First DIY Elk Dry Crk Wy

[Laurel Highlands]

Hello,
For general background see my post in the Who am I section. I'm 38, 5'-10"/205lbs, some knee issues and need to get in shape and hunted once same general area but a few miles south with a guide in 2017. I know this is a popular area.

My brother has 3 points, is there any general cow elk tag he can draw for the oct rifle season (he has 2 bulls already). Yes i've scoured hunt planner and have not found an obvious answer to this, especially in terms of likelihood to get a tag, 10%, 50/50, almost guaranteed...

I can archery (w/ license) and rifle hunt, correct? If I fly out in September to scout, to me it would make sense to bring my bow with.

About when does the snow melt in early summer at ~8k ish elevation, if I wanted to fly out and scout in April or May ish timeframe.

I am looking at locations to scout, mostly based on pressure and access. For example, off Dry creek there is a dirt jeep trail Wickup Knoll and I expect alot of hunters to come in that direction and head up the various valleys (Mikes Hole Creek is one example) to hunt the bowls at the top of the valley. I am thinking about coming in from the back/north opposite side of the mountain from all that pressure. Its also steep, 1400ft elevation gain with thick timber/sparse openings. I would choose a ridge line and go in about 1/2 mile. Is it unrealistic to try to crawl up the mountainside and out a ridge line like that? Obviously, I would go out and scout it first, what I am doing now is planning my scouting locations.

I will get in shape, but I need to be realistic.

 

[F250]

Welcome to Hunttalk !

 

[elkduds]

Welcome to HT. By posting your map you have invited everyone w internet access to check it out.

 

[cgasner1]

Welcome to HT. By posting your map you have invited everyone w internet access to check it out.

Na that looks way to steep for me to hunt

 

[Laurel Highlands]

Welcome to HT. By posting your map you have invited everyone w internet access to check it out.

I know. There's about 100k other areas to hunt I can probably find similar situations. I just needed to get a general example out there. I don't plan on posting any more photos or talk about specific areas like this going forward.

 

[Dsnow9]

That hike looks miserable but I’ve done worse. If you’re in shape and can handle the steeps you should be fine. Posting your plan and maps on a public forum will not help you avoid pressure though. Taking out names and asking general questions to help you narrow down your plan will be more beneficial in the long run.

 

[Dsnow9]

I think the biggest question is what vantage is going to be gained by hiking to that point? Maybe would be worth it during season but for scouting seems a bit like a waste of time and energy’s

 

[Laurel Highlands]

I think the biggest question is what vantage is going to be gained by hiking to that point? Maybe would be worth it during season but for scouting seems a bit like a waste of time and energy’s

I don’t want to hike into a new spot for the first time come hunting season. I’ve never done this so I need to get in there and learn. I just need to be realistic though about access and ability to pack out and narrow it down a bit. There are already way better looking areas to get into, this climb looked questionable for me which is why I am looking for some input.

 

[RemingtonRules]

Some really good advice being given that you are ignoring.

 

[Potsie]

You should post up links to all the waypoints you’ve e-scouted and we, as the HT community, will do everything we can to put together your hunt plan for you. Definitely no point in doing it yourself when you can crowd source everything you need.

 

[Flatbrimmer]

Idk what looks intriguing to you there. I think you’ll be pretty stuck once you get up there. I like this side better, looks like you’d be able to get the same visual vantage point, and can hunt more area without cliffing out or having to drop/gain before coming over the other side. Just go do it, and then report back. Good luck.

 

[Laurel Highlands]

Thanks for the replies, well most of them. You guys confirmed what I was already thinking, too hard to get to, not a lot of options once up there, so thanks.

 

[BAKPAKR]

@Laurel Highlands, out of curiosity, what is your strategy for drawing an elk license for that hunt area with 5 points?

Edit - I was thinking about the type 1 license rather than the general. Depending on point creep, you could have enough points.

 

[Laurel Highlands]

@Laurel Highlands, out of curiosity, what is your strategy for drawing an elk license for that hunt area with 5 points?

Edit - I was thinking about the type 1 license rather than the general. Depending on point creep, you could have enough points.

I would apply for the Region W General. Last years results first choice results were 100% if you had 5. I am 99% sure that if you apply and do not draw, you still retain your points and can apply again next year…correct?