Question for Peaches Bowhunters

[Elkfever]

Hope those who held onto their quality tags managed to salvage their season and have a quality experience.  Can anyone comment on the hunting pressure during archery season in the SE portion of Little Naches (Milk Crk, Gold Crk area)? 

Heading up on the 28th to set up camp on the Taneum side and scout before my tag opens on the 30th, just wondering if it's worth the drive around to spend some time in more familiar country. 

Best of luck to all my fellow Muzzy tag holders.  It's getting real now! 

[Jharristealth]

I can only comment on the taneum side as I stuck to 336 the whole season. Although I ended up eating my quality tag it was the most amazing season i have ever expierienced with multiple big bull encounters on several different days. The rut seemed to kick off kind of late but at least we had some bugling, more so towards the end. Id say if you stay in 336 you'll be fine.

[brianb231]

Quartz, and Milk and that area were crazy bugling and good bull activity this past week. Got some on video from that side as well. One guy in our East Side Elk Mafia group had a peaches tag and we got a nice 6 x 5.  I would not ignore this area. just my 

Brian

[Elkfever]

Well, both responses really make me excited.  Really encouraged to hear that you guys had great hunting experiences with the archery tag given the circumstances. 

[Killmore]

Is the Little Naches open? (19 road)

[scoutdog346]

I think the Bulls will be even more vocal during the muzz season. Quartz would be ur best best.  U have one of the top 10 permits in WA state so hold out for a big one.

[Elkfever]

Killmore, today's update on Inciweb still has the 19 as closed at the junction of the 410 as well as the country to the west of the 19.  All the country on the east side of the 19 is open, its just a matter of access to the bulk of it with the 19 being closed.  Man, if that 19 opens before or during the muzzy hunt, that would be incredible hunting, even if you could only hunt the east side of the road.  That access would open up a lot of ground that hasn't seen much pressure this fall.   

[MLhunter1]

The 19 is closed at kaner flat just shy of the 1902. Sign at 410 says road closed ahead. You can access the 1901. But you can't go much further up the 19 rd.

[Elkfever]

That's great intel, thanks!

[Killmore]

Thanks for the update

[Elkfever]

It's official... the 1900, 1800 and 462 are open to the public.  Per Inciweb and and the Norse Peak Fire Facebook.

[GUscottie]

It's official... the 1900, 1800 and 462 are open to the public.  Per Inciweb and and the Norse Peak Fire Facebook.

Just read the update!! Opens up most of where I was going this weekend! Maybe I'll be able to get into Ravens Roost(Ish) area to get my cams!

Stoked for this news Elkfever! Good luck to you and to anyone else that's going to be hunting during this timeframe!

[Elkfever]

So glad I didn't turn in my tag- I came so close.  Good luck to you too Josh. 

[Stein]

Get a big one, but save at least one for me.


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[GUscottie]

Well, ladies and gentlemen, the official word is out....They have opened up a ton of land to us. All of my previous plans are gonna look like a go for opening weekend and all contingency plans will be plans B-Z...Good luck to all! I'm just hoping to find a bull (any bull) and kill my first elk!

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/WAOWF/2017-08-15-1309-Norse-Peak-Fire/picts/2017_09_25-12.47.26.398-CDT.jpeg

[Stein]

Check the website, a bunch of trails and a big area is still closed.  Much, much better access but make sure your area is open before you lock down plans.  I'm thinking about scouting this weekend, more for access and glassing spots then animals.  It should give me a rough idea where the pressure is likely to be.  I should be able to get into my spots for Plan A, B and C though which is very cool.

The wildcard will be if the Wilderness is open once modern bull opens.  That could be an insane hunt if you can get in there and there are plenty of pockets of burn and timber mixed and animals that haven't been hunted.  It sounds like the burn wasn't scorched earth, but left a fair amount of cover in place.