Slide Ridge 2023

[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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