Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: Devenk89 on September 04, 2019, 07:09:12 PM
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Hey all, long time reader first time poster. Lots of good info to be found here.
Sorry for the long post but I was looking for a few pointers as this will be my first time doing this hunt.
I'm still a bit undecided, but I plan on either hunting the Alpine Lakes or Lake Chelan area. I know there were a lot of fires around lake Chelan last year, will that affect hunting a lot?
My main question is a gear question. I plan to hike in 5-7 miles then get off trail a bit to get away from people, which should put me at 5,000-6,000 feet. I know this is kind of a vague question, but what sort of low temperatures should I expect at night? I'm trying to decide on my sleep system/shelter. I plan on using the below:
BCO 10x10 tarp
EE Recon Bivy
Thermarest Xtherm sleeping pad
50 degree marmot micron bag... maybe, unless I would freeze to death?
Also wondering if I should bring my spotting scope and binoculars or just one?
thanks guys!
-Deven
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Last year was a 180 from the previous year. Snowed on us a couple days and rained a few days too. It was cold and I was glad I had my 10* bag.
I regretted not bringing my spotter. This year I will have it.
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Do you have a warmer sleeping bag?
I would prefer a bag rated for 10 or 20 for this time of year that high. Even if the forecast is for higher temperatures, I wouldn't trust it.
If you don't have a warmer one and don't want to purchase, consider getting one of the Costco down throws. You can tuck it in your bag for extra warmth if needed.
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Spotter and binoculars. I would expect night time temperatures into the 30s maybe 20s. A bivy and tarp will be ok if the weather is fair but if it’s looking nasty you may want more of a shelter imo.
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A Warmer sleeping bag for sure, I’m still trying to decide on bringing my spotter is worth the weight or not also.
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Thanks for all the advice.
I do have another bag, it's just much bulkier/heavier but it sounds like I should definitely take it. I do have a down jacket I can sleep in if I need to, but I prefer not too, so it sounds like I'm bringing the heavy bag!
I don't mind sleeping under the tarp and its big enough that I can all but close it in so I'll probably just stick with it.
As for optics, I'll have to pack my bag with the heavier bag and see if I have room for my spotter and Tripod. I have two Vortex Razor spotters, the 50mm and the 65mm spotter, I'm going to try and bring the 65mm.
Deven
Any other tips/bits of wisdom for this hunt?
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I've experienced anything between 20's to 50's at night, but usually plan for 30's. You would regret bringing a 50 degree bag.
Try the NOAA National Weather Service website for forecasts at certain elevations: https://www.weather.gov/
Expect this hunt to be a hike with a gun. Success rates are very low. You will see other hunters, even off the trail. Try to soak it in, a day in the mountains is better than a day at work.
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I've experienced anything between 20's to 50's at night, but usually plan for 30's. You would regret bringing a 50 degree bag.
Try the NOAA National Weather Service website for forecasts at certain elevations: https://www.weather.gov/
Expect this hunt to be a hike with a gun. Success rates are very low. You will see other hunters, even off the trail. Try to soak it in, a day in the mountains is better than a day at work.
Awesome thanks for the link. And agreed, I'll enjoy just being out in the woods
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Hey all, long time reader first time poster. Lots of good info to be found here.
Sorry for the long post but I was looking for a few pointers as this will be my first time doing this hunt.
I'm still a bit undecided, but I plan on either hunting the Alpine Lakes or Lake Chelan area. I know there were a lot of fires around lake Chelan last year, will that affect hunting a lot?
My main question is a gear question. I plan to hike in 5-7 miles then get off trail a bit to get away from people, which should put me at 5,000-6,000 feet. I know this is kind of a vague question, but what sort of low temperatures should I expect at night? I'm trying to decide on my sleep system/shelter. I plan on using the below:
BCO 10x10 tarp
EE Recon Bivy
Thermarest Xtherm sleeping pad
50 degree marmot micron bag... maybe, unless I would freeze to death?
Also wondering if I should bring my spotting scope and binoculars or just one?
thanks guys!
-Deven
@addicted
He has a good list.
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I prefer a 20 deg bag this time of year.
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Mark you are turning into a candy
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on the many years I went on the high hunt I would pick a bag that was rated to +20 and also a tent to resist rain/wet snow/and or "slop". As a side note a friend of mine was on a hunt back in the Entiat and had 2 feet of snow dropped on him once. Had to hike out in all that. Some years are nice, some years are not. Had 6 inches of rain dropped on me one day years ago.
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I think this was 9/21/17. Might have been the 28th. 5k’ ish.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190906/dd3e1b5d2726bd7238a21faaed14e870.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190906/953f14c6d320fd7b5dd81c26e0038a78.jpg)
Would have had a really hard time in a summer temp rated sleeping bag that weekend.
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A 50 degree bag for the highcountry in the Fall is a non-starter. I'd recommend a 15-20 degree bag, preferably synthetic if you're running a tarp and bivy. Unless it's treated, down has a tendency to soak up internal condensation related moisture and it's loft and insulative qualities can be rapidly diminished in just one or two nights. We've been stuck in our shelters for a few days on end waiting for a storm to lift.
Expect a wide range of temps, winds, rain and snow. We've hiked in wearing shorts and lightweight t-shirts in blazing hot temps only to have a storm blow in with massive winds, cold temps and snow the next evening. The wind-chill was easily down in the low teens. Depending on where you'll be, you should expect and plan for a lot of wind driven rain and/or foggy, blowing spindrift which will get you just as wet under a tarp. Moral of the story is you need to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature is going to throw at you.
Good luck and be safe out there.
Allen
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Thank you gentleman, I have since acquired a 20 degree quilt that I will be using.
I think I'll have my gear together in the next day or so, I'll probably post what I've got to see if I'm missing anything.
thanks again
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Something to keep in mind about sleeping bag temperature ratings is that they don't mean they'll keep you warm & comfortable to that temperature. It means you won't freeze to death at that temperature. You might be plenty cold, though. Your 20 degree quilt is a good choice.
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Every year I struggle with the idea of taking my spotter too or just the binos. FWIW, I have yet to regret bringing the spotter. APW and Chelan areas are BIG country, and you'll likely be glad for the extra reach of the spotter when you're deciding if the deer on the next ridge is worth going after.
If you're not on top of the detailed weather forecasts, take the 20° bag. With that and extra clothes (do NOT forget your beanie/toque if you use a quilt. I did that once and it suuuuccckss) you'll survive anything you're likely to encounter on the high hunt. But if the weather is hot, that 50° might be nice.
Like HikerHunter said, check weather.gov, and use the map tool to select the exact area you'll be in. It's going to be an interpolated forecast, but the NOAA forecasts are top class and quite reliable. Watch the 3-day forecast, and ignore everything else. In late September in the mountains, the extended forecast is nearly useless.
And carry a GPS beacon (Spot, inReach, etc.)!
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Go Light as you can with 10 degree sleeping bag, lightweight tent, and pad(lightweight costs money, but worth it to me). Clothes can help with insulation from cold. I use 10x42 Swar EL rangefinders and go with them only, when hunting solo. I can tell with 10X if I want to pursue or not.... if guiding and hunting for inches extra weight of spotting scope with me every time. We each have our own style and recommendations.... I have hunted and guided all over Northwest, and above plan works for me.
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Definitely glad that I got the 20 degree quilt, I'll sleep much better, and I'll be sure to bring my Merino beanie.
I'm leaning more towards going to Chelan, the harvest numbers look better and I think it wont be as busy, but how will last years fires effect it?
Only about a week to go, pretty excited!!
Also, for optics I think I'll bring my Steiner Predator 10x42 Binos, and My Vortex Razor 16-48 x 65 Spotting scope.
Deven
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your spotting scope will be extra weight. jmho
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your spotting scope will be extra weight. jmho
Quite Possibly, I'm going to load my pack up with and without it and see if I think it's worth it.
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I personally think it’s always worth having a spotter if you’re hunting open country or near or above tree line. Let your glass do the work. Save your legs for the moment of truth. I’d hate to find a large framed buck through the Bino’s and walk a bunch to get close enough only to find out he’s a big 2 point or something like that. Your spotter would save you a bunch of time and energy when you could be glassing for more.
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10x binoculars should be more than good enough. If a bigger spotter is needed to see if the deer has a third point it may be legal but it's a small deer.
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your spotting scope will be extra weight. jmho
the extra weight of the spotter has been and always will be ok with me. I would rather have it than clothes! :chuckle:
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10x binoculars should be more than good enough. If a bigger spotter is needed to see if the deer has a third point it may be legal but it's a small deer.
Personal preference honestly. I’m not looking to shoot a buck that’s just legal. Nothing wrong with it, just not where I’m looking to be. When I’m glassing deer that are really far away, my 10x bino’s don’t help me decide if it’s something I want to go after when it might take 6 hours to get to him.
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I’m taking my BTX95 to Region G on Friday...
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I’m taking my BTX95 to Region G on Friday...
ok now your bragging. I hope I don’t run into you on another hunt. The last time it cost me over 3k. I would hate to look through that crappy glass! :chuckle:
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First year me and my kid did this hunt i spotted 2 huge deer about 1500 yards out. They bedded down in the buck brush couldn't tell through my 10x50 bones if they were legal. Took us 3 and a half hours and finally got 50 yards away and waited another 40 mins before they showed themselves. Twin brothers huge forks no eye guards. Used up alot of energy and time for nada. The next year they were 4x4's and my son missed his first shot at a buck just over his back and scoped himself in the process. Sure messed up his follow up shot.
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By the way I'll never hunt the treeline without a spotting scope again. I spot 3x's the number of bucks I used too and will never crawl through buck brush again after a non shooter.
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By the way I'll never hunt the treeline without a spotting scope again. I spot 3x's the number of bucks I used too and will never crawl through buck brush again after a non shooter.
A spotter may keep you out of the rock slides too. Hate for you to dirty another pair of shorts..lol
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Got everything packed up today and will definitely be bringing my spotter. Looks like we'll be in for some rain but no snow unfortunately. Just glad its not going to be hot! 6 days till go time.
Also, does my vehicle access pass I got with my hunting license a substitute for a forest pass? I have a discover pass but not a forest pass.
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Your WDFW pass is only for WDFW lands and your Discover pass is only for state land (WDFW, State Parks, and DNR.) The forest pass you need is for federal land (National Forest.)
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The forest pass is for designated parking areas at trailheads. I don't think it is required for land access. Often times you can park just outside of the pay area and walk an extra 20 feet or so.
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Also, does my vehicle access pass I got with my hunting license a substitute for a forest pass? I have a discover pass but not a forest pass.
What area will you be hunting?
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Your WDFW pass is only for WDFW lands and your Discover pass is only for state land (WDFW, State Parks, and DNR.) The forest pass you need is for federal land (National Forest.)
This is the secret hidden gem tip in this thread - when I park at those spots, almost nobody has the right pass.
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I have a wonderful sleeping pad (https://www.rei.com/product/120235/sea-to-summit-comfort-plus-si-sleeping-pad) but it's almost two pounds. Any recommendations for something moderately comfy, light, and packable?
Ideally not-inflatable, I don't want to bother with punctures.
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Comfy, light, packable, and puncture-proof doesn't exist (unfortunately).
I have a S2S ultralight insulated air pad. It's a good mix of comfy and light and warm, and I've had great luck so far with the durability of S2S pads.
I've encountered plenty of holes in self-inflating pads, so it's not like you're going to avoid that risk unless you go to closed-cell, which is the opposite of comfy.
My :twocents:, there's no perfect pad on the market yet. Thermarest NeoAir/Xterm, S2S ultralight pads, Nemo Tensor, and Big Agnes Axl insulated are all great options. Klymit makes some good ones too.
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This is the secret hidden gem tip in this thread - when I park at those spots, almost nobody has the right pass.
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Found that out with a 5 dollar warning/fine on my scouting trip
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Is a 4 pound spotter crazy or worth the weight?? (Not including Tripod) it’s a vortex hd if that helps
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For me it would depend on where and how you are hunting. If you are going to be glassing from mountain to mountain then it likely be worth it. If you will be hunting/glassing only along the same ridge that you are on and not looking for animals that are more than 1000-1500 yards away then I don't think it is worth the weight.
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My other option is a 2lb vortex 20-60 non hd trying to figure out if it’s worth the extra 2lbs or if I should just leave it all home and stick with Binos only (glacier peak area)
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I have a hard enough time sitting for long periods anyway so I always feel like the extra weight isn’t worth it
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The best advice I can give is to bring both on a scouting trip and see what you can ID with the better scope that you'd can't ID with the lighter one.
Be sure to try it in different lighting situations, as the lighter scope is likely to perform great in ideal light, but I bet you that 4 pounder will have an edge into the sun and in low light.
Whatever the difference turns out to be, you're on your own deciding if it's worth 2lbs for you :chuckle:
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Once you carry a spotting scope on a high hunt and come back whining about your pack weight you may think things about spotting scopes. I know one time I toted in an old style transistor radio that took 8-12 D batteries as I wanted to listen to the UW-BYU football game. Later on upon reflection I wasn't happy with how the game went for UW, nor did I ever want to carry a radio again.
If I still went on the high hunt I'd be happy with a pair of good binos and upon spotting a good deer, hiking closer for better evaluation. Binos will let you know how good a deer is at 800 yards.
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Your WDFW pass is only for WDFW lands and your Discover pass is only for state land (WDFW, State Parks, and DNR.) The forest pass you need is for federal land (National Forest.)
This is the secret hidden gem tip in this thread - when I park at those spots, almost nobody has the right pass.
Or for an extra $30 a year you can pony up the money for a forest pass that helps fund the trails and roads that you will be using to access whatever wilderness area you hunt, hike, fish, bike, pick mushrooms, take pretty pictures, etc.
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Once you carry a spotting scope on a high hunt and come back whining about your pack weight you may think things about spotting scopes. I know one time I toted in an old style transistor radio that took 8-12 D batteries as I wanted to listen to the UW-BYU football game. Later on upon reflection I wasn't happy with how the game went for UW, nor did I ever want to carry a radio again.
If I still went on the high hunt I'd be happy with a pair of good binos and upon spotting a good deer, hiking closer for better evaluation. Binos will let you know how good a deer is at 800 yards.
Thank you for the input… This is what I’m hoping to hear LOL it will lighten my pack! I could care less about inches but I’m not going to shoot a dink in the high country either, it would have to be a mature four-point or something interesting
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I’m taking my BTX95 to Region G on Friday...
ok now your bragging. I hope I don’t run into you on another hunt. The last time it cost me over 3k. I would hate to look through that crappy glass! :chuckle:
For real!!! He’s Prob cost me double that the past few years, love hunting with him hate looking into his gear bag 🤬
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Skip the spotter, but bring your tripod and binos with an adaptor so you can secure them, pan, etc. Glassing off the tripod is a useful compromise: I am always amazed how well I can pick out obscured/bedded deer with just 10x magnification once the binos are on a solid platform.
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I could care less about inches but I’m not going to shoot a dink in the high country either, it would have to be a mature four-point or something interesting
If you find a legal "dink" pm me the location, k? :chuckle:
More seriously, leave the spotter behind if you want a lighter load, but don't leave the tripod. Binos + tripod is non-negotiable for me. You'll see 100x more stuff with the tripod than without.
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I could care less about inches but I’m not going to shoot a dink in the high country either, it would have to be a mature four-point or something interesting
If you find a legal "dink" pm me the location, k? :chuckle:
More seriously, leave the spotter behind if you want a lighter load, but don't leave the tripod. Binos + tripod is non-negotiable for me. You'll see 100x more stuff with the tripod than without.
Lol I am far from a trophy hunter but I am not planning on packing a basket rack 3 pt out 7 miles! (Will see if I can stick to that if time comes).... can’t eat the horns so I make no promisise of a 2x3 stand in front of me!
I think you guys have me convinced to just go tripod and binos but now to find a mount locally...
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Skip the spotter, but bring your tripod and binos with an adaptor so you can secure them, pan, etc. Glassing off the tripod is a useful compromise: I am always amazed how well I can pick out obscured/bedded deer with just 10x magnification once the binos are on a solid platform.
:yeah: I agree 100% if you are worried about weight and have to choose I would bring a compact tripod and a Bino adapter. I was amazed when I started putting my bino's on a tripod and an adapter. once you do this will always be a part of every trip and you will spot more than without the tripod. I have a pair of Swaro 15-56's on the want list and this would be great in place of a spotter when trying to go lite.
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Once you carry a spotting scope on a high hunt and come back whining about your pack weight you may think things about spotting scopes. I know one time I toted in an old style transistor radio that took 8-12 D batteries as I wanted to listen to the UW-BYU football game. Later on upon reflection I wasn't happy with how the game went for UW, nor did I ever want to carry a radio again.
If I still went on the high hunt I'd be happy with a pair of good binos and upon spotting a good deer, hiking closer for better evaluation. Binos will let you know how good a deer is at 800 yards.
Was that the one when Jake Locker got flagged for celebration for mildly spiking the ball in? If so, I remember that game. Terrible.
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I’m going to bring my 10-42’s and my 15-56’s and the tripod this next trip I think. Gonna leave the spotter at home. We’ll see how that feels. Hopefully I don’t feel like I went to school without my pants on.
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Google "Mountain forecast" and pick the nearest mountain peak to your hunt. You can select the elevation you want as well. Most accurate forecast for the backcountry, bar none.
You won't regret having a spotter, although it's not looking like Sunday/Monday will be particularly conducive for long range glassing.
Have fun and enjoy the suck.
Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk
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Just checked the forecast. Probably gonna wait to go out till Monday. Rain sucks
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Rain is a good thing
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I’m going to bring my 10-42’s and my 15-56’s and the tripod this next trip I think. Gonna leave the spotter at home. We’ll see how that feels. Hopefully I don’t feel like I went to school without my pants on.
I like this idea. I've always brought in just my 10X42's and this year I went with the 12X50's. They are a little heavier but this will be interesting since I've hunted 10X42's for over 20 years now.
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Rain is a good thing
:yeah:
Less hunters, and the deer couldn't care less. Glassing can be harder though...
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Roger that, way rather have the rain than the heat! I just hope it's clear enough to glass.
For you guys complaining about weight, Buy my Vortex Razor 11-33x50mm spotting scope for $500, it weighs nothing! I'll be taking my 65mm Razor with me.