Observatory Archery permit areas

[spin05]

So i finally drew a archery  elk permit after 8 years.I got the Observatory Archery tag wich is manashtash and umtanuem units.I have hunted westside for the last 12 years.  Can anybody tell me anything about these areas.A spot to start scouting maybe??? How has it been in the past? Just by looking at it im thinking the Manshtash would be the one to hunt....What do you guys think?                               Scott

[General Disarray]

I'd do my homework in the Umptanum unit.  No general season there means a lot less people to mess with you and there are still a lot of elk to be had in there.  Look along the south end of the Wenas valley.  Lots of good country in there. 

If you decide to go into the Manastash side the I'd hunt back by the lake or on the border of the Little Naches unit.

[spin05]

Yea thats what i was thinking.I have dirt bikes to help get back in there aways.I use to hunt clemans mt on occasion for rifle deer about 15 years ago.Never saw much elk that early thou

[kirkl]

Hit the thicker timber on the north end of clemans.

[Slenk]

Find " Skull Springs" on the map and hit the area around it hard .
Also Hog Ranch and Barber Springs .
Slenk

[boneaddict]

All good advice!

[HuntinCrazy]

I have hunted the Manashtash for many years. Before they TOOK our big bulls away from us.   On the regular rifle hunts I tagged a couple nice bulls in the Rattlesnake canyon area. Hunt the deep dark canyons. Good Luck

[Elkstuffer]

Don't overlook the north side of the Manastash unit along the Yakima river. There are some crop fields, thicker timbered draws and lots of water. I think the farmers over there will give some permission also. Can't hurt to ask.

[spin05]

Well didnt see anything the opening 5 days.Going back for 2 days at the end.My buddy has called in a 6x7 and saw 2 others in there at the start of the week.

[kirkl]

My bro in law has missed 2-3 bulls and a cow in that unit. I went out with him sunday and we didnt hear or see anything.

[huntingnut]

I have hunted that area in the rifle hunt for the last 17 years. Last year there was a nice 6x on Manastash Ridge just north west of cascade park. We jumped him three times during the rifle season last year (no branched tag  ). There also is usually a good sized heard in the L.T. Murry around the Roza creek area. Good luck.

[Slenk]

I have hunted that area in the rifle hunt for the last 17 years. Last year there was a nice 6x on Manastash Ridge just north west of cascade park. We jumped him three times during the rifle season last year (no branched tag  ). There also is usually a good sized heard in the L.T. Murry around the Roza creek area. Good luck.

Their over in the Umtanum down by the river right now
Slenk

[spin05]

Well  got  back  last night nothing on thursday but we got in on a 5x5 last night but we spooked him.They were real call shy.........oh well   gett em  next  time....

[DIYHunter]

That's too bad.  Sounds like you put in a good effort.  At least you got an oppurtunity.