Slide Ridge 2023

[ShedHead20]

When my wife texted me that the draws were out, I strangely had no anxiety about seeing if I was selected for anything I applied for this year. I also was knocking around the upper end of Manastash Ridge for work and had very little service to check the results. As I climbed to the top of the ridge, I was able to get enough service to log on and was prepared to see the standard “Not Selected” that we all see every year. As its opening, I am thinking to myself “How sweet would a quality archery elk tag be? I have the time to actually do the tag justice this year. Haven’t had one of those since 2010.”

Scrolled past the multiseason results from earlier this year, both Not Selected. First category down from there, 2023 Quality Deer – Hunts & Status – 1:1032 – SELECTED. The only tag I applied for in the category. Honestly, I was in a mild state of shock. I felt a knot start to form in my stomach and sweat in my palms. 14 points cashed in. Muleys in the rut, couldn’t believe it.

I called my wife first and she answered the phone with “What did you draw?” Knowing if I was not selected across the board, I would have just texted her the news. Being a great wife, she was excited for me and told me that I better start planning some trips. Take into consideration that the second day of the season is her 30th birthday and we have a two-year-old at home as well. She still is pushing me to go. Made a few more phone calls about the news and then the planning began right there on the mountain. Safe to say none of my job duties were completed for the rest of the day.

Thankfully, I am in the best hiking shape of life at the moment and have a solid mountain hunting gear collection. No new rifle needed, no new optics needed, no new pack needed. Practically ready to start the hunt today.

I am one of those guys that has been applying to this unit with only having stepped foot in it once before. Fell in love with it instantly. Bucks to be had here I believe. I’ve been a decade long lurker on this forum who visits almost daily and have seen some great deer taken on this hunt. I have also seen great people reach out and help others with this tag. This is why I love Hunt-WA.

Don’t worry, I already have many trips planned to the unit over the summer and fall. Mainly in search of areas to set up base camp, find possible corridors for November, many maybe make some local connections. Being a “migratory hunt”, I’ll be scouting the land and not so much the deer. If someone believes that not looking for deer and not hanging cameras is a mistake, please let me know. Some members may receive PMs from me with questions about what the area is like in November as some help from others will help me out a ton. So please feel free to reach out!!

I’ve never been much of a poster here, but I will try my best to keep the forum updated throughout the summer and the hunt itself. I’ve always enjoyed reading and following threads that detail the tag holder’s journey.

I’m beyond grateful to draw and more pleased with this tag than any other quality elk tag out there. The journey has already begun!! Muelys in November, lets gooo!!

Josh

[Karl Blanchard]

Congratulations on drawing the tag. Sounds like you have a good game plan already in place.  I've said before and I'll say it again, the journey is half the fun. Scout, dial in your gear, shoot your weapon a bunch and just enjoy the process.

P.S.  While you think you don't need any new gear, a good tag is a great excuse to convince the Mrs. that you do in fact NEED some new stuff 

[Berin Denson]

Good Luck, Shed head!  Congrats on drawing the tag.  I really hope some guys step up and help share their expertise in the unit.  I see far too many bitter replies to guys on here seeking help. Guys/Gals who are willing to put in the work and do their tag justice.  Quite honestly, from my viewpoint, it's a bunch of BS and I am tired seeing it.  I have a few guys each year reach out on some units I am familiar with and I try and share everything (or even go with them)  I can with the tag holder to help them make a dream come true.  I can sense your enthusiasm through your post and while I am not familiar with the slide ridge unit specifically, I grew up in Chelan and have plenty of friends who have.  If I can provide any useful intel to you, I am MORE than happy to help. 

[Ridgerunner]

Good luck, that should be a fun hunt for sure.  Keep us informed how its going and with an update after the hunt, these late tags are rare opportunities, I'm getting tired of waiting for another one, its been 18 years since I've had a tag in my pocket, thankfully I know a couple of guys that drew this year so I'll be in the hills helping them. 

[Mtnwalker]

Congrats on the tag, it was always my first choice as well. I was super excited to draw Chewuch as a 2nd choice last year but part of me still regrets not holding out for a Slide Ridge tag even though it might have never happened. I guess if I would have killed a 190 I'd probably feel differently  should be a great hunt being up there practically all by yourself, hope you find a giant!

[time2hunt]

Get a tracked machine or snowmobile as back up transportation. My buddy got snowed out the year he had the tag. Big drifts along the ridge made it impossible to get back to where the buck were crossing .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NOCK NOCK]

Get a tracked machine or snowmobile as back up transportation. My buddy got snowed out the year he had the tag. Big drifts along the ridge made it impossible to get back to where the buck were crossing .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

THIS    and most definetly have chains for all 4 on your vehicle.

[ShedHead20]

Thanks guys, I’m getting more excited as the days pass. Yes, I do have access to tracked machines and plan on having them with me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Romulus1297]

Congratulations that area is huge so many places to hunt

[Skyvalhunter]

Josh congrats. Of coarse you have seen some of the trail cam pics from Slide here and it looks like your in for a potential good hunt.

[cougfan79]

Congrats on the draw!  I have hunted this unit for 20 years and am envious of everyone that draws it, some day I will get it.  PM me and I will most definitely help you out with some pointers.  Lots of deer to be had up there and you will see plenty of bucks during the summer scouting.

Aaron

[Falcon]

Huge congrats on your tag.  It’s always fun to have that tag burning in your pocket as you daydream about your future adventure. 
Have a great hunt, and hope you kill the buck of your dreams

[VikingMidget]

Awesome!  Looking forward to following along on this hunt.  I love this area, and can't wait to draw this tag myself someday!

[ShedHead20]

Went on the 1st scout trip of the year to the unit this past weekend. Stayed two nights, one in the Big Hill Area and another in the Handy Springs Area. The purpose of the trip was to get the best overall view of the unit from the higher points. Not so much scouting one area in particular. Mainly driving the couple roads in the area to learn them and try to visualize what they could look like in November. I also hiked some ridges on the Entiat side and found some great potential areas for the hunt. I definitely will be specializing in these areas on the next trip. Even saw two small bucks and two does.

One thing I did notice was finding a good spot for a wall tent might be limited. There are spots right next to the road way down by the entiat river itself and one decent spot up Shady pass rd around 5500 ft, but, I believe that may be too high in elevation for snow. Im sure there are more spots that would work I just haven’t found them yet. I like to be tucked away when wall tent camping, but I may not get to be picky for this hunt. 25-mile canyon side was limited in spots also.

The slopes/canyons that drain directly down to the lake are insane. Very deep and steep. The Big Hill warming cabin was cool to come across. How many members have their name signed in there? All the roads in the area are in surprisingly good shape. I’m used to Yakima county roads, so anything is better then them.

What does a typical snow fall year look like and at what elevation for the Entiat side? Is it too deep (over 3ft) at 6000ft by then? Can a guy hunt up to 7000 ft? I guessing each year is different. Members, please share any past experiences with the weather.

Overall, great 1st trip and actually calmed my nerves about the hunt. The country in spots is much more huntable than I first imagined before seeing it. I’m excited to do some more poking around in certain spots and do some real boot leather burning now that I’ve seen it.

[Transka]

 
Congrats on the Draw Josh! Hit me up. I have been in this unit 39 years always camp at the last house up from the 25 mile creek side. Big camp, Big fires lots of beverages.
Daughter drew tag in 21 and son and I drew last year. Reach out when ready

Ryan Tanska