Post by: UplandJoe on October 08, 2015, 08:11:11 AM
I grew up hunting with my dad all over Eastern Washington. Recently moved back to the NW and adopted a couple bird dogs (Lab-Pointer and a GSP). They both have had some obvious training and the instinct is there.
Anyway, I was thinking of testing them out in the Quilomene/Whiskey Dick area for chukar. Only problem is I don't know if my road outfitted-subaru wagon will make it up those back roads. I have been researching on my own and looking at photos, the roads I see look easy enough but everything I am reading is saying ATV or overland/adventure vehicle is a must. Anyone make it up to the turbines and beyond in nothing more than 4wheel drive?
Thanks!
Joe
Post by: coachcw on October 08, 2015, 08:39:02 AM
Post by: PlateauNDN on October 08, 2015, 08:51:16 AM
Post by: lghtnquik on October 08, 2015, 09:19:31 AM
Problem would be you'd wreck a tire on the subby. It's a bad, bad rd after the wind farm and once the wind farm shuts it's only worse. I've cut sidewalls on my RZR in there. I'd never go in there with anything less than 8-10 ply LT truck tires.
Post by: birddogdad on October 08, 2015, 09:27:14 AM
Joe,
Problem would be you'd wreck a tire on the subby. It's a bad, bad rd after the wind farm and once the wind farm shuts it's only worse. I've cut sidewalls on my RZR in there. I'd never go in there with anything less than 8-10 ply LT truck tires.
or if you do, have the Ellensburg Les Schwab number on your phone! hopefully you will have service, the manager is a hunter and knows the area to send help.. yep, voice of experience waaaay back in, shale - 2 tires on same side ... bad hair day@! replaced with E rated 10ply on truck...
Post by: UplandJoe on October 08, 2015, 10:41:51 AM
I may just drive as far I can and bring my mountain bike to get further out.
hmm... dogs, pack, gun, shells... a little overzealous maybe?
Post by: wonder on October 08, 2015, 11:19:15 AM
Post by: 10Key on October 08, 2015, 12:01:42 PM
Post by: PlateauNDN on October 08, 2015, 12:10:09 PM
Post by: Datoneer on October 08, 2015, 06:24:40 PM
Hello! New to this forum and new to NW bird hunting (again)
I grew up hunting with my dad all over Eastern Washington. Recently moved back to the NW and adopted a couple bird dogs (Lab-Pointer and a GSP). They both have had some obvious training and the instinct is there.
Anyway, I was thinking of testing them out in the Quilomene/Whiskey Dick area for chukar. Only problem is I don't know if my road outfitted-subaru wagon will make it up those back roads. I have been researching on my own and looking at photos, the roads I see look easy enough but everything I am reading is saying ATV or overland/adventure vehicle is a must. Anyone make it up to the turbines and beyond in nothing more than 4wheel drive?
Thanks!
Joe
OK So I spent Sunday Through Tues in that area and I can tell you, dont attempt it without a good 4x4. I have a 92 Wrangler with New tires and Went where ever I wanted to even had to winch myself once because I was looking at a deer and not the washed out rd. However My body is so beat up I am still recovering. The bird numbers are ok, not as outstanding as I have seen before. It is alot of effort and jarring around and hard on the body and vehicle for not a great return in bird numbers imo.The Firing Center is good and the roads much more catered to that kind of vehicle. Also the added safety of knowing you wont spend the night out in the boonies because come 2 hours after sunset they come find you.
Post by: Datoneer on October 08, 2015, 06:34:00 PM
Roads are rough, with rubble throughout. Not as bad as the firing range, but close. Have a spare or two with you if your tires are suspect.
You must be way off in the boonies on the firing center because 90% of those roads are almost paved now. Its like a highway in a lot of places.
Post by: 10Key on October 09, 2015, 03:11:05 PM
Roads are rough, with rubble throughout. Not as bad as the firing range, but close. Have a spare or two with you if your tires are suspect.
You must be way off in the boonies on the firing center because 90% of those roads are almost paved now. Its like a highway in a lot of places.
Bird hunting, typically I am :)