Area decision...stay closer or make the long run?

[bassquatch]

Well I'm 100% locked in on where we will be elk hunting, that's a non issue 

However, the area I am most familiar with for deer got cooked! I really have zero problem checking out a new area this year, it's always fun to see new places. My dilemma is that I want to run over to the Lake Osoyoos area and check it out just to see what all the fuss is about and how much of a zoo it really is? It would be a 6 hour drive from where I work and I would technically be hunting opening morning on about 4 hours sleep after a 14 hour work day once I get off work at 6pm plus then the drive. This past week I was invited to an area behind Cle Elum where a co-worker hunts every year. That would be about an hour-ish drive after work and another area I've never hunted!

I know both areas get pounded so I'm torn between making the long run and burning the fuel to be in an area I know I'll love or making the short run and spending more time in the field?. Either way I am looking at this season as just a scouting trip for backup areas for next season....

Hmmmmmm..... maybe I'll make a dash over to Cle Elum tomorrow just to see if it peaks my interest? 

[jasnt]

That's a good plan. Check out the close spot early.  They say sleep deprivation is like being on a narcotic's. Its harder to focus and make wise decision's.  Traveling that far after work I know it'd be hard for me to give it my all

[bassquatch]

That's a good plan. Check out the close spot early.  They say sleep deprivation is like being on a narcotic's. Its harder to focus and make wise decision's.  Traveling that far after work I know it'd be hard for me to give it my all

I'm actually really good on little sleep, very used to it, that being said I would more than likely treat opening morning as a learn the road systems day, check out the area, catch a nap in the afternoon and hit the evening hunt first. The other issue is I only have 4 days. I just really love being over in the Okanogan area, it's half the reason I hunt! 

[Birdguy]

I suppose it depends on your goal for the hunt. If you can kill a couple things witht he long drive it might be worth it just to have it done. If your true desire is hunting then the closer option will allow more time in the field. If it is truel a scouting trip I say go for the long haul. It will allow you to see the area in the peak of the season and you will really have hands on experience about what to expect next year.

[bassquatch]

I suppose it depends on your goal for the hunt. If you can kill a couple things witht he long drive it might be worth it just to have it done. If your true desire is hunting then the closer option will allow more time in the field. If it is truel a scouting trip I say go for the long haul. It will allow you to see the area in the peak of the season and you will really have hands on experience about what to expect next year.

That's my line of thinking so far 

I'm going to take off for the Cle Elum area he told me about tomorrow just to see if it peaks my interest at all, otherwise it will be eat real estate after work Friday! 

[nw_bowhunter]

take the opportunity to learn a new area you just never know what you might learn.

[bassquatch]

Well either way I'm good with the "new area" idea.... Heading for Cle Elum for a look around right now!

[bassquatch]

Okanogan it is!! 

Didn't mind the Cle Elum areas I looked at but it just didn't jump out at me... 

Long haul-ish but will be worth it!

Thanks for the input 

[Birdguy]

Enjoy the drive with the 1000s of the rest of us. A little advise is to watch the spped at which you travel, the state patrol like us guys from the west side as it is just too far to fight a tciket most times  . Will you be west or east of the lake?

[bassquatch]

Enjoy the drive with the 1000s of the rest of us. A little advise is to watch the spped at which you travel, the state patrol like us guys from the west side as it is just too far to fight a tciket most times  . Will you be west or east of the lake?

Pretty much stopped speeding when I got my CDL years ago. Not worth the bs. Cruise control works wonders as long as it's 35mph+ 

East side of lake is the plan for now, I'm sure the plan will change once I get over there and get a lay of the land. I may even get a wild hair and run over to Republic? Been a decade since I've been over there! Just want to enjoy the trip this year, if I get something I get something. I've been working so much and training so many new people at work I am just happy for the break