Observatory

[Westsidebowhunter]

Just curious what your thoughts are on this tag for archery and muzzleloading I should have enough points to draw either but I wasn't to impressed for what I saw for big bulls in their last year so wanted to know if I should save the points or give it a try. If I do get it what should i expect? Any info would be great thanks guys!

[bobcat]

This year the muzzleloader permit would be pretty good, because the general spike season doesn't start until the 6th, and with that permit beginning on the 1st, you would have it to yourself for 5 days. Plus you'd hopefully catch the tail end of the rut. The archery permit is during the general archery season so you'd have lots of company, but you'd still probably have a good hunt. How many points do you have? The archery permits looks like a relatively easy draw, but the muzzleloader, doesn't look like a guarantee, even if you have max points.

[boneaddict]

Generally it depends on the weather.....  It can be a blank or AWESOME.    Tribal pressure was extremly hard this year as there wasn't snow to keep them out.   

[coachcw]

some local bulls around but not many biguns. If you know where to hunt it and where the preasured elk go you can do well . that being said you can burn alot of boot leather there aswell. I really don't understand the number of permits since it gets so much preasure . Expect to have company and that can make it tough to kill a bull. Every so often a good bull shows up looking for cows in mid sept . though the first week is your best bet to kill a elk I think i've seen better bulls right before the end of the archery season.

[norsepeak]

plenty of good bulls, some giants....if ya know where to look.

[mfswallace]

weather is a huge factor, I've seen nothin for the first few days then hundreds of elk after a big snow storm...
Start scouting for the local bulls because there are a few nice ones around...check out my profile pic for proof as this set was found in observatory area

[coachcw]

Just hire Nors !

[PlateauNDN]

Get off the road and away from the "pressure" and there are some nice bulls. 

[fishingnut71]

THE natives junked the whole area this year(or last) because of no snow to keep them out. Its hit or miss. You will then contend with nothin but coasties from there. I live here! been there done that ! NOT AGAIN!

[HairTrigger]

For reals nut lol^^^^^^^^

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

My group that has been hunting there for 20+ years has always had more branched bulls around camp than you would believe.
I wish I could get my friend to figure out his damn camera so he could upload the video from last season of 20+ cows, and 5 bulls, all 5pt+ IN FULL RUT !!, grunting, squealing, glunking, you name it.
He was not drawn, so just filmed, 1/2 hour in an area surrounded by road, with one spur through the middle.
You would be surprised how many Elk watch vehicles drive past them, GET OUT AND WALK !!
The last season I hunted there (4 years ago) I was drawn, and attempted to get this bull, but his 24 cows and 3 satellites kept ruining it 
one time, we BOTH , (me and the Bull) watched a truck drive by, windows down, radio blaring, guys talking, 2 times, as they drove in and out, w/o ever stopping..
I was too stupid to move while the vehicle had him distracted.. 

[Westsidebowhunter]

Thanks guys for the advice I am still unsure whether or not to put in but got horses so can get in pretty far if i get lucky and decide to put in... Anyways good luck to you all on the draws!

[vandeman17]

I am putting in for it as my second choice. There is a lot of tags which helps the chances but also makes it a little more packed with guys if you do draw. I have spent time in there and as long as you get back off the road you can find the elk but it will take hard work and a little luck. 

[gasman]

I had the archery tag last year. Was in to elk every day and seen some dandys in the Umtanum unit.....

I stayed in the Umtanum unit mostly, there is just to many people in Manashtash unit during that tag.

And even in the 95 degree weather I had last year, I was seeing elk 

[hunterrcc]

There are no bulls in this unit... dont waste your tag on it go to blues for big bulls.