information for sure. Thank you for sharing the pictures, looks like you had a great time for sure. I’m going to head up for a couple weeks in July and see what I can learn. More information when I get back, thank you.

 

[Bossbrott]

Bring a varmint gun, it’s fawn season.

 

[1WingLow]

Bring a varmint gun, it’s fawn season.

Absolutely!

 

[Deerdon]

I appreciate the information for sure. Thank you for sharing the pictures, looks like you had a great time for sure. I’m going to head up for a couple weeks in July and see what I can learn. More information when I get back, thank you.

Let me first start with...the buck of your dreams most likely is walking around out there right now. Having said that....I give this same advise to all that draw this tag. Just be aware that almost the entire north eastern corner of the zone is owned by Colins Timber and, several years ago, they elected to make access to their property completely off limits. It is gated, posted and patrolled. These restrictions include vehicle AND foot traffic. The deer density in the other areas is dismal but the genetics are there. Speaking of genetics, many people reference the high percentage of 4 points that are taken in the zone, but don't let that skew your expectations. In short, the genetics simply make it so many 3 year old 15 to 18 inch wide bucks already have 4 points. Having said all this, you might be very happy with a 3 year old healthy buck - and good for you. But if you are going with the thoughts of holding out for a magazine quality buck....you will have a great hunt only if you go into it knowing you may never even see a truly mature buck....however, he is up there somewhere and the next deer you spot just might be the one!

Good luck!

 

[huntindad4]

Let me first start with...the buck of your dreams most likely is walking around out there right now. Having said that....I give this same advise to all that draw this tag. Just be aware that almost the entire north eastern corner of the zone is owned by Colins Timber and, several years ago, they elected to make access to their property completely off limits. It is gated, posted and patrolled. These restrictions include vehicle AND foot traffic. The deer density in the other areas is dismal but the genetics are there. Speaking of genetics, many people reference the high percentage of 4 points that are taken in the zone, but don't let that skew your expectations. In short, the genetics simply make it so many 3 year old 15 to 18 inch wide bucks already have 4 points. Having said all this, you might be very happy with a 3 year old healthy buck - and good for you. But if you are going with the thoughts of holding out for a magazine quality buck....you will have a great hunt only if you go into it knowing you may never even see a truly mature buck....however, he is up there somewhere and the next deer you spot just might be the one!

Good luck!

Excellent description of the zone and the hunt and what your expectations should be.

HE is probably up there waiting to be found. Good luck and have fun. Don't fall into the trap of measuring the hunt against the points spent or someone else's idea of what your hunt should be.