Swakane Late Archery

[WArookie]

Pardon my ignorance, but I just moved to Wenatchee a few months back.  I am basically posting to get some information about the late archery season in the Swakane (250) unit.  From what I have heard it will be crowded.  Does anyone have some advice on techniques or locations?  What about snow?  Not asking for secret spots here, just a place to try to see some deer.  Oh yeah, I also don't have a 4WD vehicle.  I'm sure that complicates matters.

Best of luck to everyone,
Brett

[dbllunger]

Pretty much spot and stalk simple as that.  Don't need 4wd but good traction/snow tires will help if snow.  Try to get access on the private land above Cashmere.  What are you happy shooting as there are bucks at all elevations.   

[WArookie]

I would basically be satisfied with a nice doe or a small 3 point.  I've never killed a muley before.  I'm guessing the private land near Cashmere is up Ollala canyon?  I have scouted out almost the entire unit from Ardenvoir to Sunnyslope. 

The best buck I've seen so far was a 22 inch 4x4 up on top of the Entiat ridge.  I don't think I can get back up there since there has been some snow lately.

I cannot wait to get out there!!
Brett

[dbllunger]

Not bashing but if you would be happy with a doe you don't even need a vehicle so you should have no worries.  For the vehicle less simply jump a looser cruiser out of town have them drop you off, stick one along the road, quarter it up, hop the cruiser back and forth twice to get it all out.  You are out about 5.00 in bus fare and a freezer of meat.  Humor intended but in reality it could be done about that easy. 

[Lowedog]

W/O 4wd you are pretty limited.  Typically you can't get too far into any of the drainages w/o it.  Access through private is not easy these days as more and more of the people who build and buy up these canyons don't really like hunters.  Look at your USFS maps and find a place you can reach.  Expect to find 10 other guys in the same location!    Too bad the WDFW won't give us another unit or 2 to hunt.

[WDFW-SUX]

If there is any snow DO NOT try and drive up high in the Unit without chains and 4WD you might die and I'm not exaggerating. 

[jackelope]

based on what i saw in there last year, without 4wd, i wouldn't even bother if there's any snow on the ground. the snow on the roads get so compacted, it might as well be ice. you are asking for a vehicle in the ditch or worse if you ask me.

i also will agree with what else has been said. if you are good with a doe, stay in the lower country and you shouldn't have any trouble finding does or small bucks to put a stalk on.

[Lowedog]

This is kind of a heads up for every one who is interested: 

ATV use in the Swakane late archery hunt has been increasing and this year they have started to write tickets.  There are no roads or trails in that unit open to ATV's and I guess the USFS and DFW have had a lot of complaints in recent years.  A lot of the people using them are locals and know better but others coming in from elsewhere may not realize that. 

I heard several tickets were issued during the general hunt and they will be watching the area during late archery.

[jackelope]

based on what i saw in there last year

one of the things i heard about last year was an ATV trailer full of quads that fish-tailed off the swakane canyon road into a ditch still attached to the truck.
oops.

[bornforhorns]

Even chains can be risky...I almost died...no kidding.

[WDFW-SUX]

I like walking from the bottom to the top when the roads go to SH*IT I had a wild ride down one time and almost lost it................with chains and 4wd so now Im real careful I'll even hitch hike 

[MichaelJ]

Oh c'mon it's not THAT bad...  Hell I'd take a honda civic up there! lol
Actually I've heard of guys getting their trucks burried under lots of snow and drifting into big snow banks...  It's not to bad if you have a capable 4wd...

Michael

[FANATIC]

Been reading this site for awhile, thought I would finally become part of the group!
 As for the  Swakane in the late season.. Here is a photo that sums it up. I was sliding part way down this road on mud and ice. Very high pucker factor. The view is out the windshield of my truck.

P.S. If the photo doesnt show its because Im a rookie!

[FANATIC]

Wrong photo! Here it is.

[WArookie]

So, you guys are saying I should just park at the bottom and hike up?  No problem with that, just have to make some loooooonnnnngggg hikes in the dark.

Does the Cashmere/Peshastin side have less snow than the Entiat/Ardenvoir side? 

I am thinking I should stay out of Swakane Canyon and hunt the other drainages.  Will there be 10 trucks up every canyon?

Brett

[WDFW-SUX]

Add packed snow and ice to the last pic and thats swakane at the end of November.......... I know lots of guys that hunt sinlahekin so they dont have to deal with the roads.

[Slider]

If you just want some meat? Simply drive up Swakane Canyon(take the first left North of Rocky Reach Dam)be their at daylight and start glassing up the draws from the main rd. You will see Deer. Sneeking on them and taking one is a diffrent story!!!...LOL P.S. When people talk about the roads being dangerous they are NOT kidding!!! I alway's chain up the front. By the time you are sliding backwards down the hill in the DARK!!!(been there done that) or someone else is sliding down the hill OUT OF CONTROL!!! (been there and done that also)its to late. Good Luck