I'm not seeing a general archery season from the 342 elk??? Fill me in on this

[krapmit]

I might be just missing it, but i just looked at the regs 3 times an same the 340, but not manastash 342 for a general archery elk season?

[washelkhunter]

Yeah thats right.

[krapmit]

does anyone know why that is?  That makes me think it might be a good area for me to scout up for my archery ANY BULL permit, being there won't be any general season hunters chasing cows and spikes.

[washelkhunter]

Why is it strange its not open GA, was'nt open last year either.

[Gamblin Guy]

342 hasn't been open to archery general season for a while, observatory tag is for both 340 and 342....

[ellensburgpo]

Manastash is gmu 340. Umptanum is gmu 342. I checked the corrections page on the WDfW website and didn't see any listed reference that.

[krapmit]

you're right, excuse me, the umptanum doesn't have a general archery elk season.  i got the two units confused and ya I have the observatory any bull tag.

[krapmit]

Yea, there will be a lot of jeeps and quads in that area for sure. Good luck to you as well. Shoot me a PM if you ever want to talk scouting and what we've seen.  If I tag out and spot some dandy's, I will be sure to let you know or visa versa.  Hope we can work together

[coachcw]

It's good to have a back up plan and 342 is a good one you may be able to pattern a bull in there a bit better , good luck there will be a bunch of guys chassing bulls in the observitory .

[flyguide]

There might be people in 340 hunting cows and spikes, but there are way more elk in the Manastash.  Not even a comparison.  Even down in the low ground around Tamarack Springs and Joe Watt Canyon.  I don't think people realize how many resident bulls are in those canyons in September, plus no dirt bikes down there

[adamR]

theres no general season because there's no elk in there that early... besides weren't alot of the roads closed off in the manashtash unit, hike one of those old roads and get way away from the crowds, you can't really do that in umptanum

[HoofsandWings]

342 is early muzzle loader just like 360.
If you look at the harvest reports, you will see that some units do not have archery listed, while others do not have muzzleloader listed.

[longrangekiller]

I have the same tag and was thinking the same thing. I know the Manastash area pretty well, but not the Umtanum. Plan on doing some looking around in that unit. It's hard to leave the area I know though. My concern is hitting the Manastash right after the Labor day crowds and trying to fill my first BB tag. Good luck with your tag.

Most of them roads are washed out but there are round about ways in there so it might keep the labor day crowds down for ya

[xXLojackXx]

There might be people in 340 hunting cows and spikes, but there are way more elk in the Manastash.  Not even a comparison.  Even down in the low ground around Tamarack Springs and Joe Watt Canyon.  I don't think people realize how many resident bulls are in those canyons in September, plus no dirt bikes down there

....as if there aren't enough people in there already. Theres a lot of monster bulls up high too, just get at least a mile or two off the roads wherever you go and youll at least have a chance.

[longrangekiller]

I would rather have an observitory bull tag then any other elk tag in the state I spend lots and lots acually every weekend in those woods and boy o boy there are some nice bulls

[PlateauNDN]

I would rather have an observitory bull tag then any other elk tag in the state I spend lots and lots acually every weekend in those woods and boy o boy there are some nice bulls

Who knows we might've passed each other up quite a few times over the years and didn't even know it.   I'm in the observatory quite a bit throughout the spring, summer and fall for various reasons outside of hunting but, hunting as well during the fall time.  Good luck this year and yes there is bulls in there if you get out of your car and get off the road.

[longrangekiller]

Ya we own property up there bordering lt Murray and you are right stay off the road beat the brush and u will see em. Elk are like humans were u gonna hide if someone's trying to kill u? In the thickes nastyes stuff u can find lol