Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: Brewha on June 11, 2016, 12:14:22 PM

Title: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 11, 2016, 12:14:22 PM: I was lucky enough to draw East Wenaha I was wondering if any people that have drawn that unit in the past would like to give me some advice on it... Thanks again
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Maverick on June 11, 2016, 12:21:45 PM: Which one did you draw?
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Elkterd on June 11, 2016, 12:32:09 PM: Get in shape!
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 11, 2016, 12:34:59 PM: Drew archery early season bull

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 11, 2016, 12:35:25 PM: Oh i am

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Mr Mykiss on June 11, 2016, 12:41:39 PM: Quote from: Brewha on June 11, 2016, 12:35:25 PM
Oh i am
Only thing left to do is call the taxidermist I reckon...
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 11, 2016, 12:42:18 PM: 👍

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on June 11, 2016, 01:15:00 PM: TR knows a guide with a helo.
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Mr Mykiss on June 11, 2016, 01:35:47 PM: Honestly I'd say that scouting will be good but it'll be the two weeks, week and 3 or 4 days before the season opens that'll really count. Basically you'll want to have him picked out and keep track of him...once you find him that is :)
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Timberstalker on June 11, 2016, 01:37:59 PM: Quote from: Mr Mykiss on June 11, 2016, 12:41:39 PM
Quote from: Brewha on June 11, 2016, 12:35:25 PM
Oh i am
Only thing left to do is call the taxidermist I reckon...

It's just that easy.
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Elkterd on June 11, 2016, 01:42:06 PM: We had the Mt view archery two years ago, the other thing to be aware of is the Indians hunt that area with rifles at the same time we are in there with our bows, saw them kill 2 bulls in east wenaha that year!
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Webfoot on June 11, 2016, 04:28:25 PM: I had the tag in 2012 and my best advice would be to hire Dave at western life outfitters to pack you in and to pack out your animal. The country is brutal and to pack an elk out on your back would not be doable for most people. If you are in the best shape of your life it will be a chore just to hunt those canyons with your daypack on your back.

Good luck to you.
John
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 11, 2016, 06:44:52 PM: Thanks for the heads up

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: dupedc on June 11, 2016, 09:33:46 PM: Give Beau Olson from Wilderness Expeditions a call! Great guy and great guide! Knows the area inside and out! (509) 307-3088 I think his handle on here is bigassbull.
Best of luck to you!

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 11, 2016, 10:22:26 PM: Thanks a lot

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: trophyhunt on June 11, 2016, 10:28:14 PM: Talked to beau the other day for a long time, he loves the east wenaha! I would definitely call him.
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: TG509hunter on June 12, 2016, 06:53:37 AM: I agree with everyone ... Get in shape and stock may definitely be need. How many points did you have?
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: SkookumHntr on June 12, 2016, 07:51:57 AM: Quote from: Elkterd on June 11, 2016, 01:42:06 PM
We had the Mt view archery two years ago, the other thing to be aware of is the Indians hunt that area with rifles at the same time we are in there with our bows, saw them kill 2 bulls in east wenaha that year!
it's pretty tough hunting when Indians are blasting everything with rifles! I seen it first hand last year!
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 12, 2016, 08:05:13 AM: Quote from: trophyhunt on June 11, 2016, 10:28:14 PM
Talked to beau the other day for a long time, he loves the east wenaha! I would definitely call him.

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 12, 2016, 08:05:38 AM: Thanks i will definetly call him

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 12, 2016, 08:07:17 AM: Quote from: TG509hunter on June 12, 2016, 06:53:37 AM
I agree with everyone ... Get in shape and stock may definitely be need. How many points did you have?
I had 8 points dayton was first pick this was my second pick

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Branden on June 12, 2016, 09:21:57 AM: Indians were bad in Tuccannon last year. Saw a nice 7x8 behind a locked gate. Couldn't get on it so we backed out. Hunted it a few days later. Gut pile in the road, lock broke, and a forest service guy said he saw a big bull in the back of a truck with Idaho plates that morning.

Saw a nice 6x6 day before season started. Hunted it a little. Another f the tag holders was hunting it also. They drove up to try and glass it and a few natives were parked there. They went to turn around and the natives started shooting in the air etc. Idaho plates also.

Need to make it all draw. No more OTC tags then the natives would be limited also. It's ridiculous we wait a lifetime to draw a tag and they hunt it every year.

Sorry rant over.

Brewha PM incoming.
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Branden on June 12, 2016, 09:31:53 AM: A few more things. I would skip a drop camp. I believe it's way better to be mobile then stuck in the same spot. Where we would have gotten packed into there were lots of wolf and lion tracks. Had two different lions on cams about 3 miles apart and saw a female with 2 cubs. Also all the elk were down low since it was dry and predators on top. It sucks to have to hike back up to the top every night just to get back to camp.

Hunt the whole season. My brother and I would not have killed nice bulls if we hadn't hunted the whole season. The bulls seemed way more responsive the last week.

Regards, Branden
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: westernarcher on June 12, 2016, 12:57:31 PM: FYI. Beau can only outfit in the east half of the east wenaha. Mtncook has the west half of that unit. So depending on what part of the unit is who you'll have to talk with. I think the dividing line is the Columbia/Garfield county line. Or the ridge lines closest to that line. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Ben
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: trophyhunt on June 12, 2016, 01:27:18 PM: Quote from: Branden on June 12, 2016, 09:21:57 AM
Indians were bad in Tuccannon last year. Saw a nice 7x8 behind a locked gate. Couldn't get on it so we backed out. Hunted it a few days later. Gut pile in the road, lock broke, and a forest service guy said he saw a big bull in the back of a truck with Idaho plates that morning.

Saw a nice 6x6 day before season started. Hunted it a little. Another f the tag holders was hunting it also. They drove up to try and glass it and a few natives were parked there. They went to turn around and the natives started shooting in the air etc. Idaho plates also.

Need to make it all draw. No more OTC tags then the natives would be limited also. It's ridiculous we wait a lifetime to draw a tag and they hunt it every year.

Sorry rant over.

Brewha PM incoming.
Sure would be nice if a group of guys started messing with those tribes, stuff like that is just a bit aggravating. Flatten tires, broken guns, few other things I can't recommend. Same ole BS. Hope you don't experience the bad stuff and kill a pig! If you do see the ugly tribal crap, please turn on your phone and record!
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 12, 2016, 05:19:33 PM: Thanks. Im going to my best to kill a big one!!!

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 12, 2016, 05:20:31 PM: Quote from: westernarcher on June 12, 2016, 12:57:31 PM
FYI. Beau can only outfit in the east half of the east wenaha. Mtncook has the west half of that unit. So depending on what part of the unit is who you'll have to talk with. I think the dividing line is the Columbia/Garfield county line. Or the ridge lines closest to that line. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Ben
Thanks for the heads up!!!👍

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 12, 2016, 05:21:44 PM: Quote from: Branden on June 12, 2016, 09:31:53 AM
A few more things. I would skip a drop camp. I believe it's way better to be mobile then stuck in the same spot. Where we would have gotten packed into there were lots of wolf and lion tracks. Had two different lions on cams about 3 miles apart and saw a female with 2 cubs. Also all the elk were down low since it was dry and predators on top. It sucks to have to hike back up to the top every night just to get back to camp.

Hunt the whole season. My brother and I would not have killed nice bulls if we hadn't hunted the whole season. The bulls seemed way more responsive the last week.

Regards, Branden
Thanks Branden I appreciate it

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Deer slayer on June 12, 2016, 05:39:09 PM: I had a rifle tag in 2010. We did it all off of our backs and went 6 miles in. From there we hunted a couple more miles in. If I had to do it over again Mtncook would have gotten a call for sure. I was in very good shape but that county is very unforgiving. Some of the most amazing country the state has to offer. The problem is when you find a bull he might be a mile away but on foot he might be 4 big ugly miles away.

I can't remember for sure but I think you said you have an archery tag so a lot of problems I had you won't. Like a foot of snow the first night. Fog and constant visibility issues. Archery season you have longer days, bugling elk and less snow. Like the others said you have to be in shape and don't take the country lightly or you will never forgive yourself. Ask me if you need anything. I don't know every inch like some others do but I did get to know the area I went. Like I said it was in 2010.
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 12, 2016, 06:54:04 PM: Sounds good i will keep in touch with you. I really appreciate it!!!👍

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: nwhunter on June 12, 2016, 09:45:50 PM: You have to be pretty hard core and love roughing it and be in tremendous shape to backpack hunt the east wenaha for more than 5-6 days. The likelihood of drawing the tag again is minimal so I would recommend a drop camp with a wall tent to enjoy that part of your hunt also. You can always spike out from there if you want to but getting a good night sleep and descent food leads to being able to stay in there longer. Maybe you get lucky and kill a bull in a few days but holding out for a big one might drag the hunt on for a while and crawling in a spike camp and eating mountain house for 2 weeks in that country would be tough. Do your research before you pick an outfitter if you go that route. There are elk all over but way more in parts of the unit . Go scout it out. Enjoy your hunt, lots of highs and lows in that country.
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 12, 2016, 09:50:37 PM: Quote from: nwhunter on June 12, 2016, 09:45:50 PM
You have to be pretty hard core and love roughing it and be in tremendous shape to backpack hunt the east wenaha for more than 5-6 days. The likelihood of drawing the tag again is minimal so I would recommend a drop camp with a wall tent to enjoy that part of your hunt also. You can always spike out from there if you want to but getting a good night sleep and descent food leads to being able to stay in there longer. Maybe you get lucky and kill a bull in a few days but holding out for a big one might drag the hunt on for a while and crawling in a spike camp and eating mountain house for 2 weeks in that country would be tough. Do your research before you pick an outfitter if you go that route. There are elk all over but way more in parts of the unit . Go scout it out. Enjoy your hunt, lots of highs and lows in that country.
I fly into Idaho every year and spike out from the runway from 2-5 days it is rugged country so im figuring it will be the same minus a LOT more weight packing an elk out. I definetly plan out many scouting trips

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Branden on June 13, 2016, 06:00:33 AM: I would use a packer once you get a bull down. That's the hard part. But again a drop camp limits you. Also last I checked the drop camps were 7 day hunts. I'm sure you could make it the whole season for more money.

We hunted from the eastside to the westside of the unit. It was easier to hike out and hike back in then it would have been to hike across the unit then hike back.

I think it depends on what you want out of the hunt. Best chance to kill a big bull or a wilderness experience with horses and wall tent.
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: autodink13 on June 13, 2016, 08:29:14 AM: Brewha do u have experience with rutting elk?
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on June 13, 2016, 08:57:16 AM: I would pack in a block target on your scouting trips and practice shooting at the steep angles and while your huffing and puffing from hiking. Good luck!!!!! :tup:
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 14, 2016, 07:24:15 PM: Quote from: Deer slayer on June 12, 2016, 05:39:09 PM
I had a rifle tag in 2010. We did it all off of our backs and went 6 miles in. From there we hunted a couple more miles in. If I had to do it over again Mtncook would have gotten a call for sure. I was in very good shape but that county is very unforgiving. Some of the most amazing country the state has to offer. The problem is when you find a bull he might be a mile away but on foot he might be 4 big ugly miles away.

I can't remember for sure but I think you said you have an archery tag so a lot of problems I had you won't. Like a foot of snow the first night. Fog and constant visibility issues. Archery season you have longer days, bugling elk and less snow. Like the others said you have to be in shape and don't take the country lightly or you will never forgive yourself. Ask me if you need anything. I don't know every inch like some others do but I did get to know the area I went. Like I said it was in 2010.
Do you have mtncook phone number

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Deer slayer on June 14, 2016, 08:12:28 PM: 509-751-6555. That was back in 2010. He is also on here so send him a PM if that number doesn't work anymore.
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 14, 2016, 08:41:40 PM: Quote from: nwhunter on June 12, 2016, 09:45:50 PM
You have to be pretty hard core and love roughing it and be in tremendous shape to backpack hunt the east wenaha for more than 5-6 days. The likelihood of drawing the tag again is minimal so I would recommend a drop camp with a wall tent to enjoy that part of your hunt also. You can always spike out from there if you want to but getting a good night sleep and descent food leads to being able to stay in there longer. Maybe you get lucky and kill a bull in a few days but holding out for a big one might drag the hunt on for a while and crawling in a spike camp and eating mountain house for 2 weeks in that country would be tough. Do your research before you pick an outfitter if you go that route. There are elk all over but way more in parts of the unit . Go scout it out. Enjoy your hunt, lots of highs and lows in that country.
Thanks for the advice. Definitely planning on going and doing some scouting

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Brewha on June 14, 2016, 08:42:27 PM: Quote from: Deer slayer on June 14, 2016, 08:12:28 PM
509-751-6555. That was back in 2010. He is also on here so send him a PM if that number doesn't work anymore.
Thanks. I called and talked to him. Sounds like a good guy

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Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Deer slayer on June 14, 2016, 08:45:01 PM: Cool. Let me know if you need anything more. I can't stress the importance of having a pack train to get the elk out. Without you will need a small army that is willing to stick it out for some brutal area.
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: E-Town Hunter on June 17, 2016, 08:09:26 AM: I agree.....horses to pack out your animal is a must. If you do not have access to stock, at the very least, see if Mt. Cook can pack your animal out for you. Just getting to a bull and getting one down in that country is pretty hard core hunting if you're planning on packing in on foot. Congrats on the great tag!
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: dscubame on June 17, 2016, 08:35:32 AM: Big Big Big country. Good skills to you.

We would welcome updates on your hunt for sure.
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: BowhunterPNW on June 17, 2016, 02:48:56 PM: That is a quality elk hunt. It is rugged country though. I would serious consider contacting Dave Waldron of Western Life Outfitters. He is a great guy and knows the unit well. Plus the quality of the hunt will be multiplied exponentially by having a nice comfortable camp. I would encourage you to get into good shape as the county is steep and deep. Last year's fire did a lot of good and should attract more elk to that unit due to the additional food source created by the fire. Dave can be contacted at 509-751-6555.
Good Luck, practice a lot and put on the miles.
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: 2MANY on June 17, 2016, 03:14:45 PM: Dave is a good dude and would help make it a trip to remember.
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: 2MANY on June 17, 2016, 03:21:14 PM: "You have to be pretty hard core and love roughing it and be in tremendous shape to backpack hunt the east wenaha for more than 5-6 days. The likelihood of drawing the tag again is minimal so I would recommend a drop camp with a wall tent to enjoy that part of your hunt also. You can always spike out from there if you want to but getting a good night sleep and descent food leads to being able to stay in there longer. Maybe you get lucky and kill a bull in a few days but holding out for a big one might drag the hunt on for a while and crawling in a spike camp and eating mountain house for 2 weeks in that country would be tough. Do your research before you pick an outfitter if you go that route. There are elk all over but way more in parts of the unit . Go scout it out. Enjoy your hunt, lots of highs and lows in that country"

Read this as many times as it takes until you get it right.
I think this individual may know what he is talking about.
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Karl Blanchard on June 17, 2016, 03:48:26 PM: I've never been into the Wenaha but I do know the Blues. One thing I have noticed over the years is guys get all stary eyed with a good tag, or read adventures of others, and think, that looks awesome! Backpack hunting and packing out giant bulls is sexy stuff, but when it actually comes down to it, many find out the hard way that it pretty much sucks the whole time, but is amazing to look back on :chuckle: I'm sure you know all this and I'm just sort of thinking out load and in general. Best advice I can give is be COMPLETELY HONEST with yourself about your own abilities and shortcomings, and then make a strategy based off that. Good luck and shoot straight :tup:
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Western-Extremist on June 17, 2016, 11:01:51 PM: my buddy drew the tag as well. i will be tagging along and calling. should be a great adventure. cant wait to draw a great tag like that.
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: gotcha on June 18, 2016, 08:13:41 AM: Tell Brian good luck and if he needs info to get a hold of me. George taking in the horses
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: Western-Extremist on June 20, 2016, 09:13:41 PM: ya george and brian are taking horses in. im going with jeff. should be an awesome hunt for everyone if the weather holds out. im excited to just be apart of it.
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: gotcha on June 21, 2016, 06:07:21 AM: Few of us from woodland that have tags in area this yr. Should be fun.
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: elkslare on June 21, 2016, 10:16:26 AM: Great Tag Congrats and good luck
Title: Re: Drew East Wenaha
Post by: BENCHLEG on June 21, 2016, 09:11:42 PM: BLRman is correct first be honest with yourself and go from there. Good advise. Good luck and do your best.