Post by: PA BEN on June 10, 2016, 09:40:48 AM
Post by: BENCHLEG on June 10, 2016, 09:47:57 AM
Post by: HUNT on June 10, 2016, 09:48:07 AM
I assume ML is muzzleloader - Gonna be a tough hunt for sure competing with the rifle hunters.
Good luck - its beautiful country
Post by: JoeE on June 10, 2016, 09:49:38 AM
Post by: HUNT on June 10, 2016, 10:02:36 AM
I drew that tag last year but with rifle. That terrain is going to make ML tough. Pm me if you have questions I'll tell you what I know.
How did you do in there last year?
Post by: JoeE on June 10, 2016, 10:05:05 AM
Post by: luvmystang67 on June 10, 2016, 10:06:03 AM
Post by: HUNT on June 10, 2016, 02:04:45 PM
I killed a good 6x6
Nice work! I think there were only 6 bulls killed in there last year. You have a picture to share??
Post by: JoeE on June 10, 2016, 02:26:57 PM
Post by: JoeE on June 10, 2016, 02:30:19 PM
Post by: whacker1 on June 10, 2016, 02:39:36 PM
Post by: BENCHLEG on June 10, 2016, 02:52:09 PM
Post by: Browndawg on June 10, 2016, 03:02:04 PM
Post by: jackelope on June 10, 2016, 04:02:42 PM
Congratulations on your luck! Pretty sure you can use any weapon in there for that draw. Any weapon meaning Archery, Muzzle Loader and Rifle. May your luck continue into November! :tup:
Not accurate. You have to hunt with the weapon you chose. All the permit hunts happen at the same time, but if you drew with a muzzleloader permit, you hunt with your muzzleloader.
Post by: Firedogg on June 11, 2016, 07:34:31 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on June 11, 2016, 08:26:07 PM
Post by: JoeE on June 11, 2016, 09:33:35 PM
Post by: PA BEN on June 12, 2016, 10:40:37 AM
It will be quite a challenge with a muzzy, definitely get in shape and learn to shoot far.Why would it be quite the challenge w a muzzleloader?
Post by: MtnMuley on June 12, 2016, 11:00:22 AM
Post by: kycarsydad on June 12, 2016, 11:01:02 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on June 12, 2016, 11:37:28 AM
Because you're going to be there with 39 other guys, most with a rifle. You will most likely all start from the same place. There will always be a guy one step ahead and with you limited to shooting WA legal muzzy distances, your odds are definately stacked against you. Especially for a higher end bull for the unit. As you know, the unit is all downhill in some of the steepest n deepest country you will ever hunt bulls in. With its closely monitored regulations, this stacks up as one of the most demanding hunts in the state IMO.:yeah: And to add, the weather can really screw you. The rifle guys don't have to worry about rain blowing sideways like the muzzy guys. If I were you, I'd hit the timber and hope for a close encounter. When I was in there with a buddy we got to within 80 yards of a bull twice, it can happen, I'm not saying it's impossible at all. Just a heck of a challenge, you'll get it done. I just don't know how many bulls I'd pass, just pray for good weather.
Post by: PA BEN on June 12, 2016, 12:01:47 PM
Post by: stew pidasso on June 12, 2016, 12:29:31 PM
Post by: Falcon on June 13, 2016, 07:30:58 PM
You still have to hunt no matter what you hunt with. I've bow hunted for elk for many years, this is the 4th time I've hunted elk w a muzzleloader. I have yet to kill an elk over a 100 yds. BTW, I will eat tag soup before I shoot a rag horn in a hell hole.
I love your attitude. If anyone can put one down with a smoke pole, with your determination, that will be you. Hit it hard and best of luck :tup:
Post by: Timberstalker on June 13, 2016, 07:41:50 PM
You still have to hunt no matter what you hunt with. I've bow hunted for elk for many years, this is the 4th time I've hunted elk w a muzzleloader. I have yet to kill an elk over a 100 yds. BTW, I will eat tag soup before I shoot a rag horn in a hell hole.
You're off to a good start. You'll do well. Get in shape. The best shape you can be.
Also, get a good hunting buddy who's in good shape as well. I look forward to that bull you kill.
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on June 13, 2016, 07:47:56 PM
Post by: PA BEN on June 14, 2016, 05:56:50 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on June 14, 2016, 06:37:35 AM
For those of you who know the rules in the shed can a hunter hang a game camera in there during the hunt?I don't see why not, as long as it's during the time you can be in there.
Post by: HUNT on June 14, 2016, 10:36:52 PM
Post by: PA BEN on June 16, 2016, 06:01:39 PM
Post by: dscubame on June 16, 2016, 07:28:30 PM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on June 16, 2016, 08:53:19 PM
Post by: BONEHUNTERNW on June 20, 2016, 09:52:07 PM
Post by: PA BEN on June 21, 2016, 06:30:42 AM
Post by: get one leakin on June 21, 2016, 06:58:42 AM
The access points, especially opening weekend
Post by: nwwanderer on June 21, 2016, 07:11:40 AM
Black Snake, Table Rock, Tiger Canyon (Oregon) all get you close enough for some great looks. Many great starting points from the top to get your hunt going, packing back out the top can spoil meat if the temps are against you.
Fantastic location with more rules than most.
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on June 21, 2016, 09:13:57 AM
My dad drew it back in 2000 and a buddy of his who hunted it prior had went out to Green Peak. I believe that was the name of it, its been 16 years lol. Anyways, he would pack waders in with him to cross the creek and he was able to that daily until he shot his bull. He was in very good shape and he got the elk out solo, but it was a big undertaking. My dad and his cousin were to old to make that trip but they got a bull closer to border, they came in from the Blue Creek side and secured a camp spot on private land up by the border. I heard rumors that you cant camp there any more but you may be able to park there. Worth a shot.
I think with today's muzzleloaders and sabots and some practice, you can make 175 yd shots no problem. Hopefully you have a spotter who can confirm a hit or not and help you track it. Also, start getting your legs ready, the last thing you want is to be limited by lack of preparation and being to exhausted to hunt everyday hard. Let other guys make that mistake so you can enjoy the area with less pressure! :) Looking forward to seeing the bull you get! Best of luck!
Post by: JoeE on June 22, 2016, 03:13:27 PM
The shed is not that big of an area. There will probably be rifle compatition at all
The access points, especially opening weekend
I didn't see another Hunter in the area I went and didn't see anybody else at my access point.
Post by: 724wd on June 22, 2016, 03:56:21 PM
I didn't see another Hunter in the area I went and didn't see anybody else at my access point.
How did you do? I've watched quite a few elk from the rim off blacksnake/biscuit. saw a couple good bulls pulled out of there at a camp two years ago.
Post by: BENCHLEG on June 23, 2016, 05:51:05 AM
Post by: PA BEN on June 24, 2016, 03:13:05 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 24, 2016, 05:31:18 AM
Post by: Timberstalker on June 24, 2016, 06:10:24 AM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on June 24, 2016, 09:44:07 AM
I just picked up a badlands 2200 pack. I'm going to fill it up and hit the hills. I also got a new MT bike. 315 miles on it so far. I'm still 56 and my knees aren't what they used to be. You just to paste yourself.
You don't need to move fast, just need to be able to get yourself and the bull out. You are on the right track, come opening day you will be ready to pack that 390 bull out by yourself!
Post by: PA BEN on June 24, 2016, 09:46:54 AM
Paste yourself to the seat and hold on?ooops :chuckle:
Post by: firefighter4607 on June 24, 2016, 07:03:10 PM
Post by: clayton1089 on June 27, 2016, 10:13:02 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on June 27, 2016, 10:39:17 AM
Although I may disagree with your statement.
Quote
Any advice is appropriate.
:chuckle:
Post by: clayton1089 on June 30, 2016, 11:24:03 AM
Post by: clayton1089 on June 30, 2016, 11:29:15 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on June 30, 2016, 01:00:14 PM
Post by: TKElk on July 05, 2016, 12:55:15 PM
My 10 year old son and I drove up there this weekend, and he had similar initial thoughts. Here he is up on Table Rock, this weekend, looking down in, as well as a panoramic view from Table Top Rock...... The weather was great.
So, my goal is to harvest a 350ish inch bull this year, and I am definitely not afraid to put in the hard work to earn it. My plan is to get a dozen, or so, scouting trips in before the season starts. To pull this off, all other summer plans have been put to the side:):):).
I would appreciate any help that the forum would offer, in my quest to harvest a big bull out of the watershed.
Post by: PA BEN on July 05, 2016, 03:56:25 PM
Post by: bobdog86 on July 05, 2016, 06:20:34 PM
Wow 17 years, this is my first time putting in for the watershed and I had 5 points.
Proof, it's a crap shoot every year.....congrats
Post by: JoeE on July 05, 2016, 09:45:20 PM
Post by: TKElk on July 06, 2016, 06:44:27 AM
Wow 17 years, this is my first time putting in for the watershed and I had 5 points.
Yes, the odds are crazy. Its great that you got it with 5 points. That just means you get to start building up for that next hunt:):).
I am thinking I am going to get to get back up there in a couple of weeks. I plan to drive the lower end of the unit, do some hiking, along the boundary trail, off the end of biscuit.
Post by: PA BEN on July 06, 2016, 09:55:05 AM
Post by: JoeE on July 06, 2016, 10:25:01 AM
When are we going to get the paper work for this tag????? :dunno:
Last year it was about a month after the draw, maybe more..
Post by: TKElk on July 06, 2016, 10:54:46 AM
Post by: TKElk on July 11, 2016, 06:52:00 AM
Are there any areas that I should focus on, while I am there?
Post by: TKElk on July 20, 2016, 08:20:33 AM
I did get a lot of pictures of the lower end of the unit. The first picture, below, are tracks from a cow and two calves. They were feeding next to the road. I spooked them when I came around the corner, and they dumped straight into the shed. The second picture is in the same draw that the cow/calves ran into, and is of a bull sitting in the shade. Sorry you can't see him, as I was taking pictures from my phone. He is sitting in the shade of the tree in the center of the picture. The third picture is the lower tip of green ridge (I think that is green ridge). That is some deep and steep country, and I can only hope that my conditioning will pay off. The last picture is of some camp meat that was sitting along the road. If only the season was open, and my son would have been with me...... We could have had some fresh grouse that evening :chuckle:.
I really wish I could get inside the shed, and do some much more specific scouting. There is a lot of country to cover, and it looks like there are several good pockets that will hold big bulls, once the season starts. I have a couple different strategies forming in my head, but its tough, without actually being able to get in, look around, and set up cameras. Does anyone know if the elk use the watershed for "summer range", or do the summer elsewhere?
Post by: PA BEN on July 24, 2016, 06:34:22 AM
Post by: TKElk on July 24, 2016, 07:26:41 AM
Post by: Lnk on July 24, 2016, 10:19:25 AM
Anybody get your paperwork from the Fed.'s yet?I got mine a few weeks ago.
Post by: PA BEN on July 24, 2016, 05:06:05 PM
Are you talking your elk permit? I'm asking about the Federal watershed paperwork for the hunt.Anybody get your paperwork from the Fed.'s yet?I got mine a few weeks ago.
Post by: Lnk on July 24, 2016, 06:50:56 PM
Post by: PA BEN on July 27, 2016, 05:15:46 PM
it just came today :tup:Are you talking your elk permit? I'm asking about the Federal watershed paperwork for the hunt.Anybody get your paperwork from the Fed.'s yet?I got mine a few weeks ago.
Post by: PA BEN on August 04, 2016, 04:47:21 AM
Post by: Timberstalker on August 04, 2016, 07:01:31 AM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on August 04, 2016, 09:20:50 AM
I am only 30 but I am going to give the trekking poles a try this year. I think they will be a huge help!
Post by: TKElk on August 09, 2016, 11:14:18 AM
Anybody get your paperwork from the Fed.'s yet?I got mine a few weeks ago.
Hey guys - I have been out of town the last couple of weeks. I got home yesterday, and my paperwork was in the mailbox 8). Definitely can't wait for opening day.
My son and I are going to do weekend trip, to the shed, in early September. I'll spend a lot of time glassing (or as much time as my 10 yr old son will have patience for :chuckle:). I will try to get some good quality pictures through the scope. Although, I am not always successful with that.
Post by: Roperfive88 on August 15, 2016, 08:08:55 AM
Post by: TKElk on August 16, 2016, 06:43:11 AM
Post by: Firedogg on August 16, 2016, 10:27:09 AM
Going to the Oregon side and looking back across with a spottervhelps too.
Post by: TKElk on August 17, 2016, 09:59:58 AM
Post by: PA BEN on August 26, 2016, 01:31:20 PM
Post by: cumminsbassguy on August 26, 2016, 04:06:48 PM
Post by: TKElk on August 26, 2016, 07:26:11 PM
1. Running 15 - 20 miles per week
2. Crossfit training 4 times a week
3. 4 mile hike, with 1000 ft vertical gain, and weighted pack once per week.
My goal is to be in good enough shape to go deep into the unit everyday of the hunting season. The fact that we have to be out of the unit, every night, makes the conditioning requirement , for this hunt, so extreme.
Keep up the hard work!
Post by: MtnMuley on August 26, 2016, 09:41:28 PM
Post by: PA BEN on August 27, 2016, 06:25:28 AM
Post by: bobdog86 on August 27, 2016, 09:02:42 AM
2 months isn't late in the game and I've been at scene March when I bought a new MT Bike. I just stepped it up when I drew this tag. My problem is pushing myself, at age 56 I want to climb the hills like I'm in my 20s.. You are gonna be fine.....it's about pace and persistence at this point. No doubt it's gonna hurt, just pick a pace and stay persistent, will feel real easy to pull the plug at some point during the hunt, but your mental toughness will win. Enjoy yourself, pretty cool experience indeed.
Post by: PA BEN on August 27, 2016, 09:34:48 AM
I don't know if it's true but I heard a lot of hunters go home 2 to 3 days into this hunt because they are just too beat up.2 months isn't late in the game and I've been at scene March when I bought a new MT Bike. I just stepped it up when I drew this tag. My problem is pushing myself, at age 56 I want to climb the hills like I'm in my 20s.. You are gonna be fine.....it's about pace and persistence at this point. No doubt it's gonna hurt, just pick a pace and stay persistent, will feel real easy to pull the plug at some point during the hunt, but your mental toughness will win. Enjoy yourself, pretty cool experience indeed.
Post by: Timberstalker on August 27, 2016, 09:40:30 AM
I don't know if it's true but I heard a lot of hunters go home 2 to 3 days into this hunt because they are just too beat up.2 months isn't late in the game and I've been at scene March when I bought a new MT Bike. I just stepped it up when I drew this tag. My problem is pushing myself, at age 56 I want to climb the hills like I'm in my 20s.. You are gonna be fine.....it's about pace and persistence at this point. No doubt it's gonna hurt, just pick a pace and stay persistent, will feel real easy to pull the plug at some point during the hunt, but your mental toughness will win. Enjoy yourself, pretty cool experience indeed.
Ben, have you made a trip down to scout or at least look at the country?
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on August 27, 2016, 09:45:20 AM
It's true. Don't trash yourself on the opening day. This hunt is a marathon. Be patient and take your time. Don't be afraid to hike out in the dark and enjoy yourself in that awesome canyon!!I don't know if it's true but I heard a lot of hunters go home 2 to 3 days into this hunt because they are just too beat up.2 months isn't late in the game and I've been at scene March when I bought a new MT Bike. I just stepped it up when I drew this tag. My problem is pushing myself, at age 56 I want to climb the hills like I'm in my 20s.. You are gonna be fine.....it's about pace and persistence at this point. No doubt it's gonna hurt, just pick a pace and stay persistent, will feel real easy to pull the plug at some point during the hunt, but your mental toughness will win. Enjoy yourself, pretty cool experience indeed.
Post by: PA BEN on August 27, 2016, 01:31:24 PM
Yep, went down a couple of weeks ago. I might go down the middle of next month to find camping spots.I don't know if it's true but I heard a lot of hunters go home 2 to 3 days into this hunt because they are just too beat up.2 months isn't late in the game and I've been at scene March when I bought a new MT Bike. I just stepped it up when I drew this tag. My problem is pushing myself, at age 56 I want to climb the hills like I'm in my 20s.. You are gonna be fine.....it's about pace and persistence at this point. No doubt it's gonna hurt, just pick a pace and stay persistent, will feel real easy to pull the plug at some point during the hunt, but your mental toughness will win. Enjoy yourself, pretty cool experience indeed.
Ben, have you made a trip down to scout or at least look at the country?
Post by: Timberstalker on August 27, 2016, 01:45:30 PM
Post by: MHWASH on August 27, 2016, 02:46:35 PM
2 months isn't late in the game and I've been at scene March when I bought a new MT Bike. I just stepped it up when I drew this tag. My problem is pushing myself, at age 56 I want to climb the hills like I'm in my 20s.
My dad and I drew this tag when he was about your age. He was not in real good shape, so he hunted close to the top. He had his chance, but did not connect. I bust my butt every day and went in deep. I did not see a bull within shooting distance. The elk are where you find them, not neccisarily in the bottom.
Just don't make the mistake we did and camp on the Oregon side and hike in every morning. I don't remember how far the hike in was, but it took way too much energy and time.
Post by: PA BEN on August 27, 2016, 07:05:51 PM
It's about a mile and a half to the Washington border. I'm not going to camp in just one spot, going light on the camp and sleep in the back of my pickup.2 months isn't late in the game and I've been at scene March when I bought a new MT Bike. I just stepped it up when I drew this tag. My problem is pushing myself, at age 56 I want to climb the hills like I'm in my 20s.
My dad and I drew this tag when he was about your age. He was not in real good shape, so he hunted close to the top. He had his chance, but did not connect. I bust my butt every day and went in deep. I did not see a bull within shooting distance. The elk are where you find them, not neccisarily in the bottom.
Just don't make the mistake we did and camp on the Oregon side and hike in every morning. I don't remember how far the hike in was, but it took way too much energy and time.
Post by: Falcon on August 27, 2016, 08:58:11 PM
Love your attitude. I'm no spring chicken at 53. keep doing the best you can with conditioning.
Your mental toughness will carry you thru. Seen plenty of so called young tough guys wimp out quickly on a rough hunt. It's about the adventure.
Go big and cap off on a nice one👊💥👊
Bryan
Post by: csaaphill on August 28, 2016, 12:54:19 AM
Post by: TKElk on August 28, 2016, 07:37:30 AM
Post by: HardCorpsHuntr on August 28, 2016, 08:03:00 AM
My experience with Mill Creek.
I killed my bull late in the day of the 5th day hunting in the shed a couple years ago. It took me 2 more days to pack the bull out, totaling 7 straight days of in and out. Every morning consisted of a sketchy four-wheeler ride, a hike up to the intake trail, another mile or so up the intake trail, and then we bailed off the trail to go into the shed where the real hiking started. Every evening we would of course reverse this segmented access trip. Our hikes were all day long, up and down, with hours of glassing open spots in the timber. We saw bulls everyday, but nothing that got me excited (I was looking for a 330 plus caliber bull). Once I killed my bull it took another 3 days to get the boned out meat out (A smaller load by me and partner the evening he was killed, the next day my partner had to leave - it was planned and he had helped already for 6 days, I did one load alone the second day, and the third day I finished up the pack out with another friend. Also worth mentioning, while boning the bull out I speared my razor knife through my left index finger requiring a trip to the Walla Walla ER for cleaning and 6 stitches. I got to the ER around 0200 that night. I was back to the cabin by 0500, woke up around 0900 to make the solo trip on day 2.
This hunt/pack out is the most physically demanding experience I have ever had. A few years before this hunt I killed a bull in Wyoming 7 miles from the truck on a solo trip. It took me 6 trips over two and half days to get the boned out meat, cape, and antlers out (November). The elevation was minimal and the terrain for the most part was decent for hiking. That's 35 miles of hiking after the kill. I don't have much recollection of the physical effort I had to put into this Wyoming hunt / pack out, but I will NEVER forget the physical effort that was put into my shed elk hunt.
Good luck to you PA BEN and have fun.
Post by: PA BEN on August 28, 2016, 08:54:49 AM
PA Ben - are you planning on being up there the whole season?Yes
Post by: PA BEN on August 28, 2016, 09:06:21 AM
Looking at your post and all your factors, I would recommend killing the first legal bull you can, and go in with the mindset of having a fun hunt.My goal is a good 6x6 350 or over. I will not shoot a rag horn on this hunt unless its a cake walk pack out. I've eaten elk tag soup before and I think this tag will make the best soup after this hunt. I will take my time and enjoy the hunt and the opportunity for a chance at a nice bull. This is my first real elk hunt as a sober man. 4 1/2 years. No booze in camp just pur fun. Also my son-in-law will be with me, I have taken him under my arm and helped harvest his first buck 2 years ago and his first archery buck last year. He live on the west side and will be bow hunting elk and deer over there this year.
My experience with Mill Creek.
I killed my bull late in the day of the 5th day hunting in the shed a couple years ago. It took me 2 more days to pack the bull out, totaling 7 straight days of in and out. Every morning consisted of a sketchy four-wheeler ride, a hike up to the intake trail, another mile or so up the intake trail, and then we bailed off the trail to go into the shed where the real hiking started. Every evening we would of course reverse this segmented access trip. Our hikes were all day long, up and down, with hours of glassing open spots in the timber. We saw bulls everyday, but nothing that got me excited (I was looking for a 330 plus caliber bull). Once I killed my bull it took another 3 days to get the boned out meat out (A smaller load by me and partner the evening he was killed, the next day my partner had to leave - it was planned and he had helped already for 6 days, I did one load alone the second day, and the third day I finished up the pack out with another friend. Also worth mentioning, while boning the bull out I speared my razor knife through my left index finger requiring a trip to the Walla Walla ER for cleaning and 6 stitches. I got to the ER around 0200 that night. I was back to the cabin by 0500, woke up around 0900 to make the solo trip on day 2.
This hunt/pack out is the most physically demanding experience I have ever had. A few years before this hunt I killed a bull in Wyoming 7 miles from the truck on a solo trip. It took me 6 trips over two and half days to get the boned out meat, cape, and antlers out (November). The elevation was minimal and the terrain for the most part was decent for hiking. That's 35 miles of hiking after the kill. I don't have much recollection of the physical effort I had to put into this Wyoming hunt / pack out, but I will NEVER forget the physical effort that was put into my shed elk hunt.
Good luck to you PA BEN and have fun.
Post by: csaaphill on August 29, 2016, 12:18:47 AM
That's great and Grats on being sober.Looking at your post and all your factors, I would recommend killing the first legal bull you can, and go in with the mindset of having a fun hunt.My goal is a good 6x6 350 or over. I will not shoot a rag horn on this hunt unless its a cake walk pack out. I've eaten elk tag soup before and I think this tag will make the best soup after this hunt. I will take my time and enjoy the hunt and the opportunity for a chance at a nice bull. This is my first real elk hunt as a sober man. 4 1/2 years. No booze in camp just pur fun. Also my son-in-law will be with me, I have taken him under my arm and helped harvest his first buck 2 years ago and his first archery buck last year. He live on the west side and will be bow hunting elk and deer over there this year.
My experience with Mill Creek.
I killed my bull late in the day of the 5th day hunting in the shed a couple years ago. It took me 2 more days to pack the bull out, totaling 7 straight days of in and out. Every morning consisted of a sketchy four-wheeler ride, a hike up to the intake trail, another mile or so up the intake trail, and then we bailed off the trail to go into the shed where the real hiking started. Every evening we would of course reverse this segmented access trip. Our hikes were all day long, up and down, with hours of glassing open spots in the timber. We saw bulls everyday, but nothing that got me excited (I was looking for a 330 plus caliber bull). Once I killed my bull it took another 3 days to get the boned out meat out (A smaller load by me and partner the evening he was killed, the next day my partner had to leave - it was planned and he had helped already for 6 days, I did one load alone the second day, and the third day I finished up the pack out with another friend. Also worth mentioning, while boning the bull out I speared my razor knife through my left index finger requiring a trip to the Walla Walla ER for cleaning and 6 stitches. I got to the ER around 0200 that night. I was back to the cabin by 0500, woke up around 0900 to make the solo trip on day 2.
This hunt/pack out is the most physically demanding experience I have ever had. A few years before this hunt I killed a bull in Wyoming 7 miles from the truck on a solo trip. It took me 6 trips over two and half days to get the boned out meat, cape, and antlers out (November). The elevation was minimal and the terrain for the most part was decent for hiking. That's 35 miles of hiking after the kill. I don't have much recollection of the physical effort I had to put into this Wyoming hunt / pack out, but I will NEVER forget the physical effort that was put into my shed elk hunt.
Good luck to you PA BEN and have fun.
Post by: Don_D on August 29, 2016, 06:40:18 AM
Post by: PA BEN on August 29, 2016, 12:03:38 PM
Post by: bobdog86 on August 29, 2016, 07:03:11 PM
Post by: PA BEN on August 29, 2016, 09:10:13 PM
Best of luck, great following your story, I'm sure you probably have your plan, i.e. Camping, access, but a good heads up, depending on which side and where, camp sites will be a premium, especially decent ones...folks start filling me up during deer season. I'd recommend getting one early...best of luck.I will be down there on the 26th hunt starts the 29th
Post by: csaaphill on August 29, 2016, 09:35:10 PM
Post by: TKElk on August 30, 2016, 07:17:48 AM
I will be down there on the 27th. A couple retired guys, in my camp, will show up earlier to make sure we get a camp spot. I am not sure where we are going to be camping yet. Part of my hunting group will be joining my son and I for a weekend scouting trip, to the shed, on Sept. 9. While there, we will locate a couple of camping options. Once I know where we will be camping, I'll shoot you a note. Feel free to stop by any time. We are always happy to have visitors (of course I may be sleeping, if I am in camp :chuckle:). I will also be up their the entire season.Best of luck, great following your story, I'm sure you probably have your plan, i.e. Camping, access, but a good heads up, depending on which side and where, camp sites will be a premium, especially decent ones...folks start filling me up during deer season. I'd recommend getting one early...best of luck.I will be down there on the 26th hunt starts the 29th
Post by: csaaphill on August 31, 2016, 02:36:14 AM
Post by: bucksNbulls on August 31, 2016, 04:07:29 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on August 31, 2016, 04:09:27 PM
Get some walking sticks. Helps in that country. Or a horse. Good luck.
Or a horse with walking sticks... :tup:
Good luck!
Post by: PA BEN on August 31, 2016, 07:49:06 PM
Get some walking sticks. Helps in that country. Or a horse. Good luck.They are called trekking poles and I have them, along with Osteoarthritis in both Knees and Plantar Fasciitis in my right foot. Isn't it great getting old. :bash:
Post by: Pathfinder101 on August 31, 2016, 10:22:16 PM
Get some walking sticks. Helps in that country. Or a horse. Good luck.They are called trekking poles and I have them, along with Osteoarthritis in both Knees and Plantar Fasciitis in my right foot. Isn't it great getting old. :bash:
Love my trekking poles. Too many years jumping out of airplanes I guess...
Post by: PA BEN on September 01, 2016, 04:34:17 AM
Post by: TKElk on September 01, 2016, 07:22:43 AM
Post by: whacker1 on September 01, 2016, 11:08:13 AM
I have never used trekking poles, but have been considering their use, as my knees have been bothering me the last couple of years. Does using them predominantly take some load off the knees?
down hill, yes it definitely takes the load off the knees and sometimes the low back depending on angles, terrain, etc.
More importantly when you are hiking and not hunting, the poles take the load off of some of the leg muscle groups by spreading out the load into the arms and shoulders. better stability, less effort to maintain stability, and more power. It will make you faster, and give you more long term endurance.
Post by: Falcon on September 01, 2016, 02:50:31 PM
I have never used trekking poles, but have been considering their use, as my knees have been bothering me the last couple of years. Does using them predominantly take some load off the knees?
down hill, yes it definitely takes the load off the knees and sometimes the low back depending on angles, terrain, etc.
More importantly when you are hiking and not hunting, the poles take the load off of some of the leg muscle groups by spreading out the load into the arms and shoulders. better stability, less effort to maintain stability, and more power. It will make you faster, and give you more long term endurance.
:yeah:
Trecking poles definitely will take away a lot of the pain :tup:
Post by: csaaphill on September 01, 2016, 10:49:22 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 02, 2016, 07:46:23 AM
I have never used trekking poles, but have been considering their use, as my knees have been bothering me the last couple of years. Does using them predominantly take some load off the knees?
down hill, yes it definitely takes the load off the knees and sometimes the low back depending on angles, terrain, etc.
More importantly when you are hiking and not hunting, the poles take the load off of some of the leg muscle groups by spreading out the load into the arms and shoulders. better stability, less effort to maintain stability, and more power. It will make you faster, and give you more long term endurance.
:yeah:
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on September 02, 2016, 09:29:39 AM
Wanted Oncall meat packers.
Shoot me a PM if needed! If we are back from Idaho Elk hunt no problem zipping over. I eat that country for breakfast, lunch and dinner......... :tup:
Post by: Timberstalker on September 02, 2016, 10:52:09 AM
Wanted Oncall meat packers.
Shoot me a PM if needed! If we are back from Idaho Elk hunt no problem zipping over. I eat that country for breakfast, lunch and dinner......... :tup:
:chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: csaaphill on September 03, 2016, 01:01:57 AM
Post by: PA BEN on September 03, 2016, 05:29:15 AM
Post by: HntnFsh on September 03, 2016, 06:55:26 AM
Post by: csaaphill on September 03, 2016, 08:25:24 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on September 03, 2016, 08:52:52 PM
Post by: csaaphill on September 03, 2016, 08:54:04 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on September 03, 2016, 08:57:18 PM
:peep:
For real???????? :dunno:
Post by: csaaphill on September 03, 2016, 09:36:13 PM
what?:peep:
For real???????? :dunno:
Post by: PA BEN on September 04, 2016, 05:06:59 AM
Post by: csaaphill on September 05, 2016, 01:30:16 AM
Post by: Antlershed on September 05, 2016, 08:12:00 AM
New Boots for this Hunt After trying on several boots in Colville, Spokane and Cabela's, I settled on the Cabela's Meindl Alaska Hunter. So far they feel good walking around the store and at home in the house. I'm giving them an indoor test run before I oil them up and head out for the break in period. BTW, KENETREK Came in second for me, I was going to pull the pin on them until I tried on the Meindl's.I hope they work out for you. Tried a pair of Meindls from Cabelas over the summer. After 40 miles of hiking, I returned them because they were still giving me blisters.
Post by: dscubame on September 05, 2016, 08:15:00 AM
Post by: MHWASH on September 05, 2016, 05:01:17 PM
Buying new boots this late in the planning for a hunt of this nature? Hmmmm. Good luck with that.
A good pair of boots shouldn't take two months to break in.
Post by: PA BEN on September 05, 2016, 09:07:35 PM
Buying new boots this late in the planning for a hunt of this nature? Hmmmm. Good luck with that.if I can't break in a new pair of boots in 2 months I might as well give up now. Even whites boots won't take long.
Post by: TKElk on September 08, 2016, 10:41:18 AM
Post by: csaaphill on September 08, 2016, 10:11:29 PM
weathers been a bit wired for this time of year, as to my recollection that is. usually still 80's- 90's this time of year but nice to have the cooler weather.
Post by: firefighter4607 on September 10, 2016, 05:00:56 PM
Wanted Oncall meat packers.I should be around. Just depends on when you will need help.
My dad is staying in a cabin at the bottom. He wants me to hunt at home for the first weekend but it depends on who will go with him.
Post by: csaaphill on September 10, 2016, 05:23:55 PM
Post by: csaaphill on September 11, 2016, 06:35:24 PM
Post by: TKElk on September 12, 2016, 01:49:36 PM
We slept underneath the stars that night, and fell asleep to the occasional bugle after the sun went down.
The next morning, we were up and on the trail at O'dark-thirty. We hiked the Deadman access trail that borders the north boundary of the Shed. We started that hike, with the intention of setting up and spotting, for several hours, once the sun was up. We quickly learned that most of that trail is on the backside of the ridge that bounds the shed, and there was very little access to view points into the shed, while on that trail. This was disappointing because I didn't get to spend much time spotting, but, we learned a lot about the trail, and access along that border.
We got back to the truck late in the afternoon, spent a little bit of time chasing grouse around, and then headed home (my son was happy to harvest two grouse before we got out of the hills).
Below are a few pictures from the weekend.
Picture 1 is of the bull from the first night. Picture was taken from my phone, and did not come out clear at all. If you look in the shadow of the lower ridge, you see a light spot, which is the body of the bull. This was the guy that was missing his left antler.
Picture 2 is a trail pic, as the sun was coming up.
Picture 3 is simply capturing the goofeyness of my son on the trail 8).
Post by: csaaphill on September 12, 2016, 11:17:13 PM
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on September 13, 2016, 07:04:03 AM
Post by: nwwanderer on September 13, 2016, 07:11:12 AM
Post by: TKElk on September 13, 2016, 09:05:10 AM
There is a really cool plane wreck on the downhill side of the intake trail at ~2 mile.Is two miles from the top?
Post by: TKElk on September 13, 2016, 09:06:24 AM
Should have told your son to look the other way. Usually elk on the face of Lookout, all Oregon thoughThanks for the note - we spent some time observing there (Friday afternoon), but did not see any out.
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on September 13, 2016, 09:39:36 AM
It's downhill of the intake trail a very short distance, if you walk in from Kendall Skyline rd it is before deadman peak. approximate google Earth coordinates are: 46'03'53.53 117'55'44.20There is a really cool plane wreck on the downhill side of the intake trail at ~2 mile.Is two miles from the top?
Post by: Maverick on September 13, 2016, 12:27:33 PM
Post by: PA BEN on September 13, 2016, 08:20:45 PM
Post by: csaaphill on September 13, 2016, 11:43:58 PM
The bio's for the shed said bigger bulls have been shot the last few years.I bet yeah rugged area always wanted to go but never have GL on your guy's hunt.
Think it's been said but not going back through 6 pages but when is the permit good for?
Post by: PA BEN on September 14, 2016, 05:20:25 AM
October 29th through November 6th, 40 tags Washington side 20 tags Oregon side. Rifle, muzzle loader and archery can apply.The bio's for the shed said bigger bulls have been shot the last few years.I bet yeah rugged area always wanted to go but never have GL on your guy's hunt.
Think it's been said but not going back through 6 pages but when is the permit good for?
Post by: Maverick on September 14, 2016, 01:07:32 PM
Post by: csaaphill on September 14, 2016, 11:24:56 PM
Ah oh ok.October 29th through November 6th, 40 tags Washington side 20 tags Oregon side. Rifle, muzzle loader and archery can apply.The bio's for the shed said bigger bulls have been shot the last few years.I bet yeah rugged area always wanted to go but never have GL on your guy's hunt.
Think it's been said but not going back through 6 pages but when is the permit good for?
Post by: PA BEN on September 15, 2016, 04:55:37 AM
Archery and muzzleload makes it a very tough hunt in my opinion. How many guys have pulled a big bull out of there with an archery tag?I don't know why people say it's so hard to kill an elk with a muzzle loader or archery. :bash: No offense it just you're not the first to say this in this thread. I've hunted elk for many years archery and have been successful I've even stocked wt deer with success, so to me being able to shoot out to 200 yds is great.
Post by: TKElk on September 15, 2016, 07:00:00 AM
The bio's for the shed said bigger bulls have been shot the last few years.
What bio's are you referring to?
Post by: Maverick on September 15, 2016, 07:16:39 AM
Archery and muzzleload makes it a very tough hunt in my opinion. How many guys have pulled a big bull out of there with an archery tag?I don't know why people say it's so hard to kill an elk with a muzzle loader or archery. :bash: No offense it just you're not the first to say this in this thread. I've hunted elk for many years archery and have been successful I've even stocked wt deer with success, so to me being able to shoot out to 200 yds is great.
Did you just say you shoot archery out to 200 yards? I enjoy archery. My issue with this tag is a quality bull tag but youre pretty much out of the rut. And surrounded by guys with guns. With the muzzle loader laws and open sights the farthest id shoot at a bull is 130 yards.
Post by: PA BEN on September 15, 2016, 07:40:30 AM
I have a MLtag. After hunting elk and deer with archery, during and after the rut hunting with my ML that I have dialed in out to 200 yds is a great edge. I started hunting wt with a 30-30 open sites. I'm not going to sit around and glass find a bull and go after him, I plan on hunting.Archery and muzzleload makes it a very tough hunt in my opinion. How many guys have pulled a big bull out of there with an archery tag?I don't know why people say it's so hard to kill an elk with a muzzle loader or archery. :bash: No offense it just you're not the first to say this in this thread. I've hunted elk for many years archery and have been successful I've even stocked wt deer with success, so to me being able to shoot out to 200 yds is great.
Did you just say you shoot archery out to 200 yards? I enjoy archery. My issue with this tag is a quality bull tag but youre pretty much out of the rut. And surrounded by guys with guns. With the muzzle loader laws and open sights the farthest id shoot at a bull is 130 yards.
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on September 15, 2016, 02:23:16 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on September 15, 2016, 02:31:29 PM
Archery and muzzleload makes it a very tough hunt in my opinion. How many guys have pulled a big bull out of there with an archery tag?I don't know why people say it's so hard to kill an elk with a muzzle loader or archery. :bash: No offense it just you're not the first to say this in this thread. I've hunted elk for many years archery and have been successful I've even stocked wt deer with success, so to me being able to shoot out to 200 yds is great.
Seems to me several knowledgeable guys whom have spent time in the area are telling you how it is and trying to give some solid advice, yet you seem to pretty much know it all. Hopefully you have an enjoyable hunt and I hope you fill your tag, but reality is, the odds are stacked against you with a muzzy in the 'shed and competing with rifle hunters. :twocents:
Post by: PA BEN on September 15, 2016, 03:29:54 PM
no I don't know it all, I know it's a hard hunt. I do know that I have walked up on bulls bow hunting that I could have killed, so with that being said if I can get on a good bull with in range my ML should do the trick. If one has never spent time bow hunting you won't know what I'm talking about. It has nothing to do with being a know it all.Archery and muzzleload makes it a very tough hunt in my opinion. How many guys have pulled a big bull out of there with an archery tag?I don't know why people say it's so hard to kill an elk with a muzzle loader or archery. :bash: No offense it just you're not the first to say this in this thread. I've hunted elk for many years archery and have been successful I've even stocked wt deer with success, so to me being able to shoot out to 200 yds is great.
Seems to me several knowledgeable guys whom have spent time in the area are telling you how it is and trying to give some solid advice, yet you seem to pretty much know it all. Hopefully you have an enjoyable hunt and I hope you fill your tag, but reality is, the odds are stacked against you with a muzzy in the 'shed and competing with rifle hunters. :twocents:
Post by: PA BEN on September 15, 2016, 03:35:11 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on September 15, 2016, 03:51:20 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on September 15, 2016, 04:15:41 PM
Post by: get one leakin on September 15, 2016, 08:17:35 PM
Seems to me several knowledgeable guys whom have spent time in the area are telling you how it is and trying to give some solid advice, yet you seem to pretty much know it all. Hopefully you have an enjoyable hunt and I hope you fill your tag, but reality is, the odds are stacked against you with a muzzy in the 'shed and competing with rifle hunters. :twocents:
[/quote]
Post by: PA BEN on September 15, 2016, 09:39:07 PM
Post by: Maverick on September 16, 2016, 02:19:24 PM
Post by: JoeE on September 16, 2016, 02:25:21 PM
He's doing everything he should be doing, scouting, contacting past tag holders and he's working out and has his muzzy dialed in.
Go kill a big one Pa Ben.
Post by: PA BEN on September 16, 2016, 04:14:59 PM
How big of a bull are you planning to hold out for?I'm hoping for a 350 or better 6x6, I've never been a horn hunter when it comes to elk, I always shoot the first legal one I see. But with this tag this year I'm a horn hunter. I love elk meat but I will have plenty of deer meat to get by on. If this picture works, it will definitely be bigger than this guy. This is my biggest bull to date. If I'm going to pack out a bull from the shed I don't want it to be a rag horn. I'm counting on a 3 to 4 mile one way pack. Now towards the end of the hunt and I have a legal bull that is a cake walk to the truck, I might just fill my tag. I've been told by almost everybody that has had this tag that the deeper you go the less chance of running into other hunters. I've got some good info and a plan, and I'm not going to share that info here. I'm not a know it all, I just don't have a negative attitude about this hunt. I trust in my God to bless me and my son-in-law with the best time ever. Whatever that may be. Trust me I've laid awake at night thinking about those steep MT.'s in the Blues, but like I said, I have to trust in God. So let's all just take a deep breath and enjoy this time before, durning and after our hunts.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=182111.0;attach=368515;image
Post by: meatwhack on September 16, 2016, 06:49:09 PM
Post by: bobdog86 on September 16, 2016, 07:15:57 PM
Post by: Cylvertip on September 16, 2016, 10:29:28 PM
Post by: csaaphill on September 16, 2016, 11:09:08 PM
Post by: dscubame on September 19, 2016, 04:40:26 PM
Good luck on your hunt hopefully you find a quality bull to chase. I'm not sure what it matters to anyone else what weapon you decide to pursue game with. I'm sure some folks will be eating their words which seems to happen fairly often especially when you have someone dedicated to something.
Time will tell who eats who's words. Good hunting on the hunt.
Post by: PA BEN on September 19, 2016, 06:40:36 PM
Buying new boots this late in the planning for a hunt of this nature? Hmmmm. Good luck with that.My new boots are doing great, I do a 2 mile training route up and down some steep ground, I even do a gravel pit in it.
Post by: bobdog86 on September 19, 2016, 07:34:11 PM
Post by: csaaphill on September 19, 2016, 07:38:25 PM
Post by: PA BEN on September 19, 2016, 07:51:41 PM
Looking good, hope you whack a pig. Can't wait to hear about your trip...a pretty cool experience for sure. I carry moleskin, and when I go into a hell hole, I always put some on in a couple certain areas as a precaution. Not because of crappy boots, just because of the nasty terrain ( and I have weird feet), seems to help. Not that you need any tips, but just a nice thing to have just in case. Best of luckYeah I carry it to but I always use it after a blister. I've got a knot on the back of each heal. I wonder if there are any videos on how to apply it for pre blisters not post blisters.
Post by: bobdog86 on September 19, 2016, 08:27:58 PM
I have the same issue..I know you don't need any advise but if I could recommend one thing,,,,put it on each heel when you put your boots on. it saved me when I was in there, gonna have to trust me on that one.Looking good, hope you whack a pig. Can't wait to hear about your trip...a pretty cool experience for sure. I carry moleskin, and when I go into a hell hole, I always put some on in a couple certain areas as a precaution. Not because of crappy boots, just because of the nasty terrain ( and I have weird feet), seems to help. Not that you need any tips, but just a nice thing to have just in case. Best of luckYeah I carry it to but I always use it after a blister. I've got a knot on the back of each heal. I wonder if there are any videos on how to apply it for pre blisters not post blisters.
Post by: PA BEN on September 20, 2016, 05:16:16 AM
Post by: go4steelhd on September 20, 2016, 06:23:08 AM
Post by: bobdog86 on September 20, 2016, 06:28:50 AM
Let's knock off I know you don't need any advice BS. I ask why is so hard to kill an elk with a muzzle loader and I'm a know it all. You guys are acting like a bunch of high school girls. Quite reading between the lines and grow up. I know this hunt is going to be THE most demanding elk hunt I've been on, that's why I'm killing myself getting into shape for it, and it still might kill me. I've got a lot of lineman wear and tear on this 56 year old body. Personally I don't think the muzzle loader is the hard part.I meant my reply with the utmost sincerity regarding the moleskin....where did I mention anything about a muzzleloader? Just trying to offer up some help. I dont care if your using a rock or a club....your tag your journey. Get over yourself, go enjoy your hunt and kill something.
Post by: Timberstalker on September 20, 2016, 06:52:55 AM
Post by: PA BEN on September 20, 2016, 07:35:36 AM
Sorry I bad. :sry:Let's knock off I know you don't need any advice BS. I ask why is so hard to kill an elk with a muzzle loader and I'm a know it all. You guys are acting like a bunch of high school girls. Quite reading between the lines and grow up. I know this hunt is going to be THE most demanding elk hunt I've been on, that's why I'm killing myself getting into shape for it, and it still might kill me. I've got a lot of lineman wear and tear on this 56 year old body. Personally I don't think the muzzle loader is the hard part.I meant my reply with the utmost sincerity regarding the moleskin....where did I mention anything about a muzzleloader? Just trying to offer up some help. I dont care if your using a rock or a club....your tag your journey. Get over yourself, go enjoy your hunt and kill something.
Post by: de0827 on September 20, 2016, 09:49:00 AM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on September 20, 2016, 08:20:50 PM
Let's knock off I know you don't need any advice BS. I ask why is so hard to kill an elk with a muzzle loader and I'm a know it all. You guys are acting like a bunch of high school girls. Quite reading between the lines and grow up. I know this hunt is going to be THE most demanding elk hunt I've been on, that's why I'm killing myself getting into shape for it, and it still might kill me. I've got a lot of lineman wear and tear on this 56 year old body. Personally I don't think the muzzle loader is the hard part.
HEY PA BEN, GET A SNICKERS QUICK BEFORE YOU KILL SOMEBODY WITH YOUR KEYBOARD. :chuckle:
Post by: PA BEN on September 20, 2016, 08:56:37 PM
:chuckle: :chuckle:I'm feeling better I'm working on a camper deal, I might not be tent camping on this hunt.Let's knock off I know you don't need any advice BS. I ask why is so hard to kill an elk with a muzzle loader and I'm a know it all. You guys are acting like a bunch of high school girls. Quite reading between the lines and grow up. I know this hunt is going to be THE most demanding elk hunt I've been on, that's why I'm killing myself getting into shape for it, and it still might kill me. I've got a lot of lineman wear and tear on this 56 year old body. Personally I don't think the muzzle loader is the hard part.
HEY PA BEN, GET A SNICKERS QUICK BEFORE YOU KILL SOMEBODY WITH YOUR KEYBOARD. :chuckle:
Post by: DaveMonti on September 20, 2016, 09:45:01 PM
If you're not from PA, you're doing a good job at impersonating someone from there!
Post by: csaaphill on September 20, 2016, 11:31:25 PM
Post by: PA BEN on September 22, 2016, 08:33:01 PM
I'm assuming PA BEN is from PA, which folks from Pennsylvania call our state. If he is from PA, his grumpiness is just the East Coast coming out of him. It leaks out of me all the time, and folks just can't seem to understand it. It's not that we're mad, we are just direct and matter of fact in our communication. No sugar coating.you assumed wrong, I'm from Bluecreek just north of Chewelah. If you read this whole thread you will see why I'm a little testy.
If you're not from PA, you're doing a good job at impersonating someone from there!
Post by: Timberstalker on September 22, 2016, 08:36:10 PM
I'm still pulling for you though. :tup:
Post by: DaveMonti on September 22, 2016, 08:47:03 PM
Best of luck on the hunt! I'm sure you'll have a great time and be successful!
Post by: csaaphill on September 22, 2016, 11:40:42 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on September 23, 2016, 08:28:14 AM
Post by: csaaphill on October 03, 2016, 01:20:25 AM
back to the top. :tup:
Post by: BoomWhop on October 07, 2016, 12:26:36 PM
Post by: mikelonsford on October 07, 2016, 05:26:36 PM
Good Luck PA Ben! Hope you kill a big one! Have fun in any case! (even if the fun is some of the most grueling stuff you've ever done!)
Post by: Firedogg on October 07, 2016, 10:39:49 PM
Post by: PA BEN on October 08, 2016, 07:14:00 AM
I always figured the PA was from Port AngelesThanks for the good wishes everyone. PA stands for Port Angeles and BEN stands for Ben Gay. I tore my right rotator off my 5 day on my new job there. Monday morning after I tore it, I had icy hot on my shoulder, one of the lineman walked in and said bengay? I said, I've never been gay. So from take day on my nick name was BEN.
Good Luck PA Ben! Hope you kill a big one! Have fun in any case! (even if the fun is some of the most grueling stuff you've ever done!)
Post by: kevinlisa06 on October 08, 2016, 10:32:15 AM
Post by: csaaphill on October 09, 2016, 02:10:26 AM
:chuckle: awesome yeah getting closer for you guys.I always figured the PA was from Port AngelesThanks for the good wishes everyone. PA stands for Port Angeles and BEN stands for Ben Gay. I tore my right rotator off my 5 day on my new job there. Monday morning after I tore it, I had icy hot on my shoulder, one of the lineman walked in and said bengay? I said, I've never been gay. So from take day on my nick name was BEN.
Good Luck PA Ben! Hope you kill a big one! Have fun in any case! (even if the fun is some of the most grueling stuff you've ever done!)
Post by: PA BEN on October 09, 2016, 12:57:19 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on October 09, 2016, 02:25:29 PM
Post by: bulldogs40 on October 09, 2016, 02:58:46 PM
Post by: TKElk on October 10, 2016, 10:03:37 AM
Post by: Deer slayer on October 10, 2016, 09:16:41 PM
Sounds like he is getting good help together. Bruce said he is going and last I heard JJ was going too. I may show up for a few days too.Wanted Oncall meat packers.I should be around. Just depends on when you will need help.
My dad is staying in a cabin at the bottom. He wants me to hunt at home for the first weekend but it depends on who will go with him.
Post by: firefighter4607 on October 18, 2016, 03:50:17 PM
Does anybody know if the shed got any snow this weekend?Saw a post from the ski lodge that said they received 3 inches last weekend.
Post by: PlateauNDN on October 18, 2016, 04:06:06 PM
Post by: TKElk on October 18, 2016, 04:07:39 PM
Post by: TKElk on October 18, 2016, 04:08:52 PM
Does anybody know if the shed got any snow this weekend?Saw a post from the ski lodge that said they received 3 inches last weekend.
Thanks - I spoke with the forest service guy, today, and he said the road, on top, is pretty slick.
Post by: bobdog86 on October 18, 2016, 06:55:22 PM
Post by: PA BEN on October 18, 2016, 07:08:58 PM
Post by: dzul25 on October 21, 2016, 08:25:26 AM
Post by: Woodchuck on October 21, 2016, 08:53:03 AM
Post by: csaaphill on October 23, 2016, 06:29:03 PM
Post by: PA BEN on October 23, 2016, 09:17:25 PM
Post by: TKElk on October 24, 2016, 07:55:37 AM
Getting close.Can't wait to get up there. Heading up Thursday night, and planning to come out when tag is filled, or season ends.
Thanks to everyone for the condition updates.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: PA BEN on October 24, 2016, 09:43:37 AM
Getting close.Can't wait to get up there. Heading up Thursday night, and planning to come out when tag is filled, or season ends.
Thanks to everyone for the condition updates.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Do you have your camp spot yet? What are you driving?
Post by: TKElk on October 24, 2016, 10:24:59 AM
Getting close.Can't wait to get up there. Heading up Thursday night, and planning to come out when tag is filled, or season ends.
Thanks to everyone for the condition updates.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Do you have your camp spot yet? What are you driving?
I have a couple of camping spots identified, but don't know exactly which one I will be in. I will be camping as close to the top of the ridge as conditions will allow. I will be driving a white dodge, and our camp will consist of two wall tents, with a grey awning set up between them. I will also try and post a camp location, once I get up there, if I have reception.
Do you have a camp spot yet? What are you driving?
Post by: trophyhunt on October 24, 2016, 10:40:48 AM
Post by: Woodchuck on October 24, 2016, 10:43:17 AM
Post by: TKElk on October 24, 2016, 11:28:51 AM
Post by: PA BEN on October 24, 2016, 02:59:31 PM
Post by: firefighter4607 on October 24, 2016, 05:13:12 PM
Maroon Dodge Ram 1500 4 door, popup camper. White parachute for a dry place to get out of the weather by a fire. We will be using my son in laws rig to get around in. Going to start out camping in Oregon and entering the shed from Oregon. I'm getting really jacked about this hunt, I've never spent this much effort getting ready for a hunt.Make sure you keep your rifle unloaded until you get across the state line. When he was there a few years ago they had officers walking the state line checking people's guns. If they had a WA tag and had the guns loaded they wrote them a ticket.
Good luck to you! I should be up there mid week/weekend to help my dad.
Post by: benhuntin on October 24, 2016, 05:40:16 PM
Wrote them a ticket for what?Maroon Dodge Ram 1500 4 door, popup camper. White parachute for a dry place to get out of the weather by a fire. We will be using my son in laws rig to get around in. Going to start out camping in Oregon and entering the shed from Oregon. I'm getting really jacked about this hunt, I've never spent this much effort getting ready for a hunt.Make sure you keep your rifle unloaded until you get across the state line. When he was there a few years ago they had officers walking the state line checking people's guns. If they had a WA tag and had the guns loaded they wrote them a ticket.
Good luck to you! I should be up there mid week/weekend to help my dad.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: wannabhntr on October 24, 2016, 06:20:15 PM
Post by: benhuntin on October 24, 2016, 06:30:54 PM
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Post by: PA BEN on October 24, 2016, 07:53:25 PM
Post by: Wacenturion on October 24, 2016, 08:08:47 PM
Post by: TKElk on October 25, 2016, 07:11:12 AM
Maroon Dodge Ram 1500 4 door, popup camper. White parachute for a dry place to get out of the weather by a fire. We will be using my son in laws rig to get around in. Going to start out camping in Oregon and entering the shed from Oregon. I'm getting really jacked about this hunt, I've never spent this much effort getting ready for a hunt.
I excited about this hunt too. I can't think of anything else right now. I'll keep an eye out for your camp.
Post by: Wacenturion on October 25, 2016, 09:47:14 AM
Post by: TKElk on October 25, 2016, 04:07:40 PM
TK....good luck to you as well! :tup:
Thanks
Post by: PA BEN on October 25, 2016, 08:39:37 PM
Post by: JJB11B on October 25, 2016, 08:42:36 PM
The Forest Service guys told us you can't have your gun loaded in Oregon. I did call and talked to the Oregon Sargent for the State patrol for that area in Oregon and he said a loaded sidearm was ok in Oregon.Oregon is an Open Carry State......
Post by: PA BEN on October 26, 2016, 07:21:27 PM
Post by: bigfish51 on October 26, 2016, 07:27:32 PM
Post by: HntnFsh on October 26, 2016, 08:23:06 PM
Post by: TKElk on October 26, 2016, 08:25:37 PM
Almost ready, had to make 2 last minute runs to Colville. Heading down in the morning.
The time has come - I'll see you up there.
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Post by: Timberstalker on October 26, 2016, 08:29:14 PM
Post by: DaveMonti on October 26, 2016, 09:04:04 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on October 26, 2016, 09:07:48 PM
Best of Luck to the both of you! Come back with some good stories and pictures!:yeah:
Post by: kevinlisa06 on October 26, 2016, 10:05:16 PM
Post by: PA BEN on October 30, 2016, 01:58:28 PM
Post by: PA BEN on October 30, 2016, 02:08:46 PM
Post by: jae on October 30, 2016, 02:09:43 PM
Post by: PA BEN on October 30, 2016, 02:41:18 PM
Post by: dscubame on October 30, 2016, 02:43:17 PM
Post by: Falcon on October 30, 2016, 04:58:06 PM
Looking towards Table Rock
Looks like you have a great crew with you. Best of luck in your pursuit of a big bull :tup:
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on November 01, 2016, 02:41:01 PM
Post by: PA BEN on November 01, 2016, 03:15:19 PM
Post by: JJB11B on November 01, 2016, 03:17:26 PM
Post by: 270Flat on November 01, 2016, 03:21:13 PM
Post by: 1bugman on November 01, 2016, 03:38:46 PM
Good Luck
Post by: C-Money on November 01, 2016, 03:43:23 PM
Post by: csaaphill on November 01, 2016, 03:52:02 PM
Post by: Birdguy on November 01, 2016, 08:12:54 PM
Post by: Gringo31 on November 02, 2016, 12:07:27 PM
They sounded a bit wore out last I talked to them :chuckle:
No tags punched tho
Post by: PA BEN on November 02, 2016, 08:01:03 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 02, 2016, 08:07:30 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on November 03, 2016, 08:33:34 AM
Came into town to shower. We saw a big 8x7 about a mile away tonight. It's about a 5 mile treck to where he was at. I will see how my feet feel in the morning.
You can rest your feet next week! Get that thing!
Post by: jackelope on November 03, 2016, 08:46:14 AM
Came into town to shower. We saw a big 8x7 about a mile away tonight. It's about a 5 mile treck to where he was at. I will see how my feet feel in the morning.
You can rest your feet next week! Get that thing!
What this guy said!! You waited a long time for this tag. Your feet will feel fine once you get moving!! Go get him!!
Post by: trophyhunt on November 03, 2016, 09:10:06 AM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on November 03, 2016, 11:45:14 AM
Came into town to shower. We saw a big 8x7 about a mile away tonight. It's about a 5 mile treck to where he was at. I will see how my feet feel in the morning.
You can rest your feet next week! Get that thing!
What this guy said!! You waited a long time for this tag. Your feet will feel fine once you get moving!! Go get him!!
That and he has trained harder for this chance than most of the guys who get this tag. Most would have tossed in the towel by now. Cant wait for something to hit the ground!!!
Post by: csaaphill on November 03, 2016, 04:18:07 PM
Post by: HntnFsh on November 03, 2016, 04:56:07 PM
Post by: csaaphill on November 03, 2016, 05:40:25 PM
Post by: PA BEN on November 04, 2016, 10:29:25 AM
I pulled my ham string in my right leg, there is no way I can hike the hills let alone pack an elk, so I through in the towel. I went into this hunt not obsessed about filling my tag but just having the chance at a nice bull. I’ve harvested enough elk to not obsess about filling my tag. I told myself I’m not going to shoot a small bull on this hunt, (unless it’s the last day and a cake walk pack out). I met a guy packing out a 5x5 he shot on Sunday just after he shot it a nice 6x6 came by, I bet he wishes he held off. I went in to hunt the shed and I did, what a majestic place to hunt with lots of bulls, I’m sure I could have gotten a good bull with my muzzleloader if I had not let myself go like I did over the years.
I did a lot of soul searching while on this hunt; (something I do on all hunts); I asked God what he is teaching me on this hunt? Health and family is what really came to mind. Without the one you don’t have the other. I met 2 HW members hunting horse back with their Dads who were in their 70’s, the Dads had the tags. My Dad quit hunting years ago; I was a kid the last time I hunted with my Dad. The HW members were having a great time with their Dads AND one did get a nice 6x6, we dropped by their camp picking up my friend who drew the tag too. What a great time. If they want to share their story they can it’s not my place to do that.
I want to personally thank the guys who gave me information on this hunt, both on this thread and in PM’s you know who you are. And a special thanks to the HW member who set me up on the camp spot.
Here are a few pictures from the hunt.
BTW, the 7x8 turned out to be a 7x9. I will see if I can post a picture and hopefully the story.
Post by: JoeE on November 04, 2016, 10:33:55 AM
Post by: PA BEN on November 04, 2016, 10:36:39 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on November 04, 2016, 10:45:09 AM
Post by: PA BEN on November 04, 2016, 11:12:40 AM
Post by: PA BEN on November 04, 2016, 11:19:57 AM
Post by: Falcon on November 04, 2016, 12:07:53 PM
You got in shape and gave it all you can. It's good that you
Enjoyed the challenge and got some posistive nuggets
From hunt.
Great job👊💥👊
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on November 04, 2016, 12:09:54 PM
Post by: PlateauNDN on November 04, 2016, 01:37:00 PM
Post by: gunnarnewt on November 04, 2016, 02:19:49 PM
Post by: firefighter4607 on November 04, 2016, 05:17:15 PM
Where did you get the parachute at? My dad was impressed on how quick you guys packed up. And I hope your tool box lid survived the trip, noticed it was open when we passed you (saw you leaving Walla Walla when we went to get diesel).
Here is to a quick recovery!! :party1:
Post by: Wacenturion on November 04, 2016, 05:56:08 PM
For me, it's the experience and it sounds the same for you. You gave it he'll and did what most probably don't so nothing to be down about.
Exactly.....you had a great time and enjoyed some splendid county, let alone making some new friends. Thanks for sharing. That's what hunting is all about. :tup:
Post by: PA BEN on November 04, 2016, 06:02:51 PM
PA Ben it was a pleasure to meet you in person. I know you and your son in law worked hard in trying to kill a bull.It was great meeting you and your Dad. The lid made it. I got the parachute from cheaper than dirt.
Where did you get the parachute at? My dad was impressed on how quick you guys packed up. And I hope your tool box lid survived the trip, noticed it was open when we passed you (saw you leaving Walla Walla when we went to get diesel).
Here is to a quick recovery!! :party1:
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on November 04, 2016, 09:39:10 PM
Post by: Cylvertip on November 05, 2016, 03:56:20 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on November 05, 2016, 04:04:13 PM
Post by: csaaphill on November 05, 2016, 08:51:34 PM
Post by: Landowner on November 06, 2016, 11:50:21 AM
One of the game wardens told me how he would show guys who drew a permit where to start their hunt by walking up to the edge and pointing down into it---and describing the shock on the faces of some who had never set eyes on it before celebrating getting drawn.
Post by: blacktailhunter on November 07, 2016, 09:12:28 AM
Post by: JoeE on November 07, 2016, 09:57:19 AM
Post by: TKElk on November 08, 2016, 04:18:23 PM
Friday - Set up camp, and cut/split wood for the entire hunting season. Once camp was set, we did some last minute scouting, and put a couple of bulls to bed. Both bulls made the list to check out on Saturday morning.
Saturday - My 70 year old father and I put on a couple of miles, before the sun rose, and then dropped into the shed, to check out that bulls that we located the night before. As we were making our way, down the ridge, we found a little 5 point bull, in a little pocket, and decided to pass on him. We located one of the bulls that we identified that night before, and decided to pass on him as well. This bull was a 6 point, but we estimated him to be in the very low 300's. Late that afternoon, our hunt turned into a "get the old man out of the shed, safely" activity. By the end of the day, fatigue set in, on my father, negatively impacting his balance. I took his pack, and all of his weight, and we slowly worked our way out of the shed, and back to the truck.
Sunday - I hunted the shed solo, worked my way down to Mill Creek, over a couple of ridges, and then back out. During the course of the day, I spotted several bulls of interest, but they were over a mile away. I got out of the Shed around dark, shared the info with my hunting party, and together, we built a strategy to get a closer look at the bulls I found.
Monday - Took the day to rest, and chose to drive to town and replenish supplies to get us through the end of the hunting season.
Tuesday - Made an approach on one of the bulls I identified on Sunday. Had a good opportunity to shoot this bull, at just over 100 yards, but passed it up, as I estimated it to be around a 330ish bull (I have a 330 bull, and was looking for 350 or larger).
Wednesday - I ran into the same 5 point bull I found on opening day. He was in the exact same location, just enjoying life. I made my way down to Mill Creek, and back out. It was a pretty slow day, I saw some cows , throughout the day, but did not see any larger bulls. Wednesday evening, I decided that I would go back to where the 330 inch bull was, on Tuesday, and see if I could make a move on him.
Thursday - Made my way back to the area that I had located the 330 bull, spent the entire day there, but did not see that bull again. It is possible that he was bumped out, by another hunter, but, I was pretty deep in the Shed, and never, did I see another hunter.
Friday - Went back to find the 330 bull, but unsuccessful again. After another long day in the Shed, I worked my way out, and back to camp, to re-strategize with my hunting party. That evening, we decided it was best to make a move on the 5 point bull we saw on opening morning. I had seen him, in the same little pocket, all week long.
Saturday - My long time hunting partner decided to join me. He is 60 years old, and had not gone in the Shed with me yet. We put on a few miles before the sun rose, and then got ourselves into position for the 5 point that I had observed all week. Just before 9:00 am, the bull came out of the timber to feed. We watched him, for about 20 minutes, as he fed, and moved in closer to us. At 9:00 am, he was feeding below us, and at a perfect 85 yard broadside position. My hunting partner quietly whispered "are you sure you want to take this bull?" I replied "yes", and then squeezed a shot off a few moments later. The bull humped, took two steps, and then collapsed.
As stated before, I thoroughly enjoyed this entire hunt. The animals I saw, the scenery, the physical challenge, and the additional memories that I made with my longtime hunting partners. I can't wait to win this tag again!!
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 08, 2016, 04:44:40 PM
Post by: BENCHLEG on November 08, 2016, 06:33:20 PM
Post by: 724wd on November 09, 2016, 09:58:07 AM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 09, 2016, 10:07:48 AM
Post by: firefighter4607 on November 09, 2016, 11:13:49 AM
Post by: PA BEN on November 10, 2016, 05:42:54 AM
Post by: nwwanderer on November 10, 2016, 07:23:42 AM
Post by: TKElk on November 10, 2016, 12:54:21 PM
Sounds like you had a good time, I passed on a bull about that same size on my hunt. I wasn't going to pack a smaller bull out of there, but who knows, if I haven't pulled my hamstring I might have. :dunno:
I am glad you had a good time. I wasn't going to shoot a small bull either, but decided to take this one late in the game. It ended up being a fairly easy pack (relatively speaking 8)).
Post by: Firedogg on November 10, 2016, 03:51:44 PM
Knee was back to 100% by April though and felt good this season so far.
Post by: Bob33 on November 10, 2016, 04:26:55 PM
Congratulations.
Post by: rosscrazyelk on November 10, 2016, 04:35:58 PM
Post by: hunthard on November 10, 2016, 04:43:04 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on November 10, 2016, 05:47:05 PM
Sounds like you had a good time, I passed on a bull about that same size on my hunt. I wasn't going to pack a smaller bull out of there, but who knows, if I haven't pulled my hamstring I might have. :dunno:
Got any pics of that bull that you passed up?
Post by: csaaphill on November 13, 2016, 02:38:44 AM
Post by: PA BEN on November 13, 2016, 05:15:32 PM
No pictures of him, it was him and a few cows. We hunted around them looking for a bigger bull that might have been with them so I didn't pull out my camera.Sounds like you had a good time, I passed on a bull about that same size on my hunt. I wasn't going to pack a smaller bull out of there, but who knows, if I haven't pulled my hamstring I might have. :dunno:
Got any pics of that bull that you passed up?