Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: jcef on May 14, 2016, 04:32:45 PM
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I am looking to do some field scouting on foot in the 346 game unit, little Naches. I am looking for an area that will not be accessible by vehicle during hunting season. I have tired to spend some time studying maps and google earth. I would like to hike/backpack in on foot. I have already spent some time in the GU but there is lots of roads. If I try to get east of Norse Peak can anyone confirm will that get me away form 4x4 and ORV traffic when the season opens? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
John
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If you go east of Norse peak, you will not see quads. If you do, put a bullet through the engine.
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Dont get to worked up about running into people, just get a mile or even less off tge roads and you will be alone for the most part.
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:yeah:
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I would disagree 110% when i last drew that tag it was a ZOO even behind the gates, on horses, 2 to 3 miles in. I really couldnt believe it. Took some relocating to get away from all the people hunting in that area
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Just hike into the nasty canyons and you will be happy .
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That area hasn't been logged much in recent years. A lot of the clear cuts I hunted in twenty years ago are grown in. Many roads have trees crowding out the road way. Where ever there is a clearing a couple of hunters are watching it. There are a lot of elk in that unit, but getting a shot at one.....
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I had the archery tag last year and there were days when i never ran into any hunters, we're seeing elk daily. Really depends on where you are at in the unit.
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Nothing wheeled or motorized allowed in the Norse Peak Wilderness. Maps will show you the boundaries.
As others have posted, though, getting away from wheels and motors doesn't necessarily mean you'll be away from people. Getting into rough terrain, on the other hand, will. If you do run into folks in the steep, deep, and dark, you'll have mutual admiration.
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What weapon/season are you talking about hunting?
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What weapon/season are you talking about hunting?
I am hunting modern rifle.
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Hunting for spikes right?
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You will not get away form people during an OTC hunt in this state. There are not any "remote" areas here, wilderness or not. Someone will be there be it by wheel, foot or burrow. Just learn to deal with it.
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I agree that u will not get away from people in gmu 346 during modern FA. I used to hunt 346 for spikes with MF and i had my best luck getting out of the truck at least 2 hours (at least) b4 legal hunting hours, walk at least 30min at a fast pace with read headlamp on and a flash light in my hand only to turn on at times i had to for 1 or 2 sec. and a gps so i can folliw my slug trail, get to a spot thats like a bottle neck or corridor that i have previously scouted and found and wait for the light to come. Then waite for the elk to come and the shooting to start. you will most likely see some cows and then following behind will be a spike. In the evening have a few clear cuts in mind and sit the clear cut until legal hunting hours is over. Then in the middle of the day bust threw brush in an area far away from your morning and evening hunts and hope to jump a spike in its bed...lol.
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Some of you obviously need new spots :chuckle:
I hunt modern and rarely and thats maybe once a year see another hunter that is not in my group..
Those spots do exist..
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:yeah: I can attest to that. I was in there during archery and modern at different locations. Both time frames I didn't come across anybody but the group more than a mile from the road.
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Modern FA? 346 is not that big. Ur best bet to get away from people is get on the PCT/trail2000 and branch off down into one of them big 3 drainages. its a miracle that you not see one of them pumpkins walking around in 346 no matter where you go into 346. There not maby areas one can go. Fifes peek trail from the 1920 road to PCT to norce peek to raves roost to little Nach road u r going to c people during MF unless u drop into one of them huge areas and spike up a camp cuz by the time walk down into one of the drainages its going to so loud u got to let it simmer b4 u hunt again.
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Thanks for all your input. Made my first trip out scouting this weekend. Tried to work my way over from White River GU on foot and got to about 1/4 mile of the Naches game unit but still to much snow where I was.
I have put in for all the special draws I can for 346. If I don't get picked I will just hunt general. I am planning at this point to pack in on foot a couple days before opening and set up a camp and work the basins. I will continue to scout this GU a couple of times a month to watch and see how they move when pressured. Lots of big county back there from what I can see. If I do run into a pumpkin or two I am good with it. I just don't want to deal with the ATVs and trucks. I think I am headed in the right direction. I do appreciate everyone's input as it is a new area for me and google earth doesn't do justice to a 1000' mountain you are about to climb when you are already standing at 6000' sucking wind.
