Post by: Everett on December 25, 2010, 09:10:07 PM
Post by: Alpine Mojo on December 27, 2010, 08:42:02 PM
Post by: haugenna on December 27, 2010, 08:46:13 PM
From the Chiwawa side it was pretty full, but expected for that area. Little Giant Pass had 20+ trucks parked around the trailhead the night before the opener, and most of the campsites towards the end of the road were occupied. There were 3 horse trailers parked at Trinity IIRC. Saw about the same 4 days later on the drive out.
:yeah:
Very packed. I heard one of the trail heads had 50 cars at it. That was with bad weather. When the sun is out it is worse.
Post by: Cougeyes on December 28, 2010, 09:40:18 AM
I saw people in spots this year where I have never seen people before. One basin that I hunt had 2 guys camped right in the middle of it. Lots of gun fire on opening morning too. This hunt gets more popular by the year I think.
Dont you just love when that happens, happened to me this year elk hunting, people camping right where the elk cross. :mor:
Post by: WSU on December 28, 2010, 10:50:04 AM
Post by: Alpine Mojo on December 28, 2010, 05:56:36 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on December 28, 2010, 06:04:00 PM
Post by: ser300wsm on December 28, 2010, 06:28:33 PM
The Trinity trailhead gets a fair amout of horse hunters. Alot go up to Buck Creek pass and camp there hunting out of there. Drop camps go in White River and over Boulder Pass. There is plenty of hunters in there for sure. Funny when you say hike in past the drop camps as I know some drops camps further than a guy can hike on a good day.:rolleyes:
Post by: haugenna on December 28, 2010, 07:35:15 PM
Post by: Ridgerunner on December 28, 2010, 11:31:51 PM
Quote
This hunt gets more popular by the year I think.
Lot of truth to that statement, it is pretty sad what it has become in recent years, anywhere on the eastern glacier peak is going to be hammered with people, the crowds are WORSE than during the general season becuase everyone is so concentrated. Anymore its more of a camping trip than a quality hunting experience like it used to be back in the day.
Pretty soon the western areas will start getting hammered as well.
Post by: Shed Stud on December 29, 2010, 08:48:56 AM
Do the folks at Trinity hike in a camp somewhere up there, or cross and hunt from the trail head?The people who own and run trinity don't hunt, and there is a good chunk of private right there. Most of the trucks at the end of the road parking lot take off north up phelps some south. There were a estimated 2000 people in the glacier this fall and what.... 12 bucks taken. It used to be good hunting...just a camping trip with a gun. If you leave your rifle you can carry more beer! :chuckle:
Post by: 400out on December 30, 2010, 03:45:05 PM
Thanks to the outfitters it's real crowded up gods country. Anybody with money can get packed in where they shouldn't be. The only thing those guys outfit are the woods with people.Then you'll have to throw rocks at the cans :bash: :bash: :chuckle:Do the folks at Trinity hike in a camp somewhere up there, or cross and hunt from the trail head?The people who own and run trinity don't hunt, and there is a good chunk of private right there. Most of the trucks at the end of the road parking lot take off north up phelps some south. There were a estimated 2000 people in the glacier this fall and what.... 12 bucks taken. It used to be good hunting...just a camping trip with a gun. If you leave your rifle you can carry more beer! :chuckle:
Post by: Bobm on December 31, 2010, 06:45:28 AM
Post by: 400out on December 31, 2010, 10:49:24 AM
I don't know what some of you are talking about. We went up little giant and it was like a ghost town.I guessing it won't be like that next year :bdid:
Post by: teanawayslayer on December 31, 2010, 10:59:59 AM
Post by: 400out on December 31, 2010, 11:03:48 AM
Those granola's stole my waiders I used to get across the river. I had them hid good too. I don't know why some one would steal them. :bash: :bash:. They were watching me when I took them off. I hid them good in the brush under a root ball. F#cker'sThat would be enought to make a man kill :bash: :bash:
Post by: bornforhorns on December 31, 2010, 03:05:05 PM
Kind of miss the days of thumbing through maps, small little stories talking to other hunters in the field trying to find secret new spots...now you look on here and a guy post a picture and location. Don't get me wrong...it's fun to look and share but I also use to love hearing people say "there's no deer in this state", when I believe it was 15 or 16 years straight that I saw a 180" deer during a shortened general rifle season or early hunt...not easy to get to but still I knew they were there. That's why I laugh every time I see a guy on here bitching about "no deer". LOL!
Post by: JimmyHoffa on December 31, 2010, 03:20:06 PM
...it would be interesting to me to know how you guys found out about some of the mentioned spots.
Pretty much like you mentioned. There are online magazines that give out spots and predictions and incorporate previous years harvest data. One e-zine had an article all about the high hunt....what kind of terrain to look for, how to get to the trailhead, where to hike in and set up camp, and finally which ridgelines/peaks/treelines to watch. Some have little digital maps on the e-zine site, but also suggest better maps and give GPS coordinates. Same thing can be found for fishing, as I've found maps of rivers that look to have been made by guides, listing each hole with corresponding depth, bottom contour, rock size on the bottom, best traditional colors/plugs/sizes/etc for different water conditions.... It's only a secret if only one person really knows about it.
Post by: teanawayslayer on January 01, 2011, 03:54:50 PM
Post by: BrushChimp on January 01, 2011, 04:02:53 PM
There are a few people out there that get lucky and want to share there hunt with the world. That's fine. But why go out and give your spot away? I guess getting your name in a paper or in a magazine is more important. Then they wonder why there are a million people out there in there supposed spot. IDIOT's
Didn't you just do exactly that in your first post on this topic? Hmmm :dunno:
Post by: BrushChimp on January 01, 2011, 04:03:15 PM
I don't know what some of you are talking about. We went up little giant and it was like a ghost town.I guessing it won't be like that next year :bdid:
I hear ya.
Post by: teanawayslayer on January 01, 2011, 06:24:10 PM
Post by: teanawayslayer on January 01, 2011, 06:26:34 PM
Parked at the trail head doesn't mean I hunted it.There are a few people out there that get lucky and want to share there hunt with the world. That's fine. But why go out and give your spot away? I guess getting your name in a paper or in a magazine is more important. Then they wonder why there are a million people out there in there supposed spot. IDIOT's
Didn't you just do exactly that in your first post on this topic? Hmmm :dunno:
Post by: Bobm on January 01, 2011, 07:33:41 PM
MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 01, 2011, 07:50:10 PM
Post by: Ridgerunner on January 01, 2011, 08:09:07 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 01, 2011, 08:12:04 PM
Post by: GEARHEAD on January 01, 2011, 10:59:15 PM
Post by: bornforhorns on January 02, 2011, 12:27:52 AM
Care to translate on your remark below?
For the record...I did not write or send in the article but I was as happy as my hunting partner to see it in a magazine...call it naive Teanawayslayer, but I can tell you this, it wasn't out of ignorance as much as it was out of our competitiveness/feeling of accomplishment to find big bucks in hard to get to places...albeit in Washington. I would like to thank that in a 13 year period...nobody hiked more miles or saw more (big) game than us. The article wasn't published until 4 years after we started going in, routinely we would see maybe one other hunter that would say, "it's too hard to get around up there". Just read the arcticle...I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to place one picture in particular for some. You know how friends go and hunt with other friends and their friends now find new friends, and on and on and on...I think that was the biggest contributor, but if I had it to do all over again I would probably do it the same for the sheer fact when hunting in that country it is not wise to hunt alone...I later realized my safety and commitment to my family was a greater risk than losing the privacy of my hunting spot. Besides, I'll find another one someday...the same old fashioned way I found the ones you are all talking about, I have two boys that are getting close to those types of trips. ;)
I believe Ridgerunners relationship with us began off that article although I'm not 100% sure. To this day I don't believe I've ever given details to him and I've known him personally for about 12 or 13 years.
You can't see emotions in a post but I will just say that when some others had gone out of their way to find our spot way back when...I was fighting mad, nowadays I write this with very little anymosity. I just never understood why some guys found joy in finding where our cars were parked or where the background in our picture was and felt like they had truly accomplished hunting...hunting what? Anybody can drive enough roads and find you. Out of respect, I would not do that to somebody I knew and it would have to be pure coincidence if I happened to hunt in the same spot. I always found more joy in reading the map, discovering where they wintered, where they came from and where they went back to...of course I liked to ask guys questions that were on the right track but I would be embarassed to show up where someone had shared what was a cherished spot...my answer to that is this State is big enough for all of us. Like I said I'm just curious if any of you might know what article I'm talking about and if that was a factor in some of you hunting the area. Thank you but I don't need any lessons about giving spots up, their isn't a guy on here that hasn't spent enough money to buy a new pickup truck on magazines, videos, etc. because you like reading the articles.
"We shared some success through an article in Eastmans Journal...although no specific names were mentioned...one picture might of done our spot in."
MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW.
Post by: Salmo on January 02, 2011, 05:49:04 PM
That's right he no longer is a "partner" or friend of mine. We spent years to master an area that was remote. Internet predators are thriving and the lowlifes they are can't wait to find a spot and somehow think they did all the leg work.
If your stupid enough to show the masses your mountain muley hideouts, then you deserve any and all scum that show up and or harass you.
Life's to short to have an idiot chest thumping wantabe partner.
Guys like that are not welcome in my camp...
After my experience, I decided to keep it in my family. :)
Post by: Everett on January 03, 2011, 07:55:39 PM
Post by: bornforhorns on January 04, 2011, 05:57:25 PM
I don't know how old you are but you may rethink the way you feel about your partner someday. Mine started with family too, families tend to have friends etc. I've mended some fences over the deal. I just spoke to my hunting partner from back than and I wouldn't trade our experiences for anything, and let me tell you I had some tough ones...it's help make me who I am today, a better person instead of a self absorbed neanderthal more than likely. Don't get me wrong, I love hunting and I worked hard to find all that I found back than but sometimes things just happen for a reason, I feel this is one of them.
By the way, he reminded me that Mike Eastman asked him to write the arcticle and share our stories, seemed pretty cool when your're 25 and 22 years old and the founder of the most popular magazine at the time ask you to write a story. Like I said, nobody was hunting that country except for the odd different guy each year. For the record, a guy I hardly knew at the time said he knew some guys killing "decent" bucks in the general area, did some research, looked at maps, took a "shot in the dark" LITERALLY! (hiked the trail for the first time starting at 11pm) and the rest is history. We spent the next decade learning how to kill animals and how to watch them get away. Our guns shoot 300yds. at best (no range finding reticles shooting 700yds.)...I wouldn't have it any other way. Who knows I may get back there someday!! :rolleyes:
Post by: HighCountry10 on January 05, 2011, 10:45:01 AM
I am bornforhorns longtime highcountry hunting partner who wrote the article that was published in Eastmans' back in the mid 90s'. I agree with him that I and/or we would do things the same but have definately learned alot about how people want information on proven spots for trophy animals and will do some pretty weird things to get it. I believe back when the article was written Mule Deer hunting was our passion and would not miss a Sportsman Show or a Mule Deer hunting seminar such as the one put on in Yakima by Mike Eastman. We were simply trying to learn how to effectively hunt "MATURE" Mule Deer bucks in the highcountry and after showing pictures to Mike he asked if we could do an article. This article captured some very fond memories and was the basis for meeting other fellow hunters as I received a few phone calls after it was published one of them being Ridgerunner who in turn helped me with a late tag in 06' that lead to me taking a buck that grossed in the mid 180"s. So, positive things can come from these types of situations also? Lastly, any guy who is driven enough to endure the challenges of the highcountry and take a respectable buck or put themselves in position for multiple stocks on great bucks has earned it no matter how they found the general area!
Post by: UBA on January 05, 2011, 08:32:50 PM
Post by: bornforhorns on January 05, 2011, 11:25:08 PM
Again, it wasn't my intention to defend any action of ours from 20 years ago...just curious when I started reading this thread if any of you had gained some interest of the area as result of our article...fully expected an answer of 1 or 2, that issue got lost in all this other stuff...oh well.
Post by: high country on January 05, 2011, 11:39:04 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on January 06, 2011, 01:27:05 PM
I once had a hunting partner whom decided he needed to thump his chest and show pics of his kills which included basins, ridges, lake, etc... Notice how I said "once had" a hunting partner.. :)
That's right he no longer is a "partner" or friend of mine. We spent years to master an area that was remote. Internet predators are thriving and the lowlifes they are can't wait to find a spot and somehow think they did all the leg work.
If your stupid enough to show the masses your mountain muley hideouts, then you deserve any and all scum that show up and or harass you.
Life's to short to have an idiot chest thumping wantabe partner.
Guys like that are not welcome in my camp...
After my experience, I decided to keep it in my family. :)
:tup:
right there is the reason I don't post any pics.
:tup:
Post by: longrange7mm on January 07, 2011, 08:58:28 PM
I was actually thinking about spending a week up there next season. sounds like combat hunting 2000 people and 12 deer taken :yike:
Post by: Lowedog on January 07, 2011, 09:44:37 PM
Post by: bobcat on January 07, 2011, 09:58:40 PM
Now, with the internet, I think everybody knows EVERYTHING.
Post by: MtnMuley on January 14, 2011, 08:05:11 AM
Now, with the internet, I think everybody knows EVERYTHING.
Quote of the year. :twocents:
Post by: Shed Stud on January 14, 2011, 08:13:06 AM
Do you mean...I think everybody THINKS they know everything? :chuckle:
Now, with the internet, I think everybody knows EVERYTHING.
Quote of the year. :twocents:
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 14, 2011, 08:23:48 AM
It seems to me that 15 or 20 years ago most people didn't even KNOW there was a early rifle hunt.
For me, I knew about it. But I guess I always thought that with the kids and such, just like a lot of things, I never felt that I could get there or afford a guide. I still can't afford a guided trip, but packs, stoves, sleep systems, tents and such have gotten more efficient and lighter so a guy in relative good physical shape can make a go of it a little easier now. It is not easy by any stretch of the imagination though.
-Steve
Post by: bobcat on January 14, 2011, 09:14:24 AM
Post by: Everett on January 14, 2011, 07:45:59 PM
Post by: actionshooter on January 15, 2011, 12:07:59 AM
The whole high buck hunt in Wa has turned into the ultimate joke.
20+ years ago when I hunted the 1st time was (in my opinion) already close to the end of quality high buck hunts.
Post by: bobcat on January 15, 2011, 12:10:34 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 15, 2011, 12:41:16 AM
Quote
I've heard guys say that following the people is a good way to find out where the deer are, but I'd prefer to head in the opposite direction.
That there sir, would be me! You might call it corney, but I will duck away when I see someone. They never know where I was, and if they did happen to catch a glimpse, It'll be of my backside.
-Steve
Post by: Alpine Mojo on January 15, 2011, 05:27:13 PM
Maybe they should make it a permit only hunt like it is in Oregon?
The state already has a 3 point minimum in place to cut back on the number of hunters. How many more restrictions do you think are necessary? The WDFW is F*'d up enough as it is, they don't need any encouragement.
Post by: bobcat on January 15, 2011, 06:49:50 PM
Maybe they should make it a permit only hunt like it is in Oregon?
The state already has a 3 point minimum in place to cut back on the number of hunters. How many more restrictions do you think are necessary? The WDFW is F*'d up enough as it is, they don't need any encouragement.
I don't know how many restrictions are necessary. It wasn't me that said the high hunt was a joke. Just a suggestion, as Oregon has a similar hunt, but it's permit only. It seems to work for them. As far as I know it's a fairly easy draw. When I have hunted the high hunt, it wasn't bad at all. Where we hunted we would always run into one other guy. Every time I've been in there, the same guy is there. But that's it. One other person is our only competition. And this is only about a 4 mile hike in from the trailhead. Oh and by the way, I doubt if the 3 point minimum has any effect on the number of people that hunt the high hunt.
Post by: Alpine Mojo on January 15, 2011, 07:16:02 PM
I doubt if the 3 point minimum has any effect on the number of people that hunt the high hunt.
Unfortunately, the state sees it differently...
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19850901&id=nvERAAAAIBAJ&sjid=au8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=4518,223619 (http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19850901&id=nvERAAAAIBAJ&sjid=au8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=4518,223619)
"Three years ago (that would be 1982, as the article is dated from 1985) the Washington Game Department adopted the rule that hunters could kill only bucks with three points or more during the early season. Biologists say there was no biological reason for the regulation, but rather a move to make the hunt less appealing to less-than-serious hunters."
Post by: bobcat on January 15, 2011, 07:19:33 PM
Post by: Everett on January 15, 2011, 07:37:56 PM
"But for the early "high" hunt, I doubt many people were hunting in the wilderness for little bucks anyway. Would you?"
Yeah, no kidding. I don't see many people crawling up the side of a cliff for a spike. At least, I never have. It just amazes me that there are so many people hunting the wilderness areas, to where it would have to be a permit hunt for everyone to be able to hunt comfortably. I guess it is 2011, but come on. :dunno:
Post by: high country on January 16, 2011, 01:48:58 PM
Post by: Vek on January 17, 2011, 02:39:32 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on January 20, 2011, 04:26:56 PM
I guarantee that I could move back down there and hunt an area that is flat-out not hunted right now, next year. In either the GPW or the Pasayten.:)
Post by: Lowedog on January 20, 2011, 04:45:32 PM
I guarantee that I could move back down there and hunt an area that is flat-out not hunted right now, next year. In either the GPW or the Pasayten.
Dude, after seeing your posts on your AK hunts I believe 100% that you could!!! :kneel:
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 20, 2011, 07:15:19 PM
-Steve
Post by: Shed Stud on January 21, 2011, 08:35:24 AM
Bobcat Quote:I am definatley not going to shoot a small buck in september. My old lady would think my deer hunting season is over. I'll shoot a three during the N.E. late season, that way I set up 3 deer camps insead of 1. :IBCOOL:
"But for the early "high" hunt, I doubt many people were hunting in the wilderness for little bucks anyway. Would you?"
Yeah, no kidding. I don't see many people crawling up the side of a cliff for a spike. At least, I never have. It just amazes me that there are so many people hunting the wilderness areas, to where it would have to be a permit hunt for everyone to be able to hunt comfortably. I guess it is 2011, but come on. :dunno:
Post by: Vek on January 21, 2011, 01:54:45 PM
Well sure.. I know several areas that aren't hunted in both of those wildernesses. But when I've been there, there also wasn't a plethora of game either. Maybe not devoid, but not what most hunters dream of.
-Steve
Post by: nwalpineguide on January 21, 2011, 07:03:44 PM
Attached is the rack from one backpacked out opening day of the general season hunt in 2007.
MQ
Post by: JPhelps on January 21, 2011, 07:14:37 PM
I hope we can find a few more like that this year scouting ;)
Post by: JimmyHoffa on January 21, 2011, 07:15:10 PM
Post by: HardCorpsHuntr on January 21, 2011, 07:29:06 PM
There's still a few remote pockets that produce nice bucks in the GPW.
Attached is one from 2007.
MQ
Nice Filson!
Post by: nwalpineguide on January 21, 2011, 07:44:34 PM
It's a big wilderness with good populations of big game in it. I realize that trophy bucks are rare. At the risk of repeating myself, THEY ARE VERY RARE!
It requires an inordinate amount of dedication, scouting time, effort to understand a particular bucks habits and understand its travel patterns to have a modicum of a chance at harvesting one. Then, the season is short too. It's a challenge.
That's why we hunt. It's challenging and the rewards are...sublime.
Enjoy!
Post by: actionshooter on January 23, 2011, 11:08:26 AM
I would offer a piece of advise though, take it or leave it.
If you don't want a ton of guys in your spot, don't post the pics of scenery on here. I would bet there have already been guys who have tried to figure out where you took that picture from.
There are a lot of guys who do there scouting on the forums, it really sucks, but it happens.
Post by: Miles on January 23, 2011, 11:15:42 AM
Post by: actionshooter on January 23, 2011, 11:20:46 AM
I think I found the rock that is behind them in the first picture using google earth. Looks like a new place to try out next year. GPW here I come...You can make fun if you want, I've seen it happen here and there are guys on this site that have been screwed and won't post a pic at all.
Good areas without a ton of guys are hard to come by.
Post by: ACCUBOND on January 23, 2011, 06:24:37 PM
Post by: WSU on January 23, 2011, 06:59:43 PM
Hey NW, welcome to the site, looks like some pretty good bucks.
I would offer a piece of advise though, take it or leave it.
If you don't want a ton of guys in your spot, don't post the pics of scenery on here. I would bet there have already been guys who have tried to figure out where you took that picture from.
There are a lot of guys who do there scouting on the forums, it really sucks, but it happens.
Or you could figure it out by looking at the name on the picture....
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 23, 2011, 07:03:52 PM
I guarantee that I could move back down there and hunt an area that is flat-out not hunted right now, next year. In either the GPW or the Pasayten.
Vek it's better if you just stay up there in Alaska and hunt the real animals. Besides we like your pics.
Post by: sooperfly on January 23, 2011, 08:17:44 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rivercolor.com%2Fimages%2Fhighbucks.jpg&hash=026084648d928cc401c3c832a106dfad868d1f32)
Post by: Ridgerunner on January 23, 2011, 08:45:53 PM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 23, 2011, 09:14:39 PM
It's hard to tell because the picture is so small, but there are five legal bucks circled in this picture. Three of them were nice, and two of them were nice large bruisers.
Thing is.. Most all of us have walked right by good/great bucks and never known they were there.
-Steve
Post by: deerslyr on January 23, 2011, 09:44:18 PM
It's hard to tell because the picture is so small, but there are five legal bucks circled in this picture. Three of them were nice, and two of them were nice large bruisers. Picture isn't the best because this is before I had a dslr with nice lenses. Taken during the high hunt several years ago. I have yet to see anybody in this drainage either during the high hunt or outside the deer seasons. Pretty fun place to get to. :)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rivercolor.com%2Fimages%2Fhighbucks.jpg&hash=026084648d928cc401c3c832a106dfad868d1f32)
so are any of them dead or what? lol
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 24, 2011, 05:33:31 AM
Post by: nwalpineguide on January 24, 2011, 08:41:06 AM
The interesting thing is that observation you astutely make about the change in habits between the high hunt time period and the regular general season. As short a time period as that is between those two different hunt periods, it is my opinion that there is an observable difference in behaviors. That goes for both the deer and hunters!
By the general season those 170+ class bucks are hunkered down, barely move 200 yards over a two week time period and are almost nocturnal in behavior. That 2007 buck, and the 176 3/8ths buck Colton killed were taken in their beds at 40 and less than 30 yards, respectively. We were simply forced to...well, "hunt" for them.
Hunting the area off and on since 1990 has helped my knowledge of buck habits in that area, more importantly learn the habits of the very few guys that go after them there. The only limiting factor now is that at age 48 it feels harder (punishing) difficult to get to those places than when I was 27. I think the mountains got taller, the pack heavier and the oxygen in the atmosphere has decreased. It can't be that I have aged. It just can't be!
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 24, 2011, 12:11:43 PM
Post by: nwalpineguide on January 24, 2011, 12:24:17 PM
MQ
Post by: WAmuleyHunter on January 24, 2011, 04:26:36 PM
Post by: CJ-5 on January 24, 2011, 06:27:31 PM
Post by: sooperfly on January 25, 2011, 08:12:00 AM
so are any of them dead or what? lol
Umm.. unfortunately no... on that trip that pic was taken about 3 or 4 pm on the last day of our hunt.. and according to google earth, those deer are 1,977 yds away. :'(
Besides the line of sight distance, it was straight down a loooong ways and then straight back up a looooong ways to get to them. :)
Post by: nwalpineguide on January 25, 2011, 09:53:47 AM
The only cramping you will find in some of the more remote, rugged and austere spots of the GPW during the high hunt is in your quads, calf muscles and hamstrings. As you probably already know a little conditioning goes a long, long ways brother.
To prepare for my September hunt this year I've been, since November 15 or so, lap swimming 4 days a week, for a 1/2 hour, non-stop wearing a pair of Force Fins my NAVY SEAL kid brother gave to me and that he used for 18 years as a spec ops warrior assigned to SEAL TEAM 3 in Coronado, Calif. Once I've got my metabolism racing at the end of the swim I start hitting the weights. I lift that damned infernal metal for 1/2 an hour and call it good.
I'll do this very simple workout regime until May when I stop the gym workouts and simply start backpacking and humping a training load pack around. This, 2-3 weekends a month from May to November. Yes, I have a patient wife and children. They haven't left me yet.
A long injury free mountaineering background has also served me well over the years, and has made the transition to hunting, where I do, alot easier.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nwalpineguide/sets/72157603792844745/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nwalpineguide/sets/72157603792844745/)
Now, I understand that what works for me may not work for you and everyone else. Thus, you may need to modify your physical fitness regime to suit your needs and lifestyle. My lifestyle is hunting trophy class mulies. So, I sacrifice allot to that end. No, I don't harvest allot of bucks. I go season after season sometimes without punching my tag. It's not that I am not observing trophy bucks each year in the backcountry, because I am and others are too. I'm just not killing them every season.
Good luck in your scouting and come share a cup of hot coffee with me in my camp sometime should you stumble in.
nwalpineguide
Post by: Everett on January 25, 2011, 06:50:42 PM
Post by: nwalpineguide on January 25, 2011, 07:16:56 PM
An excellent demonstration of GOOD JUDGEMENT on your part! Well done.
The high hunt is not for everyone, and I respect and admire your decision making ability.
P+O =C or, Planning plus organization equals control. Safety first!
I've been on one too many alpine rescues. The Glacier Peak Wilderness doesn't need any more. Again, good judgement on your part.
nwalpineguide
Post by: Everett on January 25, 2011, 07:23:28 PM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 25, 2011, 07:53:23 PM
In this photo, http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=64888.0;attach=132486;image (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=64888.0;attach=132486;image) , do you have a source for those pants? I have two pair that I've abused for many years that I'm also growing out of. (I thought I stopped growing when I was younger!)
Anyway.. I'd love to get a couple more pair of those 100% wool pants from WWII. What do you suggest as a base layer? To be honest, I've done well with a loose fit pair of cotton sweats, (yes, I said cotton -because they breath really well, are more comfortable than long johns -as long as I stay dry), but I'd like your input.
-Steve
Post by: Bearhunter on January 25, 2011, 07:59:06 PM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 25, 2011, 08:15:28 PM
Is that the last surplus store left in the I-5 corridor?
-Steve
Post by: Bearhunter on January 25, 2011, 08:48:58 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 25, 2011, 09:05:08 PM
Post by: Everett on January 25, 2011, 09:06:45 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 25, 2011, 09:08:29 PM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 25, 2011, 10:13:52 PM
Quote
First Lite Clothing Gila Pants
If you were to sit down and think about what attributes you would like in your ultimate hunting pants, the end result just might be very similar to the First Lite Gila Pants. These are not your grandfather's wool hunting pants. The First Lite Gila are designed to be an every day hunting pant whether it is 20 degrees and windy or 85 and sunny. The First Lite Gila is made out of 99% virgin wool with 1% nylon rip stop to add durability. When compared to microfiber, wool has superior breathability, superior resistance to burrs, the ability to retain 80% of its warmth when soaking wet and most importantly, does not stink even after days in the field.
Well... I'm not gonna knock them since I've never worn'em. But the U.S. Army infantry WWII surplus wool pants are truly rugged with 6 pockets, draw string cuffs and draw string mid leg to keep the warmth in when it's bitter cold. The water repelency is just... 'Wool'. They have 2" belt loops and suspender loops/buttons. For a whole lot less than $155. I'll admit though, 85 degrees is a bit warm for surplus wool pants.
-Steve
Post by: bullchaser on January 25, 2011, 10:42:12 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi298.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm275%2Fmattandmelody%2F2010_1016January20080072.jpg&hash=c032026b7d42ff6d1b745f79180a36da19e12d04)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi298.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm275%2Fmattandmelody%2F2010_1016January20080088.jpg&hash=bc4e65fe0d3d4fb691c502fbcd06110bf647c827)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi298.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm275%2Fmattandmelody%2F2010_1016January20080091.jpg&hash=69b56aa139423dd93dcc4cdc7745d4df1c3a9f95)
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 25, 2011, 10:59:21 PM
-Steve
Post by: JimmyHoffa on January 25, 2011, 11:10:15 PM
Post by: nwalpineguide on January 26, 2011, 12:14:51 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 26, 2011, 08:38:58 AM
NWalpineguide, Will you share with us an itemized list of what's in your pack for the high mountain hunt? (assuming walk in, not horse packed)
-Steve
Post by: timberghost72 on January 26, 2011, 09:02:56 AM
OK... Sticking with the theme..
NWalpineguide, Will you share with us an itemized list of what's in your pack for the high mountain hunt? (assuming walk in, not horse packed)
-Steve
:yeah: Great idea
Post by: swanny on January 26, 2011, 09:11:35 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 26, 2011, 09:44:58 AM
Not in the GPW though.
-Steve
Post by: JimmyHoffa on January 26, 2011, 02:42:32 PM
X2OK... Sticking with the theme..
NWalpineguide, Will you share with us an itemized list of what's in your pack for the high mountain hunt? (assuming walk in, not horse packed)
-Steve
:yeah: Great idea
My high buck gear weight is around 75-80 (occasionally up near a hundred) pounds on the way up. The way back down goes either way....multiple animals means lots of trips carrying game bags. I usually do high buck alone so I can't so the shared gear concept. I've come across lots of tricks to save a pound here or there, but it is mostly the hunting gear not the hiking/camping gear loading me down.
Post by: haugenna on January 26, 2011, 06:53:09 PM
See you all in the high hunt
Post by: Bean Counter on January 26, 2011, 07:02:30 PM
Post by: nwalpineguide on January 26, 2011, 08:30:47 PM
Specific to the Glacier Peak Wilderness high hunt where crowding does not occur, plentiful 185+ class B&C bucks gamble in open meadows at 10:00AM, and where everyone plays nice in the sandbox together.
The equipment from the following list will not work in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Buckhorn Wilderness on the Olympic Peninsula, the Pasayten or the Sawtooth Wilderness of Idaho. It just wont! Sorry.
My Philadelphia lawyer has advised me to provide a disclaimer should someone actually purchase equipment on my recommendation then perish using it
:)
Disclaimer: this is America. The freedom to choose whatever you want to put in your pack is your perogitive. Don't blame me if you ... well, you get my drift.
In addition, what works for me may not for you. What I like, you may not. I'm not perfect nor am I an expert. Just an average guy who likes to hunt and fish in wilderness.
My equipment list:
1. toothpick
2. 12' of green dental floss
3 diet ice water.
That's it!
JUST KIDDING!
If you don't realize it yet. I don't take myself seriously and that means I probably don't you. :) The Trail Blazers and planting fish has damaged me somehow.
Cotton Kills! :bdid: So, if you want to die; albiet die in comfort, always wear cotton clothing. Base layer, mid-layer and storm gear. Also, stay away from wool, down (duck or goose) and synthetic oil based fibers. They're way over rated. I find that for all my clothing, and a sleeping bag, that a plain old white cotton bed sheet protects me in all weather conditions all year long. Especially in January with a 36 degree driving rain. I'll repeat myself because I think positive re-enforcement is a good way to learn. Cotton KILLS!
Backpack: I use an Eberlestock Blue Widow, I go in heavy and come out heavier if I harvest an animal.
Ammunition: Handloaded Nosler Accubond, Swift Scirocco and Barnes TSX rounds based on the rifle I arbitrarily decide to hunt with.
Knife: A sharp functional one and the knowledge of how to use it.
Headlamp: Black Diamond Icon. You can see all the way to Disneyland with this thing. Powered by Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries.
Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket Stove. 2 8.0 oz. fuel canisters. Hey, it for boiling water. I keep it simple stupid.
Mess Kit: Lexan fork and spoon, non-descript 28 oz capacity plastic cup.
Camera: Canon Digital Rebel XT and EFS 17-85mm Lens and batteries. This pig weighs a ton!
Under Armour: Long underwear bottom and tops.
Toothbrush: Some people, Trail Blazers especially, are only casually aquainted with their Dentist, toothbrush and paste.
Wool Gloves: Self explanatory; basic woof and warp fabric in the shape of a hand.
Pants: Any material on this planet as long as they are Wool or Synthetic (fleece, pile etc).
Watch/Alarm: Mine is a Casio Pathfinder altimeter watch. I navigate in 3 dimensions not two; a map is two. I don't use a GPS. The military (USAF) taught me in the 80's how to navigate on patrols at night with a map and compass. The Trailblazers taught me to be a defiant reprobate.
Spotting Scope: Mine is a Nikon XL something or other. It works. From the summt of Buck Mountain where I hunt, I can see all those hunting camps above Massie lake, on Helmet Butte, Pomas Pass, Castle Creek Basin, Martin Ridge, Pyramid, even to etc, etc, etc.
Tripod: Mine cost about $12.00. It works to steady the spotting scope so I can see those 180 class bucks running away from everyone.
Rangefinder: Mine is a Nikon Laser 800 or some such model. It's powered by Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries.
Map: Mine are custom made by topozone.com or terraserver ...or something. Then, I customize them with observational data.
Platypus: Water container that holds 100 oz. I have a love hate relationship with it. You know what I mean.
Tarp: Bright Blaze Orange 10 X 12, used separately or above my tent. The blaze orange so everyone can find me. I'm a social creature.
Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba. I use a tent mostly to keep those vampiric insects from me. I don't carry the tent-fly unless I'm above tree line.
Sleeping Bag: I use a Lafuma 800 or 600 during high summer. From Labor Day weekend to July 1st; A goose down bag comfort rated to 20+ F.
Sleeping Pad: What else? A Thermarest pro something. They don't give 'em away. $100.00 I think.
Storm Gear: Frogg Toggs top and bottom. They work for me. Might not for you. A little warm they are as they don't breathe.
Hat: Wool or fleece, I use several based on conditions.
Sweater: Might as well have the best! Filson outfitter for late fall and winter, Fleece one for the high hunt.
Game Bags: Any kind that works. And meat within trash compacter bags to sink under spring water. Life begins at 40 F. Bacterial.
Your obediant servant!
nwalpineguide
Post by: Ridgerunner on January 26, 2011, 09:27:10 PM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 26, 2011, 10:00:21 PM
Water filter preference? Food?
Post by: uncoolperson on January 26, 2011, 10:08:28 PM
Post by: actionshooter on January 26, 2011, 10:31:29 PM
This thread is annoying :bash:
See you all in the high hunt
I think I'll print maps of all the hot spots in the GPW.......... You know, the kind they sell at disneyland that have little dotted trails to all the main attractions. AND THEN if I could get away with coin operated turn-stalls right next to the gold stars (secret holes) on the map.
I'd be a rich man!! :rolleyes:
Post by: actionshooter on January 26, 2011, 10:33:58 PM
I'll try to cut the NF in for half, with the budget shortfalls I'll bet they bite. :hello:
Post by: nwalpineguide on January 27, 2011, 01:16:45 AM
I use sharp rocks, preferably with a high silica content, like quartz has, or gabbro, as well as prickly pine cones in place of sissy toilet paper.
This, in support of and deference to spotted owls and any other living thing that uses tree fibers. Toilet paper is over rated. Much like wool from sheep and down from ducks and geese. I've often wondered why people thought I had a hitch in my get-up and am ill-tempered. I also left out my basic survival kit and hunting license and tags. Oh, I almost forgot, the dryer lint from my back pocket is a critical item I use to start fires with. I beg your forgiveness for missing this one.
I don't carry a water filter. I've had Giardia and probably 13 other gastrointestinal parasitic disorders. That last trip to the wonderful Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in '84, and lapping water like a dog one time within a culvert on the Suiattle river road in August put me over the tipping point. What I do have now is a good reference point for when my colon is fine and the alternative.
Food: what? You folks actually eat when hunting? The TrailBlazers only taught me to drink. Something called Knob Creek.
I typically lose 10-12 pounds on a week long high hunt. I'm there to hunt and hike not feast. Besides, I just can't backpack alot of food with me. Some of it is heavy and bulky. Again, just my opinion. Moreover, extreme physical work like backpacking on a high hunt, in the places I do, acts as a natural appetite suppressant. I guess that's a good thing as long as what I'm eating provides enough nutrition to fuel my body.
Breakfast: instant oatmeal (2) packets, instant coffee drink, maybe a Pop-Tart.
Snacks: gorp, beef jerky, Cliff-Bar, dried fruit, GU, maybe Ramen noodles every other day and lots of kool-aid or gator-aid drinks etc. Adequate Hydration is important. So is a vitamin/mineral supplement to keep muscles from cramping too much.
Supper: What else? Mountain House, Richmoor AlpineAire brands freeze dried or dehydrated meals. 2 serving type.
Look Ma, NO PICTURE!
kind regards,
nwalpineguide
Post by: ghgetter on January 27, 2011, 07:31:31 AM
Post by: Miles on January 27, 2011, 07:41:26 AM
Thank you for sharing some of your experiences with us.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 27, 2011, 11:46:07 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 27, 2011, 12:25:56 PM
I'll keep using my Katadyn water filter. Like was said before, 'life begins at 40 degrees'.
And TOILET PAPER IS NOT OVER-RATED! Neither are baby wipes!
Anyone use the little blue bags? :chuckle:
-Steve
Post by: TwoFeet on January 27, 2011, 07:13:08 PM
:yeah:I think I found the rock that is behind them in the first picture using google earth. Looks like a new place to try out next year. GPW here I come...You can make fun if you want, I've seen it happen here and there are guys on this site that have been screwed and won't post a pic at all.
Good areas without a ton of guys are hard to come by.
With all the "outfitters" and "guides" packing guys, most of whom have no business being in the backcountry, back in close to many of my honey holes, seems like the big boys are getting more nocturnal by the year. I can't tell you how many of these "professionals" I've watched completely screw up areas that held quality trophy animals. It's really too bad, but makes me train even harder and scout even more thoroughly. If only I'd won that powerball...then I wouldn't have to work and could put in months of climbing/scouting. One of my hunting mentors taught me many years ago that the most important part of your hunt comes months before you ever pack your rifle.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 28, 2011, 05:27:58 AM
Post by: Armadillo on January 28, 2011, 07:45:00 AM
Post by: TwoFeet on February 01, 2011, 08:44:56 PM
They have as much of a right to be in there as anyone else.
Very true, but it's just a wee bit frustrating sometimes...
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 07, 2011, 05:52:00 AM
Post by: Shed Stud on February 07, 2011, 07:01:41 AM
Post by: Miles on February 07, 2011, 07:07:18 AM
Nwalpineguide,
Where would you suggest as a "jumping off point", to access some of this amazing country?
Post by: haugenna on February 07, 2011, 07:08:28 AM
Well after all this talk and all these pictures, I now know where all the cityits will be hunting. Thanks guys. Good luck, you will need it. When you can't find a place to park next year, you know who to blame. :stup:
:yeah:
Post by: GEARHEAD on February 07, 2011, 11:22:19 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 07, 2011, 12:08:43 PM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on February 07, 2011, 12:18:00 PM
Ohh yea hopefully everyone will give it a try this year and see just how there are deer behind every tree just waiting to be shot!! :whoo:
Fact is.. Most hunters don't get one mile from the road/truck. Most hunters can't afford a guide. Most hunters don't leave their comfortable RV and the 4-12 guys in hunt camp. Most hunters don't have the gear to go for an extended DIY pack hunt. Most of them will shy away from what is a whole lot more work to hike/climb to areas that hold deer. Most hunters do realize that the early hunt is for those that have scouted and are in pretty damn good physical condition to go find deer that are a lot more spread out.
-Steve
Post by: JimmyHoffa on February 07, 2011, 12:47:08 PM
How is parking lot security for the GPW trailhead parking lots? I've had issues at other places around the state and am wondering if that area is a better place to leave a car for a week or more.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 07, 2011, 01:35:02 PM
Post by: nwalpineguide on February 07, 2011, 05:39:45 PM
Enjoy the images. They're from all sides!
Post by: Antlerking on February 07, 2011, 07:25:11 PM
Post by: wsucowboy on February 08, 2011, 12:15:16 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 08, 2011, 05:43:30 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on February 08, 2011, 07:54:07 AM
The effort, scenery is the cake and the taking of something is just the icing on the cake.
Well said! Last year during the high hunt I could have and maybe should have taken what might have been the Bear of my lifetime, but I was hunting Deer. The 20 minutes of watching him within range was priceless though. Hiking/hunting out a loop opposite from my camp, I came across probably one of the more shallow guided camps. I felt pretty comfortable that I was at least that deep in. There were a few camps that were more shallow that I. I'm trying to learn a new area in the Pasayten where yes, the trailhead had plenty of parked rigs, but with what I saw last year there is ample opportunity to get away from the crouds.
-Steve
Post by: Shed Stud on February 09, 2011, 07:11:29 AM
Post by: teanawayslayer on February 09, 2011, 07:56:27 AM
How come no one brings up the driving rain and the endless days of thick,wet,dense fog? The weather up there in september is hit or miss.... or misst.i will agree with you on that. went in on monday and it was awesome sunny and 70 by opening day it was rainy and foggy untill we left on saturday. Deffinetly changes fast up there.
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on February 09, 2011, 08:01:28 AM
Any solo-ist backpacking in needs to be prepared for just about anything.
-Steve
Post by: Miles on February 18, 2011, 06:06:49 AM
Post by: fair-chase on February 19, 2011, 05:18:30 PM
Post by: longrange7mm on February 19, 2011, 06:17:54 PM
Post by: GEARHEAD on February 19, 2011, 08:07:52 PM
Post by: wilsongideon on February 20, 2011, 10:52:50 PM
Post by: wilsongideon on February 20, 2011, 11:03:03 PM
Post by: wilsongideon on February 20, 2011, 11:09:01 PM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on February 20, 2011, 11:41:42 PM
-Steve
Post by: Miles on February 21, 2011, 01:21:42 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 21, 2011, 05:35:59 AM
Post by: Wea300mag on February 21, 2011, 07:51:17 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on February 23, 2011, 06:52:59 AM
Post by: swanny on February 24, 2011, 08:23:48 AM
Post by: farmin4u_98948 on March 24, 2011, 07:18:06 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on March 24, 2011, 08:56:18 AM
-Steve
Post by: quadrafire on March 24, 2011, 09:20:48 AM
But so true!
Post by: eastsidewa on March 24, 2011, 08:43:48 PM
Post by: rb2506 on March 24, 2011, 08:46:44 PM
looks like a pumpkin patch. better off to hunt the west side of cascades!!!!!!:yeah:
Post by: Miles on March 26, 2011, 08:34:34 AM
http://northwestoutdoorsports.com/tag/deerhunting/ (http://northwestoutdoorsports.com/tag/deerhunting/)
Post by: Lowedog on March 26, 2011, 09:19:43 AM
There you guys, it's super easy and more of you should give it a try.
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on March 26, 2011, 10:27:13 AM
12,409 views...there is obviously some interest in this hunt.
There's always been interest in this hunt. Most people don't have the money for a guide, aren't equiped with horses, or have the stamina for such hunting.
-Steve
Post by: Miles on March 26, 2011, 10:29:41 AM
12,409 views...there is obviously some interest in this hunt.
There's always been interest in this hunt. Most people don't have the money for a guide, aren't equiped with horses, or have the stamina for such hunting.
-Steve
Who needs a guide to do some exploring? Surely a person can get back in and hunt some decent ground without horses.
Post by: Lowedog on March 26, 2011, 11:08:06 AM
12,409 views...there is obviously some interest in this hunt.
There's always been interest in this hunt. Most people don't have the money for a guide, aren't equiped with horses, or have the stamina for such hunting.
-Steve
Who needs a guide to do some exploring? Surely a person can get back in and hunt some decent ground without horses.
There are many great places in the wilderness areas that a person can day hunt into. Some of them are areas that hardly anyone goes into because they think you have to go 10 miles in. Hunting the wilderness is really not much different than hunting anywhere else in the Cascades, it is all steep and rugged for the most part and many places outside of the wilderness are just as remote and less traveled because it doesn't hold the allure of doing a wilderness hunt.
Many would have you believe that it takes a special person to be able to do a wilderness high hunt. Fact is that the average guy can get into the wilderness and hunt. The main thing you have to be prepared for is not finding what you are after. :twocents:
Post by: Miles on March 26, 2011, 11:17:20 AM
http://www.wogameandfish.com/hunting/mule-deer-blacktail-deer-hunting/wo_aa075503a/ (http://www.wogameandfish.com/hunting/mule-deer-blacktail-deer-hunting/wo_aa075503a/)
Post by: Miles on March 26, 2011, 11:20:18 AM
http://mykickasslife.me/high-buck-hunt-glacier-peak-wilderness (http://mykickasslife.me/high-buck-hunt-glacier-peak-wilderness)
Here's the first line: "I started at the Cottonwood Trailhead on Thursday, which is 38 miles up the Entiat Valley Road off of Hwy 97."
Here's a truck at the trail head when they got back.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fposterous.com%2Fgetfile%2Ffiles.posterous.com%2Fmykickasslife%2F3Sx18A7lJigixaPCLrgpZ6f1kry7YHQuHQV8QrGrMr68PnHlUBjeINM0Rpzz%2FDSCF0640.jpg&hash=891d5d4359972ea3eeafb64c566bd161545aa93e)
Post by: Miles on March 27, 2011, 01:38:22 AM
Post by: UBA on March 27, 2011, 09:47:09 AM
This guy gives a step by step tutorial on how to get your Glacier Peak buck. :chuckle:Attention to all hunters following the step by step hunt instructions. There is no need to hike to cow creek meadows to access larch lakes. There is a hiking only trail from myrtle lake straight to larch lakes. Its way faster and you can see the twenty some switchbacks on
http://mykickasslife.me/high-buck-hunt-glacier-peak-wilderness (http://mykickasslife.me/high-buck-hunt-glacier-peak-wilderness)
Here's the first line: "I started at the Cottonwood Trailhead on Thursday, which is 38 miles up the Entiat Valley Road off of Hwy 97."
Here's a truck at the trail head when they got back.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fposterous.com%2Fgetfile%2Ffiles.posterous.com%2Fmykickasslife%2F3Sx18A7lJigixaPCLrgpZ6f1kry7YHQuHQV8QrGrMr68PnHlUBjeINM0Rpzz%2FDSCF0640.jpg&hash=891d5d4359972ea3eeafb64c566bd161545aa93e)
google earth. Hope this helps. :chuckle:
Post by: Miles on March 27, 2011, 09:59:09 AM
"Get your maps out find Pole Ridge behind Lake Wennache and Fish Lake. Then find Parrot Peak. I know a guy that took 4 4points in 4 consecutive years out of there. He wouldn't mind me telling this, because you have to get yourself in there then you have to get a deer out. So you've earned it. Not many people will get in there. If you run into someone ask him if his name is Spike and tell him I sent you.
Good Luck
Ed"
http://www.kifaruforums.net/archive/index.php/t-2503.html (http://www.kifaruforums.net/archive/index.php/t-2503.html)
Post by: UBA on March 27, 2011, 10:11:54 AM
Or, they take off hiking up a certain trail get a few miles in, stay the night and then realize its way to hard to get anywhere and head back to the truck?
I would say alot of guys do that
Post by: Miles on January 04, 2012, 02:49:51 AM
Post by: highhunter on January 05, 2012, 11:00:36 AM
Post by: Chesapeake on January 05, 2012, 11:06:34 AM
Post by: highhunter on January 05, 2012, 11:13:00 AM
Post by: bobcat on January 05, 2012, 11:13:53 AM
Pretty sure you cant shoot the cats in the wilderness.
I see both the Clark GMU (Glacier Peak Wilderness) and the Pasayten GMU (Pasayten Wilderness) listend under general cougar seasons. The modern firearm season dates were October 15 to December 31.
Post by: Chesapeake on January 05, 2012, 11:26:51 AM
I dont know where I got that from. I have all the regs from 2006 to present and I dont see anywhere it says such a thing. Thinking I got it confused from the 3 year hound pilot program and the date changes.....
Post by: sirmissalot on January 06, 2012, 02:26:05 PM
How many people do you think say "hey jim the high hunt is next weekend lets go kill a huge buck"?
Or, they take off hiking up a certain trail get a few miles in, stay the night and then realize its way to hard to get anywhere and head back to the truck?
I would say alot of guys do that
I agree. Especially since I've done it myself :chuckle: back when I was "young and dumb"
Post by: stickbow9 on January 08, 2012, 10:23:16 AM
Nwalpineguide,
In this photo, http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=64888.0;attach=132486;image (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=64888.0;attach=132486;image) , do you have a source for those pants? I have two pair that I've abused for many years that I'm also growing out of. (I thought I stopped growing when I was younger!)
Anyway.. I'd love to get a couple more pair of those 100% wool pants from WWII. What do you suggest as a base layer? To be honest, I've done well with a loose fit pair of cotton sweats, (yes, I said cotton -because they breath really well, are more comfortable than long johns -as long as I stay dry), but I'd like your input.
-Steve
SIRPLUS in Woodinville has a good selection.
Post by: Miles on February 06, 2012, 10:09:39 PM
Forgot how cool this thread was. Yes Miles, my Brother and I both tagged out in the GPW this year during the general season, not the high hunt. It's amazing how few people there are that hunt it in October vs September. Same beautiful country, same amount of deer, and the crowds aren't as bad. I did hunt it for 8 days in September and passed up 23 legal bucks in shooting range and ended up taking a decent buck opening day of the general. On the high hunt I never saw another hunter (while hunting) and almost had to shoot a cougar at approx. 20ft in self defense. -I am totally pissed that WDFW waited to open cougar back up in October. Our camp could have had two on the meat pole! Total BS if you ask me.
That's great that you and your brother both notched tags. Did you ever post any pics of the two bucks? Congrats.
Post by: highhunter on February 08, 2012, 10:33:43 AM
Post by: whackemandstackem on February 08, 2012, 11:11:15 AM
Post by: Miles on February 08, 2012, 11:30:58 AM
Bottom of page 7 in "2011 Bucks" is a pic of my deer. My brother never takes the time for pics when he's hunting solo.
Good looking buck! Congrats.
Post by: hillbillyhunting on February 08, 2012, 11:48:46 AM
I don't feel like this website does the crowd numbers very much justice. I understand and am not apposed to helping guys out and doing what we can to get more and more people kick-started on hunting. The fact is the most memorable and satisfying hunts are the ones you get out and figure out yourself. This website has become less of a wealth of information and more of a bragging board. Be proud of your successes without telling people where the hell your hunting and or where the game is. This isn't directed toward anybody's post just adding to the fact that the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area was packed full this year and will continue to be until the entire state is Draw Only.
Agreed... I saw a post on a thread that said something like "based on the high success rate I see on this site I want to give the high hunt a try"
This is laughable... the reality is that the success rate is very low. It is more about the experience and having a chance get out in some remote country and hopefully away from people. For my first high hunt experience we were on our way up after a 30" + wide buck. On our way up we immediately knew we were not going to see this buck again. There was a ridiculous number of hunters headed up on horseback with whiskey, lawn chairs, ect and they all knew about the buck. Since then our scouting trips have been oriented around the question of "How do we get away from all of these people?"
If you look at the dialog in the other recent high hunt thread between miles and I you will find that he is fishing, and he is being sneaky about it. I have not been contributing to this site for very long and these situations show me that I should limit my contributions. As I said before, it only takes one person in the high country to blow your hunt (especially if they do not know what they are doing up there). The only thing that keeps me positive is that I know how hard it is to go on a successful hunt in the high country so I keep telling myself that most of these people are not cut out for this kind of hunt and will likely only go on one unsuccessful hunt.
We put in our time to figure this stuff out, and it is very satisfying. We have come a long ways in the last 6 years and are still getting a lot better. I can not even imagine looking on here to find out where to go or how to do it. Do you really want to join a crowd? Do you really think that the people that know what they are doing are going to say much to lessen their chances? If you are interested then just try it out and see if you are cut out for it.
Post by: HardCorpsHuntr on February 08, 2012, 11:53:54 AM
I don't feel like this website does the crowd numbers very much justice. I understand and am not apposed to helping guys out and doing what we can to get more and more people kick-started on hunting. The fact is the most memorable and satisfying hunts are the ones you get out and figure out yourself. This website has become less of a wealth of information and more of a bragging board. Be proud of your successes without telling people where the hell your hunting and or where the game is. This isn't directed toward anybody's post just adding to the fact that the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area was packed full this year and will continue to be until the entire state is Draw Only.
Agreed... I saw a post on a thread that said something like "based on the high success rate I see on this site I want to give the high hunt a try"
This is laughable... the reality is that the success rate is very low. It is more about the experience and having a chance get out in some remote country and hopefully away from people. For my first high hunt experience we were on our way up after a 30" + wide buck. On our way up we immediately knew we were not going to see this buck again. There was a ridiculous number of hunters headed up on horseback with whiskey, lawn chairs, ect and they all knew about the buck. Since then our scouting trips have been oriented around the question of "How do we get away from all of these people?"
If you look at the dialog in the other recent high hunt thread between miles and I you will find that he is fishing, and he is being sneaky about it. I have not been contributing to this site for very long and these situations show me that I should limit my contributions. As I said before, it only takes one person in the high country to blow your hunt (especially if they do not know what they are doing up there). The only thing that keeps me positive is that I know how hard it is to go on a successful hunt in the high country so I keep telling myself that most of these people are not cut out for this kind of hunt and will likely only go on one unsuccessful hunt.
We put in our time to figure this stuff out, and it is very satisfying. We have come a long ways in the last 6 years and are still getting a lot better. I can not even imagine looking on here to find out where to go or how to do it. Do you really want to join a crowd? Do you really think that the people that know what they are doing are going to say much to lessen their chances? If you are interested then just try it out and see if you are cut out for it.
:yeah:, but you said too much!
:chuckle:
Post by: hillbillyhunting on February 08, 2012, 11:56:22 AM
Post by: whackemandstackem on February 08, 2012, 11:59:37 AM
Agreed... I saw a post on a thread that said something like "based on the high success rate I see on this site I want to give the high hunt a try"
This is laughable... the reality is that the success rate is very low. It is more about the experience and having a chance get out in some remote country and hopefully away from people. For my first high hunt experience we were on our way up after a 30" + wide buck. On our way up we immediately knew we were not going to see this buck again. There was a ridiculous number of hunters headed up on horseback with whiskey, lawn chairs, ect and they all knew about the buck. Since then our scouting trips have been oriented around the question of "How do we get away from all of these people?"
If you look at the dialog in the other recent high hunt thread between miles and I you will find that he is fishing, and he is being sneaky about it. I have not been contributing to this site for very long and these situations show me that I should limit my contributions. As I said before, it only takes one person in the high country to blow your hunt (especially if they do not know what they are doing up there). The only thing that keeps me positive is that I know how hard it is to go on a successful hunt in the high country so I keep telling myself that most of these people are not cut out for this kind of hunt and will likely only go on one unsuccessful hunt.
We put in our time to figure this stuff out, and it is very satisfying. We have come a long ways in the last 6 years and are still getting a lot better. I can not even imagine looking on here to find out where to go or how to do it. Do you really want to join a crowd? Do you really think that the people that know what they are doing are going to say much to lessen their chances? If you are interested then just try it out and see if you are cut out for it.
[/quote]
Hey thanks for backing me up on this one. I completely agree and you are probably right that the majority will only go on one unsuccessful high country hunt because it is too much but then again the scary part is, how many first timers are there going to be. Seems like everyday there is a new post about "first time doing this and that, where are some good spots?" Hopefully it doesn't last long but to me it's beginning to drive me out of the state.
Post by: Miles on February 08, 2012, 12:07:31 PM
I don't feel like this website does the crowd numbers very much justice. I understand and am not apposed to helping guys out and doing what we can to get more and more people kick-started on hunting. The fact is the most memorable and satisfying hunts are the ones you get out and figure out yourself. This website has become less of a wealth of information and more of a bragging board. Be proud of your successes without telling people where the hell your hunting and or where the game is. This isn't directed toward anybody's post just adding to the fact that the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area was packed full this year and will continue to be until the entire state is Draw Only.
If you look at the dialog in the other recent high hunt thread between miles and I you will find that he is fishing, and he is being sneaky about it.
:fishin:
It' gets a little tricky when you've got 5,074 miles of line out there, but I'm glad I can still appear "sneaky". :chuckle:
I'm not looking to do the high hunt anytime soon... I've got my own spots.
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on February 08, 2012, 12:28:50 PM
the reality is that the success rate is very low. It is more about the experience and having a chance get out in some remote country and hopefully away from people.
And... Everyone is fishin!
I don't get to do the high hunt every season.. But... I tend to run a little higher than the sorry ashes on horses.
-Steve
Post by: KopperBuck on February 08, 2012, 02:25:10 PM
the reality is that the success rate is very low. It is more about the experience and having a chance get out in some remote country and hopefully away from people.
And... Everyone is fishin!
I don't get to do the high hunt every season.. But... I tend to run a little higher than the sorry ashes on horses.
-Steve
Yup, all us horseback folks are lazy and ashholes... lol.
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on February 08, 2012, 04:09:16 PM
I think that'd be a different thread though.
-Steve
Post by: KopperBuck on February 10, 2012, 01:52:46 PM
I wish I had a Morgan and a Mule.. !!!
I think that'd be a different thread though.
-Steve
Lol.
Really though, there are advantages to going in on boot. Physically it can be more demanding, sure, but there's more freedom involved. For instance, this year we rode in just short of 20 miles this year in the Pasayten. But do to lack of grass/water options, we forced a hand.
We also didn't get to hunt our target area that we wanted to as well as we could've. It was another 3 miles past our camp, and would've taken some serious effort to get the critters in. If we would've had another person who was willing to stay with the camp, we could've spiked it out where we wanted. Which is what we're leaning towards next year. I wish I lived closer so I could scout it better, but that's just what I have to deal with.
Not to mention the prep that goes with the stock, the babysitting, and the chance for a rodeo. But man I love it.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 10, 2012, 02:02:01 PM
Post by: halflife65 on February 10, 2012, 03:18:30 PM
I wish I had a Morgan and a Mule.. !!!Do you know Oatmeal?
I think that'd be a different thread though.
-Steve
If that means nothing to you, then I guess you don't.
Post by: MichaelJ on February 21, 2012, 01:37:39 PM
Your probably right :dunno: >:(
I agree with you on pretty much everything. Which is why I TRY to stay away from posting in any of the high hunt threads... I guarantee you atleast 3x as many people read these threads as post in them. And thats probably not counting non-members...
A member on here tried starting a backcountry hunting website. But the thing was is hardly anybody would post pics and they weren't too willing to help out on areas to hunt. Great gear discussions and stories though....
Mike
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on February 21, 2012, 09:19:17 PM
Great gear discussions and stories though....
Mike
That's where these threads need to stay.. With the gear and stories. Not specifics. Everyone needs to work the research but I think we all want to know that anyone we see, or don't see, is safe while they are there. I don't want to be the rescue party. (I would, but I don't wanna be) I don't want to hear of anyone having a life threatening experience either.
-Steve
Post by: KopperBuck on February 21, 2012, 09:50:45 PM
I've never hunted a spot I've heard of - don't want to see anyone there.
But the tactics and tips are worth more than the computer they're printed on.