Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: Skywagon_185 on October 13, 2009, 06:43:14 PM

Title: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: Skywagon_185 on October 13, 2009, 06:43:14 PM: With my first E side tag, I've drawn the West Wenaha rifle tag. 13 points got it for me. I've never applied for any garbage tags, (Cow tags etc) In '96 drew the Mt Adams wilderness tag and killed a dandy!! (Tagged and collared by the Yakima Tribe)
I don't know jack chit about the W. Wenaha except that it's nasty ground. Steep and all uphill. I've been studying the topog maps and know I'm in for a challenge.
I'd appreciate any tips that the locals can give me. Also looking for local packers that may be able to help me out. Pack horses.
I'm 63 yrs old and long in the tooth and short on ability. (Physically) Any info ya'll can give me will be much appreciated.
Thanks
Mike
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: Crunchy on October 13, 2009, 06:54:29 PM: Wish I could help you but I havent set foot in that unit. I hope someone wil chime in with some info.
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: huntnphool on October 13, 2009, 06:56:46 PM: Welcome to the site Skywagon, make sure you hit the introduction thread and tell everyone a little bit about yourself. At 63 I bet you have some good stories.
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: yelp on October 13, 2009, 07:00:20 PM: I would send a PM to Mtncook see if he can help ya..I believe he outfits in that area..not sure though..Also I would call Spokane office for phone contacts for local bios down there..good luck.
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: Skywagon_185 on October 13, 2009, 07:19:55 PM: I've done the introduction thing a couple days ago. I ain't no rookie!!
Again, thanks in advance for any info on what will probably be my last serious elk hunt. And yes, I do have a couple stories to tell.
Mike
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: nwhunter on October 13, 2009, 09:04:54 PM: Good tag to draw and ya its going to test your physical ability no doubt. If you want/need to use a licensed packer Dave who goes by mtcook on here can help you out but only in the eastern part of that unit. I guided for him last year in the east wenaha and can vouch for his ability to pack and outfit and is a great guy and will do all he can to help make your hunt a once in a lifetime experience in the Blues. His email is www.westernlifeoutfitters.com If you plan to use him that may determine where you can hunt so get a hold of him soon so you can plan/scout accordingly. Good luck and enjoy your tag. Its a great well managed area but you still have to work hard for a good bull, they don't just hang out on the open ridges waiting to get picked off which I am sure you know. nwhunter
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: BoomWhop on October 13, 2009, 10:48:15 PM: Good luck, that is truly a dream tag. Hire a pro, that country is no joke. :twocents: Make sure to post pics of your Bull when you tip it over.
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: carpsniperg2 on October 13, 2009, 11:01:43 PM: good luck with the tag
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: plague on October 14, 2009, 12:18:57 PM: The Wenaha west tag is in part of the non-commercial zone of the wilderness. There are no guides, packers or outfitters allowed, by law anyways. Your going to have to recruit some buddies to help you. It's a great tag however. With a little luck you could get the bull of your life.
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: willapawapiti on October 14, 2009, 01:29:11 PM: Skywagon,
PM sent!
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: youngchristof on October 14, 2009, 01:34:12 PM: good luck on your tag. there are no guides allowed in that area. it is a do it yourself tag and your right the terrain is all up hill.
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: nwhunter on October 14, 2009, 03:14:17 PM: youngc, That isn't true in the eastern portion of the unit you can hire a licensed outfitter or guide.nwhunter
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: eastsidebugle on October 14, 2009, 07:42:37 PM: Hey Sky wagon.... Where are you camping??? We hunt up there... Email me seedwheat@live.com
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: mtncook on October 14, 2009, 07:56:11 PM: Thanks for the support nwhunter. And yes I have talked to skywagon he calle d the other night. And for you guys that think all of Wenaha West is non commercial you are mistaken. I have explained to skywagon my unit boundries. My boundries are almost to the Twin Buttes road and east from there to the East/West border. The Umatilla National Forest Office can confirm my permit area.

mtncook
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: eastsidebugle on October 14, 2009, 07:58:49 PM: mtn cook where are you from again? We have the last cabin by slick ear trail
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: mtncook on October 14, 2009, 08:58:42 PM: We live in Pomeroy, www.westernlifeoutfitters.com is my web page

Will have some good updates to d oin December

mtncook
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: Skywagon_185 on October 15, 2009, 07:35:04 AM: Thanks for all the replies and info. I have no idea where I'll camp and less than that for where I'll hunt. I've gotten several PMs with offers to help which I'm going to need.
I'm planning on going over next Thur. or Fri. I'll be pulling a white enclosed snowmobile trailer with my dark red Ford crew cab. If you happen to spot me, stop and we'll tell some lies!!
I'm still trying to get one of my local friends to come along but work obligations are getting in the way.
Mike
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: Skywagon_185 on October 18, 2009, 07:22:03 PM: Things are lookin' up for me. Since my first post, I've been contacted by several locals and friends who are willing to chip in to help on my hunt. I've talked to mtncook about the area he's allowed to work in (will use him if allowed) and also found out about another acquaintance who has the Dayton tag who is taking YOUNG able bodied packers with him. They have volunteered to help me out if needed. (In the west half of the unit) The best help is a very good friend (older than me!!) who in my mind is one of the best elk hunters I know, is coming along for the fun of it. He's 68 yrs. old but still in Very fine physical shape. Weighs about 150 and is still a STUD!!
Stop and BS us if you're up there. Described my vehicle in a previous post.
Mike
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: BENCHLEG on November 04, 2009, 11:23:19 AM: how did your hunt go skywagon-185 i heard you got one. whats the story?
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: Skywagon_185 on November 04, 2009, 05:46:43 PM: As the old saying goes, "The worst day of hunting is better than the best day of anything else"
Upon arrival in the area on Thursday afternoon, we parked the trailer and went for an initial lookie loo at the unit. INTIMIDATING is the best word that describes what I saw. Ended up parking with friends that had a Dayton tag about a mile below the snow park. Great camp!! BIG FIRE every night!!
Met a lot of the other tag holders and as always they were great to talk to.
Saw several really nice bulls really deep in the canyons and was inspired by what I saw.
Long story short, the weather on Monday afternoon changed my inspiration in short order.
Ended up taking a 2.5 yr old 5 point that gave me the opportunity about 200 yards below the 46 road a mile east of the 300 spur Thursday morning.
To me, elk meat in the freezer is more valuable than a head on the wall.
Thanks to all that gave freely of their knowledge of the area and the encouragement.
The real high light of the trip was watching a black wolf for 15 minutes on Squaw Butte with the 60x spotting scope at a mile and a half!!
Sky
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: KillerMiller on November 04, 2009, 06:18:28 PM: :) Congrats! :cue: Should taste mighty good.
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: SnakeEyes on November 04, 2009, 06:38:21 PM: Congratulations. :)
Title: Re: Wenaha West Tag
Post by: BENCHLEG on November 04, 2009, 07:25:04 PM: verry nice the wolf would of been the real trophy :chuckle: :bdid:. thanks for sharing your story.