So my hunt opened this past Friday, Nov 1st. I had planned to pull up elk camp in the Colockum on Wednesday and head straight to Entiat to set up deer camp. We'd then scout on Thursday and start hunting Friday. The general season elk hunt in Colockum had been kinda tough for us. Rain on Saturday night/Sunday morning, followed by wind all day Sunday. Monday through Wednesday we had only seen a few elk here and there. The forecast called for snow on Wednesday afternoon, so we decided to stick around for one last morning hunt on Thursday. I'm glad we did. Finally got into a herd of around 40 with 1 spike in it. My daughter got her first elk. What a great way to close out elk season. After 2 trips for a total of 4 miles combined, we had her elk packed out. We were exhausted. So didn't head off the mountain until Friday morning. By then there was 8" of snow on the ground and getting down was a slow go.
We spent Friday dropping the elk off at the processor, refueling, grocery shopping and driving over to Entiat. By then it was getting late and we set up camp in the dark.
Over the course of Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning, we managed to see over 300 deer and 1 cougar. Yep, daughter kept a running tally. 30+ bucks, but most were young. We did manage to see 2 mature bucks over the 2 & 1/2 days of hunting. They both got my heart pumping, but after 19 years of accruing points, I had my sights set on something next-level.
Most of the bucks seen were cruising around in search of does and oblivious of any danger. I could tell this hunt was going to be a great experience.
So we had to get home on Monday night in preparation for work and other responsibilites this week. The plan is to head back over Monday, after my daughter gets off work, for round 2 of my special permit. This time I'll have 5 days to hunt. From what you guys familiar with the rut in Entiat have told me, things should just continue to improve with respect to buck numbers. Can't thank all you members enough, who have offered up assistance and advice.
Sorry the pictures are so poor quality. My phone camera sucks.
