I Drew East Weneha Muzzleloader Quality Elk

[Shooter McBobcat]

I have never hunted down here in 1009.  I would really like to chat with someone who knows 1009 for muzzleloader quality elk.

Is there anyone here who has had this tag before?

Thank you

[elkchaser54]

A tag holder last year had a very detailed account of his hunt . Look it up and get in shape . Elk are on ridge tops right at sunrise but quickly hit the bottoms and hell holes once sun is up. Spike camp in to a bottom and hunt it for a couple days and move on is my advice .

[MtnMuley]

I don't believe his hunt was in the East Wenaha though.

[elkchaser54]

Oh true that was mountain view?  it's the same type of hunt. Just change the trail names Haha.  I've hunted Dayton and west Weneha for years so I understand the terrain.

[huntnnw]

I do know of 2 spots on the mt view border that have had some very big bulls and were very close to the road. Always nice having options for a easy hunt in that country

[jumper07]

All be in that unit a few weeks before you. I have the archery tag.

[nwhunter]

Not sure where you live or what your expectations of the unit to be but my advise is to drive down to the Blues and go to one of the Misery Trailheads (named that for a reason) and take a look at what you are in for.. This will help you decide how to hunt it yourself or hire an outfitter with horses. Its intimidating country for most and horses are almost a must for getting a bull out of that country. Its not what it used to be but the bulls are there just how you personally can hunt it and actually enjoy your time is what you will have to figure out. Being in great shape is a must.. Congrats on the tag by the way..

[benhuntin]

Hunted with a buddy on this hunt last year. Very disappointing. Good luck.


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[Bango skank]

Not sure where you live or what your expectations of the unit to be but my advise is to drive down to the Blues and go to one of the Misery Trailheads (named that for a reason) and take a look at what you are in for.. This will help you decide how to hunt it yourself or hire an outfitter with horses. Its intimidating country for most and horses are almost a must for getting a bull out of that country. Its not what it used to be but the bulls are there just how you personally can hunt it and actually enjoy your time is what you will have to figure out. Being in great shape is a must.. Congrats on the tag by the way..

Hes got pack goats for meat hauling.

[nwhunter]

Not sure where you live or what your expectations of the unit to be but my advise is to drive down to the Blues and go to one of the Misery Trailheads (named that for a reason) and take a look at what you are in for.. This will help you decide how to hunt it yourself or hire an outfitter with horses. Its intimidating country for most and horses are almost a must for getting a bull out of that country. Its not what it used to be but the bulls are there just how you personally can hunt it and actually enjoy your time is what you will have to figure out. Being in great shape is a must.. Congrats on the tag by the way..

Hes got pack goats for meat hauling.

Well he better bring someone to guard his goats while he's hunting so the wolves, cougars and bears that have dessimated that elk herd don't eat his goats. And hunt the west side of the unit so those goats don't mix in with the bighorn sheep in there...

[shallowforks]

Had the east wenaha archery tag last year. Gave a lot of info to the muzzleloader guys after my season was over and i would gladly share it with you also. This is a great tag. I saw several bulls in the 350 range and one that would go 370+. Focus on the positive feedback and ignore the negative stuff. Being in the best shape you can be in is great advice. Happy for you to have an opportunity at a difficult but also very rewarding tag!

[JWEBB]

Steep and deep but some nice bulls in there. If your willing to put in the miles in some of the roughest country in the state you will have a crack at a decent bull

[gotcha]

Put in the effort and you will be rewarded. In my opinion get and packer and enjoy the hunt. It will be worth it.

[jackelope]

Get MtnCook lined up to pack your bull out. It’s well worth the $$.

[JWEBB]

Get MtnCook lined up to pack your bull out. It’s well worth the $$.

Pack it out yourself! Way more rewarding to do it on your own. Packed many a bull out of that unit.  It has taken many days on some hunts, but a great feeling that you accomplished it on your own.

[Huntin]

Western Life Outfitters, Mtncook on here would have my deposit on its way. Drop camp in correct location will allow you to use legs and energy covering country. Been on three tag hunts in Mtncook’s area since 2012, first without drop camp and last two with drop camp. Hunting in the “Blues” takes grit and no better feeling to hit base camp every 3-4 days to refuel vs. hiking in and out. Lastly, if all things come together and success has been accomplished, there is no better sound then Mtncook’s pack string arriving to take over the heavy loads, especially this unit!

[luvmystang67]

You drew my tag!

jkjk... but this was my first choice this year.

Congrats and I hope you pull out a monster.

[Duckhunter14]

Western Life Outfitters, Mtncook on here would have my deposit on its way. Drop camp in correct location will allow you to use legs and energy covering country. Been on three tag hunts in Mtncook’s area since 2012, first without drop camp and last two with drop camp. Hunting in the “Blues” takes grit and no better feeling to hit base camp every 3-4 days to refuel vs. hiking in and out. Lastly, if all things come together and success has been accomplished, there is no better sound then Mtncook’s pack string arriving to take over the heavy loads, especially this unit!

Packed a bear out of there a few weeks ago and man we were wishing we had horses! We spoke about this exact thing!  if we draw the bull tag we're hiring a packer to bring us in and be on call if we drop an elk. Trying to pack one out of one of those holes would be miserable and a good chance you'd lose meat if it was warm.

[High Climber]

Good luck to you 

[jackelope]

Get MtnCook lined up to pack your bull out. It’s well worth the $$.

Pack it out yourself! Way more rewarding to do it on your own. Packed many a bull out of that unit.  It has taken many days on some hunts, but a great feeling that you accomplished it on your own.

No idea of the man's abilities or the circumstances. Was just throwing it out there for him as an option. I'd hate to see a bunch of spoiled meat because it's 80 degrees in September and it takes you 4 days to get the meat out.

[Shooter McBobcat]

Thanks for the info, folks.  I have a string of pack goats that I've used for years, but I'm still concerned about meat care if the weather is warm.  I've been 100% on bull elk in central Idaho during archery season for the last several years, and my goats have packed all the meat out perfectly.  But I hunt at 9k feet in Idaho.  I'm concerned with how warm it will be in the Blues.  I've never hunted there before.

I hike approx 30 miles a week year round and train all year for elk in the Idaho high country, so my fitness level is already solid.  I hike daily and will be ready for this.  I'm not concerned about fitness.  I just have to get my pack goats fitness level up better.

Is it pretty warm in early October in the Blues usually?

How vocal will the bulls be during muzzleloader there compared to September?

Those of you who had a rough time with the East Weneha Muzzle tag, what made it so challenging?

[Bango skank]

Think ill be tagging along on a scouting mission or two.  Curious what the muley / whitetail ratio is in this unit.  I see there is a general whitetail season down there, but is it mostly muleys? Dont want to thread jack too much, if anybody whos spent time down there doesnt mind filling me in, a pm would be appreciated.

[trophyhunt]

Sounds like you’ll be just fine!  Heck, there could be snow by then, who knows.  Seen a bull that was a tank this year hunting spring bear, he was 500 yards off the road.

[elkchaser54]

Yea I've seen snow falling up there in September.  High temps even at its hottest during archery season are mid 70s . Which if you get it cool overnight and out of the shade you should be fine. I think I've seen your posts on another forum with those goats and they always make me laugh and smile . I'd hit the hills with those goats anytime man ! Good luck to ya .

[huntnnw]

MT view muzzy last year it tried to snow once towards the end up on top. Some days it never got above 42 deg. I woulda never worried about meat spoiling on my hunt

[Shawn Ryan]

I shot a bull in mid-September in Mt. View (next door) down in the canyon.  Didn't have any problems with meat care and I was packing the meat by myself. With goats, you should have no problems with meat so long as you're careful. Sounds like you have the experience, are in shape, and know what you're doing. Should be a great hunt.

[elkrack]

How many goats are you running? Always been interested in goats. Good luck on the hunt I’m sure it’s going to be a blast

[jackelope]

I've been in the mountains in the snow in September before. I'm totally aware of the possibility of snow. I shot my goat on October 28 at almost 6k' in the south cascades and it was 70 degrees too, so anything is possible. I would definitely be prepared for any kind of weather. I'm sure it goes without saying.

[Shooter McBobcat]

How many goats are you running? Always been interested in goats. Good luck on the hunt I’m sure it’s going to be a blast

I have 6 full grown seasoned pack goats and I have packed multiple bulls out of central Idaho with them.  I just have to get them in shape again.  It's a constant battle to get goats in shape.  Pack goats are fun and practical, but they are a lot of work.  At least getting to basecamp in Weneha will be easier than my camp in the Sawtooths.

[gadwall]

Well put JWEBB.  I agree.

[gadwall]

Those of you who had a rough time with the East Weneha Muzzle tag, what made it so challenging?

Its elk hunting in country that's steeper than a cows face