wenaha east tag

[Brushbuster]

I 'm probably missing something but they keep telling me I'm old. You guys have 2 Bull Tags to fill! By going drop/guided you can maximize hunting time. You have a limited number of hunting days & weather, chores, packing meat, or accidents can all take away from the hunt. You'll be very appreciative when you have those 2 big boys down & now the work begins. For the outfitter!  Congrats on such awesome tags. Please keep us all in the loop. 

[Deer slayer]

With two tags and my experience in there that would be the only option. Go with mtn cook. When it opens go climb mt misery and you will get a taste of it.   

[2legit2quit]

congrats FBD on the tag, I follow your website and I know if anyone can do well in those mtns; it'll be you!  keep us posted on the scouting trip(s).

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

With two tags and my experience in there that would be the only option. Go with mtn cook. When it opens go climb mt misery and you will get a taste of it.

In case you didn't Know, you can drive to mt misery ; ). Jk
Yeah man go with a guide, people would pay thousands for the hunt you have in store in other states that allow outfitters more opportunities.  Good luck!

[257 Wby Mag]

9 bills seems pretty cheap to me, methinks it'be a good investment, just in Dave's knowledge of the area, not to mention not having to blow your goat sack out once you kill one...

[Shawn Ryan]

dhorn, personally, I'd pay for the drop camp.  But . . . in the late 70's my Dad took my 17 year old brother and me (age 14) on a week long, November back pack hunt in there for elk.  We entered from Three Forks near the Kessler Ranch.  We couldn't afford to hire Slim, the outfitter whose main camp was at the trail head. So it was DIY for us.  When Slim saw what my Dad was doing, he blew up and ripped my Dad up one side and down the other; according to Slim, Dad had no business bringing those two boys in there; Slim scorned my Dad and yelled that he'd be packing us out in a few days if we were still alive.

It snowed about a foot the first night.  We had good backpacking gear for the times: Gerry pads, REI down bags, SVEA 123 stove, and an Early Winters tent. My personal gear was Army surplus wool in size small.  It was darn cold, but for a 14 year old missing a week of school, it was crazy great.  Around mid-week, one of Slim's wranglers saw us on the pack trail up on Smooth Ridge as we made our way, mid-day towards another canyon to hunt.  Towards the end of the week, Slim saw Dad again and said maybe we were alright; he told Dad his wrangler had talked to us on Smooth Ridge and was surprised we were in that far (its not that far).  On the last day, we hunted the morning and then headed out.  Slim saw us on the trail along Crooked Creek hoofing along.  By then, he had some admiration for our grit and told my Dad he had some pretty tough kids.  Slim was hard as nails and was probably the toughest sob in the area, so a compliment from him was something.

In the 4 years that I joined my Dad on those Wenaha hunts, I never saw anyone else backpack hunt there.  We usually hunted with my Dad's friends who had horses; that year was the only year we didn't have stock.  We didn't kill an elk that year. Getting the meat out would have been tough, but I'm sure we would have done it.  You will, too, if you go DIY.

The point is, you can do it, if you choose to or if finances force you to.  I applied for that tag this year and if drawn, I'd be tempted to do it all myself solo.  But, I think I'd pay the drop camp price just to get more hours in hunting and less packing in and out.  If you want it, you can get the pack out experience on another hunt; the Wenaha East tag deserves as many of your resources--money and time--as you can throw at it.

However you choose to go, know that dozens of jealous hunters like me will be vicariously hunting that tag with you.  Hope your shoulders are broad enough to handle all of our expectations. 

[Deer slayer]

Here is the average day on my rifle east wenaha hunt in 2010.  Keep in mind I am camped between Mcbain and Lodge Pole.  Wish I had the extra $900 last year. 

[Deer slayer]

Nice day.  Good friends helping me look for a bull.

[Deer slayer]

Another pic.

[Deer slayer]

Taken in mid July from Teepee.  Picture does not do it justice on just how steep it is.  I have some more pics if needed just ask.

[Huntnphish]

Here you go Slayer

[Deer slayer]

Thanks.  I really dont have a clue why it didnt do that to begin with.  I dont post many pictures and just figured out how to download off my iphone. 

[Woodchuck]

.. I heard today from my Game Agent friend that he drove to Godman!!  That is good news, the road to Teepee is still plugged but should clear up fast.
mtncook

Skyline was open and dry to where I camp about 3 miles from Godman as of Sunday. 

[dhorn]

that is great news i plan on going and doing some scouting july 16!! everything should be clear by then?

[Woodchuck]

should be good to go