Swakane late rifle hunt

[MtgHunter]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the site and forum's in general.  Happened to hear about this site while doing some internet searches.

I was lucky enough to draw the late Swakane Rifle hunt, but I'm not familiar with it.  I've bought a topo map and know I'm going to be praying for early snow to increase my odds at a nice 4x4.  I don't expect any secret spots, but any and all info about the unit, deer herd etc is appreciated.

I prefer to spot and stalk and get off the road away from people although with the limited amount of tags I don't expect to see a ton of guys.  Would a snowmobile be handy or legal to use to navigate the roads?  Good spots to glass and look over lots of country?  Areas to focus on with or without snow?  Not sure how far I will have to travel so wondering if should plan to stay in a hotel or setup a camp?  Hunting solo at this point so not sure I want to setup a whole camp.  What caliber of buck is reasonable for the late hunt?  Never killed a big buck so hoping this might be my year.

Thanks to all in advance for your input.

[jackelope]

have you been to the unit yet?

[Nash]

pm sent

[MtgHunter]

I've been to the unit once.  Drove up eagle creek side, stopped at french corral and come out in Peshastin.  Only had a couple hours.  Need to get over the end of the month and do some scouting so I'm more familiar with the roads.

[luvz2hunt]

you will want chains for each tire!!!!!!!! its nasty.. as for the deer. my brother arrowed a 156 3/8in  27in wide  buck and i killed a run of the mill 3x2 on the last day,  genral late season.   good hunt, rough hunt

[wrangler]

dude. if snow's hard get a sled. if its has a chance to snow hard.. get a sled. if it's not snowing and you can take a sled.... take a sled. im partial because the worst snowstorm iv ever been caught in was when i was comin out of swakane canyon a few years ago. i had a hard time getting back in there cause of the snow, i figured it couldn't get any worse and 3 days later it surely did, the day i had to come out. those roads are no joke, and iv hunted the blues many many times....  gives me the creeps. you should have a good shot a masher though!

[WAcoueshunter]

Yeah, those roads are no fun in the snow.  For sure need 4 chains.  Actually, it's not the roads, but the steep, bare cliffs that are next to them that scare the crap out of you.   

[hunt4]

Snowmobiling
Hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails plus un-groomed forest roads are available each winter for snowmobiling opportunities. Please remember that snowmobiles are NOT permitted on roads still used by conventional vehicles or plowed for logging. Wilderness areas, specific trails, and downhill ski areas are closed to snowmobile use.

Actual locations of groomed trails will depend on winter logging activity, snow conditions, movement of big game herds, and other factors. Trail grooming schedules depend on a variety of factors including weather and level of trail use. In the Lake Wenatchee and Entiat Valley areas, call the snowgrooming hotline for the latest info: 509-763-3103 ext. 5. Winter recreationists using other roads and trails must be aware of any hazards, posted private property, or other impediments to safe passage. Call the local Ranger Station for more information or check out the current snowmobile conditions in the recreation report.

[grade-creek-rd]

MtgHunter,

I drew the tag as well. My Dad had it last year (shot a 20" dink 3 point that was fighting the buck he he meant to kill...I guess his eyesight is getting bad with age!) and my hunting partner drew it 2 years ago. He got a 26" 4x4 on the second to last day.

I am heading over for the last weekend of the hunt with my 5 year old. It's going to be good times, as both my Dad and Hunting partner insist on being there with video cameras.

Anyway, don't stress too much over "scouting". The unit will totally change between now and then, as it is a late season (hopefully snow) rut hunt. If things get bad and you start to get worried, just go up Mills Canyon (up the Entiat-north side of the unit). There are only 32 tags for this hunt, so don't worry about hundreds of hunters shooting or ruining your hunt.

I plan to take my bow as well, and am setting my sights on a P&Y buck, other wise the 7mag will fill the freezer.

G-C-R

[MtgHunter]

Thanks guys.  I got Chains and a sled are a good idea as long as the roads are open to sleds that is. 

I'm going to end over the end of September and drive the roads so I'm more familiar and then hope for snow before November. 

[UBA]

I hunt the late archery and usually we are able to drive around the whole unit with a good set of chains. I would bring the sled if you have it but i think you will be able to drive unless we get lots of snow (which would be cool).