2020 Observatory Archery Tag

[LuckyDog]

I went back and forth about putting up a public post but am seeking recent information on  the Observatory for quality elk Sept. 12-24th. I am an experienced elk hunter but new to this particular unit. Any experience and focus areas to begin scouting would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for the consideration and any information willing to be shared.
Jeremy

[Dan-o]

Nice tag.

I don't think you'll have trouble finding elk there.   Cool that you can hunt the rut.

[Mfowl]

Use the search function in the upper right corner and you will be able to find some decent info that has already been posted on here. Search observatory, manastash, umtanum, 340, 342 elk. Should get you started.

I have a cow tag in the 340 for early archery. If you PM in early September I may be able to help with some info depending on what I find scouting.

Good luck! Enjoy your hunt!

[Skyvalhunter]

2nd the search function

[OltHunter]

go live in the unit starting the end of August to learn the road system and glass for elk!  There are a lot of roads and areas elk will hold up, but you can spend a lot of time looking.

I don't have any experience in Umtanum, but used to hunt Manastash for years.

If I had the tag for that time frame, i would work the Little Naches border around Peaches Ridge to Quartz Mountain down to Manastash Ridge.  There is a 2013 burn on Manastash Ridge. With all elk areas, look for good North facing timber with some broken timber pockets that they could browse in.  Pick those apart EScouting to get your list of areas to glass/boots on ground.

The lower elevation sage flats will hold elk, but will be the resident elk, generally some smaller bulls, and there will be a lot more recreational activity going on. 

Roads are generally in good shape in my experience.

Most of what I'm saying has been covered in that search function, but I am happy to help with more specifics if you want by PM.  I haven't been in there for a few seasons now, but the elk will hold in similar areas year to year. 

[LuckyDog]

Thank you all, looking forward to spending time in the units!

[WildBear]

Good hunting to you! Enjoy the hunt. PM sent

[tallcooljuan]

What OltHunter said.  Manastash Lake and higher. 

[highshooter]

How did your hunt go? Successful?
I have been over twice scouting for my disabled hunter any bull tag, first trip was when the fire was going and was forced to the other side to scout, heavy timber no glassing opportunities. Last Friday drove the burn area and scouted up by the observatory but saw or heard no elk, wind was blowing pretty good, seen a few others scouting for deer season and muzzy. They too had seen nothing. Planning another trip soon but kind of scratching my head

[RileyH]

No bulls in Manastash guys, especially not down low. Definitely go up top to the burn with everyone else and don't waste your time near us guys camped lower and in the timber, we have no idea what we're doing. Especially stay away from all the water sources, those spots are for moose not elk.

I think a lot of the archery hunters blew their tags this year not being out until the bitter end of season in the rain. Bulls were going absolutely crazy last week, counted 11 in one morning, rutting from about 8PM to 10AM. Was a hell of a morning on Wednesday for calling bulls in. If only I had a bull tag...

Think we saw three other camps in the entire unit at the end of season and two guys desperately road hunting?

@Highshooter PM me the details and give me an idea of your physical capabilities and I would be happy to provide some input.

[spin05]

No bulls in Manastash guys, especially not down low. Definitely go up top to the burn with everyone else and don't waste your time near us guys camped lower and in the timber, we have no idea what we're doing. Especially stay away from all the water sources, those spots are for moose not elk.

I think a lot of the archery hunters blew their tags this year not being out until the bitter end of season in the rain. Bulls were going absolutely crazy last week, counted 11 in one morning, rutting from about 8PM to 10AM. Was a hell of a morning on Wednesday for calling bulls in. If only I had a bull tag...

Think we saw three other camps in the entire unit at the end of season and two guys desperately road hunting?

@Highshooter PM me the details and give me an idea of your physical capabilities and I would be happy to provide some input.

Thats how it was when i had the tag like 10 years ago. Was like 90 deg we couldnt find nothing. Then the rain and a little high mtn snow hit and it turned into a you should a been here yesterday show