Archery Observatory with the old man!

[elkchaser54]

First off, Been a long time reader of the website.  Gained a ton of knowledge about elk hunting through this forum.  THANK YOU ALL !!!!

This year my dad and I decided to switch it up and after 4 years in the blues chasing spikes and not getting drawn for tags, decided to plan on moving areas to the Western Eastside of our state and begin putting in for the observatory tag.  I have been scouting the area via maps and google earth and have a few interesting places picked out to scout on our upcoming first trip.  Then today happened, out of the blue my dad tells me he got drawn for the tag and it was like winning the damn lottery! Never been so happy.  I was thinking it would be another two or three years til we got drawn and by then we would know the unit very well.  This made the scouting trip sound EVEN MORE EXCITING!!!

Now I have a few places lined up but if anyone has any tips to make this trip with my dad a successful hunt I'm all Ears.  I also would be willing to trade as I do know a few good places for those pesky Dayton GMU 162 bulls and The West Weneha. 

Hope to see all you readers in that area out there successful.  Lets get the big one boys!

[johnnyaustin44]

Ive hunted in the observatory for years. But bulls have always see me to elude me when I had the bull tag. Here's one of the better bulls I've got pictures of. I think since the season is a bit later this year will help you out quite a bit with the rut. They seem to rut later in there compared to other units. At least where I typically hunt at. Ill be up there this year chasing cows and spikes around and if anything promising gets turned up ill fill you in.

[johnnyaustin44]

The top bull was pretty cool with split beam. Got hard horn pics of him too somewhere.

[elkchaser54]

After hunting the straight up and straight down world of the Blues, I am a little excited to try a new area.   I have found some good dark timber holes away from roads that I am going to check out in a few weeks when I get out of the city for a weekend of camping and hopefully tying some elk to trees for September.

[elkchaser54]

Those are awesome bulls !

[Griz231]

There's quite a few members that drew this tag.  We have three in our group!  Can't wait for the later season this year!!!

[D-Rock425]

My dad drew this tag as well this year.

[MLhunter1]

I got one too.  Heading over Sunday to scout.

[elkchaser54]

Out scouting over the weekend and saw lots of elk and even a few spikes mixed in for those unlucky spike hunters stuck with people with the any bull tags.  It was hotter than hell but elk were moving right before sunset and was able to find a few hot spots.   Thanks to all those who messaged me with tips.  Can't wait for the season.

[elkchaser54]

Are there any bears running around in this unit?

[johnnyaustin44]

There definitely is but I've never seen one. Our group has been hunting it for 15 years now and not one guy has seen a bear. At least where we go. Ive got picture of a chocolate sow and her cubs on a trail cam but thats it. See sign once in a while also. Also picked up these sheds up there this year. Get ya amped a little.

[D-Rock425]

Are there any bears running around in this unit?

yep

[elkchaser54]

"She's a beaut' Clark"

Thats a great looking shed find there!!!! IM DEFINITELY AMPED DONT WORRY!!!!  Archery season is fast approaching

[xXLojackXx]

Are there any bears running around in this unit?

I see bears every year in there. They aren't your typical above tree line bears. These bear live in the timber and love the wet boggy creek bottoms. I almost had a shot at a monster chocolate bear last year at 20 yards but decided the angled was a bit too steep for a good entry. Also have 4 bear on my cams this year already.