Preparing to Hunt Peaches Ridge...My Journey. Updated 9.6

[Odell]

Well…its over and it didn't end the way I hoped it would. Thanks everyone for your help, some of you even texting updates on what you are seeing in the unit. I learned a ton, saw some great country and had a good time. I wish I would have updated this thread more, but I didn't have service in the unit except at a place up top and I was a bear of a hike just to post. Also, a few members who hunt the same area asked me not to post pictures and I am glad to honor that request.

What I would do differently:

- If you are like me, unexperienced at elk hunting and not in great shape but want to shoot a bull, I would start hunting the unit you hope to draw, just as if you had a bull tag. If it has any open season at all, pack in there, spend the same time and effort chasing them and then when you draw you will be way ahead of the game. I chased cows down low for a few years in little natches, then tried to go all out when I drew the bull tag. I should have been hunting the backcountry for spikes and cows when I had the chance before I drew, then I wouldn't have had the time crunch of trying to learn so much in a short time. If you aren't experienced, try to get some experience before you draw. I wish I would have.

-Better physical shape. I wasn't prepared for how tired I would be. You only think about the hike in and out, then assume that each day in between is hunting and won't be as hard. Wrong. Early rising, hiking all day, sleeping on the ground, eating mt house, all of it wears you down. It took me off the hill 2 days early the second week and when i went back I was more like a zombie than a hunter.

-Have a hunting partner. Going it alone is tough. I had company 2 days out of the 9 I hunted.

-Hunting an area or a type of terrain is different than hunting elk. Steep and Deep? Well I went steep and deep and learned there are plenty of steep areas with no elk! Hunt where elk are, not where they were or you think they should be.

With a do over, I would have scouted way more in late august. I found an area full of elk in July and then left it alone. When I hiked all the way in there in Sept they were gone but I was too committed to the area, should have scrapped it and started over sooner. If the elk aren't there, what can you do?

Right now I'm a little discouraged and feel bad. I know many on this forum would have a nice bull on the ground if they would have had my tag and I couldn't get it done. I think I have a little hunting season hangover! But it is what it is, I had my turn and hopefully I'll have another soon and be better prepared. Thanks again everyone, i'll see you in the Nile for late season…

[ctwiggs1]

Sounds like you had an epic hunt regardless.  Good job on such a heroic effort - they don't always end the way we want them to.  I have seen elk in the area i was hunting the day before season, then didn't see them again for the rest of the season.  It just happens sometimes unfortunately. 

Curtis

[quadrafire]

Nothing to be ashamed about at all. I congratulate you on a well thought out season. Just fun to be out there for me, and you are way ahead of me my friend.
It's not all about the kill, I think you did well with the JOURNEY!!!!!

[jstone]

Good try!! Post pictures of your adventure when ever you have time. It is awesome country up there.

[robertsjd]

That's hunting man . Atleast we get to get outside and do what we love to do I've struck out on everything this year hard to stay positive but we got to ! There's never any gaurentees in any sport there's highs and lows you busted your ass and have it everything you had saw some amazing country probably met some awesome people and learned tons that's success in my book hats off to you man . See you in the Nile in the late season woodshed for beers on me 👌

[bearpaw]

The best part of hunting is the experience and learning, you had all of that, congrats on a successful hunt. 

[rtspring]

You did succeed in your hunt! You learned a ton!!

Congrats on trying your best!  I wish I could of helped more.. 

[rsrobins]

You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed about Odell. I know your season didn't turn out exactly how you hoped it would but your journey has success written all over it! Congratulations on all you accomplished this year!

[brianb231]

Keep your head up Odell. Your efforts may not have been rewarded with blood on this trip, but it will pay dividends and likely will give you the tools to get that blood reward on your next outing. Its a process. And a little luck, LOL. Way to keep at it.

Brianb231

[elkoholic1]

 

[Odell]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone, It was a successful season in many ways.  I might have to start west side hunting, want to learn how to chase bulls and don't want to wait 8 more years!

[xXLojackXx]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone, It was a successful season in many ways.  I might have to start west side hunting, want to learn how to chase bulls and don't want to wait 8 more years!

Do exactly what you states before. Hunt for bulls and stick one of the cows with him when you don't have the tag. Then you'll be much better at closing on mature bulls when you get the tag again.

I too am waiting on a bull tag. Every year I have multiple close encounters (with shot opportunities) on bulls, and when a cow or spike gives me the opportunity I stick them. Whenever I do draw the tag, I'll be ready, having hunted the same way that'll produce an opportunity for 8 years now.

Congrats on shortening your learning curve and giving it all you had.

[brianmtsinc]

Odell,
Hang in there... the disappointment fades in time.   I had that tag last year along with my best friend and hunting partner, BrianB321.  I (we) have never prepared more.  We know Peaches very well.  We scouted, mapped out plans, prepared strategies, and went mostly steep and deep the full hunt.  It was the absolute hardest we have ever hunted, and we were successful filling Brian's tag, but not mine.     Truthfully, I was depressed.  And not just "bummed", I was depressed.  I felt like a failure.  This was the tag I waited and prepared for and frankly with my limited knowledge of the state, it is where I would choose to hunt above anywhere else. 

As time went by I began to look back and smile about some of the amazing encounters I had that season.  I had a 360 class bull 6 yards from me on the other side of a tree for 3 minutes.... sad that I couldn't put it together, but an amazing experience!  I had a beautiful 7 pt 30yrds from me that just wouldn't give me the shot.  Frustrating, but cool!  And many many more....  All that said, I now look back and realize I learned a lot and became a better hunter through it.  My calling skills improved.  My attention to the wind improved.  My patience improved.  Etc...   I believe you will soon start to feel some of the same things, but until that happens, know that there are many of us that have been in your shoes - and will probably be there again  ....   Somehow I got lucky enough to hunt with my uncle in Peaches this year and it was amazing.  I also got lucky and drew a White River muzzy tag that kicks off in another couple of weeks!!  So you never know, you may be hunting the Peaches again sooner than you think! 

Get back on the horse and go chase those bulls - tag or not - and you will be much more prepared next time around

Thank you for sharing your adventure!
Brian C.

[Greenhorn]

Odell, you have been an inspiration to all of us.  Way to give it all you had!     I think you will reap the benefits of your hard work in ways that you have not dreamed of for years to come!

[270Shooter]

I ate a cowiche archery bull tag last season. I was very frustrated about it but in time I realized how much I learned and how much respect for the animals we hunt I've gained. Lucky for me I get another chance at a bull this October, this time with a rifle. I hope to take advantage of this second chance.