Kettle Range-East Okanogan Bull Moose tag

[Payne]

Well I went from thinking I had the 49 North early tag to Kettle/East Okanogan tag. In some ways I am bummed and in some ways I am excited, can't complain about the extra month that comes with this one and at least it didn't just turn into "not selected"!

Anyways like most people who get these tags, I don't know all that much about hunting them, but putting in the research and planning to get a decent amount of scouting in before the hunting begins. I should have close to three weeks off, not counting weekends to dedicate to the hunt, so hopefully I can be successful.

I am also doing my "research" on the site looking at older postings, but if anyone would be so kind as to give me their thoughts here (or pm, phone call etc.) I am all ears!

I will also make sure to come back and report how the hunt goes, good or bad I know that it's helpful info for others in the future that draw these tags.

[HighGrouseHunt]

The Kettle East OK unit has a whole lot more going for it than just those extra few weeks.

It’s giant unit with a lot of good habitat, and there are some super nice bulls in there. The moose are just not as concentrated as they are in 49 North, and that could be a good thing. Due to the size of the unit, and how the moose are spaced out, I feel like you might have lower chances of running into fellow moose hunters trying to hunt the same moose, all while hunting some pretty cool (and if you want, pretty remote) country. Also no general deer rifle season after October 22nd. That’s a lot less pressure in the woods than the number of folks hunting in 49N during late buck

[TeacherMan]

Awesome unit! When I lived in Curlew I use to see nice bulls all the time on the East side of Sherman pass. I’d start my focus in that area. Great road access in pretty high country
Up along the Kettle Crest. One of the largest bulls I ever saw in WA was off Bull Dog Cabin Rd.

[teanawayslayer]

The Kettle East OK unit has a whole lot more going for it than just those extra few weeks.

It’s giant unit with a lot of good habitat, and there are some super nice bulls in there. The moose are just not as concentrated as they are in 49 North, and that could be a good thing. Due to the size of the unit, and how the moose are spaced out, I feel like you might have lower chances of running into fellow moose hunters trying to hunt the same moose, all while hunting some pretty cool (and if you want, pretty remote) country. Also no general deer rifle season after October 22nd. That’s a lot less pressure in the woods than the number of folks hunting in 49N during late buck

it’s better to have more hunters in the woods for deer season as probably most of them would be more than helpful if they see moose. At least from my experiences.

[Southpole]

That’s the best moose permit choice in my opinion. Upper Ferry county is where I’ve been seeing large concentrations of them the past 5 years. I could be a little biased since that’s where I’ve spent most of my time of the northeast corner. I have lived in the Kelly Hill unit for 2 years now and I haven’t seen one moose yet.

[Payne]

Thanks all for the encouraging thoughts and info!

Are any more western areas worth checking out all that much or is it best to just stick more to the Sherman area?

And are there many locked gates?

... Getting so excited! the threads with Flyguide and Trophyhunt are great!

[NOCK NOCK]

Had the permit 10ish years ago. Best advice is dont chase ghosts. You will get lots of "I saw a big bull here"  Its a big unit, you can spend alot of time running around.  Sherman is popular so youll have competition.  Talk with any range riders you see, they know lots about the area.

Shoot me a Pm, Ill chat with ya about what I learned in there, should have some notes still somewhere.

[Southpole]

Had the permit 10ish years ago. Best advice is dont chase ghosts. You will get lots of "I saw a big bull here"  Its a big unit, you can spend alot of time running around.  Sherman is popular so youll have competition.  Talk with any range riders you see, they know lots about the area.

Shoot me a Pm, Ill chat with ya about what I learned in there, should have some notes still somewhere.

  Best advise for any OIL or coveted permit. That advice was given to us and we still stick with. Too much time wasted on traveling running to the “maybes” unless it’s within a small radius. Figure out an area and stick with it.

[HighGrouseHunt]

I personally don’t know how much I would focus right around “Sherman Pass” proper, only due to the potential for competition mentioned earlier. Seems like that’s what everyone knows, so that’s where everyone goes. There are really nice chunks of moose habitat in the kettles right on the Reservation line and right on the Canadian border (In addition to the “Sherman” area which is closer to the middle).

If you have time this summer get out and scout for good habitat and areas with lots of moose tracks and scat on the roads, rather than trying to find “the moose” you want. Sure, you might find the bull of your dreams, and it might all play out like a story book come hunting season, but those bulls tend to localize all summer and then really start moving around as the rut kicks off. Find cow concentrations and you could have a few bulls to work with if you get the timing right (a couple of years ago during modern deer season, we had a cow walk by at 30 yards, immediately followed by 3 mature bulls, any of which most hunters in WA should be happy to tag - all just slowly and obliviously walking by within bow range)

I also wouldn’t sleep on that country in the SW corner of the unit. Again, closer to reservation line. There is a ton of good looking country in there.

As for other hunters being around, I guess it ultimately depends on the type of experience you are looking for. I personally prefer to hunt seeing or interacting with  as few people as possible, even if that means I might have to do some more work to locate animals. With that said, I do agree that if you are looking for something a bit more “social” (for lack of a better word), then having a bunch of deer hunters around really shouldn’t negatively impact a moose hunt, and you could certainly get some hot actionable tips. Seems like most hunters are stoked to share moose info knowing that it’s not really going to affect them, or their chances of ever getting a moose (the hardest part is drawing the tag in the first place).

[Payne]

I figure I had better give an update on my hunt which only lasted two days, I ended up shooting the first one I saw! haha. He's not
 huge but I am happy with him. A decent rack for the wall, rug for the couch (if I will be allowed) and 240 pounds of meat in the freezer.

I came up on him and saw his one side with the most points through the brush and all my plans of waiting flew right out the window, deciding right then that I was going to take him as soon as he gave me a clear shot.

[jrebel]

Nothing wrong with that bull.  Congrats!! 

[3boys]

Congrats on a successful moose hunt! Wish I could do it again in WA.

[Bonnie]

Congrats on a beautiful Bull ...

[Pathfinder101]

Awesome bull Payne.  For me, holding out for something else would require me to have a guide or a buddy who can outfight me holding my bullets.  Congrats on a great bull. 

[Southpole]

Thank you for the update!! Congratulations, that’s a load!