Peaches Ridge, Sucess or not?

[Elk Hunter]

    After hearing only a handfull of bulls through 10 days of bustin brush atop Gold, Rock, and Milk creeks I shot a spike at 40 yds. Was this out of frustration, did he stand there to long, you have to shoot one because you've called in to many spikes already, or was I just thinking of filling my tag? What the heck happend this year? It certainly wasn't what I expected with bulls screaming in every drainage, running wild, and answering every call. Don't get me wrong We did call a few in close, but I hate to say the words HANG UP! It also didn't help when most of them came in silent. So to sum this up, 6 years for my buddy & myself to get this tag and all we have to show for it is a head full of learning experience and 1 spike. Was this similar to others in the 346 or were we just the exception? 

[Matt]

You aren't the only one.  I was north of you and in my little area I know of only 2 taken out of the 5 tags that I knew of.  And of course us guys with no bull tags had opportunities up the ying yang.  In fact there was this one bull, prolly around 350, kept blocking the cows from coming in on several set ups.  He would come out in the open but as soon as the cows started he would hustle them back in the timber.  And I won't even get started about the "hunters" that don't know how to hunt elk or know the area.  But hey that's public land hunting.

[boneaddict]

I had lots of troubles.  Mostly it was too dry where I was at and I couldn't clsoe on them after they hung up, and they seemed especially call shy this year compared to most.(Photography not hunting)  More pressure I guess.

[cle elum bowhunter]

Matt, tell me your aren't talking about me when you say "hunters" that don't know how to hunt.  Yes, I did end up with tag soup.  Frustrating to have big bulls at 20 or less yards, see the tree tops swaying, and never see hair.  I can definitely say I hunted hard, covered a lot of country, saw some beatiful country, and had that heart pounding moments just before your draw back.  Unfortunately, I never got to draw my bow. 

[Matt]

Matt, tell me your aren't talking about me when you say "hunters" that don't know how to hunt.  Yes, I did end up with tag soup.  Frustrating to have big bulls at 20 or less yards, see the tree tops swaying, and never see hair.  I can definitely say I hunted hard, covered a lot of country, saw some beatiful country, and had that heart pounding moments just before your draw back.  Unfortunately, I never got to draw my bow. 

Of course I am talking about you.     No I am refering to the two guys that walk right into a dozen or so head of elk, as we watch the elk just drift off over the ridge, one guy could not have been more than 30 yards from the lead cow.  These guys walk out an hour later saying that they saw lots of fresh sign but no elk.  That was opening morning.  Then, like you had, there are the guys that set up camp right in the middle of the elk.  So much for that area.  Or the guy that took a dump right under a kids tree stand, then asked the kids dad if he would show him a place to hunt.  That trail led right back to the road.  I almost wish the road would have stayed washed out.  Oh well.  I got my tag filled.......as usual 

[jstone]

1 for 2 in our camp. Heard some saw some. Not as hot as i thought that tag was suppose to be. But had fun.. O it was a 4x5

[countywarrior]

I havent drawn the elk tag for 5 years.  I spent every hour of the 12 days hunting and believe me i was in the elk.  Problem was i just couldnt get them to committ.  They were bugleing there heads off 10 of the 12 days.  Had multiple bulls in, just off the top of my head 80 66 60 50 20 10 and a 1x2 that snuck in on me at 7 yards. U know with the way are state works and only getting drawn once in a good moon maybe im a little rusty when it comes to the calling, I dont know.  Although it was very frustrating at times that peaches tag to me is the best we have to offer.  Hopefully i dont have another 5 years to wait. The tag soup is not very filling. And by the way although i still cant believe it i pretty much had the mountain to my self up to the last weekend.  Really weird considering i was hunting one of the most popular areas up there.  The one guy i talked to was out of spokane. And it seemed he was dealing with the same situations i was. Just couldnt get them to commit. By the way spokane If you read this drop me a message.  Id like to know how things ended up for you.  Anyhow i was hung up on more those two weeks by bulls than any girl ever has....Cant wait til next time!!!!!!!

[lemondog]

Countywarrior, sent you a PM.

[letmhunt]

Hey Bone, the elk are call shy because theres yahoos like you up there taking pictures and calling them in during a hunting season thats just as bad as someone calling from there rig!

[dreamingbig]

letmhunt -

I disagree with your views that bone is making the elk call shy.  A good caller and a hunter can call in elk without spooking them, especially during the rut, without giving them much of an education.  An inexperienced caller/hunter is a different story.

[colockumelk]

letmhunt -

I disagree with your views that bone is making the elk call shy.  A good caller and a hunter can call in elk without spooking them, especially during the rut, without giving them much of an education.  An inexperienced caller/hunter is a different story.

Agree.  Usually guys that say the elk were call shy are the ones who don't know how to call elk but think they do.  If you call them in within picture taking rang and stop calling they will never know you are there.  Since the calling has stopped they will then just move off.  Even if they see you it doesn't mean you spooked them.  You can still convince them that you are an elk.  The only time you will educate them is if they smell you. 

[letmhunt]

First i didnt say the elk were call shy Bone did. Two, extra bodies in the woods throwing sent around isnt good either. Three, the last thing i want is sombody else in the woods thats why i started bowhunting for elk over 15 years ago. 

[JoeVon]

I'm not tryin to piss anyone off (Bone), but it seems like you could find a better spot to go call bulls in for Photos that wasn't open to special permit hunting.  I'm not saying you made a difference or didn't, just sayin is all.

[letmhunt]

 

[dreamingbig]

That is a bit harsh don't you think?

re: more scent in the woods... if he they didn't wind him then it is not a big deal, plus what about the hikers hitting the trails?  I really think Bone being in the woods with his camera is the least of your problems.  What about all the inexperienced hunters without a bull permit looking for a spike or cow who are trampling thru the bedding areas, hunting with the wind, and making very poor elk sounds with calls they don't know how to use yet?  I think that trumps one experienced hunter with a camera.

I am a bowhunter too and am glad we have the opportunity to hunt public land.  While I wish you could keep everyone out besides the permit holders, that is not the reality, nor should it be in my opinion.  Go deeper and go farther to get away from the crowds.