Peaches Ridge bull tag 2024

[Darian]

After 13 years, I drew Peaches Ridge big bull tag after an unsuccessful Walla Walla water shed tag last year.  I live in southeastern Washington and have limited knowledge of the area (PCT hikes) and would like any pointers.  I have read a few comments that the best area is the old burn area in the Norse Peak wilderness around the crow and crescent lake drainage.
Getting into the Norse Peak wilderness looks tough.  I don't have horses and don't plan to use any.  My plan is to drive to the Raven's roost peak and drop into the cougar valley, crow-crescent lake/creek drainage, and possibly north to the south fork of the little Naches drainage.  I plan to put up a wall tent camp somewhere along NF road 1902 somewhat close to Raven's Roost peak. Even during spike open elk, I can't see this area getting a lot of pressure with how rugged and remote it is.
If anyone knows this area or any other areas they can suggest in Peaches Ridge, please--your input is welcome.
Darian

[time2hunt]

Better do a pre hunt scout and back pack trip. That’s not just a day trip in and out into crow or cement basin especially when you kill a bull in there.


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[muleyslayer]

Now i officially know how high point holders feel sitting on 19 bull points and couldn’t draw a Yakima herd tag lol. I’m sure someone will chime in with close to 30. Congrats on the tag, it should be a fun hunt with some pre season work

[CarbonHunter]

There will be lots of hunting pressure even before the spike season starts. Most people show up around 3-7 days before the regular season begins.

Ravens roost can get a lot of snow that time of year depending on the season. Lots of old timer stories of people getting stuck up there when the snow blows in. It’s best to have a backup plan 2-3k lower in elevation just in case.

[RightPlace-RightTime]

22 ha
Enjoy your tag

[MADMAX]

Gun tag, black powder tag or bow tag ?

Congrats

[dvolmer]

Gun tag, black powder tag or bow tag ?

Congrats

his tag is rifle.

[TeacherMan]

If your tag is open before modern season go then. Definitely my favorite elk unit, best of luck.

[yakimanoob]

+100,000 for backpack scouting trips pre-season. Bear hunting is a great way to scout for elk .

Also, definitely be cognizant of the weather. Ravens is well known for stranding folks when a snow storm moves in, but it's far from the only place that can happen. Also, as much as I love Ravens and similar places, killing a bull 1500' in elevation below the truck is... uh... not for the faint of heart.

The truth is that the Peaches tag gives you soooooooo many options for great places to hunt. Have fun!

[Bob33]

Many years ago I hunted the Norse Peak wilderness hiking in from Raven. I hunted out of a small spike camp setup and spent several days. It was a wonderful experience. I didn't get the joy of packing an elk out but suspect that would be a lot of work. If you had a few friends that could come help to make it in one or two trips it could work.

[GASoline71]

Many years ago I hunted the Norse Peak wilderness hiking in from Raven. I hunted out of a small spike camp setup and spent several days. It was a wonderful experience. I didn't get the joy of packing an elk out but suspect that would be a lot of work. If you had a few friends that could come help to make it in one or two trips it could work.

Norse peak Wilderness is amazing. Hunted it a few times back in my 20's and 30's. 

Gary

[Dan-o]

I love that area.   

The biggest issue with drawing that tag is that there are too many awesome places to chase elk. 

I hope you're in a position to be able to take the entire season, because those tags are precious. 

Good luck!!!

[slowhand]

I had this tag in the past. By far the best hunting experience I have ever had.
Tips for your hunt
#1 give it your all, you don't want any regrets after.
#2 a mountain bike will help you a ton.
#3 Your going to have at least one opportunity. I got three chances during my hunt.
#4 scout scout scout if you don't know the area a map alone is not going to cut it. boots on the ground before hand is key. like others have said bear hunting is an excellent thing to do while learning the area. lots of bears up there.
#5 my final tip. Look for moving snow while glassing for your bull. I was lucky enough to see an entire family of mountain goats while hunting this tag. I decided to pull up a stump and enjoy most of that day watching what I call a "National geographic moment". I don't regret that decision one bit.
send me a p.m. and I will show you where I saw My bulls. hopefully you have onX if not get it.

[Gentrys]

If you park at Raven's Roost and then drop in, it'll be one heck of a pack out.  Be in great shape, bring friends to help or reconsider hiring on outfitter to haul your elk out. 
There are good bulls down in there.

[royalbull]

Find a spot where you can sit and glass, eventually they will walk out in front of you, trust me it happens all the time, might not get lucky enough to harvest a monster but you will get your bull

[Darian]

Better do a pre hunt scout and back pack trip. That’s not just a day trip in and out into crow or cement basin especially when you kill a bull in there.


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Yes, trying to change my summer and fall schedule.  I would get this tag when I have an Alaska trip and a cross state bike tour into Canada planned as well.  I am an avid backpacker and bikepacker, so the planning is churning in my head.

[Darian]

+100,000 for backpack scouting trips pre-season. Bear hunting is a great way to scout for elk .

Also, definitely be cognizant of the weather. Ravens is well known for stranding folks when a snow storm moves in, but it's far from the only place that can happen. Also, as much as I love Ravens and similar places, killing a bull 1500' in elevation below the truck is... uh... not for the faint of heart.

The truth is that the Peaches tag gives you soooooooo many options for great places to hunt. Have fun!

I am looking into putting up a wall tent camp at the Sand creek trail head to hopefully avoid being snowed in.  Been there, done that.

[mcallahan]

The last couple years I’ve been up there in August and September tons of elk and awesome country to be in. I mainly hiked in on Crow lake way and union creek trail. Crow lake way trail is uphill and switchbacks for the first 4mi and found the first spring a little over 4.5mi we hit the ridge line to the east and got into great elk country. Union creek takes you through the bottom we normally head up the north fork there’s quite a bit of blowdown and there really isn’t much of a trail left past the second falls heading into the north fork. Once you start hiking out of the bottom it starts to open up and gives you spots to glass. I’d keep an eye on the weather it can definitely be a factor up there and packing out is no joke. Hope this helps congrats on the tag!