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Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: GUscottie on September 01, 2017, 01:21:32 PM


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Title: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: GUscottie on September 01, 2017, 01:21:32 PM
How have the Jolly Mountain and Norse Peak Fires effected your hunting/scouting?

I can say for me, it has had a negative effect on my mood. Most of my scouting is now in closed off areas or areas that have burned. I'm still excited because I have 4 more weeks until hunting starts but I can say, I'm not excited with how I foresee these fires growing.

I was told by WDFW this morning that they are actively looking at modifying dates for quality hunts and restoration of points will only come if the entire area is closed for the entire season.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: boneaddict on September 01, 2017, 01:54:33 PM
As fires are appearing and growing, so are the size of effected areas.  Such as uno peak fire.   They expect closures to be in effect until nov 15th.   Yowzhers.

I can't imagine what is to,come from the high hunt. 
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: yakimanoob on September 01, 2017, 01:58:42 PM
Not directly affecting my hunting, but definitely dampening my mood.  I'm in Naches and already tired of sucking smoke.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: boneaddict on September 01, 2017, 02:00:18 PM
Isn't that the truth. 
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Rainier10 on September 01, 2017, 02:30:37 PM
Not directly affecting my hunting, but definitely dampening my mood.  I'm in Naches and already tired of sucking smoke.
:yeah:
Out with my daughter deer hunting and really limiting how long we are out. Don't want to expose her lungs to too much of this stuff.

Next week and my colockum bull hunt is going to be brutal if this doesn't clear out.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: monster on September 01, 2017, 02:33:02 PM
The jolly mountain fire has totally killed my mood. I have the 1 of only 2 tags quality  bull tag sept 25 to 29.  I had high hopes of getting a Big Bull.  But now i just hope they get this fire under control and not take any homes. 
At this point i still am looking at other areas in the unit.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: GUscottie on September 01, 2017, 02:41:41 PM
I'm still looking at other areas in my unit. The fires are just heavily condensing where the other hunters are going to be. I do appreciate the people who have helped throughout this experience of drawing a quality bull tag. Guess it's time to bear down and hike and hunt harder.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: mp.hunter on September 01, 2017, 03:03:59 PM
I put in for Peaches Muzzy bull as my first choice the Goose Prairie as my second, and drew my second. Right now I feel pretty lucky but feel really bad for the guys with the peaches tags.


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Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: summertime blues on September 01, 2017, 03:43:44 PM
Pretty much has me crossing my fingers tight one doesn't start in 360. This week is going to be brutal for fire conditions. 
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: OutHouse on September 01, 2017, 03:50:17 PM
Not directly affecting my hunting, but definitely dampening my mood.  I'm in Naches and already tired of sucking smoke.

No joke. This morning from Cowiche/Tieton area I cannot even see Mt. Cleman--not even the ridge-line. Surprisingly, the air isn't so bad right around my place but when I drive into Naches Heights or toward Naches the smoke gets thick quick.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: NRA4LIFE on September 01, 2017, 03:54:22 PM
Both my deer hunting area and elk area are either on fire or too thick with smoke for me to go.  Plan C might have to be implemented for the deer opener.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: CarbonHunter on September 01, 2017, 03:55:31 PM
I feel for my hunting partners with the peaches archery but as of now there is still a lot of good ground if you know the area that I can guide them into but if the fire grows like it looks to do, maybe not.

I really feel for whoever drew the naches goat tag.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: trophyhunt on September 01, 2017, 09:12:20 PM
I went for a hike today to Norse peak, it's amazing seeing the fires that close. I'll try and post two of the videos I took.  Cement basin was really going up, the fire was right up to the ridge at basin lake and to the south it was really going.  The second video shows jolly mountain in the far background I believe.  I could hear the fire, could have sat there all day and watched.  It is affecting our camps hunt this year with our usual camp area closed off and now we have to stay in a pay area.  Jackelope fixed the videos, thanks Josh.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: trophyhunt on September 01, 2017, 09:36:37 PM
Not a valid vimeo URL.


Second video
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: MLhunter1 on September 01, 2017, 09:43:33 PM
Was the 1900 rd open?  This really throws a stick in the spokes.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: BDildine on September 01, 2017, 09:55:11 PM
Was the 1900 rd open?  This really throws a stick in the spokes.
Nope, they closed it up yesterday or this morning
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: trophyhunt on September 01, 2017, 09:59:12 PM
Not a valid vimeo URL
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: MLhunter1 on September 01, 2017, 10:01:36 PM
Anybody know where the closure is coming from pyramid pass?
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Caseyd on September 02, 2017, 01:28:44 AM
Not directly affecting my hunting, but definitely dampening my mood.  I'm in Naches and already tired of sucking smoke.

Okanogan county has been pretty smokey for too long now. Even had some ash the past couple days in tonasket
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: thom9719 on September 02, 2017, 07:54:07 AM
both plan A and plan B are unavailable for us now (One burnt, one closed access). Now it's trying to figure out a new area in the next 5 days.

That's a first world problem though. Prayers for those affected and hope the weather changes to help the fire crews. I also hope folks going out for the opener give the fire crews plenty of room to work. Don't try to get right next to closed areas and become a hazard yourselves (ie, don't block gates, etc).

 
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Band on September 02, 2017, 10:11:02 AM
The Jolly Mountain fire is affecting me indirectly since our cabin is now in the "pack and get ready to evacuate" zone.  I took most of my hunting gear there last weekend and I was planning on swinging by on the way to the archery elk opener to pick it up.  Now I'm wondering whether we will have a forced evacuation that will prevent me from getting my stuff.  And then there's the question of whether the fire will take the place down in flames.  Sheesh. :P. I'm rooting for the firefighters. ;)

Oh, and here's the joke of the day.  My mother-in-law tells me if we're going to save stuff at the cabin to get the pictures on the wall and any frilly sentimental stuff and don't worry about my taxidermy because God will probably bless me with another 350 archery bull and 124 archery blacktail buck.  Those things are a dime a dozen, apparently. :chuckle: :o
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: OutHouse on September 02, 2017, 10:23:33 AM
The Jolly Mountain fire is affecting me indirectly since our cabin is now in the "pack and get ready to evacuate" zone.  I took most of my hunting gear there last weekend and I was planning on swinging by on the way to the archery elk opener to pick it up.  Now I'm wondering whether we will have a forced evacuation that will prevent me from getting my stuff.  And then there's the question of whether the fire will take the place down in flames.  Sheesh. :P. I'm rooting for the firefighters. ;)

Oh, and here's the joke of the day.  My mother-in-law tells me if we're going to save stuff at the cabin to get the pictures on the wall and any frilly sentimental stuff and don't worry about my taxidermy because God will probably bless me with another 350 archery bull and 124 archery blacktail buck.  Those things are a dime a dozen, apparently. :chuckle: :o

124 inch black tail?? If you have pics please post em' same with your bull. Best of luck to your cabin and stuff
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: PlateauNDN on September 02, 2017, 10:45:59 AM
 :yeah:
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Scheindogg on September 02, 2017, 11:12:53 AM
As fires are appearing and growing, so are the size of effected areas.  Such as uno peak fire.   They expect closures to be in effect until nov 15th.   Yowzhers.

I can't imagine what is to,come from the high hunt.
What wildernesses do you think this will greatly be affected in the high hunt, bone?
Do you think chelan NRA will be. Greatly affected?
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Band on September 02, 2017, 12:10:17 PM
The Jolly Mountain fire is affecting me indirectly since our cabin is now in the "pack and get ready to evacuate" zone.  I took most of my hunting gear there last weekend and I was planning on swinging by on the way to the archery elk opener to pick it up.  Now I'm wondering whether we will have a forced evacuation that will prevent me from getting my stuff.  And then there's the question of whether the fire will take the place down in flames.  Sheesh. :P. I'm rooting for the firefighters. ;)

Oh, and here's the joke of the day.  My mother-in-law tells me if we're going to save stuff at the cabin to get the pictures on the wall and any frilly sentimental stuff and don't worry about my taxidermy because God will probably bless me with another 350 archery bull and 124 archery blacktail buck.  Those things are a dime a dozen, apparently. :chuckle: :o

124 inch black tail?? If you have pics please post em' same with your bull. Best of luck to your cabin and stuff
The bull is my avatar pic and the buck is in the Jan photo of the month topic.  I have bigger pics of the bull (including the shoulder mount) but I'm one of the victims of the Photobucket cash grab so I lost the ability to post pics here.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Don_D on September 02, 2017, 03:28:46 PM
It's got me smoldering but thats the way it goes in the wilderness.  :chuckle:

I got no backup plan and its the area our camp has hunted for years so at this point I'm not sure what plan B is going to look like. Going to have to broaden my horizons I suppose.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: TopLevelPredator on September 02, 2017, 10:26:18 PM
I'm in the same boat and agree with thom9719, closed access and lost my plans A and B for Peaches archery.  Not the end of the world,  we'll just have to be creative! A big thanks to all the firefighters.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Stein on September 03, 2017, 08:00:17 AM
Same peaches boat as others, but with the rifle tag I at least have some time on my side.  Once it leaves the wilderness area, they may get more aggressive since it would threaten campsites and roads, but that isn't certain.  As it stands, probably 1/3 to 1/2 of the huntable ground has burned in that unit - and probably some of the most popular areas for boots and hooves.  It will really mix things up for sure.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: GUscottie on September 03, 2017, 08:09:18 AM
They officially closed a huge chunk of the land in 346. The entire south wester half of the unit is closed. Kaner Flats are is still open, but anything past that is closed. Not the end of the world for elk hunting. Working on other plans...and crying over my two burned trail cams  :cryriver:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5509/39819/
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Fireant11 on September 03, 2017, 11:19:41 AM
Great video Trophyhunt!  Really puts the size of these fires into perspective.  My prayers are with those affected and those working to get these under control!
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: PlateauNDN on September 03, 2017, 11:27:02 AM
They officially closed a huge chunk of the land in 346. The entire south wester half of the unit is closed. Kaner Flats are is still open, but anything past that is closed. Not the end of the world for elk hunting. Working on other plans...and crying over my two burned trail cams  :cryriver:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5509/39819/

If your cams survived you'll have some great fire footage. :tup:
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: GUscottie on September 03, 2017, 07:32:50 PM
They officially closed a huge chunk of the land in 346. The entire south wester half of the unit is closed. Kaner Flats are is still open, but anything past that is closed. Not the end of the world for elk hunting. Working on other plans...and crying over my two burned trail cams  :cryriver:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5509/39819/

If your cams survived you'll have some great fire footage. :tup:

I hope at least one of them survives. One is in the valley that is currently being burned...The other is higher than that (to the north). Time will tell...time will tell.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: JKEEN33 on September 03, 2017, 07:39:29 PM
Took these last night from the top of Quartze Mtn.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: boneaddict on September 04, 2017, 08:49:53 AM
Probably a nice view of both fires up there. 


A big chunk of the pasayten is off limits, I haven't kept track of the others.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Skyvalhunter on September 04, 2017, 09:20:39 AM
Was grouse hunting Uno peak fire area this weekend. Pretty hot and dry up there. But was able to get some grouse. USFS guy mentioned he thought the fire would make it out past Grade Creek to Windy Gap next week. Hope they get some much needed rain and not dry lightning this week.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: trophyhunt on September 05, 2017, 09:07:33 AM
Now the title needs changed to eastern/western fires!  Crystal mountain is now on fire, cabins are in danger of going up! 
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: trophyhunt on September 05, 2017, 09:09:28 AM
Pic
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: BDildine on September 05, 2017, 09:19:59 AM
luckily nothing at crystal except landscape has burned. I'm not a skier, but without crystal, greenwater would probably almost cease to exist, and we already have so few small towns anymore.
if you can believe the weather people (who are wrong more than ray charles guessing what your wearing), theres a "chance" of scattered showers later this week, but the catch 22 is they are thinking they will bring lightning with......
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: bearpaw on September 05, 2017, 09:35:58 AM
It's so smoky visibility is only about 400 yards in much of the northeast, a bear was spotted at 170 yards last night and was tough to see, never even got a shot.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: 2MANY on September 05, 2017, 09:40:52 AM
hope your cabin is OK Band.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Naches Sportsman on September 05, 2017, 09:42:05 AM
It's so smoky visibility is only about 400 yards in much of the northeast, a bear was spotted at 170 yards last night and was tough to see, never even got a shot.

Our pilot had a close call coming back last evening. He had to follow ridges back to the work center. Couldn't see the helicopter later night and it sits .15 miles from the office.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Special T on September 05, 2017, 09:44:29 AM
Don't they carry a gps?
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Commando on September 05, 2017, 03:06:33 PM
You guys think the naneum, umptanum units will be good to hunt for the opener? Or should a guy look for plan b?
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: bobcat on September 05, 2017, 03:12:30 PM
You guys think the naneum unit will be good to hunt for the opener? Or should a guy look for plan b?

Opener of what? Early archery elk, I assume? If so, it seems it most likely wouldn't be affected by any of the current fires. Other than the air might not be real clear.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Duckslayer89 on September 05, 2017, 03:15:41 PM
Everyone should just stay home for the early archery season because of the fires

 :chuckle:
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Commando on September 05, 2017, 03:31:44 PM
You guys think the naneum unit will be good to hunt for the opener? Or should a guy look for plan b?

Opener of what? Early archery elk, I assume? If so, it seems it most likely wouldn't be affected by any of the current fires. Other than the air might not be real clear.

Thanks. I was thinking the air quality wouldn't be the best, and I know it's a was away but I was worried the fires would shut the area down for fear of how fast they can move. Looks like I was prob worrying about nothing, hopefully .
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: CarbonHunter on September 05, 2017, 06:10:10 PM
They moved the closure of the crest trail from government meadows to snoqualmie pass. Has anyone been up there to see if the other trails north of the 1900 are closed?
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: PlateauNDN on September 05, 2017, 06:39:44 PM
They moved the closure of the crest trail from government meadows to snoqualmie pass. Has anyone been up there to see if the other trails north of the 1900 are closed?

 :yike: to snoqualmie pass???  :bash:
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Band on September 05, 2017, 06:55:51 PM
hope your cabin is OK Band.
Thanks.  So far, so good.  The fire is within 4 miles of the place but I feel pretty confident the firefighters will be able to save us.  Lots of other cabins even closer and I know they're doing their best to save everything.  We ended our long weekend 2 days early to go check it out, bring back some irreplaceable items and try to make the place as fireproof as we could.  Ready to race over there with a bigger vehicle to save the elk at a moment's notice if necessary. :)
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Bob33 on September 05, 2017, 07:03:06 PM
They moved the closure of the crest trail from government meadows to snoqualmie pass. Has anyone been up there to see if the other trails north of the 1900 are closed?

 :yike: to snoqualmie pass???  :bash:

Important update at 10:35 am on 9/5/17

The Pacific Crest Trail is closing/closed for 70 miles from Chinook Pass on Highway 410 (mile 2321) to Snoqualmie Pass (~mile 2391) due to the Norse Peak and Sawmill Ridge Fires.

The Norse Peak Fire started during a lightning storm on August 11, 2017. That storm ignited 13 fires within the Naches Ranger District of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington.

https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/trail-conditions-and-closures/tags/trail-closure/ (https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/trail-conditions-and-closures/tags/trail-closure/)
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: CarbonHunter on September 05, 2017, 07:44:39 PM
How big is the Sawmill Ridge fire?  This is the first I've heard of a fire in that area.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: PlateauNDN on September 05, 2017, 08:04:44 PM
Anybody go to fire meeting in nile?
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: CoyoteCowboy on September 05, 2017, 08:14:09 PM
A guy at the bow shop told me the Manastash is closed... but I don't see any closures in that area. Am I crazy? Or he?
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: stickbuck on September 05, 2017, 08:31:26 PM
A guy at the bow shop told me the Manastash is closed... but I don't see any closures in that area. Am I crazy? Or he?

The Cle Elum Ranger District does not show any current closures in the Manastash.


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Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: HuntnFishnRyan on September 05, 2017, 10:18:52 PM
I had an interesting day up at Snoqualmie Pass today. Bumped into several hikers on the PCT going from Mexico to Canada. Man they are in good shape! Bumped into a firefighter on fire watch on Stampede Pass watching the valley. He was talking about the sawmill fire. Indian Heaven Wilderness closed FYI.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Romulus1297 on September 05, 2017, 10:41:06 PM
Where is the uno peak fire going to go if the winds that are supposed to clear some smoke show up? Methow or Grade Creek. The fire camp orders more resources daily.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on September 06, 2017, 10:55:46 AM
A sizeable area in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Chelan County is closed due to the Jack Creek fire:https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/WAOWF/2017-09-02-1357-Jack-Creek/related_files/pict20170804-082024-0.jpeg https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/WAOWF/2017-09-02-1357-Jack-Creek/related_files/pict20170804-081900-0.jpeg

On a related note, anyone know where to get camo N95 masks? :)
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: runamuk on September 06, 2017, 11:52:40 AM
A sizeable area in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Chelan County is closed due to the Jack Creek fire:https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/WAOWF/2017-09-02-1357-Jack-Creek/related_files/pict20170804-082024-0.jpeg https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/WAOWF/2017-09-02-1357-Jack-Creek/related_files/pict20170804-081900-0.jpeg

On a related note, anyone know where to get camo N95 masks? :)
I bet a hospital supply catalog would have them, they make all sorts for kids
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on September 06, 2017, 11:55:04 AM
A sizeable area in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Chelan County is closed due to the Jack Creek fire:https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/WAOWF/2017-09-02-1357-Jack-Creek/related_files/pict20170804-082024-0.jpeg https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/WAOWF/2017-09-02-1357-Jack-Creek/related_files/pict20170804-081900-0.jpeg

On a related note, anyone know where to get camo N95 masks? :)
I bet a hospital supply catalog would have them, they make all sorts for kids
Thanks Run. 
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: NRA4LIFE on September 06, 2017, 12:25:54 PM
We had a lot of ash/sooty stuff dropping on us yesterday.  We live near Maple Valley.  I have never seen this here before.  Dang we need some rain.
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: Special T on September 17, 2017, 08:12:36 PM
Passed by Hwy 410 closed with a Humvee as well as other turn offs at the 123 intersection. Fire down low near mile post 55 near the heliport Boy Scout camp Camp Sheppard and Crystal Mt ski resort are In danger...
Title: Re: Fires in Eastern Wa
Post by: scottcrb on September 17, 2017, 08:51:22 PM
Manashtash is open . At least as of yesterday. Been there since labor day. Some days are smokey some aren't. Depends on wind.
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