Post by: Sakko300wsm on June 15, 2022, 09:05:32 AM
Post by: stew pidasso on June 15, 2022, 09:16:05 AM
Post by: Sakko300wsm on June 15, 2022, 11:28:36 AM
Nice dude
Thanks! pretty stoked with this one - gonna be tricky with Montana also , but I will figure it out
Post by: Wingin it on June 15, 2022, 12:53:25 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on June 15, 2022, 02:07:18 PM
Post by: Sakko300wsm on June 15, 2022, 02:59:44 PM
Congrats. It's a great tag, enjoy your hunt!
Thanx 7mm - hoping to spend the whole time up there for the most part. Have hunted the hell out of it during regular season for yrs , first time having a late tag
Post by: Buckjunkie on June 15, 2022, 03:33:31 PM
Drew the Chewuch late tag! Can't wait for this hunt. Guess I won't be needing this yrs Deer multi season tag and going to be weird not hunting wa in October this yr.
You can still hunt the general, just don’t shoot anything unless you would shoot it on the late tag.
Post by: Sakko300wsm on June 15, 2022, 03:50:43 PM
Drew the Chewuch late tag! Can't wait for this hunt. Guess I won't be needing this yrs Deer multi season tag and going to be weird not hunting wa in October this yr.
You can still hunt the general, just don’t shoot anything unless you would shoot it on the late tag.
Oh ya - I probably will a bit. We did get a masher a couple yrs during regular, but really looking forward to hunting on the late tag
Post by: wilywin on June 18, 2022, 08:21:53 PM
Post by: Skillet on June 18, 2022, 08:30:47 PM
Great tag, excited to see what you come up with this November. Good luck!
Post by: Sakko300wsm on June 19, 2022, 09:52:18 AM
I was lucky enuff to draw it a couple years ago. Great tag. CONGRATS!!
How was your hunt? I hunt it every year and have had great success during regular- have not ever been there for the late season
Post by: MADMAX on June 19, 2022, 10:05:14 AM
He passed on a half dozen solid bucks looking for one to his liking
Know your public vs private boundaries and you’ll do fine
We were in on (spotting) or watched on about 6 tag holders fill there’s
It was a blast
Post by: Sakko300wsm on June 19, 2022, 10:10:29 AM
One of my buddies had the tag last year
He passed on a half dozen solid bucks looking for one to his liking
Know your public vs private boundaries and you’ll do fine
We were in on (spotting) or watched on about 6 tag holders fill there’s
It was a blast
That is awesome - I can’t wait!
Where I typically hunt in that unit - there is no private for miles
Post by: MADMAX on June 19, 2022, 10:15:28 AM
Post by: boneaddict on June 19, 2022, 10:26:06 AM
Post by: masterhuntermark on June 20, 2022, 09:00:49 AM
Post by: Mtnwalker on June 20, 2022, 09:13:36 AM
Not nearly as cool as it once was, but still an incredible time to be in the woods.
I feel like we’re at the point in WA where this no longer needs repeatedly pointed out as it is just understood, but maybe I’m wrong. Anyways, I’ll be up there too looking for the bucks that no longer exist
Post by: borntoslay on June 20, 2022, 09:21:53 AM
You're not wrong. Really just a downer and every time it gets brought up I have a brief moment of sadnessNot nearly as cool as it once was, but still an incredible time to be in the woods.
I feel like we’re at the point in WA where this no longer needs repeatedly pointed out as it is just understood, but maybe I’m wrong. Anyways, I’ll be up there too looking for the bucks that no longer exist
Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk
Post by: MtnMuley on June 20, 2022, 12:37:31 PM
Post by: Sakko300wsm on June 20, 2022, 02:31:52 PM
I don't know, I think it might be overrated. I know a guy that drew this year last year and only got a 31" outside spread muley with the body size of a yearling steer. I mean, I've seen OTC elk bigger than that... :chuckle:
Great tag, excited to see what you come up with this November. Good luck!
Thanks Skillet - I will keep everyone posted on this hunt for sure. Hopefully will have a good story to share
Post by: Sakko300wsm on June 20, 2022, 02:33:57 PM
PM me... After 19 years I drew this year. would like to hook up this summer/fall, swap stories, etc.👍
Post by: Chad E. on June 20, 2022, 08:11:12 PM
Post by: bigmacc on June 20, 2022, 09:13:39 PM
Oh they are still there, just few and far between, like bone said “not nearly as cool as it once was”, I could not agree more. If some of you only knew.Not nearly as cool as it once was, but still an incredible time to be in the woods.
I feel like we’re at the point in WA where this no longer needs repeatedly pointed out as it is just understood, but maybe I’m wrong. Anyways, I’ll be up there too looking for the bucks that no longer exist
Post by: MADMAX on June 20, 2022, 09:34:34 PM
Post by: Limhangerslayer on June 20, 2022, 09:45:38 PM
The reality is, these Entiat/Chelan/Methow/Okanogan herds aren't gonna improve for the ungulates in the foreseeable future with the habitat loss and unreal number of predators. I took a few years off doing points, but realized I should just start applying again because I'm not getting any younger. :twocents:hopefully you draw soon before you get older then dirt!!😂
Post by: Sakko300wsm on June 28, 2022, 08:18:39 AM
They are there
Can’t wait to start looking for them!
Post by: Jpmiller on June 28, 2022, 08:32:12 AM
Post by: Muleyslyr on June 28, 2022, 07:15:04 PM
Post by: Sakko300wsm on July 02, 2022, 05:25:48 PM
Rob
360.389.6233
Post by: Odell on July 02, 2022, 07:11:50 PM
Drew the Chewuch late tag! Can't wait for this hunt. Guess I won't be needing this yrs Deer multi season tag and going to be weird not hunting wa in October this yr.
You can still hunt the general, just don’t shoot anything unless you would shoot it on the late tag.
Oh ya - I probably will a bit. We did get a masher a couple yrs during regular, but really looking forward to hunting on the late tag
It's a whole nother world in the late season, hardly anyone around. That alone makes it super fun
Post by: MADMAX on July 02, 2022, 08:11:00 PM
Bikers
Dogs
Post by: Sakko300wsm on July 02, 2022, 08:39:19 PM
Hikers
Bikers
Dogs
That’s *censored*hole winthrop!! Not the tag
Post by: MADMAX on July 02, 2022, 08:39:54 PM
Post by: Sakko300wsm on July 02, 2022, 08:53:25 PM
You’ll seeI know the area quite well - and get a couple miles off the rd, pretty much see no one. I am far from a person that hunts around people
Post by: Dan-o on July 02, 2022, 09:05:40 PM
You’ll seeI know the area quite well - and get a couple miles off the rd, pretty much see no one. I am far from a person that hunts around people
Get 200 yards off the road and you're likely to see nobody.
There are still mashers in there.
I'm sure you'll make it a great hunt.
Wish I had the tag.
Post by: MADMAX on July 02, 2022, 09:29:29 PM
We were there last year for the entire late season
Saw a ton of deer
Bucks were in with the does on the winter range
Had snow
We watched and helped a half dozen tag holders shoot good bucks
We were after a specific deer we had spotted
Never saw much in the timber
It was indeed a blast
Good luck and good hunting
Post by: Sakko300wsm on July 03, 2022, 05:43:34 PM
I’m sure you’ll have a great time
We were there last year for the entire late season
Saw a ton of deer
Bucks were in with the does on the winter range
Had snow
We watched and helped a half dozen tag holders shoot good bucks
We were after a specific deer we had spotted
Never saw much in the timber
It was indeed a blast
Thanx MADMAX.
I am hunting the whole season as well and if I am lucky enough to get it done early - I will definitely offer my help to anyone that would like it that has a tag.
Hoping on some weather/snow
Post by: wilywin on August 23, 2022, 07:09:10 PM
I was lucky enuff to draw it a couple years ago. Great tag. CONGRATS!!
How was your hunt? I hunt it every year and have had great success during regular- have not ever been there for the late season
Post by: wilywin on August 23, 2022, 07:13:25 PM
I was lucky enuff to draw it a couple years ago. Great tag. CONGRATS!!
How was your hunt? I hunt it every year and have had great success during regular- have not ever been there for the late season
Post by: Sakko300wsm on October 04, 2022, 07:28:17 AM
Post by: JohnVH on October 04, 2022, 08:24:17 AM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on October 04, 2022, 09:57:26 PM
Post by: Sakko300wsm on October 05, 2022, 11:13:45 AM
Looking forward to your report on how the hunt goes.
hopefully will be a good report
Post by: Sakko300wsm on October 05, 2022, 11:14:39 AM
Congrats. Dang, my #1 choice for 18 years running now. Some day. If I weren't gone for that whole month, I'd gladly offer up an extra pair of eyes.
well crap! more eyes the better
Post by: fisheral87 on October 11, 2022, 12:37:21 PM
Shoot me a PM if you’d like to chat.
Al
Post by: Sakko300wsm on October 11, 2022, 01:16:04 PM
This is a great tag, enjoy your time!
Shoot me a PM if you’d like to chat.
Al
Will do thanks!
Post by: MADMAX on November 14, 2022, 02:25:34 PM
Post by: Sakko300wsm on April 01, 2023, 02:10:22 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on April 01, 2023, 02:44:18 PM
Post by: MADMAX on April 01, 2023, 03:32:25 PM
Tell us a story
Post by: Sakko300wsm on April 02, 2023, 08:08:51 AM
Well the good bit of snow turned into getting 36” of snow in 48hrs and temps down around zero once it stopped. The first day of heavy snow I was still able to hike in - with very limited visibility I was still able to get on some deer , but still not what I was looking for.
And then by the end of the day there was 36” on the ground - there was no more hiking - I tried a couple times , but that much snow is no joke! And then the zero degree temps hit and everything in my trailer failed - batteries died, no water and propane furnace failed. Only heat was a small fake fireplace in it that I could run off the generator and would get temps up inside to 40-50.
First day of the 36” of snow I got stuck 3 times and spent most of the day digging myself out and kind of navigating a couple roads the best I could. Was able to get to some spots that I could glass up pretty good numbers of deer.
So I think I’m on day 10 or so and I made the biggest mistake of my hunt - right around 4:45 I spotted a huge buck ( 5x6 and I would say definitely over 190 )and about 300yrds out with a bunch of does . I made the poor decision to put him to bed and figured I would get on him in the morning and be able to deal with him during the day. Instead of at night by myself 3’ of snow and temps at zero. As you can guess - that never happed - I looked for that buck the next 2 days in the limited areas I could get to. Now I think day 12 - I was done and ready to get the hell outta there! With no water and no heat and not being able to get around , I was ready to be done. So once again - I spot this buck right at 4:45 . He was at 330 yrds pushing does and I decided this was it. Settled in for the shot with my 300WSM and it was over , he didn’t even take 1 step! Just went straight down and sunk into the snow. And boy did the work start then. Made it across the 330 yards in the 3’ of snow - probably took about 45 minutes to reach him. So I decided I was going to cape him and in the process of breaking the head free I snapped my fixed blade knife in half and had the finish the whole parting out process with my havalon. 3 loads later to my truck ( definitely cannot pack as much in that kind of snow ) I got my last load out at 10:30 pm.
Should I have taken the big buck and dealt with him at night - yes!
But am I happy with this buck - 100% and it was a hunt I will never forget and did it 100% on my own
Post by: MADMAX on April 02, 2023, 08:19:48 AM
Post by: Wingin it on April 02, 2023, 08:39:23 AM
Post by: dilleytech on April 02, 2023, 09:13:02 AM
Well I’m not the best story teller , but I’ll take a stab at it a bit. After putting in for this tag for many years and finally drawing it - I could not wait for the season to get here and when it did I was committed to hunt the whole 20 day season looking for the buck the tag deserved. Went over 2 days early and set up camp on the upper west Chewuch rd . I brought my 30’ travel trailer and was set up for a solo hunt for the whole time as my hunting buddies were all in Montana at the same time. I hunted the first 7 days or so hiking in 5-6 miles everyday , having perfect weather and seeing lots of animals- probably saw 40-50 bucks the first week or so. Then a big weather change was coming - going to get super cold and a good bit of snow.
Well the good bit of snow turned into getting 36” of snow in 48hrs and temps down around zero once it stopped. The first day of heavy snow I was still able to hike in - with very limited visibility I was still able to get on some deer , but still not what I was looking for.
And then by the end of the day there was 36” on the ground - there was no more hiking - I tried a couple times , but that much snow is no joke! And then the zero degree temps hit and everything in my trailer failed - batteries died, no water and propane furnace failed. Only heat was a small fake fireplace in it that I could run off the generator and would get temps up inside to 40-50.
First day of the 36” of snow I got stuck 3 times and spent most of the day digging myself out and kind of navigating a couple roads the best I could. Was able to get to some spots that I could glass up pretty good numbers of deer.
So I think I’m on day 10 or so and I made the biggest mistake of my hunt - right around 4:45 I spotted a huge buck ( 5x6 and I would say definitely over 190 )and about 300yrds out with a bunch of does . I made the poor decision to put him to bed and figured I would get on him in the morning and be able to deal with him during the day. Instead of at night by myself 3’ of snow and temps at zero. As you can guess - that never happed - I looked for that buck the next 2 days in the limited areas I could get to. Now I think day 12 - I was done and ready to get the hell outta there! With no water and no heat and not being able to get around , I was ready to be done. So once again - I spot this buck right at 4:45 . He was at 330 yrds pushing does and I decided this was it. Settled in for the shot with my 300WSM and it was over , he didn’t even take 1 step! Just went straight down and sunk into the snow. And boy did the work start then. Made it across the 330 yards in the 3’ of snow - probably took about 45 minutes to reach him. So I decided I was going to cape him and in the process of breaking the head free I snapped my fixed blade knife in half and had the finish the whole parting out process with my havalon. 3 loads later to my truck ( definitely cannot pack as much in that kind of snow ) I got my last load out at 10:30 pm.
Should I have taken the big buck and dealt with him at night - yes!
But am I happy with this buck - 100% and it was a hunt I will never forget and did it 100% on my own
At those temps in those conditions I wouldn’t have worried one bit about killing the buck and just coming back for him in the morning. Sounds like some serious life threatening conditions.
Post by: JakeLand on April 02, 2023, 12:32:00 PM
Post by: Igor on April 02, 2023, 12:37:34 PM
Post by: Sakko300wsm on April 02, 2023, 01:31:11 PM
Well I’m not the best story teller , but I’ll take a stab at it a bit. After putting in for this tag for many years and finally drawing it - I could not wait for the season to get here and when it did I was committed to hunt the whole 20 day season looking for the buck the tag deserved. Went over 2 days early and set up camp on the upper west Chewuch rd . I brought my 30’ travel trailer and was set up for a solo hunt for the whole time as my hunting buddies were all in Montana at the same time. I hunted the first 7 days or so hiking in 5-6 miles everyday , having perfect weather and seeing lots of animals- probably saw 40-50 bucks the first week or so. Then a big weather change was coming - going to get super cold and a good bit of snow.
Well the good bit of snow turned into getting 36” of snow in 48hrs and temps down around zero once it stopped. The first day of heavy snow I was still able to hike in - with very limited visibility I was still able to get on some deer , but still not what I was looking for.
And then by the end of the day there was 36” on the ground - there was no more hiking - I tried a couple times , but that much snow is no joke! And then the zero degree temps hit and everything in my trailer failed - batteries died, no water and propane furnace failed. Only heat was a small fake fireplace in it that I could run off the generator and would get temps up inside to 40-50.
First day of the 36” of snow I got stuck 3 times and spent most of the day digging myself out and kind of navigating a couple roads the best I could. Was able to get to some spots that I could glass up pretty good numbers of deer.
So I think I’m on day 10 or so and I made the biggest mistake of my hunt - right around 4:45 I spotted a huge buck ( 5x6 and I would say definitely over 190 )and about 300yrds out with a bunch of does . I made the poor decision to put him to bed and figured I would get on him in the morning and be able to deal with him during the day. Instead of at night by myself 3’ of snow and temps at zero. As you can guess - that never happed - I looked for that buck the next 2 days in the limited areas I could get to. Now I think day 12 - I was done and ready to get the hell outta there! With no water and no heat and not being able to get around , I was ready to be done. So once again - I spot this buck right at 4:45 . He was at 330 yrds pushing does and I decided this was it. Settled in for the shot with my 300WSM and it was over , he didn’t even take 1 step! Just went straight down and sunk into the snow. And boy did the work start then. Made it across the 330 yards in the 3’ of snow - probably took about 45 minutes to reach him. So I decided I was going to cape him and in the process of breaking the head free I snapped my fixed blade knife in half and had the finish the whole parting out process with my havalon. 3 loads later to my truck ( definitely cannot pack as much in that kind of snow ) I got my last load out at 10:30 pm.
Should I have taken the big buck and dealt with him at night - yes!
But am I happy with this buck - 100% and it was a hunt I will never forget and did it 100% on my own
At those temps in those conditions I wouldn’t have worried one bit about killing the buck and just coming back for him in the morning. Sounds like some serious life threatening conditions.
The thought crossed my mind - but the temps that night got to a low of below zero and the deer would of frozen solid - then I would have a real mess on my hands. Got frost bite on 2 of my fingers that night. They were numb for about a month - then all the skin peeled off and got feeling back
Post by: Sakko300wsm on April 02, 2023, 01:32:29 PM
Way to go! Those hunts are so weather dependent and it’s hard to get everything to line up right. Too mild of weather and it’s tough, too much weather and it’s tough! Out of 20 days you may get a few really good days.
Thanks!! And so very true!
Post by: Sakko300wsm on April 02, 2023, 01:33:03 PM
Good job man !!! One hell of a experience
Thanks dude!!
Post by: Sakko300wsm on April 02, 2023, 01:33:35 PM
Beautiful buck, and a great story!!
Thank you sir!
Post by: Falcon on April 02, 2023, 02:38:06 PM
Love the story, and your stay after it attitude. In the end, it sounded like a tough guy hunt. I’m glad you a got a nice mature buck in the end without freezing to death :yike:
Post by: huntnphool on April 02, 2023, 03:44:34 PM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on April 02, 2023, 04:40:45 PM
Post by: Deadeyety on April 02, 2023, 04:55:55 PM
Post by: bigmacc on April 02, 2023, 07:33:22 PM
Post by: blindluck on April 02, 2023, 08:54:17 PM
Post by: dilleytech on April 03, 2023, 11:19:26 AM
Well I’m not the best story teller , but I’ll take a stab at it a bit. After putting in for this tag for many years and finally drawing it - I could not wait for the season to get here and when it did I was committed to hunt the whole 20 day season looking for the buck the tag deserved. Went over 2 days early and set up camp on the upper west Chewuch rd . I brought my 30’ travel trailer and was set up for a solo hunt for the whole time as my hunting buddies were all in Montana at the same time. I hunted the first 7 days or so hiking in 5-6 miles everyday , having perfect weather and seeing lots of animals- probably saw 40-50 bucks the first week or so. Then a big weather change was coming - going to get super cold and a good bit of snow.
Well the good bit of snow turned into getting 36” of snow in 48hrs and temps down around zero once it stopped. The first day of heavy snow I was still able to hike in - with very limited visibility I was still able to get on some deer , but still not what I was looking for.
And then by the end of the day there was 36” on the ground - there was no more hiking - I tried a couple times , but that much snow is no joke! And then the zero degree temps hit and everything in my trailer failed - batteries died, no water and propane furnace failed. Only heat was a small fake fireplace in it that I could run off the generator and would get temps up inside to 40-50.
First day of the 36” of snow I got stuck 3 times and spent most of the day digging myself out and kind of navigating a couple roads the best I could. Was able to get to some spots that I could glass up pretty good numbers of deer.
So I think I’m on day 10 or so and I made the biggest mistake of my hunt - right around 4:45 I spotted a huge buck ( 5x6 and I would say definitely over 190 )and about 300yrds out with a bunch of does . I made the poor decision to put him to bed and figured I would get on him in the morning and be able to deal with him during the day. Instead of at night by myself 3’ of snow and temps at zero. As you can guess - that never happed - I looked for that buck the next 2 days in the limited areas I could get to. Now I think day 12 - I was done and ready to get the hell outta there! With no water and no heat and not being able to get around , I was ready to be done. So once again - I spot this buck right at 4:45 . He was at 330 yrds pushing does and I decided this was it. Settled in for the shot with my 300WSM and it was over , he didn’t even take 1 step! Just went straight down and sunk into the snow. And boy did the work start then. Made it across the 330 yards in the 3’ of snow - probably took about 45 minutes to reach him. So I decided I was going to cape him and in the process of breaking the head free I snapped my fixed blade knife in half and had the finish the whole parting out process with my havalon. 3 loads later to my truck ( definitely cannot pack as much in that kind of snow ) I got my last load out at 10:30 pm.
Should I have taken the big buck and dealt with him at night - yes!
But am I happy with this buck - 100% and it was a hunt I will never forget and did it 100% on my own
At those temps in those conditions I wouldn’t have worried one bit about killing the buck and just coming back for him in the morning. Sounds like some serious life threatening conditions.
The thought crossed my mind - but the temps that night got to a low of below zero and the deer would of frozen solid - then I would have a real mess on my hands. Got frost bite on 2 of my fingers that night. They were numb for about a month - then all the skin peeled off and got feeling back
I doubt it would have frozen solid but it would have been cold on the hands for sure. Which might have been worse than working late into the night.
Post by: huntnphool on April 03, 2023, 01:39:41 PM
Well I’m not the best story teller , but I’ll take a stab at it a bit. After putting in for this tag for many years and finally drawing it - I could not wait for the season to get here and when it did I was committed to hunt the whole 20 day season looking for the buck the tag deserved. Went over 2 days early and set up camp on the upper west Chewuch rd . I brought my 30’ travel trailer and was set up for a solo hunt for the whole time as my hunting buddies were all in Montana at the same time. I hunted the first 7 days or so hiking in 5-6 miles everyday , having perfect weather and seeing lots of animals- probably saw 40-50 bucks the first week or so. Then a big weather change was coming - going to get super cold and a good bit of snow.
Well the good bit of snow turned into getting 36” of snow in 48hrs and temps down around zero once it stopped. The first day of heavy snow I was still able to hike in - with very limited visibility I was still able to get on some deer , but still not what I was looking for.
And then by the end of the day there was 36” on the ground - there was no more hiking - I tried a couple times , but that much snow is no joke! And then the zero degree temps hit and everything in my trailer failed - batteries died, no water and propane furnace failed. Only heat was a small fake fireplace in it that I could run off the generator and would get temps up inside to 40-50.
First day of the 36” of snow I got stuck 3 times and spent most of the day digging myself out and kind of navigating a couple roads the best I could. Was able to get to some spots that I could glass up pretty good numbers of deer.
So I think I’m on day 10 or so and I made the biggest mistake of my hunt - right around 4:45 I spotted a huge buck ( 5x6 and I would say definitely over 190 )and about 300yrds out with a bunch of does . I made the poor decision to put him to bed and figured I would get on him in the morning and be able to deal with him during the day. Instead of at night by myself 3’ of snow and temps at zero. As you can guess - that never happed - I looked for that buck the next 2 days in the limited areas I could get to. Now I think day 12 - I was done and ready to get the hell outta there! With no water and no heat and not being able to get around , I was ready to be done. So once again - I spot this buck right at 4:45 . He was at 330 yrds pushing does and I decided this was it. Settled in for the shot with my 300WSM and it was over , he didn’t even take 1 step! Just went straight down and sunk into the snow. And boy did the work start then. Made it across the 330 yards in the 3’ of snow - probably took about 45 minutes to reach him. So I decided I was going to cape him and in the process of breaking the head free I snapped my fixed blade knife in half and had the finish the whole parting out process with my havalon. 3 loads later to my truck ( definitely cannot pack as much in that kind of snow ) I got my last load out at 10:30 pm.
Should I have taken the big buck and dealt with him at night - yes!
But am I happy with this buck - 100% and it was a hunt I will never forget and did it 100% on my own
At those temps in those conditions I wouldn’t have worried one bit about killing the buck and just coming back for him in the morning. Sounds like some serious life threatening conditions.
The thought crossed my mind - but the temps that night got to a low of below zero and the deer would of frozen solid - then I would have a real mess on my hands. Got frost bite on 2 of my fingers that night. They were numb for about a month - then all the skin peeled off and got feeling back
I doubt it would have frozen solid but it would have been cold on the hands for sure. Which might have been worse than working late into the night.
Same situation we were in. Took half out in the dark and went back for the rest the next morning. Wasn’t frozen but boy was it cold on the hands!
Post by: Parkern on April 15, 2023, 06:44:49 PM
Congrats on the buck you got!
Post by: KDB on May 03, 2023, 03:22:59 PM
I am lucking to draw Chewuck and Gardner any deer tag for 2023 and I hope I'm to the task,