Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: huntandjeep on September 08, 2012, 09:53:23 PM

Title: Am I scouting in the right area's ? (Rimrock)
Post by: huntandjeep on September 08, 2012, 09:53:23 PM: So this year I was drawn for the Rimrock Any bull (modern). I've never hunted the area before. Did some research on hear. Spent the last 3 weekends up there burning leather. But i'm not sure if i'm waisting time in the areas "I" think are good. Not looking for honey holes just yes or no's to the areas i've been concentrating on. Spent the first weekend on "Short and Dirty" ridge at the end of 1010 rd saw nothing. The next weekend was around "Lost lake "again saw nothing. This weekend was up "Bear Creek" at the end of 1040 rd. Saw one elk and that has been it. Are these good areas? I'm seeing tracks , trails , rubs, just no animals? Next weekend i'm going to look around "Section 3 lake". Thanks for any info. Allen
Title: Re: Am I scouting in the right area's ? (Rimrock)
Post by: norsepeak on September 08, 2012, 10:06:35 PM: you are hitting good areas, just keep in mind that with the weather lately and moon phase, that most of the elk are only active early in the morning and then again just before dark. All of the areas you listed are great areas.
Title: Re: Am I scouting in the right area's ? (Rimrock)
Post by: carpsniperg2 on September 08, 2012, 10:07:11 PM: I can tell you I have killed elk in one of the areas you posted. They get moved around so much they cover a lot of ground. We have messed with them from the ridge road all the way to pine grass. There is some monster areas back beind conrad meadows. I know a lot of people that do well back there that horse back hunt. There is elk there don't get bummed. If my buddy was not up there right now trying to feel his bull tag I would give you a could more places to check out.
Title: Re: Am I scouting in the right area's ? (Rimrock)
Post by: 400out on September 08, 2012, 10:12:46 PM: You live in yakima/have a jeep(*censored*) as your avatar/and never hunted the rimrock :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: sorry cant help beyond that
Title: Re: Am I scouting in the right area's ? (Rimrock)
Post by: jess on September 08, 2012, 11:02:57 PM: those are all good areas... I had a bull tag in there a few years ago and killed a bull on one of the roads you listed.. Good luck... I got a cow tag in there this year so i might run in to ya
Title: Re: Am I scouting in the right area's ? (Rimrock)
Post by: gasman on September 08, 2012, 11:37:24 PM: Don't fret, the bulls are there......... The short and dirty is one place i would keep an eye on as it get closer to your tag :tup:

There will be plenty of elk up there as your season approaches. All areas you mention are good except I would not wast my time with section 3 lake area. Very flat and lots of people head there also, but that's just my opinion.....

I cant remeber the name of the area, I have wheeled it many times, but the trails that lead from lost lake to the 1201 roads holds plenty of hidden meadows and valleys that the elk love ;)

If you are going to be hunting during the general season, don't over look those jeep trails that will get you away from the general crowd.

Maybe hike up Louie Way and take a look at that area. get off the trail and look for the hiding places. Lots of elk up there, thats for sure,
Title: Am I scouting in the right area's ? (Rimrock)
Post by: Ridgerunner on September 09, 2012, 08:22:01 AM: All that country is great elk country I'd say spend time really getting to know a few of those areas.
Title: Re: Am I scouting in the right area's ? (Rimrock)
Post by: SniperDanWA on September 09, 2012, 08:41:56 AM: I was over at Lost Lake a couple of weeks ago. Saw some sign, but no elk. As hot and dry it has been, they were bedded down during the day. At night, I saw plenty from Hwy 12. Counted several herds, saw lots of cows, spikes, satellite bulls...

I didnt draw a tag, but know the area holds promise. I want to spend more time in there, but work keeps me from it. I don't have a Jeep either, so my Suburban is a bit too big for some of the trails. I really need to expand my fleet. Anyway, I'll be up there during modern too, but spike only for me.
Title: Re: Am I scouting in the right area's ? (Rimrock)
Post by: Raul Duke on September 09, 2012, 08:59:21 AM: Quote from: 400out on September 08, 2012, 10:12:46 PM
You live in yakima/have a jeep(*censored*) as your avatar/and never hunted the rimrock :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: sorry cant help beyond that
I was thinkin the same thing. But like others have mention. You have named some good areas. Just keep your eyes open. I'll be up there with a cow tag this year. Maybe ill run into you.
Title: Re: Am I scouting in the right area's ? (Rimrock)
Post by: fillthefreezer on September 09, 2012, 09:18:26 AM: you're checking out the right areas, gotta use the jeep to get there but you still gotta get off the trail.
we will be there my bud drew a cow tag for mf
Title: Re: Am I scouting in the right area's ? (Rimrock)
Post by: adamR on September 09, 2012, 09:54:12 AM: All of the areas you mentioned are good for elk. It might change any day, with the weather about to cool way down this week, rut is right around the corner, and the archers pushing animals around. You spend enough tiime in those areas and you will start seeing alot of elk.
Title: Re: Am I scouting in the right area's ? (Rimrock)
Post by: huntandjeep on September 09, 2012, 10:00:46 AM: Quote from: 400out on September 08, 2012, 10:12:46 PM
You live in yakima/have a jeep(*censored*) as your avatar/and never hunted the rimrock :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: sorry cant help beyond that
I've never had the desire to hunt or jeep that area. Usually hunt Cowiche and Bethel. Jeep in the Little Naches. Thanks for all the info at least i'm in the right areas. Gonna spend alot more time up there as the season draws closer. Just a little flustered at all the sign yet no elk. One things for sure it's not going to be an easy hunt, with visibility at 20 yards, and STEEP terrain. Did have a nice bear run infront of the truck last night, as I was driving out. Thanks . Allen P.S the previous jeep in my avatar was borrowed :chuckle:
Title: Re: Am I scouting in the right area's ? (Rimrock)
Post by: carpsniperg2 on September 09, 2012, 10:06:09 AM: Yeah keep at it for sure. There is some hell holes over there that hold a lot of elk. The first time I hunted it I remember climbing down a cliff of shale rock with my buddy. Now he has hunted it off and on since being a kid. I don't question him much but it was not a fun climb down. When we got to the edge of it, it dropped off into a little ledge that has some trees and wasn't very big. He told me to be ready. I was like "sure ok" we did not walk 30 yards on that bench and a 2x2 bull and cow exploded out from some brush and behind a few tree's. They dove off the back side which was more shale rock. I could not even breath. I thought for sure one of those elk was going to break it's leg going in that rock as fast as they were. If you can find those benches like that and can get to them. Do not over look them, trust me they are small but they do hold elk!
Title: Re: Am I scouting in the right area's ? (Rimrock)
Post by: gasman on September 09, 2012, 12:09:25 PM: I'm not questioning your jeeping abilities or your jeep, but if you have never wheeled Rimrock, don't go alone. If you do not have at least one axle locked up and a winch, be cautious. Those trails can start easy and end up being treacherous.

Rimrock is not like little Naches when it comes to wheeling, it requires experienced wheeler. I have wheeled it many times, locked up n all four but will not go alone and if I am alone, I limit where I go.

But if I was hunting up there, I would get away from the general hunters and the jeep trails offer lots of opportunity to get to places many will not go, even if you hike them.