Goose Prairie

Shane · Jul 20, 2005

I am heading over to the Bumping and Nile units scouting for elk in August for four days. I have not stepped foot in this unit before and would like some info before I get over there. The bio in Yakima was "to busy to answer questions" so I need some help. I was thinking of hopping on a trail by Bumping lake and doing a big loop on the trails back to my original starting point over a couple of days. Is that going to be a waste of time or not. I have an any bull archery tag and would like to see what is in there. I could give some Entiat, Swakane, Manson, Skagit, and Whatcom area info for an exchange.
Thanks for any help.
Shane

MikeLonsford · Jul 21, 2005

My neighbor said he usually hunts the Nile area, I'll try to check with him about some good spots. As for the Bumping area, I only hunted there once (1 weekend for deer) and have camped and hiked along Hwy 410, I usually hunt a little further north and east of there. That was actually the first place I ever called an elk to me, I was just whistling to him and it was during mid October and he kept bugling coming closer and closer til he could tell it was just a whistle on my part. I believe the wilderness area has potential but couldn't tell you particular drainages, I'd suspect there's animals throughout the area. I know guys from work that go up in the summer along the American River just to hear the elk bugle. Are you going far into the wilderness or along the edges? Foot or horses? There were lots of elk horse camps getting set up when I deer hunted there.

I'll let you know if I hear something of value.

Good Luck
Mike

Bob D. · Jul 21, 2005

Shane, have you checked your PM's?

fletch · Jul 21, 2005

check your pm

kirkl · Jul 21, 2005

I drew the goose prarie unit 4 years ago and shot a 7x8, my cousin got a 5x6. We hunted the nile unit, didnt set foot in bumping. I know your hunt is early but for our rifle hunt we scouted during muzzle season which they were in rut and we heard/seen alot of bulls in that unit.

Shane · Jul 21, 2005

Thanks guys for the PM's and the replies. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. I am going in on foot but I do have llamas so I can get a bull out before it spoils unless its 90 degrees which could happen but hopefully not. Does anyone have pics of bulls alive or dead from this area. I'd like some fuel to get the blood pumping! You can email me if you want to keep them private. I'll return the favor if I can help down the road. If you have an animal down and see a thirty year old guy with two llamas feel free to ask for help.
Anyone else have anything to add?
Shane

ridgerunner · Jul 22, 2005

I'll send you a pm when I have a little more time.

Shane · Jul 22, 2005

Thanks guys. I am going to be gone all weekend but I'll check any more messages when I get back. Thanks again.
Shane

MikeLonsford · Jul 24, 2005

Well, all my neighbor could tell me was there are a lot of elk in the area but you also need weather to push them down in that area. Which if you're hunting in Sept I'm doubting there's any snow. He usually hunts elk the late seaon over there. So he is saying stay up at the tops and back in the wilderness areas. If there was weather or if you were hunting a later date, then down in elevation more along the Nile area. I think your best bet is the one you've chosen, go find them now as they are likely to be anywhere in my opinion. There may be bulls coming out of the park looking for love if you go along the west side of Bumping.

Good Luck
Mike