Post by: Stein on June 15, 2017, 07:51:13 AM
I'm also planning on loading up on shrimp, crab and salmon to give away to some friendly and knowledgeable people.
Post by: ctwiggs1 on June 15, 2017, 08:46:09 AM
Post by: bearpaw on June 15, 2017, 08:48:47 AM
Post by: CP on June 15, 2017, 09:00:36 AM
Post by: rtspring on June 15, 2017, 09:02:23 AM
Post by: acrocker on June 15, 2017, 09:21:18 AM
Post by: White Pass Outfitters on June 15, 2017, 09:32:21 AM
Post by: muledeer78 on June 15, 2017, 10:07:01 AM
Post by: Stein on June 15, 2017, 10:15:46 AM
1. Buy maps - I know next to nothing about the area but am decent at desktop scouting to at least get it narrowed down to a few focus areas.
2. Get in shape - off to good start, just walked a 30 mile fundraiser with 50#, need to add hills, but it won't be an issue
3. Scouting - I don't know how many trips I can pull, but will be shooting for weekends
4. Talk to other people, compare notes and take advantage of the great community here
Fortunately, I'm set with gear, so all my energy and money will go into scouting trips I might need to pick up a spotting scope, but we'll see if that is a need or a want after I get eyes on the ground.
I am also fortunate in the vacation department, so I can have 2-3 days pre opener and the entire season if necessary.
I'm super jacked, I never thought I would have a chance like this with only 7 points. My biggest bull was a large 4x4 (should have been a 5x5 but he never grew the second points), so knowing what is at least possible has me pumped up.
Post by: Stein on June 15, 2017, 01:30:09 PM
336 looks mostly private and checkerboard (maybe, my other map shows a bunch of public?), so that will be easier to get a couple of scouting spots lined up. 346 looks almost endless, I'll have to put some time into that one.
Post by: royalbull on June 15, 2017, 07:09:20 PM
Congrats!! I was lucky enough to draw the sept. 25-29 for peaches!
Sweet
Post by: yum tag soup on June 15, 2017, 07:16:04 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on June 15, 2017, 07:41:21 PM
Cross #1 off the list, I bought BLM and the Sheriff's office map plus printed the GMU map from WDFW. I also have the GMU boundaries on Google Earth. That should get me started at least.
How do you get gmu boundaries on google earth? Congrats drawing a tag :tup: Good luck
Post by: Stein on June 15, 2017, 08:02:24 PM
Cross #1 off the list, I bought BLM and the Sheriff's office map plus printed the GMU map from WDFW. I also have the GMU boundaries on Google Earth. That should get me started at least.
How do you get gmu boundaries on google earth? Congrats drawing a tag :tup: Good luck
Scroll down to the 5th post and you'll find the file. Totally easy.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=202757.0
Post by: Stein on June 15, 2017, 08:04:21 PM
I just puked a little bit in my mouth with the 7 point thing but congrats and kill a monster!
[/quote
Yeah, I had such high hopes I didn't even remember what unit I put in for and had to go look it up. I figured I would start paying attention when I got to double digit points.
This is only the second tag I have drawn, ever. First was a completely lame cow hunt and now this. My daughter is usually the lucky one, but I certainly had the lucky hand this year.
Post by: bowhunterforever on June 15, 2017, 09:13:15 PM
thanks :tup:Cross #1 off the list, I bought BLM and the Sheriff's office map plus printed the GMU map from WDFW. I also have the GMU boundaries on Google Earth. That should get me started at least.
How do you get gmu boundaries on google earth? Congrats drawing a tag :tup: Good luck
Scroll down to the 5th post and you'll find the file. Totally easy.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=202757.0
Post by: White Pass Outfitters on June 16, 2017, 07:30:50 AM
Congrats on a great draw !!!
Think 320++ for your Bull.
Post by: Brena.Hunter on June 16, 2017, 06:24:52 PM
Post by: Wingin it on June 16, 2017, 08:59:58 PM
Post by: scudmaster on June 16, 2017, 09:22:27 PM
Post by: Stein on June 16, 2017, 10:19:24 PM
I'm using onXmaps for desk scouting and it wasn't too bad to slice and dice the two areas. Man, there are a ton of trails around there and many are high traffic. That makes things a bit easier even though there are not many truly remote areas.
At this point, I had considered several general logistical plans for the hunt. It will likely be a solo hunt unless something changes.
1. Base camp at either a campsite, town or public land in my wall tent with day trips into a scouted area.
2. Mobile camp in the back of my truck. This allows big moves mid-hunt easily and is the best way to cover the most area.
3. Living out of the ruck, leaving the truck at the trailhead or wall tent.
I won't know for sure until I get several scouting trips in, but #3 is clearly in the lead. My preference is 3, 1 then 2, but conditions will dictate. I'm looking for an epic hunting experience.
One thing I haven't pondered in my relatively short hunting career is what I will be happy shooting? In the past, if it was legal I shot it. I did pass a couple of true dink antelope last year, but they were so small it wasn't much of a decision. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but right now my thought is a simple mature 6x6 would be awesome.
I'm equally excited about the camping/backpacking as I really don't get much of an excuse to do either of these with normal family and job responsibilities. I did a ton of both growing up in Montana, but not so much since. This gives me the perfect reason to block of 10 + days and really enjoy the experience.
My delusion of not needing gear is getting corrected, I remember that I need a better set of game bags and likely a spotting scope. Checking ElkNut's site, it looks like I need to save $600 - $1,000 plus a tripod. That's a big investment that I might not use much in the future, but we'll see how necessary it is during the scouting trips.
The good news is the unit is only a bit over 2 hours from my house, so I should have good opportunities this summer.
Finally, I have a good training plan starting to take shape. I am into Goruck events and they are about perfect for getting me into hunting shape. Seattle has a big event in September, a great peaking event that gives me just enough time to recover and then hit it hard. I have one other event mid-July and then it will be ruck focused training with as many hills as I can come up with.
I'm basically using the David Goggins plan (check him out if you don't know who he is) - "I chose the path of most resistance - talent not required." I'm not a great elk hunter, but I am willing and able to outwork most and love to learn. I believe that will be enough to at least make a great experience.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on June 16, 2017, 10:25:40 PM
I'll be helping buddies in the Goose. Good Luck !
Post by: Roperfive88 on June 16, 2017, 10:31:26 PM
Post by: Reidus on June 16, 2017, 10:33:49 PM
I use 200 thread pillow cases from walmart for game bags. They're tough, hold plenty of meat and cost about $12 for 4.
Spotting scope is nice if you really want to inspect the horns but not really necessary for finding elk.
Post by: scudmaster on June 17, 2017, 04:29:18 PM
Post by: Wingin it on June 17, 2017, 04:52:49 PM
Post by: scoutdog346 on June 17, 2017, 07:07:22 PM
I was able to draw the Muzzy tag with 9 points. Want to do a wilderness hunt. If anyone had done this hunt, I would love to pick your brain. Good luck to all, no matter what you drew.with that tag u don't need to go i to the wildernes to get a 330+ bull but a
good true wilderness hunt that u can get the meat out fast enough with out horses: start at cement basin. u get there by east bound hw 410 about 10min after u reach the summit of Chinook Pass and start to descend on the left hand side you'll see a blue sign "bear Gap" take that left follow that road as far as you can and hike straight up the hill fastest way to get there is just a bust brush beeline straight up. then u will see cement basin on your GPS or map. head that way. on the way and a few miles past it up will find lots of good places to hunt. some times u will be competing with the Outfitters and guides but from my experience I've had them treat me with respect. About 13 years ago who i think was Chinook Pass Outfitters was up there with a few clients and they were very nice and respectful even gave us a few pointers.
Post by: Brena.Hunter on June 18, 2017, 06:46:21 PM
Post by: deerlick on June 18, 2017, 09:29:03 PM
Post by: Brena.Hunter on June 18, 2017, 11:09:23 PM
I guess I'm just concerned because I am normally targeting spikes, so I'm not sure where the monsters are hiding! :dunno:
Post by: scudmaster on June 19, 2017, 09:56:40 PM
I was able to draw the Muzzy tag with 9 points. Want to do a wilderness hunt. If anyone had done this hunt, I would love to pick your brain. Good luck to all, no matter what you drew.with that tag u don't need to go i to the wildernes to get a 330+ bull but a
good true wilderness hunt that u can get the meat out fast enough with out horses: start at cement basin. u get there by east bound hw 410 about 10min after u reach the summit of Chinook Pass and start to descend on the left hand side you'll see a blue sign "bear Gap" take that left follow that road as far as you can and hike straight up the hill fastest way to get there is just a bust brush beeline straight up. then u will see cement basin on your GPS or map. head that way. on the way and a few miles past it up will find lots of good places to hunt. some times u will be competing with the Outfitters and guides but from my experience I've had them treat me with respect. About 13 years ago who i think was Chinook Pass Outfitters was up there with a few clients and they were very nice and respectful even gave us a few pointers.
Thanks Scoutdog. Weighing the options of outfitting it. While the area look small on the map, those ridges and valleys are steep. I know it is not necessary, but I just want the backcountry experience, derelict is correct, you certainly don't need to go into the backcountry for the hunt to be successful.
Post by: Stein on June 19, 2017, 10:10:15 PM
Now, I need to figure out when I can get in there after the snow melts as well as two other questions. Are any of the roads closed during the hunting season (should be easy enough to find) which could open up new areas to look at? Second, how much snow am I likely to run into during the hunt which could close off some areas due to inaccessibility. I should be able to find at least averages which will let me know how likely I am to run into accessibility troubles.
I guess a third question would be where the animals go if we end up with heavy, early snow. I plan on talking to the bio about this one just in case. I'm used to hunting in late October, but not in this part of the state or at the specific elevation, so the conditions might be totally different.
I'm also thinking about camping spots for day trips vs multi-day bivy camping. When I head over to scout I will check out both established camps as well as NF areas that would be in a good spot for dry camping.
Post by: Stein on June 27, 2017, 09:23:52 AM
Since I have two GMUs to chose from, I wanted to compare the two units in terms of how many people have tags earlier in the season than I (and 109 of my closest hunting partners) have. I guess it summarizes the difference between the quality permit and the bull permit.
In the unit I am focusing on, there are about 160 permits issued for dates before mine (archery quality, modern quality, youth muzzy, 65+ muzzy and disabled quality). Even with that pressure, there is a 45% success rate for my tag with 78% of them shooting a 5+ point bull. So, they certainly are there to find and it isn't just the locals knowing where they honey holes are.
In my research, it became clear that the mature bulls are:
a) not likely to be in the same area they are during summer scouting or the rut season
b) probably not going to be with the cows and immature bulls
c) are likely to be in spots that offer the most protection (cover or geography) - they have survived several hunting seasons
That's probably pretty basic stuff to most, but this is my first hunt where I will be doing a true spot and stalk on mature bulls. My previous experience was with cow tags, or during the general season where I found success finding places the other hunters will run the elk into five seconds after legal hours.
The maps all arrived except for one or two and I have what I need. There are some interesting discrepancies in state land, but in areas I'm not interested in so I don't have to research further. I'm using a combination of paper maps, Onyx and Google Earth and after about 10 hours of work have a pretty good feel for the land. I also have my list of trailheads and established campsites to scout as well. I will also spend some time looking at NF land for a wall tent basecamp.
Using that, I wanted to find as many spots as possible that fit the bill. I found one primary spot and am working on finalizing a few others. Of course, what makes them attractive potential areas is the fact they suck at getting to by both boot and saddle. Depending on what I find and where I end up on opening morning, I might need to line up a few potential packers.
I also penciled out the entire summer and fall on the calendar as well as opening days for the earlier seasons. My goal is to get in there during other seasons to see where the common areas for drop camps and pressure will be and use that to finalize my plan (knowing it will be somewhat different for the later seasons). Ideally, I will be able to observe a few escape routes as well as check my primary areas for sign from past seasons. Both of my kids have expressed interest in some backpacking trips, so I hope to include them in one or more scouting trips.
Finally, my idea of buying no new gear is running into snags. Depending on the outcome of the first few scouting trips, a spotter will probably be necessary as well as a new stove and filter. I managed to pick up a new headlamp on clearance as well as trekking poles at Costco. I'm also considering a tripod and bino adapter even if I don't need a spotter but need to do some research as my budget will likely be about $100 for a tripod and I know nothing about them.
My next step is to finalize target areas and then finalize my first two scouting trips to check them out and get a first-hand feeling for the unit. From there, I'll modify as necessary and do it again followed by in-season scouting and then the hunt. On the side, I need to finalize my plan for my doe tag and see if I can find a youth season for my daughter that doesn't overlap my permit season - I'm really hoping I can get her out for at least a weekend this year.
Post by: sagerat on June 27, 2017, 09:49:43 AM
Post by: scoutdog346 on June 27, 2017, 11:00:08 AM
Hey guys. I've been hunting the 346 since I was a kid, but for whatever reason have never headed over to Norse Peak. I guess you tend to stay in the areas you know. But this is my first time drawing an Any Bull tag in Peaches, so I am wondering what people's opinion is regarding the Wilderness area. Do you reckon the chances of a decent bull are better by going deep into the Wilderness area? Or stick to the areas I already know? I should note, I'm not a road hunter. I go deep and hunt my tail off, but I don't want to waste this tag and I don't seem to come across the big boys in the areas I go. I've seen there are some outfitters that do drop camps, which I am contemplating. But just wanted to hear from others who have spent time in Norse Peak. Thanks in advance.Norse peek is very good. the only thing is u will be competing with people with horses and it's hard to get the meat out b4 it spoils. I don't think u need to go to the wilderness with a quality bull tag in 346. there is way more food down low and u don't have to cover so much area on foot. another good thing about the low lands is if u spook elk down low u can get in ur truck and drive to a different area. it seem to me that in the wilderness areas if u soon elk in the wilderness they run very far and go to the next bowl or next Canyon over and that makes it hard to stay on them.
Post by: scoutdog346 on June 27, 2017, 11:06:28 AM
Quick update in case anyone is interested.ur goING to see elk all over 346 b4 ur tag let's u hunt. just like the permit is: it's a bull tag so I would take the 1st bull u see over 250" it's not a quality and yes it get hit hard. u said u have the moder firearm bull tag that's right b4 the gen. modern season right? it's a good tag. good luck.
Since I have two GMUs to chose from, I wanted to compare the two units in terms of how many people have tags earlier in the season than I (and 109 of my closest hunting partners) have. I guess it summarizes the difference between the quality permit and the bull permit.
In the unit I am focusing on, there are about 160 permits issued for dates before mine (archery quality, modern quality, youth muzzy, 65+ muzzy and disabled quality). Even with that pressure, there is a 45% success rate for my tag with 78% of them shooting a 5+ point bull. So, they certainly are there to find and it isn't just the locals knowing where they honey holes are.
In my research, it became clear that the mature bulls are:
a) not likely to be in the same area they are during summer scouting or the rut season
b) probably not going to be with the cows and immature bulls
c) are likely to be in spots that offer the most protection (cover or geography) - they have survived several hunting seasons
That's probably pretty basic stuff to most, but this is my first hunt where I will be doing a true spot and stalk on mature bulls. My previous experience was with cow tags, or during the general season where I found success finding places the other hunters will run the elk into five seconds after legal hours.
The maps all arrived except for one or two and I have what I need. There are some interesting discrepancies in state land, but in areas I'm not interested in so I don't have to research further. I'm using a combination of paper maps, Onyx and Google Earth and after about 10 hours of work have a pretty good feel for the land. I also have my list of trailheads and established campsites to scout as well. I will also spend some time looking at NF land for a wall tent basecamp.
Using that, I wanted to find as many spots as possible that fit the bill. I found one primary spot and am working on finalizing a few others. Of course, what makes them attractive potential areas is the fact they suck at getting to by both boot and saddle. Depending on what I find and where I end up on opening morning, I might need to line up a few potential packers.
I also penciled out the entire summer and fall on the calendar as well as opening days for the earlier seasons. My goal is to get in there during other seasons to see where the common areas for drop camps and pressure will be and use that to finalize my plan (knowing it will be somewhat different for the later seasons). Ideally, I will be able to observe a few escape routes as well as check my primary areas for sign from past seasons. Both of my kids have expressed interest in some backpacking trips, so I hope to include them in one or more scouting trips.
Finally, my idea of buying no new gear is running into snags. Depending on the outcome of the first few scouting trips, a spotter will probably be necessary as well as a new stove and filter. I managed to pick up a new headlamp on clearance as well as trekking poles at Costco. I'm also considering a tripod and bino adapter even if I don't need a spotter but need to do some research as my budget will likely be about $100 for a tripod and I know nothing about them.
My next step is to finalize target areas and then finalize my first two scouting trips to check them out and get a first-hand feeling for the unit. From there, I'll modify as necessary and do it again followed by in-season scouting and then the hunt. On the side, I need to finalize my plan for my doe tag and see if I can find a youth season for my daughter that doesn't overlap my permit season - I'm really hoping I can get her out for at least a weekend this year.
Post by: Stein on June 27, 2017, 11:38:20 AM
I haven't needed to field judge elk before, so all six points fall into three categories: real spindly, nice and huge. I'm hoping for one in the nice to huge category, but I haven't ruled out shooting the first 6x6 I see. I will definitely pass anything under 6 unless I am on my last day.
Post by: scoutdog346 on June 28, 2017, 09:57:04 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 29, 2017, 05:05:50 AM
Post by: SpotNStalker on June 30, 2017, 09:17:04 AM
Post by: Stein on June 30, 2017, 09:34:52 AM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: scoutdog346 on July 02, 2017, 05:12:19 PM
go up fifes ridge and hit some of them clear cuts on the right hand side goig up.I was able to draw the Muzzy tag with 9 points. Want to do a wilderness hunt. If anyone had done this hunt, I would love to pick your brain. Good luck to all, no matter what you drew.with that tag u don't need to go i to the wildernes to get a 330+ bull but a
good true wilderness hunt that u can get the meat out fast enough with out horses: start at cement basin. u get there by east bound hw 410 about 10min after u reach the summit of Chinook Pass and start to descend on the left hand side you'll see a blue sign "bear Gap" take that left follow that road as far as you can and hike straight up the hill fastest way to get there is just a bust brush beeline straight up. then u will see cement basin on your GPS or map. head that way. on the way and a few miles past it up will find lots of good places to hunt. some times u will be competing with the Outfitters and guides but from my experience I've had them treat me with respect. About 13 years ago who i think was Chinook Pass Outfitters was up there with a few clients and they were very nice and respectful even gave us a few pointers.
Thanks Scoutdog. Weighing the options of outfitting it. While the area look small on the map, those ridges and valleys are steep. I know it is not necessary, but I just want the backcountry experience, derelict is correct, you certainly don't need to go into the backcountry for the hunt to be successful.
Post by: scoutdog346 on July 02, 2017, 05:15:36 PM
i think thats the best tag in wa. nice job!Congrats!! I was lucky enough to draw the sept. 25-29 for peaches!
Sweet
Post by: muledeer78 on July 03, 2017, 06:28:45 AM
Thanks! I will be hitting it hard scouting mid August all the way up to the hunt.i think thats the best tag in wa. nice job!Congrats!! I was lucky enough to draw the sept. 25-29 for peaches!
Sweet
Post by: scoutdog346 on July 03, 2017, 02:29:13 PM
ur not going tonhave a problim getting a bull ur only problim will be know how big of a bull u should hold out for. get to know what size is up there so u know what to hold out for. PM me and ill tell u where my honey hole is.Thanks! I will be hitting it hard scouting mid August all the way up to the hunt.i think thats the best tag in wa. nice job!Congrats!! I was lucky enough to draw the sept. 25-29 for peaches!
Sweet
Post by: Gringo31 on July 04, 2017, 08:33:38 AM
Quote
I drew 1 of 110 available EF Peaches tags
I'm still confused what tag you drew....
Post by: GUscottie on July 04, 2017, 11:06:07 AM
Gringo, I think the 110 EF Peaches tags are the "bull" tags that are for the firearms season that allow them to shoot a bull. it was a bull tag, not a Quality tag this year. I know the archery season had a similar tag.
Post by: Gringo31 on July 04, 2017, 01:10:10 PM
:tup:
Thx
Post by: Elkfever on July 04, 2017, 05:13:19 PM
Post by: Stein on August 01, 2017, 09:39:06 AM
I saw plenty of steep and deep as well as a few rather large horse camps in about 6 miles. Overall, probably not the area I want to hunt but I had a chance to drive all the way around both units as well as check out a bunch of campsites and see what trail heads were open.
At this point, I'm leaning toward a base camp that I have easy access to several different trails and spots, with backpacking in I don't want to commit to an area that takes a day to get in and a day to get out only to not be where I want to be or have a bunch of camps pop up nearby.
I booked a second scouting trip, this time with the family camping out there. Should be fun.
Man, that area has some scenery.
Post by: GUscottie on August 02, 2017, 09:46:26 AM
I as well have been up there a few times. Been finding a ton of cows and spikes. And a doe mule deer. Lots and lots of sign, some fresh, some old.
With there being so few tags for the Muzzy any bull tag (Sept 30-8Oct), I'm getting excited seeing all of the sign and cow I've been seeing.
I have noticed that there are lots of jeepers running around, but, I'm hoping that slows as we close in on hunting season (am I right or wrong here???).
Since I've never killed an elk, my expectations are high that I may finally break my streak of no elk this fall (10+ years are about enough of that, eh?).
Post by: Duckhunter14 on August 02, 2017, 02:45:33 PM
Glad to hear you're having a good scouting season so far.
I as well have been up there a few times. Been finding a ton of cows and spikes. And a doe mule deer. Lots and lots of sign, some fresh, some old.
With there being so few tags for the Muzzy any bull tag (Sept 30-8Oct), I'm getting excited seeing all of the sign and cow I've been seeing.
I have noticed that there are lots of jeepers running around, but, I'm hoping that slows as we close in on hunting season (am I right or wrong here???).
Slows down? No, and then the dirt bikers start in about the opener too. Good luck.
Since I've never killed an elk, my expectations are high that I may finally break my streak of no elk this fall (10+ years are about enough of that, eh?).
Post by: scudmaster on August 02, 2017, 09:23:40 PM
Post by: GUscottie on August 03, 2017, 08:01:54 AM
Post by: poopooheaddad on August 03, 2017, 08:05:31 AM
Post by: Stein on August 03, 2017, 08:09:24 AM
There are 10 rifle hunters. There are 33 muzzy hunters. There are some juvenile cow tags and some disable cow tags. That's it. There are like 60 total hunters. And only 43 are chasing bulls. I think it's still pretty quality.
Spread over two units.
I am competing with 109 other rifles and consider myself very fortunate. It's all in how you look at it.
Looking at the regs, the Quality EF is Sept 25-29 and the EM is Sept 30-Oct 8, so there is zero overlap.
Post by: PlateauNDN on August 03, 2017, 09:10:41 AM
Post by: scudmaster on August 03, 2017, 02:08:46 PM
There are 10 rifle hunters. There are 33 muzzy hunters. There are some juvenile cow tags and some disable cow tags. That's it. There are like 60 total hunters. And only 43 are chasing bulls. I think it's still pretty quality.
Spread over two units.
I am competing with 109 other rifles and consider myself very fortunate. It's all in how you look at it.
Looking at the regs, the Quality EF is Sept 25-29 and the EM is Sept 30-Oct 8, so there is zero overlap.
@Stein, that is what I thought. Look at the Little Naches quality hunt a few lines below and those dates overlap with Peaches Muzzy just in the 346, half the Peaches Ridge area.
I'm not saying I will be over run with other hunters and I am hunting the Norse Peak, as a backcountry hunt so I expect even less pressure there, but just changes the flavor of the hunt. Keeping seasons separated by weapon would seem to be a better way to go, and what most people I've asked assume when putting in for tags. In the next public comment period, I am going to suggest that the Little Naches and Peaches Modern seasons overlap. That would make more sense to me.
Post by: fishngamereaper on August 03, 2017, 02:14:24 PM
Post by: Stein on August 03, 2017, 08:07:00 PM
It could be better, but I haven't drawn any tags for the last 6 years so this year looks pretty good, even with 109 other dudes out there and over a hundred hunting before me.
Post by: scudmaster on August 04, 2017, 08:10:34 AM
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Post by: rtspring on August 04, 2017, 08:59:27 AM
Would not worry about other hunters, lots and lots of country, and a ton of elk.
Post by: Katmai Guy on August 04, 2017, 09:12:12 AM
The bull in my avatar I shot in 346 from the road on my way home on my last day. Not the biggest on the hill but I was on my way home.
Pm me if you decide against steep and deep.
Post by: scoutdog346 on August 04, 2017, 04:31:29 PM
Post by: Stein on August 22, 2017, 06:13:23 AM
I also found a spot that had 3 trucks at the trailhead as well as passing another two coming up when I was leaving. It looked to be a great area, but I'm guessing it is grand central during the season. If I am able to scout during muzzy season I will be able to verify this one way or another.
I talked to a guy up there and that coupled with a ton of research and scouting led me to what may be the best lead I have had so far. I need to check it out, but the area looks very, very promising - no vehicle access, 2-3 miles of hiking in, great cover and feed as well as someplace I can get into several areas from the same access point.
Training is going fine, I found a huge set of stairs and I am focusing on maximizing vertical climb with a 30 pound pack.
The next trip will be a four day trip with my family. I should be able to get daily early morning scouts as well as some serious windshield time scouting the closer to road areas I need to get a look at.
I appreciate all the guys in here that have given me pieces of the puzzle, this enabled me to start building alternate locations in case the primary ones I am developing don't pan out.
The next month is going to be crazy as my son is scheduled for the youth duck opener and my daughter will be at the SCI youth doe hunt as well as trying to figure out how to punch my second deer tag either before or on my way to the Peaches hunt. Then, I have a week or two before the blues buck hunt which I haven't even started to research yet. Man, great problems to have and so unlike my average season. I am very fortunate to have banked a ton of vacation and have a hunter for a boss.
Post by: Brena.Hunter on August 24, 2017, 10:21:44 PM
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5509/
Post by: dave24 on August 30, 2017, 07:08:39 PM
Post by: Stein on September 05, 2017, 10:54:14 AM
I sincerely hope all residents are safe as well as the fire crews. My hunt means nothing compared to real problems many face.
Right now, I'm not planning any future scouting trips but have some open weekends if conditions improve. I'll spend time desk scouting trying to figure out where the elk will go - if anyone has any ideas I'm all ears. I don't think many people with the Peaches tag ever end up in 336, but that may be the place to start looking. If the 19 road is closed, there is going to be quite a pumpkin patch on the SE checkerboard of 346 as it is the only place left.
Post by: scudmaster on September 08, 2017, 11:20:42 PM
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Post by: Stein on October 03, 2017, 10:42:49 AM
On Sunday I went into a completely new area and found a backup spot that is great, but very well known. I ran into 4 muzzy hunters plus 2-3 groups of ORV riders. Hopefully the ORV activity lessens in the next few weeks with more snow and colder temps.
On Monday morning back into a different area I have been near before, I heard a single shot about 7 am and then two more at 9-10 when I was at my best spot, but nothing nearby. I actually found what looks to be a very promising spot that had zero boot or tire tracks going in. The fact that it wasn't hunted during the muzzy opener or frequented by ORV makes me smile, but on the down side, there were few signs of elk. I didn't get up in there until 9 am, so they could have come and gone or they may mosey into there in the next few weeks or be pushed over when the season opens.
I did find the motherload of deer spots on the top of a knob. There were fresh droppings on top of week old stuff on top of ancient stuff every 5-10'. There is a bit of overlap with the seasons, so I might be tempted to burn the buck tag I drew if I get sight of a nice mulie.
I had a chance at two grouse, one I passed as it was too close to where I wanted to glass and the other jumped down a steep ravine before I could figure out where my earplugs were.
Finally, I was high enough on Monday to see into the burn - man that is going to be a tag in 2-3 years. Imagine entire drainage after drainage of black pencils poking out of a white snowy landscape. It will be interesting to see what happens if they open it up before my season.
Overall, hunting pressure didn't seem very high, but there are 3 times the modern tags issued as muzzie. What really surprised me was the number of trailers coming west on 410 when I was heading east on Monday. I probably saw 10-15 hunters max.
I also just noticed that my opening weekend is the closing weekend for the general deer hunt, so that wasn't the best news around. Between the close of general deer and the opening of general elk is three scant days where there will only be 110 tags out there.
Wrapping everything up, I decided that I will absolutely shoot the first bull 5x5 or bigger.
So, overall a great trip. I have four solid spots plus another 1-2 if those go south.
Post by: hunterofelk on October 03, 2017, 11:23:29 AM
Post by: jstone on October 03, 2017, 11:35:21 AM
Post by: Stein on October 03, 2017, 12:35:15 PM
I didn't lay eyes on elk, but got close enough to smell one and followed a separate set of tracks up a different game trail to a steaming pile and let him go. I promised myself not to get excited or dejected if I saw a bunch or none as they will likely be in different spots in almost 3 weeks.
I also wasn't at any spotting locations until 9 am and off by 5, so I wasn't there during prime times.
Post by: rtspring on October 04, 2017, 06:37:29 PM
Post by: Stein on October 20, 2017, 04:48:41 AM
Deep thanks to all that provided a piece of the puzzle and good luck to the other 109 tag holders and everyone in the field this weekend.
Feel free to anyone to drop by, I will be in the Cabelas Bighorn tent and have the green Chevy with a maroon canopy.
Post by: scudmaster on October 26, 2017, 09:24:39 PM
Post by: Stein on October 28, 2017, 01:13:27 PM
Friday - I wanted to beat Hellevue traffic, so I left the castle at 4:45 am, breezed over the pass and stopped in Yakima for a few odds and ends. Rolled into camp about 10 am, set up the Bighorn, stove and gear and set off to cut wood. The woods were very wet, but with the thinning off 19, it wasn't exactly hard to get a good load. I put a new carb and chain on the saw and man did that make a difference.
The fire was going by 2 pm with light rain falling.
Post by: Stein on October 28, 2017, 01:22:12 PM
Just as I'm getting settled, the quad rips right above the cut and the bear scrambles into the thick. It wasn't a huge patch, so I watched and he never came out. No biggie, cool experience.
I decided that since I was up there I might as well walk around. I put a few more miles in and then turned around to notice a coyote in the middle of the trail looking at me. He apparently didn't like the looks of me unslinging my rifle and booked. I followed his tracks (loving snow hunting) for a bit then gave up the chase.
On my way back down, I ran across a second set of quad tracks and both riders just zooming all around at 10-15 mph not even stopping to glass. I guess they were either patrolling for undocumented individuals or trying to hit a deer with their quad? Never makes sense to me to rip around scaring all the game and then expecting to shoot one, but to each their own. I decided to let them have the area rather than confront or call it in, there are plenty of other areas and this one is already burned.
On the way out, I checked out spot 1B nearby and it had a quad camp as well. Both areas are clearly off limits to quads and here are these camps all set up with tracks going in and out. Not too stealthy, apparently enforcement isn't that great.
I cut another batch of wood and then set out for the PM scout. This was a spot hinted at by a fellow Hunt WA member, thanks! It ended up being a nice little spot, but no recent tracks or sign but plenty of stuff leftover from the rut.
Post by: Stein on October 28, 2017, 01:29:29 PM
The rain really started to pick up. Back at camp, I secured a few things and was ready to go out for the PM scout when the rain went from hard to crazy hard. I wasn't exactly in a low area, but with this kind of rain any slightest elevation change can mean trouble. Water started pooling at the rear of the tent which is where the stove and open part of the floor under the stove are.
I made a trench and berm around the back of the tent and figured that was that. Well, it wasn't. For the next few hours, I enlarged trenches, built up more berms and then started having to drain trenches. The rain kept falling, steadily heavy with no break.
By 9 pm, I had trenches in the front due to a nice pond forming above the tent door that I didn't want coming in.
By 10 pm, I had a full moat all around the tent that was filling with water every 20 minutes and then overflowing into the tent. I had a sled and one gallon bucket and took 40-60 gallons out every 20 minutes! I would go back in the tent, drenched and shivering around the stove until water started coming back in and then repeat. Every time I went out, it seemed to be worse until the point where I emptied the sled 4 times (about 120 gallons) and wasn't even keeping up.
Running out of options, I secured my stuff in the tent as high as I could, stoked the stove and went to bed.
Post by: Stein on October 28, 2017, 01:31:34 PM
I cut another small batch of wood and then headed out to check another dandy spot. I took the long way in and crept through some pretty elky looking timber but didn't scratch up any elk or deer. The spot was truly beautiful, but again no sign fresher than a week or so.
I worked my way back out and walked right by a game cam, gave a wave and made my way back to the truck.
Post by: Stein on October 28, 2017, 01:40:03 PM
I was really amazed at how few hunters were around. Deer was still open and more people have left than arrived since I set camp. Except spots 1A and B, I pretty much could hunt wherever I wanted without any competition.
I awoke early, drove, parked and started my pre-dawn hike in. It was an easy mile or so to the end of the trail and then through some reprod to my spot. Unfortunately, no elk joined me to witness the awesome sunrise but a coyote was right in the middle of the area. We watched each other for a bit and then he jogged off. I waited for an hour and then still hunted around the area not finding any new sign.
I spent the middle part of the day scouting for additional spots and covering areas I haven't been in yet. My map was starting to get pretty marked up with additional spots as well as areas checked off.
I hiked a promising looking road that turned out to be not noteworthy at all.
I honed my satellite image scouting skills and found a better spot to hike to. This spot turned out to be the first "Elk Park" of the trip, an area too small and broken to be a meadow, but open enough for grass to grow and have several linked areas in the same general spot. Tons of sign all over and I walked a good four miles through and around the area without finding any living proof. It was worthy of a future look, so it went on the list.
On the way back to camp, I drove two new roads, found a large camp just on the other side of a locked gate situated so you would literally have to walk between a few tents to get into the area. Not my style at all, so I left it to those type of hunters to enjoy.
I also hit some really steep and deep area with a few hunters that were using multiple spotters on adjacent ridgelines. There was no way to hunt this solo, so I had a quick chat and back to camp for the night.
Post by: Stein on October 28, 2017, 01:47:11 PM
I was now in pretty good rhythm, up early to check a promising pre-scouted spot, spend the middle of the day lining up new spots and then setting up for the evening hunt.
I ended up seeing 5-7 elk in a nice meadow, but couldn't get an accurate count or look for bulls until there was more light. I made what ended up being a not so great move and they were gone by the time daylight arrived. I still hunted, but the snow was long gone and I couldn't determine which way they went to bed.
I checked the Elk Park, but no new sign from overnight so I crossed that one off the list at least for now.
I also checked Elk Park 2, nothing fresh there and struck out at another promising spot.
In the early afternoon, I found a great glassing spot, but to get to what I was looking at would take a 4 mile mostly uphill hike just to get to the hunting area. I had lunch and glassed and only turned up a couple of mulies.
I drove a bit further in, parked and then hiked into what would become Trump Park - it was "uuge" and bigger than all the others, thus the name. Sign everywhere and the largest elk track I have seen. I could easily fit all four of my fingers inside the track and I'm 6'4" and wear 2XL gloves. It was a tricky spot that I just lucked into and was pretty sure it didn't get much if any pressure, maybe not even touched during muzzy or archery season.
I had just enough time to head back into town for gas, laundry and a few nice to have items before rushing back to set up my lone game cam in the meadow I saw elk that morning. I was pretty pumped as I had two spots with elk in them for the next day.
Post by: Stein on October 28, 2017, 01:53:31 PM
Usual routine, I was parked one mile outside of Trump Park well before daylight and snuck in, arriving just at shooting light. I hunkered down for 10 minutes and after not hearing anything snuck through and around the area using the wind in my favor. Nada? Plenty of new sign including multiple sets of beds clearly outlined in the frosted ground. One area had a group of 6, then a group of three and several lone beds that were noticeably bigger, but nothing living. I found the exit trail and followed in through two other mini-spots for about 2 miles and only scratched up a deer. I followed another trail up and over Trump Park to another nice park where I found a fresh set of the Big Boy's tracks.
I went back to the meadow with the cam, found no sign of elk in the meadow or cam and then back to Trump to set the cam on the bedding area. I spent a half hour arguing with myself whether I should set the cam on the bedding area or on one of the trails Biggie had used. In the end, I went with the odds and hoped to see a bull in the bedding area.
I crept out and spent the rest of the day looking over old and new spots, nothing really exciting was found.
Then, the invasion started. All day, rig after rig rolled in and camps were popping up everywhere. I knew it was going to get busy for the Saturday general opener, but I didn't realize that Wed am was the last I was going to have the woods to myself.
I made a set on Trump for the evening and was treated to a cow coming in to about 30 yards, munching a bit and then wandering out. I waited a few minutes to make sure a bull wasn't following and then stalked through the area she went to trying to make something happen. No luck, but another amazing sunset to end a great day.
Post by: Stein on October 28, 2017, 02:01:46 PM
I decided to set up on a new meadow with fresh sign for a few minutes and give the cam time in the daylight at Trump to see if they were maybe coming in later.
I had the meadow to myself until one minute before shooting when a group scouting for the opener piled out. They were actively moving through the area with near nonstop crow calling at each other at about 95 dB. No elk were in the meadow or surrounding area, and I was tired of hearing the calling so I headed to Trump.
After stalking around with the wind, I looped back and picked up the cam. Plenty of elk on the cam this time, but they all came in about an hour after shooting light, fed, bedded and bugged out promptly at 5 am.
I hit two more spots on the way back to camp, no luck. Although I had seen and learned a ton, I had spent a week at it and work was starting to pile up along with family obligations. I pulled camp and made the drive home. The main factor driving the decision was that I didn't have any good spots left to try and nearly everything that held some promise was now getting hit twice a day by the general crowd.
I'm trying to make a second hunt work for the closing weekend, but I'm not sure I can get the time off and need to figure out either some new spots or try my old spots now they have been pushed around all week and hopefully aided with some snow.
I had an amazing trip, loved every minute except the deluge and saw some amazing sights. Maybe I'll get back, if not I still have a good buck tag to pursue. I would love to put a bunch of elk meat up, my kids really dig the stuff. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to pull it off yet, season isn't over.
Post by: Mark Brenckle on October 28, 2017, 04:44:03 PM