Boondocker scouting trip yields nothing but good views

drahthaar · #1 07-29-2010, 08:38 PM

This old man told us of a trail he and his dad cut in to a basin about 35 years ago, he has taken dozens of elk out of it, but says his kids would rather drive around and hunt than keep it open, so he told us about it, and sure enough, the old trail is plain as day, hidden well, but quite open, bowsaw will fix it up a little. We set a couple cams three weeks ago, decided to go back in today to check em. Didn't find much at the wallow, which isn't surprising, there is soooo much water everywhere still. And the other cam got mauled by a bear after a week, it was spun around backwards and damaged a little. I took a few pics when I went beyond the wallows to explore the back of the basin.

Once I got out of the brushy bottom, it was mostle slides and boulders. Google earth made it look a easier than what it was. This is the back of the basin, I intend to get all the way to the top of the opposite ridge, g.e. shows a little lake up there.

This boulder held what seems to be a bear den. Some hair in there, floor is packed and flat. Snow probably seals it up, snug as a bug.

Finally got up to the lake. Thought I would glass up some mulies in that high country, nothing.

View down the hill from the rock. you can see the boulder with the den down in the lower left in the boulders.

Worked my way all the way to the top of the ridge opposite the den.

Its at this point that I start wondering how the hell I got up here and why I did this. The cam that got destroyed is down on the right of the alder slide by that giant spruce that sits out from the timber near the bottom of the slide. My trail out is clear down there in the bottom too. Its a painful walk down for sure, plus I know there are cliffs somewhere below that lip I have to avoid.

Here are the few pics I got. Doesn't look good right now. But I think its a place that elk will get pushed to during hunting season with a little pressure.

Wallow cam

van franke · #2 07-29-2010, 08:51 PM

Sweet pics and awsome looking country. Looks like there should be some monster bucks in there too.

Sytes · #3 07-29-2010, 09:01 PM

As usual, great pics Draht!

Thanks for sharing your hike and cam pics - you covered some ground.

Oak · #4 07-29-2010, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drahthaar

Google earth made it look a easier than what it was.

I've noticed the same phenomenon several times. Neat country.

BuzzH · #5 07-29-2010, 09:14 PM

That is some neat country and some great photos.

What I dont miss is working in that country...brushy, thick, and steep.

rosco · #6 07-29-2010, 09:17 PM

Dang on the no buck sightings..looks like an early season muley heaven.

Dinkshooter · #7 07-29-2010, 09:21 PM

That is cool someone told you about it.

Sad his kids want to drive around.

elk_hunter · #8 07-29-2010, 09:33 PM

Wow, outstanding pics! Fantastic country!

drahthaar · #9 07-29-2010, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oak

I've noticed the same phenomenon several times. Neat country.

It just doesn't show the boulders. Old boulder fields covered in lush plant growth. You can't see your feet most of the time, let alone where you are stepping. I was cussing every 5 minutes, seriously. My shins are aching something fierce.

drahthaar · #10 07-29-2010, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuzzH

That is some neat country and some great photos.

What I dont miss is working in that country...brushy, thick, and steep.

Oh boy, that old man and his dad did a great job picking their way through there. I was shocked I had no griz on the cams. A guy is just positive you are going to see a g-bear pop his head up over that brush to see what's coming.

drahthaar · #11 07-29-2010, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dinkshooter

That is cool someone told you about it.

Sad his kids want to drive around.

Well, I think its par for the course in this area of the state. There are quite a few guys that really get out there, but this has to be road warrior capitol of the state, which is fine with me.