Peaches Ridge / Drop Camp? (Update)

[scoutdog346]

I 2nd that. You could pretty allmost guarantee a rag horn just road hunting with that tag. There r places in that unit you could be in wilderness within 200 yards as a crow flies

All good info, thank you very much.

All we ever hunt anymore is Idaho; actually have hunted N Idaho elk the past 25 years straight.  I started putting in for WA when I was hunting both states pretty hard but to be I haven’t stepped foot in a WA unit in over a decade.  I, like most, feel committed to the points game in hopes someday Lady Luck strikes.

If you already hunt Idaho why not go for Sawtooth if your considering hiring a guide?  Same cost way better hunt.

If you are lucky enough to draw a peaches tag just hunt from a base camp. No need for an outfitter. If you want a backcountry experience, get it in Idaho.

[Hoythunter]

It’s finally time, boots are hitting the ground for my first scouting trip this weekend.  Based on the research I’ve dont on Hunt WA alone, including poring over hundreds of past Peaches related posts and corresponding with several gracious fellow-hunters,
I feel like I have a great knowledge base.  That said, I’m going stir crazy staring at google earth!!  Hopefully the entire State will see some moisture soon, Woods are so dang dry it’s spooky.

Thanks to everyone who’s helped this far.  I look forward to providing updates as I continue along the the Peaches journey, in addition to the two other epic tags I have this fall.

[Stein]

Well, you don't have to worry about a big chunk of Peaches catching fire this year.

Good luck and have fun, wish I had the tag.

[Hoythunter]

My cousin and I just got back from our first weekend scouting trip.  Was awesome to finally lay eyes on the Unit and hammer as many roads as possible in two days to get a lay of the land.  We focused our efforts on the Southern half of GMU 346.  What surprises me the most was the number of ORV trails / roads all throughout the area, it was unreal!  The place was crawling with dirt bIke’s, jeeps, etc.  Do the woods for the most part begin to clear out after Labor Day?  Our hunt doesn’t kick off until end of September so I assume the mass majority of weekend warriors will have thinned our by then?

I plan on calling the Ranger District tmrw for guidance on UTV laws as I’m having a difficult time interpreting the rules.  As example, if we camped down low and i wanted to travel a mixed use road on my UTV (permitted use), if I have a licensed UTV can I travel the forest service road to gain access to the mixed use trail, or does the Forest Service expect me to trailer up?  On a few of the mixed use roads it dang near takes a Jeep to gain access, the thought of trailering my UTV is out of the question.

As always thanks for following along, this is going to be an amazing experience from beginning to end!

[scoutdog346]

I second that little Naches will put produce a rig horn Road hunting for 3 days 80% chance I would say. Just practice range finding and acquiring your target with your range finder quickly and you'll be good. It's all about getting out of the truck range finding it nocking an arrow and getting shot placement off good you can do that u will get a rag horn.  In the evening walk a hundred yards off the road and just sit that too will get you a regnhorn.

I 2nd that. You could pretty allmost guarantee a rag horn just road hunting with that tag. There r places in that unit you could be in wilderness within 200 yards as a crow flies

All good info, thank you very much.

All we ever hunt anymore is Idaho; actually have hunted N Idaho elk the past 25 years straight.  I started putting in for WA when I was hunting both states pretty hard but to be I haven’t stepped foot in a WA unit in over a decade.  I, like most, feel committed to the points game in hopes someday Lady Luck strikes.

If you already hunt Idaho why not go for Sawtooth if your considering hiring a guide?  Same cost way better hunt.

If you are lucky enough to draw a peaches tag just hunt from a base camp. No need for an outfitter. If you want a backcountry experience, get it in Idaho.

[MADMAX]

Trust me its never that easy

[hunterofelk]

I was to the east of Blowout mtn. a few years ago and met some guys on those fat cat bikes.  They said they often hunt archery off their motorcycles and it doesnt affect the amount of elk they see.

[Hoythunter]

Well boys and girls, it’s go time.  I started this thread back on May 6th with nothing more than a hope and dream.  I’ve since annoyed as many people on Hunt WA as possible with my seamingly never-ending questions.  I’ve studied Google Earth and topo maps until my eyes have damned near bulged outta my head.  I’ve worn out the bench at my local gun club and have the smoke pole driving tacks.  My cousin
and I head out tomorrow to setup camp and refresh our memories from roads traveled earlier this summer. 

In all honestly I couldn’t have scripted a better experience thus far between the members I’ve met via PM’s and telephone calls, in addition to the excitement of getting familiar with a new area.  I’ll thank people specifically when I return with a final post but I’m still shocked on how complete strangers reached out and helped me along the way for this hunt.  I’m very greatful and look forward to returning the favor in the near future. 

Stay tuned...

[teanawayslayer]

Almost go time! Good luck!

[Boss .300 winmag]

You can do this.👍

[PlateauNDN]

Trust me its never that easy

  it is sometimes.

[deerhunter_98520]

You can do this.👍

You forgot this guy 



Goodluck on your hunt, can't wait to see pics 

[Hoythunter]

Looking forward to sharing pics....if I can ever figure out how to upload via iPhone    Hopefully that’s a problem I’ll have.  Thanks for all the well wishes.

[CedarPants]

Good luck!!

[Boss .300 winmag]

Looking forward to sharing pics....if I can ever figure out how to upload via iPhone    Hopefully that’s a problem I’ll have.  Thanks for all the well wishes.

Screen shot then post.👍