First week or second?

[Sigmanu262]

I drew observatory bull and I am having a hard time trying to decide on the short first week to get away from the pressure of hunters or the long second week to get more time in the woods and closer to rut. I know there are a ton of people there going for cows and spikes and tend to push the elk out of the area. I don't know solid elk area in umtaneum or I would focus over there since there is no general season. Whats best approach to maximize the opportunity? Any ideas on the umtaneum unit too?

[vandeman17]

I would try to be out there as much as possible. If you can take the whole time off, I would but if you are limited then I personally would go the last week. Not so much for the phase of the rut but for the chance, though small, of cooler weather. We will be up scouting next weekend for my buddy's muzzy cow tag. Would be happy to share whatever intel we find with you.

[jackelope]

Both.
I know your boss. I'll talk to him and pull some strings for you.

[WSU]

There are lots of elk in umtanum.  I'd go scout it.

[pianoman9701]

Cool tag. Hunt it all. If the boss doesn't like it, quit. It's almost a once in a lifetime opportunity.

[Sigmanu262]

I wish I could take both weeks off! Has anyone spent time in the umtanum during archery bull? I cant imagine there are a ton of people up there since the only thing open in deer unless you have a bull tag.

[6haase6]

What's the other unit?

[Sigmanu262]

manashtash

[jackelope]

I wish I could take both weeks off! Has anyone spent time in the umtanum during archery bull? I cant imagine there are a ton of people up there since the only thing open in deer unless you have a bull tag.

You can. Tell the boss I said to pound sand if he doesn't let you go. He can run the show.

Oh wait, he has the tag too, doesn't he......

TJ can handle it.

[X-Force]

If you have to choose I'd go 2nd week usually has cooler temperatures and more daytime rut activity.

Good luck

[jackelope]

 

[Sigmanu262]

I wish I could take both weeks off! Has anyone spent time in the umtanum during archery bull? I cant imagine there are a ton of people up there since the only thing open in deer unless you have a bull tag.

You can. Tell the boss I said to pound sand if he doesn't let you go. He can run the show.

Oh wait, he has the tag too, doesn't he......

TJ can handle it.

Note to you....TJ's been gone for months and we just got rid of the new guy . on a serious note. looks like we may have to try the second week. thanks for all the input!

[6haase6]

I would agree with second week. Had the peaches tag last year and that first week was rough. Made it happen but was vary disheartening for a bit.

[coachcw]

the second week is like last years first week ! I like to get in as early as possible the last two years I have been on bulls opening morning in that unit . do your home work the elk are there .

[trophyhunt]

Go find this guy i found it in one of those units your hunting, he should be about 365 to 370 this year. Good luck!   Hey, could someone flip that photo for us, it's kinda making me seasick.... Thanks.

[Sigmanu262]

See now that's what I'm talking about. I saw a brute up there last year that was similar to that. I've been up there every weekend scouting and have a couple of really active cams but I'm just worried of them moving out if there's too much pressure. Maybe I'm over thinking it a bit.
 
Those are all from last weeks pull. I've had 6000 pics in the last three weeks. I know they are there now....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

[jackelope]

I wish I could take both weeks off! Has anyone spent time in the umtanum during archery bull? I cant imagine there are a ton of people up there since the only thing open in deer unless you have a bull tag.

You can. Tell the boss I said to pound sand if he doesn't let you go. He can run the show.

Oh wait, he has the tag too, doesn't he......

TJ can handle it.

Note to you....TJ's been gone for months and we just got rid of the new guy . on a serious note. looks like we may have to try the second week. thanks for all the input!

Well where have I been. Did he run off with that Jeep lady?

[Sigmanu262]

I wish I could take both weeks off! Has anyone spent time in the umtanum during archery bull? I cant imagine there are a ton of people up there since the only thing open in deer unless you have a bull tag.

You can. Tell the boss I said to pound sand if he doesn't let you go. He can run the show.

Oh wait, he has the tag too, doesn't he......

TJ can handle it.

Note to you....TJ's been gone for months and we just got rid of the new guy . on a serious note. looks like we may have to try the second week. thanks for all the input!

Well where have I been. Did he run off with that Jeep lady?

haha no but he should have! he went back to the dark side. might be finding out how to juggle the two weeks so me and the old man can both hunt since at this point we cant be gone at the same time 

[MIKEXRAY]

I would be out first week / opening day.   Always.     Each day I hunt from opening day on I see the elk being more nocturnal & headed to safety earlier & earlier. My second week is always after elk that know something is up , I have to change my area to much higher & thicker the second week.

[FANATIC]

I agree with just quit and hunt both. Problem solved.

[jackelope]

I agree with just quit and hunt both. Problem solved.

That might be a little awkward come the next family gathering.

[Sigmanu262]

I agree with just quit and hunt both. Problem solved.

That might be a little awkward come the next family gathering.

Isn't that the truth    

[FANATIC]

I guess your right. It would be a little weird.

[xXLojackXx]

I hunt manastash every year. The elk don't leave the area. They go deep and dark. Look at a map of the deepest and darkest holes with no trails and I'd almost guarantee there to be elk near by. 90% of the hunters in that unit only hunt for maybe 3-4 hours then head back to their camp. Pack a lunch, cover ground and you'll find lots of animals. I've had a hard time finding cows lately I'm there. Lots of single bulls though.