Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Scenics from the Flatbed shakedown

To make a long story short, the sign was good, especially beds and tracks, but I didn't turn a hair. This area has good potential, but either the winds, or the hunting gods kept Bambi safe. Yesterday late afternoon, I started down the west slope, with a plan of working the timber, and reaching bottom about dusk and joining up with a trail. The trail would get me back to the truck. It took so long to get down the 1500 feet that it was dead azz dark and then some when I got to the bottom. Insted of bumbling about, I camped there and hiked out this AM.

Here is a look around the area..........

Just off the edge of the Plateau looking North, maybe 50 yds downslope. The pitch here is relatively gentle.



Rimrock about 100 yds downslope from pic #1. This gives an idea of the pitch of the slope.



About another 300 yds downslope, note the bend in the trees due to snow depth.



Bambi slept here.



The down staircase. I made a huge mistake just after shooting this and got into a series of rock bands that took forever to get through. Looking upslope this AM, I could see where I made the wrong move.



The far north edge of the Plateau looking into the next basin (that I didn't hunt) The structures in the far distance are the top of the Alpine Meadows ski resort. This is the Sierra Crest. In this area we are talking about 8200 ft.



This is a great area, but no live critters concerns me. I'll give it at least one more shot this season.

Jim, nice pics.

You setting up and glassing in the am and pm?

I can't see the pics as I'm at work. Everytime I've seen high winds hit the Sierras the hunting goes to schit. I think it drives the deer (and bear) down into the canyons. CA residents are wusses anyways, the critters are no different. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

MtnHtr

Brad:

Yep, that's the plan. Midday, I'd drop down that steep slope and work laterally through the timber. Tuesday night the wind was so stiff and cold, that when I got on those rimrocks and glassed downslope, I just couldn't see beyond my nose.

MtH:

Thats the answer!! I think the deer jumped into their Volvos and went out for Cappuchino's

Quit it! Between you and Mtn Hunter you're making me rethink my view of KA!! So, its not all celebrities and rehab centers??? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

JimF,

Any fresh deer poop or buck scat? That is one of the most surefire telltale signs for nearby deer. In a couple weeks, the high country deer will leave due to frost making their favorite foods unplatable. You have to then hunt the staging areas, mid elevations usually. 5% of the areas hold 95% of the bucks, get hiking/scouting buddy, your homework is laid out for you! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Pointer,

You need to come out and whack a bear sometime, plenty of 'em if you want to put in the time.

MtnHtr

I may have to take you up on that offer! I'd like to give it a whirl next spring, but need to wait and see if I'll be a dad next spring!

Pointer, I'm headed to KA today for ten days... will report back whether celebrities, commies and rehab centers are as prevelant as assumed (grin).

Beautiful scenery Jim. Glad to see the developers haven't put condos in there yet!

BTW I thought the SC trail down there had an espresso shack every two miles?...(grin)

Pointer,

We only have a fall bear season so ya got a chance? Lil ones are great, they will change your life for sure! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Brad,

Be sure to eat out, lotsa of great places to eat. Over at Avila beach, be sure to visit
Olde Port Inn out on the pier. Watch out for the sea lions, my brother in law almost got bit! And stay away from the nude beach!<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

MtnHtr