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 .


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[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 .


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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.


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[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

[Fletch]

 

[mburrows]

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.

Really hard to say what that weather will be like. Could be impossible to get to 6000ft in a vehicle or the roads could be completely bare. More than likely youll have snow and getting up to the top in a vehicle will be a chore.  Youre on the right track and checking the right boxes.

[ShedHead20]

2nd scouting trip in the books. Focused on mainly one side of the unit and hiked in some elevation bands that should have deer in them in November. Some areas in that elevation band are very thick! Others offer some good cover and are surprisingly open for timber. These areas also had decent sized deer trails going through/into them as well. I am curious if these will be getting used heavily during November. Getting to these pockets of open at that elevation is the trick. Seems impossible to be quiet in there. Deadfall rules that world. I was also able to find a few decent wall tent camping locations off shady pass area. Only a couple of does found this trip, but I really wasn't looking for deer, more of the terrain. Duncan hill area seems very promising as well, IF a guy can get a side by side or snowmobile all the way up to the trailhead. The road would definitely be not fun in any type of weather. 

I'll be doing another scout trip soon and I'll keep you guys updated on the progress.

57 days.

Josh

[c.jones]

Good job getting out and getting a lay of the land! As always, it's just good getting out in the country and adding pieces to the puzzle!
Thanks for the update!

[Transka]

Was good seeing up there! You’re going to do great!!

[ShedHead20]

Did the 3rd and final scout trip two weekends ago. Spent the entire time on the 25-Mile side of the unit. I went up both sides of the drainage and found some great areas to spend time in during the hunt. Many miles of drivable roads and even more that can be walked down. The country is steep and deep and looks to be glassing friendly. Also found some good camp spots for the wall tent.
I ran into a forum member that gave me some real gems of advice and has been more than helpful with information on this upcoming hunt. I truly appreciate all the other members who have reached out over PMs so far. All that info is definitely being used.
After sleeping in the cool October air and seeing the yellow larches up high, I couldn’t help but to get excited for November. The tag journey has been a blast so far and learning new country and talking to new people is a great experience. Now my only stress is getting my camp list completed with all the boxes checked and to hammer out the logistics for gear and hunting partners. I have the wall tent set up in my yard currently for a quick look over. I feel great with my rifle and have been shooting on the regular.
I have 22 days left then is rutting mule deer.

[ShedHead20]

With the recent snowstorm rolling through, could any members give me a regional update for the 25-mile side of the unit? I'm loving the snow and hopefully it stays manageable until we get camp set up.

Thanks fellas

7 days

[NOCK NOCK]

Can’t tell ya inches, but the whole unit pretty much received snow, except super low maybe.

[ShedHead20]

It’s go time, boys. Heading out in the morning.

[Ridgerunner]

Good luck I cant wait to hear the updates and see the grip and grin pics!!!

[Mtnwalker]

Good luck I cant wait to hear the updates and see the grip and grin pics!!!

  Hope you turn up a toad

[Ridgerunner]

Hopefully the hunt is going well.  Things have been pretty quiet from the late tag holders this year. 

[Transka]

I talked to 3 of the tag holders on Friday the 10th they are seeing legal bucks but it looks like the migratory bucks haven’t been pushed down yet by the weather. Saw a few big guys while scouting and checking trail cams though.

[jstone]

Any snow up high?

[Ridgerunner]

Would love to hear a report even if the hunt was tough and didn’t turn out the way you thought it would. 


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[Romulus1297]

Are there any migratory deer anymore I ate the tag in 18

[ShedHead20]

Sorry for being delayed in the thread update

First, I want to thank my wife for holding down the house and dealing with our 2 year old son at home the whole time I was gone. Pretty lucky to have a wife that would do that. I would also like to thank the forum members who reached out and stayed in contact with me throughout the summer and the hunt. Some real stand up guys on here and don’t know how I can repay them back for giving up that much info on their preferred unit.

I spent a awesome 15 days straight in the unit and would see multiple small bucks (very small 4x4s and under, TONS of 2x2) everyday. The weather wasn’t the perfect mule deer rut weather. Minimal snow and even at the top of the high ridge there was maybe 12-15 inches total. Never really got super cold, coldest I saw at camp was about 18 degrees and would get in the mid 30s - 40s almost everyday.

I mainly hunted the 25-mile side and spent a few days in the entiat side as well. Really early in my hunt, I passed two very nice bucks, not knowing I wouldn’t see any bigger ones after that. They were not the giants I was looking for but respectable bucks. In general season, there would have been no hesitation. It was hard to pass in the moment but I was thinking I would turn up some other big boys as the season went on. That’s hunting!

I did it all from road hunting, still hunting, days and days of glassing, hiking ridges, and walking miles on decommissioned roads. Just never turned up the “big crusty”. It was neat to see lots of deer everyday and to watch to bucks rutting. You can just about walk right up to some of them.

On the last night I had to hunt, I took the biggest smaller buck I was able to find. He’s not a dink and actually has some mass to him. But with no 2023 meat in the freezer, I was happy to take him. He had a huge body on him and noticeably bigger body than the other small bucks around.

The pack out was fairly easy. 650ft of elevation straight up. Did bone in and did 2 trips. I killed the deer about 345pm and was done by 730pm. So back to the wall tent in time for dinner!

Overall, a great hunting trip. This was new area for me. So to find deer and kill deer in the new area was also a plus to me. Got to spend 2 weeks in the mountains and a few days with my brother and good friend. Just didn’t get the big guy that everyone wants. He is probably standing in my favorite bowl that I glassed the most right now. Probably just a 190” tank of a buck.

Thanks again for all the support, that’s what makes this site great!

Josh

[Gentrys]

Sounds like a great hunt!  Congrats on a solid buck!

[time2hunt]

Sounds like a great trip you see any cats


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[NOCK NOCK]

Congrats. Nothing wrong with that buck. The Entiat herd is NOTHING like it used to be, giants are extremely rare these days.