As an OR resident (Bend), my wife and I began years ago to build points for elk, antelope, etc. Since moving across the border to Walla Walla 9 years ago, I have continued with much higher subsidies to ODFW through our non resident fees. Well, with 17 points to her name, my wife finally drew the Mt. Emily Rifle elk tag this year. This is her first elk hunt ever. She has taken several deer with me and can shoot pretty well.
Mt Emily is only an hour away, so we have been fortunate enough to devote much of the summer to scouting and exploring. We have put in the time. We have also talked to several local people that know the area. I'm pretty confident we can find a decent place to hunt in a couple weeks, and based on what we have been seeing it shouldn't be unrealistic to try and hold out for something in the low 300's or better (though we know there are better bulls out there).
I think our biggest problem is lack of spotters come opening day. My other hunting partners - my dad (legally disabled) and daughter (busy college student) will not be much help on this one. Due to her experience level and confidence, I will be with my wife all the time, leaving us a little blind when hitting some of the timbered slopes. So, I thought I would try enlisting a little help. I know this could be asking a lot, and even seems a little odd writing this - but nothing ventured, nothing gained right?
I personally would love the opportunity to spot and be involved on a hunt like this. We will see nice bulls! If you live around here, know the area a bit, and have a little extra time to kill during the OR rifle season (Nov. 8-16, even a day or two at a time), I would love to at least talk with you. Maybe you're a spike hunter up here for the 2nd season that wouldn't mind swapping information (help goes both ways - you may need it to find a spike up there)
I don't feel like we can have too much information or help. Given that the number of points needed to draw keeps rising, this will likely be her first and last time elk hunting in OR. I want to make sure she has the best possible chance for success. Any tips, thoughts, or even general well-wishing would be appreciated. Thank you
