Finally drew archery quality bull in the Observatory

[3arrows]

Spent the weekend in the Umtanaum just looking around. I think I found where I will focus my summertime scouting. The hog ranch area of the unit seemed to hold a little sign. We were in there durning the heat of the and I had my little ones so we didn't put the boots on the ground but planning on being in there several times before the season opens. We also came in on the Wenas side off of Malby rd worked our way into Cow Cayon. The area seemed to be on the dry and didn't see much sign but by this time my boys have had enough so we headed out. I guess what I wondering if I've got myself pointed in the right direction.

[Skyvalhunter]

Sounds like you are going the best route.

[MADMAX]

we hunted it last year and concentrated our efforts more towards the west end of the unit

[vandeman17]

My words of wisdom are this and take it for what they are worth. Look for areas that are cool and protected, i.e. deep and dark draws. Don't worry so much about finding elk now as once the season starts, they won't be where you have been seeing them all summer. My favorite spot I stumbled across didnt have any elk all summer but was loaded coming hunting season. 

[Killmore]

There are always some local elk that hang out around the hog farm, but as said above there are some elk that do move down as the summer progresses, I would personally spent more time on the border of the units on the west end.

[throttlejocky20]

Looking forward to this hunt the old man drew this tag as well. We already have our camp picked out and know where we are going to focus all our efforts after last years hunt. With the size of the sheds our group has picked up this year i know there are some straight up studs roaming those hills.

[3arrows]

Thanks guys, this hunt is going to be a true adventure. I'm going solo on this hunt, I might have some guys dropping in to help throughout the season but not sure. Good luck Throttlejocky20 I hope you guys stick a couple good ones.

[hunterofelk]

You could spot the country to the south of South Fork Manastash Creek from the ridges north of the creek or the other way around and at least get a general area to hunt the next day.  Archery season they might be feeding out in the open. 

[throttlejocky20]

Thanks guys, this hunt is going to be a true adventure. I'm going solo on this hunt, I might have some guys dropping in to help throughout the season but not sure. Good luck Throttlejocky20 I hope you guys stick a couple good ones.

Just one... i didn't draw the tag but i will be there with the old man to help. Putting my season aside to help with his tag.