jwasbullfrog
New member
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2020
- Messages
- 12
Hi guys. Have been following the forums for a while, first time posting. Myself and 2 other friends are venturing west this fall for early archery. It is not my first trip out (I hunted second season rifle a few years ago), but I was hoping I could pick some brains about unit 43 in the early archery season. When I hunted it in rifle we weren't very successful getting on elk, but did run into a ton of deer. We mostly hunted the western part of the unit, west of 133. Our plan this time is to have OTC elk and try and draw at least 1 deer tag. The other two going along on the trip are new to going west. We are planning on backpacking in for a few days. Heading out September 4-14. My real questions are:
1. Weather difference. When I was out last time it was mid October and we dealt with some snow and temps down in the teens. What can I expect in early September? Will we need a stove, or can we get by with a 3 season tent?
2. Animal location. Last time out we had to get up pretty high before we started seeing elk sign. Are the elk normally high this early in the season? I am just trying to determine if certain basins are worth exploring based on the elevation.
3. Any suggestions on units close by that may lead to opportunity? We are going back to 43 mostly because I know the terrain and I figure this will save us a day or two of figuring out the area.
4. West part of 43 vs. East? I know the terrain is steeper in the east part of the unit, but would it be worth splitting our week between two different areas, or concentrating on one?
5. Would it be worth one of us picking up a bear tag in this area? Last time out I did see some bear sign, but we didn't run into one in the 7 days we were out.
Thanks for any advice you can give me in advance. I did search the forums for Unit 43 info and the things I already found were very helpful in getting me going. This forum is a very valuable tool.
1. Weather difference. When I was out last time it was mid October and we dealt with some snow and temps down in the teens. What can I expect in early September? Will we need a stove, or can we get by with a 3 season tent?
2. Animal location. Last time out we had to get up pretty high before we started seeing elk sign. Are the elk normally high this early in the season? I am just trying to determine if certain basins are worth exploring based on the elevation.
3. Any suggestions on units close by that may lead to opportunity? We are going back to 43 mostly because I know the terrain and I figure this will save us a day or two of figuring out the area.
4. West part of 43 vs. East? I know the terrain is steeper in the east part of the unit, but would it be worth splitting our week between two different areas, or concentrating on one?
5. Would it be worth one of us picking up a bear tag in this area? Last time out I did see some bear sign, but we didn't run into one in the 7 days we were out.
Thanks for any advice you can give me in advance. I did search the forums for Unit 43 info and the things I already found were very helpful in getting me going. This forum is a very valuable tool.