Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: dwils233 on June 18, 2023, 01:43:56 PM
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After 6 years of failing to draw Turnbull, I mixed it up and put in for Umtanum successfully. I'm going to put in some scouting trips this summer to get a lay of the land and dial in some options. I'm planning on solo and getting off the roads to camp out for 5 days or so at a time. I'm used to hunting either the open county west of Spokane or the thick stuff in the Northeast. I know some folks are annoyed by asks like this, but I figured it's worth a shot
If anyone has any insight or info that might improve my chances, I'd really appreciate it. Just after a cow and my wife would really like some meat in the freezer. I'm also happy to connect with anyone else who will be in the field at the same time and wants to swap info if it helps them out on a bull or pack out. Thanks folks!
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I hunted that unit one year with my boy who had a multi season elk tag. Never seen so many hunters in my life! They were everywhere on quads including the woods and closed roads. Camps everywhere. We left after 2 days. And FYI, ther are quite a few roads in that unit. Not sure if it's still like that. Just passing along my experience during muzzy season.
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I've hunted this unit quite a bit in years past. I'll echo that there are lots of roads and lots of camps! Not sure you can truly get away from the roads in this unit. On top of that many of the roads are terrible to drive on. Rocky, rutty and bumpy! There are elk to be had though. I always had my best success right off the bat on opening morning. Once everyone has been combing the hills for a few days the elk become scarce. Make the most of your scouting by being first to your spot on opening morning. You likely will have company before long. Feel free to PM if you have questions in your scouting.
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This is my unit. Hunted there 10 years or more.
Also have cow tag there, along with my partner.
Pm sent
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Hey me and my FIL have this tag too! Looks like we're in good company
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I had the cow tag in there in 2011, found some elk, tagged a cow in an aspen grove away from roads in a deep canyon. Great hunt. Had the bull tag a couple years later and never saw an elk for two weeks. I like the unit, you'll have a great time...good luck.
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we've hunted this unit for muzzy for a while now...
the years seem to be hit or miss with the crowds, some years its been fairly quiet, other years a zoo.
watch out for the yahoo's who like to set up a camp and just target shoot all of opening weekend off the 1701.
ill echo what others have said, you cant really 'get away from the roads'.
we've had good luck in there and i don't think have struck out in a while as a camp, but it CAN be tough.. after day one, their normal patterns are off, so go find escape routes and deeper holes.
unfortunately, little herds can jump right over the 1701 into little naches and be gone for the rest of the season away from the pressure
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I've harvested 3 elk with a muzzleloader, and they've all been in 342 within the last 20 years. 2 cows and 1 spike. Last time I hunted there, back around 2010, there were some areas gated off and were now private property which hindered where we used to hunt in one area. But we still managed to get to the other areas we hunt and take 1 cow.
Gary
