The highs and lows of Peaches

[Ghost Hunter]

Some know I drew Peaches Ridge early rifle tag (without ever seeing the unit, for those that it bothers ).  I have been watching success numbers, odds, my age, and having been rolling the dice on long odds the last 3-4 years.  My lucky year, I drew with 15 points.  This was the final catalyst to make my decision to retire.
 I managed 3 scouting trips to try to learn the area.  Tips and suggestions were coming in from a few helpful individuals.  Some choose to complain about anyone applying not knowing the area, I respect that opinion.  For those, read no further if you are concerned with the outcome and any further stress , none of us know the outcome yet.  For those that have provided tips and assistance to someone you had never met I have a different level if respect for.
Normally, I would have my son, and recently son in law to hunt with.  Circumstances have prevented that from happening which makes it a bit of a bitter/sweet experience. 
One of the last days of scouting, I dropped by another HW member YellowDog and his brother camp, and was invited to see an area they were hunting.  We spotted elk and I watches those while they pursued some that were bugling close by.  The offer was extended to help me get mine. 
Using my scouting info and relying on the wealth of info from HW members, I have seen a lot of country.  I have passed on a couple that didn't get the blood pumping.
I confess I did tap out one afternoon.  I had checked. on a lead from hunters who were leaving, regarding a good bull they had seen.  It required a hike of a few hundred yards thru blowdown, and then dro]ING a 300-400 ft down a rocky ridge to overlook a clearing.  I think Rtspring tried to steer me clear of this.  To avoid the Sunday crowd I decided to return.  The closest and best view required dropping a little further down the ridge, to a large rock outcropping with a large notch big enough to set in.  When I got to it, it became evident the last 6 feet horizontal and 4 ' vertical was highly questionable.  I sat and debated my options.  A viewpoint 20' to the side offered a view of 1/2 the clearing below, or the rock notch.  If I chose the notch, I knew the 1st step before proceeding would be to deploy my personnal locator beacon.  Seeing how that would appear premeditated, I chose the lesser view.  Then I had time to study the options if I actually killed an elk in that hole.  Not knowing if a trail even existed (none on a map), another 400' in steep elevation drop, a mile to nearest road, dark coming, warm nights, 70 degree days.  15 minutes before the magic time, I turned and climbed out of the hole.
More to come, gotta go play.

[Gringo31]

Enjoy, share and be safe!

[Big6bull]

Good luck! enjoy every minute of it

[Pete112288]

Good luck!

[Watimberghost]

Hope you get your bull!! Keep at it!

[spikehunter]

"go big or go home " sounds like you got a lot of help out here including me , be safe ,don't get hurt & harvest a monster

[Dan-o]

Best of luck.

There are always good guys on this site willing to help.

And it kind of cracks me up when people complain because you drew a tag in a new area.   Like that's some kind of criteria.

[mrkraft]

I got your message and hoping to be in the area in the am. Sounds like you should try that area again. Good luck I'll be looking for you tomorrow or Friday.

[tgray]

Best of luck to you sir.

[dfresh96]

good luck

[willapawapiti]

I know that viewpoint and outcropping, beauty of a view from there!  I've heard the trail exists - lol.   Good luck, keep at it,  it'll happen!!

[Mossyoak]

Good luck on your tag. I am hoping to get one up there late October! I am glad you found the elk! That's what's great about Hunt WA...there are some truly great people on here!

[coachcw]

Stay alert any moment it could happen ! You will prevail

[WAElkhunter89]

Good luck to you sir, I can say the same thing about asking for information from members on this site. I too drew peaches ridge after never hunting the area before, what makes it difficult for me is I'm unable to scout the area due to being deployed overseas. I've received some helpful tips, but more are always appreciated if anyone is willing. Don't mean to bump in on your thread Ghost Hunter, hope you don't mind! Good luck to you, hope to see you fill your tag sir!

[Ghost Hunter]

I know that viewpoint and outcropping, beauty of a view from there!  I've heard the trail exists - lol.   Good luck, keep at it,  it'll happen!!

  I bumped into a boy scout leader who said they packed an old cache barrel out of there.  He wasn't sure if it was still maintained.  My footing isn't as good as it used to be and I've begun to accept that.  I'd hate to have the HW crew pack me out.