Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: bighorn1 on June 16, 2017, 04:59:33 PM

Title: Normandy pass
Post by: bighorn1 on June 16, 2017, 04:59:33 PM: Anyone familiar with this unit a friend and his son drew permits for this GMU. I have never been in this unit just wondered if anyone new anything about it.
Title: Re: Normandy pass
Post by: elkontherun on June 16, 2017, 06:18:09 PM: If you are talking about norway pass i also drew one of the rifle tags for there. I live fairly close to the unit so scouting will be convenient. From the research ive done sounds like there are quite a few elk in there they just are hard to get to. Requires a bit of hiking to get into the good hunting.
Title: Re: Normandy pass
Post by: bighorn1 on June 16, 2017, 06:27:14 PM: My friend and his son drew modern for there a friend told them to put in for that because they like to hike. Is that up close to the top.
Title: Re: Normandy pass
Post by: Ghost Hunter on June 16, 2017, 07:13:24 PM: Got yourself a good hunt there. Hoping to get another run at it myself before the body says I can't.
Title: Re: Normandy pass
Post by: CARBON_FLINGER on June 16, 2017, 07:33:49 PM: Normandy pass :lol4:
Title: Re: Normandy pass
Post by: Shawn Ryan on June 16, 2017, 08:19:02 PM: If you plan to pack in, reserve your camp sites now. Regulations prohibit camping other than at designated spots with a permit. Some of the best areas are a bit off the road/monument edge, so camping up near the top will get you on more elk.
Title: Re: Normandy pass
Post by: Ghost Hunter on June 16, 2017, 09:03:03 PM: Be careful packing off in the dark. Been there done that.
Title: Re: Normandy pass
Post by: Bullkllr on June 16, 2017, 09:11:34 PM: Quote from: bighorn1 on June 16, 2017, 06:27:14 PM
My friend and his son drew modern for there a friend told them to put in for that because they like to hike. Is that up close to the top.

Not really. More like far Northeast flank. It's all hike in in the old blowdown area, most of which is monument. Cool tag, they'll enjoy it.
Title: Re: Normandy pass
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on June 16, 2017, 10:16:58 PM: I am familiar with the unit, which rifle tag did they get. Quality or bull? I ask because weather is a significant factor once October rolls around, reserving camp sites gets a hit easier as well.

The unit itself is pretty straightforward, its beautiful country, pretty steep in spots, but not what I describe as "big". The majority of the unit can be glassed from a trail. And getting meat to the trail is certainly the toughest part IMO. There is some sections of rugged ground so use caution in those, and be choosy about where they die if its in the cards. This is an awesome hunt for first time "backcountry" hunt. Finding elk shouldn't be to hard, but do some homework and be prepared as they will get moved around.

Weather is a game changer, slide alder and and rocks that is just a pita when its dry and warm, turn downright treacherous in a hurry once the rain and snow fly. Be prepared, while not what I consider hardcore backcountry, its no joke in inclement weather. Also I have seen fog be an issue which really sucks. If looking for the best the country has to offer, be prepared to stay up there a couple nights and pray for nice weather.
Last year I was able to assist a father and 2 son team, it was their first backcountry experience and his first bull at 65. It was an October hunt and the kickoff storm to our epic winter. Honestly I was concerned, but having a idea.of where elk were from prior scouting, I concealed my doubts and we loaded up with raingear and wool,l. After a almost 2 hour walk in the dark, a couple bugles, waiting for fog to lift and seeing 5 bulls. 45 minutes after daybreak the gentleman was standing over a beautiful 5x5 and you couldnt have paid me enough to miss that moment with him and his sons. Good luck to them.