Observatory Tag Modern

[crazypatty]

Hello to everyone, this is my first post here!  And for good reason; I am one of the lucky *censored*s who finally drew the Observatory Any Bull tag for Modern Firearm.  I realize there have been several posts on this hunt previously, but I need fresh opinions and info please.  I have hunted the 340 for over 20yrs, only killed one spike and 1 cow in that whole timeframe!  (Sad, I know).  My camp is located up close to Tamarack Springs where it has been for over 30 yrs.  I have seen many bulls over the years, including a 7x7 last year.  I feel that the bulls are randomly moving about the mountain, but I have also never hunted when there is very little pressure on them (Oct 21st-25th before general elk opens).  I would like to hunt my usual range (tamarack springs or close to)  But I have been pretty much out everywhere in the 340.  I am not afraid to get into the steep stuff if needed, I am in good physical condition (just climbed Rainier).  I am setting up camp this Saturday Oct 5, and will be scouting these next two weekends.  So question is, where are all the Big Bulls!  Any and all help is greatly appreciated.  And remember, it goes to a good cause, I am a resident hunter who has dedicated my elk hunt to this area since I was 10yrs old  .  I have seen the big bulls and finally I get to pull the trigger!   

[vandeman17]

Welcome to the forum and good luck on your tag! I have hunted up there off and on over the last ten years and have seen some good bulls. Having two weekends to scout should help and hopefully you can locate a shooter and figure out his patterns. Keep us posted on your hunt and if you need any help packing him out, let me know. 

[coachcw]

your in a fine area , just remember those bulls will drop into the steep slopes and nest up during modern , don't forget the sage to your ne.

[lostbackpacker]

deep ravines. heavy cover.  let the road hunters head back towards camp about 10:00am and you'll start seeing some action

[MacAttack]

Welcome to the HW. See ya up there Saturday.

[270Shooter]

I saw a really nice 6x7 in 342 about 10 days ago. Probably 340 class bull. He was on private at the time but I'm sure he'll head back up into the timber (public) during the day.

[Hi-Liter]

I wouldn't change from where you camp, just put some time in your boots and will shoot one. I would defiantly stay out late in the morning. I had the rifle- any bull tag last year in 346 and it seemed without the normal hunting season pressure they were defiantly moving around late in the morning, but that was last year. good luck

[crazypatty]

Thx for the help guys, dropped a 5x5 yesterday at 1430 near Tamarack Springs.  300lbs hanging at the butcher, his rack was small but nice cause I shot it! hahaha... anyways, good hunt and thank you all with my first post here!  Ill try to post a pic later..Take care

[MacAttack]

Nice job Pat...Let's see those pics!