Alpine Lakes High Hunt

[Saltdiver]

Hunting Muley 1st time. Also never been on a forum, 1st post lots of reads...bear with me and correct me as need be. I hunt Sitka blacktail in Craig Ak mostly (spend oct-march up there). Doing the high hunt solo  in ALW this year, plan to hike in a few days before season and hunt 3-4 days into it. Heading outside ofCle elum a ways. Hike a trail I know in and then kick off at least a few miles.  This is the plan. For good or bad. I've fished the area, have seen random small bucks and does. But I wanna know more. I've researched the hell out of it, and know the odds are stacked against me, but I love the area and am going to hunt it. Anyone had success here? Anyone failed? But specifically, what buck/doe ratio u think I can expect pre and post hunt? Hunting pressure? Anything else to help. Thanks all!

[Eric M]

My 1st advice to you, and I mean it in a good way, is not to post exactly where you plan to hunt. I don't know your specific spot, but it's hard to get away from other people. Use a trail to get in to your area and then get off trail. Change the name of your post and edit it. -Eric

[TriggerMike]

My 1st advice to you, and I mean it in a good way, is not to post exactly where you plan to hunt. I don't know your specific spot, but it's hard to get away from other people. Use a trail to get in to your area and then get off trail. Change the name of your post and edit it. -Eric

 

[fishngamereaper]

I used to live in that country in the mid 90's when I was in college at cwu..  ALW is not what it used to be. Sounds like your set on the area so just go for it and see what happens. 

[Saltdiver]

Haha Eric, prob the best advice I'll get! I'm really hoping to find a kind soul who's been thru that area, but you're right.  I'd rather not invite every Tom dick and harry to come hunt with me. The color orange is the reason I'm hiking in...that and I'm not here for any other wa hunts

[Skyvalhunter]

First the Mt Daniel is a very very popular spot for hikers. There are a lot of people that climb Mt Daniel as it's not that difficult from Cathedral Rock. So with that expect a lot of people camping. I wouldn't say there is an over abundance of deer in the area but then again where is there. Your more than likely to see a lot of off trail hikers going over to Spade and Venus Lakes from Cathedral.

[kselkhunter]

I hunted south and west of the spot you mentioned before altering your post.  There are deer in there.  I didn't harvest last year but heard a few shots over a few days north of me (ie sounded near where you mentioned).  Plenty of sign everywhere.  Only deer I saw were at the trailhead parking lot in the dark when I got out to hike in the first morning.  Couple of young bucks and six doe's.

Go in with low expectations, and enjoy the scenery.  The deer are there, but not in high densities. Even though it's called the "high buck hunt", don't assume they're hanging out above timberline for you to just glass up.  Deer also get harvested below timberline or down in the lower areas of the wilderness.

And there will be plenty of hunters around, as well as the recreational hikers/backpackers.  In this state it's rare to find a secluded hunting spot.  Some think they have one, but in reality just didn't see the other hunter in "their" spot.  Don't sweat it.  ALW gets hit hard during high buck, but is a beautiful area to spend a mid-September in.  Have a good hunt.

[Saltdiver]

Thanks guys! Yep, def expect some crowds. But I've got a couple alt areas close by I'm looking into if it seems too busy. Just to hear you've seen deer in the area makes me happy. The timberline question is one I've been thinking about. My general thoughts were to start high and hunt down following whatever I may find. Good luck to all on your hunts this year. I can't wait!

[yakimanoob]

Thanks guys! Yep, def expect some crowds. But I've got a couple alt areas close by I'm looking into if it seems too busy. Just to hear you've seen deer in the area makes me happy. The timberline question is one I've been thinking about. My general thoughts were to start high and hunt down following whatever I may find. Good luck to all on your hunts this year. I can't wait!

That's not far from my strategy, except I'll be over in Glacier Peak Wilderness in hopes of avoiding some of the crowds.  1st time for me too so I'll be wishing you luck from the neighboring wilderness! 

[Skyvalhunter]

Should be a good time as long as your not hunting LG or Boulder.

[Ridgerunner]

Should be a good time as long as your not hunting LG or Boulder.

Uhh, I think just about any trailhead in the Lake Wenatchee district gets hammered, I know from talking to rangers that is what I've been told, I wouldn't expect solitude anywhere you reach by trail.

[Skyvalhunter]

Very true but expect ER to be busy after 2 yr hiatus.