Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: SI Eagle on June 11, 2020, 07:27:06 PM

Title: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: SI Eagle on June 11, 2020, 07:27:06 PM: After 23 years I finally drew a quality bull tag. Started putting in my 20's and now in my 50's. Probably that last time I will put in for quality elk since I'll probably be dead before I draw again. With that said I may or may not be hunting alone or have help. Would love to know what to expect, if there is a packer (not a guide, just a packer) available near the unit, etc etc etc. Any help, advice, information would be greatly appreciated. I've waited a long time and want to make the best of it. And yes I know I need to be in shape. Personally, I have never hunted the unit and would love to hear from someone who has or been on the hunt with anyone else. Only five permits where given out so I doubt it would be an infringement on someone's honey hole. Again, just looking for any and all information I can get and I will follow up on it. Thank you for your time. It's been a long wait and I hope to do the tag justice. I have killed a good deal of elk but never had the opportunity to hunt for a big bull. Not looking for the biggest bull in the unit (although I'd take it) but would like a good representation of what's in the unit. Thanks again
Updated, it's the modern rifle tag.
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag
Post by: WildBear on June 11, 2020, 07:52:10 PM: Wish I had info for ya. Just best wishes for a fantastic hunt!! Enjoy the process and preparation for a hunt like this. Enjoy and congrats!
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag
Post by: High Climber on June 11, 2020, 08:00:01 PM: Quote from: SI Eagle on June 11, 2020, 07:27:06 PM
After 23 years I finally drew a quality bull tag. Started putting in my 20's and now in my 50's. Probably that last time I will put in for quality elk since I'll probably be dead before I draw again. With that said I may or may not be hunting alone or have help. Would love to know what to expect, if there is a packer (not a guide, just a packer) available near the unit, etc etc etc. Any help, advice, information would be greatly appreciated. I've waited a long time and want to make the best of it. And yes I know I need to be in shape. Personally, I have never hunted the unit and would love to hear from someone who has or been on the hunt with anyone else. Only five permits where given out so I doubt it would be an infringement on someone's honey hole. Again, just looking for any and all information I can get and I will follow up on it. Thank you for your time. It's been a long wait and I hope to do the tag justice. I have killed a good deal of elk but never had the opportunity to hunt for a big bull. Not looking for the biggest bull in the unit (although I'd take it) but would like a good representation of what's in the unit. Thanks again.
Good luck to you! which weapon?
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag
Post by: LuckyDog on June 11, 2020, 08:19:17 PM: Curious about your weapon type too. My brother and I drew this unit for an archery tag in 2011 and did well. Can't speak to any changes since that time but happy to share what we learned through that season anyway.
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag
Post by: SI Eagle on June 11, 2020, 08:19:48 PM: Sorry, rifle tag
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: LuckyDog on June 11, 2020, 08:54:51 PM: P.M. sent
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: CackleBird98 on June 11, 2020, 08:57:07 PM: Pm sent, you took my tag! :chuckle: :dunno:. Oh well, im not too mad, got drawn in bull elk, bethel rifle
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag
Post by: MtnMuley on June 11, 2020, 10:56:36 PM: Quote from: LuckyDog on June 11, 2020, 08:19:17 PM
Curious about your weapon type too. My brother and I drew this unit for an archery tag in 2011 and did well. Can't speak to any changes since that time but happy to share what we learned through that season anyway.

Major changes from 11 til now. Wolves and elk numbers not even in the ball park of 2011.
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: deadyote on June 11, 2020, 11:05:09 PM: Was just in there for spring bear and seen tons of bulls and some dandys. Get a hold of Mtncook, Dave waldron western life outfitters, he'll pack your meat for you and is a really good dude. If you want some intel, shoot me a PM and I'll get you some areas where I've seen some studs. Not going to be easy, but loads of fun if your in good shape.
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: Magnum_Willys on June 12, 2020, 05:09:07 AM: Saw 15 bulls in 2016 all 6 pt or better pre-wolf. All hung 2/3 or more towards canyon botttom. All 1100 yards out and tough to get close to. They smell you at 900 yards . I would be ready to shoot 700 yards.

The packer we had lined up bailed on us and it took us 4 trips - 11 miles each trip - to get meat and cape out.

Epic hunt.
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: jeffitz on June 12, 2020, 08:18:30 AM: Definitely call Dave at Western Life Outfitters in Pomeroy- great guy.
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: LDennis24 on June 12, 2020, 09:43:17 AM: Last fall I was on a ridge with alot of scrapes and bulls hanging around. Not far off the road even. I'll gather some info and send it your way. :tup:
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: BRGS on June 12, 2020, 03:03:02 PM: Good luck on this hunt its a great tag. I grew up hunting this unit and it has changed in the last several years, but still a good number of bulls. I drew the Muzzy tag last year and spent a lot of time up there and did see several good bulls over 360. I will PM you and let you know what I know. Take your own advise and get in shape and as others have said be prepared to possibly take a longer shot. Happy for ya.
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: guygp on June 12, 2020, 04:10:19 PM: Hi guys. I have also drawn a West Wenaha modern Quality Bull tag this year (2020). I used 20 points and am now 61. I've killed many bulls but none over about 300, so I'm looking for that lifetime trophy, if that is possible. I would like to learn about the area, having never been there, from you locals and hunters that have been there, and also interested in contact with my fellow tag holders. I may be hunting alone as my father and his horses are now too old.
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: jstone on June 12, 2020, 04:20:59 PM: Tagging along for the ride
Good luck what are the dates for the quality rifle tag?
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: LDennis24 on June 12, 2020, 05:24:49 PM: Hey guygp, welcome to the site! I will help you out if I can.
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: guygp on June 13, 2020, 09:52:41 AM: Dates are October 26-Nov 8. Don't the spike hunters start Nov 1st? Will there be a lot of hunters when that happens?
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: SI Eagle on June 13, 2020, 09:49:00 PM: Thanks for the info fellas. I've been out of town and I will be in touch soon.
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: Maverick on June 14, 2020, 08:09:18 AM: Since you've never hunted it the first thing you need to do is drive up and look what you've gotten yourself into 😂 I hope the snowstorms dont hit like last year. I know of few people hunting up there that had trouble find the elk in the snow. And the timing in it was even worse. Get in the best shape of your life for this hunt.

Pretty sure you cant hire a guide for wenaha west. I think you can still have dave from pomeroy pack you in to a drop tent.
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: rosscrazyelk on June 14, 2020, 08:42:43 AM: Contact mtncook on here. He is an outfitter but he will pack you in as well I believe.
Good luck I will be following
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: Mr Mykiss on June 14, 2020, 01:15:57 PM: Quote from: jeffitz on June 12, 2020, 08:18:30 AM
Definitely call Dave at Western Life Outfitters in Pomeroy- great guy.
800 to pack your bull out...2019 prices.
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: Maverick on June 14, 2020, 02:15:28 PM: Quote from: Mr Mykiss on June 14, 2020, 01:15:57 PM
Quote from: jeffitz on June 12, 2020, 08:18:30 AM
Definitely call Dave at Western Life Outfitters in Pomeroy- great guy.
800 to pack your bull out...2019 prices.

:yike: I guess if you think about them getting up there to get it, time in the hole, raising horses all year, and heading home that's not too bad of price though. Get a buddy with horses that loves to pack out elk and he'll do it for free. I'm already booked for that season though ;)
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: gotcha on June 15, 2020, 04:16:52 PM: Fog during this hunt is your enemy and a big challenge. Good glass will be your friend as bulls transition into the winter. It's a small unit with alot of good glassing spots. Learn those spots and you will do just fine. Have fun its beautiful country. I have a bull in the 360s for 2016 in there.
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: Buckhunter24 on June 15, 2020, 04:22:37 PM: 800 sounds like a smoking deal, but I've never hired a packer. After the costs of running the business plus his time, it sure seems like a good deal.
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: trophyhunt on June 15, 2020, 04:27:26 PM: 800 is expensive, unless it's in the blues, then its good! :chuckle: Congrats on the tags, hope for good weather. Go look up past the ski resort on the watershed w wenaha boundry, look south, nice area.
Title: Re: West Wenaha Quality Bull Tag - Modern Rifle
Post by: Nape6.5 on June 16, 2020, 09:54:30 PM: I had the tag in 2016 shot a smallish 6x6 that I am happy with. It’s on YouTube look up MrNape84

If you have onXhunt I can drop you some pins if you pm me your number.

Having a friends walking parallel ridges is probably the best way to find success. :twocents: