Looking For a Helping Hand

[Sliverslinger]

I've never been one to ask for information about locations or units at all. However, on opening day of elk season this year, the day before I was supposed to backpack in for elk camp, I was involved in a fatality boat accident in the ocean and spent the night clinging to a capsized boat (I will eventually post the story - http://www.lewiscountysirens.com/?p=14356#comments). As a result I got to spend some time in the hospital with hypothermia, extreme exhaustion, and rhabdomyolysis. 3 days after getting out of the hospital I attempted to backpack in anyway which did not end well due to exhaustion and then a nearby forest fire... ended up just coming home. I had drawn a Toutle cow tag which was supposed to be only a backup since I was hoping for a shot at a big bull in the back country. However, that obviously didn't pan out. My plan had been to take off from Spirit Lake HWY, head down across the flats, wade the Toutle and the creek, and head back up in across an area I had spent some time shed hunting and scouting. However, I'm still not sure my legs have it in them yet. I've been completely out of the loop for the last couple weeks and all I'm looking for is a road that might get me into the unit that is possibly still open. I had heard that most of the unit is closed for fire danger. I'm hoping to at least get one full day of hunting in this early season and was thinking about maybe going tomorrow since my Toutle cow tag is still good for a couple days.

Anyone know what areas might still be open or open access routes I might be able to at least check out and hope to get lucky?

[jackmaster]

i sure wish i could help ya out, but if you find a place and whack a elk give me a call brandon 253 677 0791, i will help ya pack it out, i kinda know what your goin through my uncle got thrown from his boat in neah bay, he was haulin butt in his 16ft lund and a whale and him had a collision and he flew out of the boat, it was a long swim but he managed to come through it pretty good, he was lucky very lucky, sorry to hear about your accident, but give me a call i will be glad to help when ya whack one, or if you find a spot and need someone to go along with ya..... good luck 

[Huntbear]

Have you looked at coming in from the Cougar side???  I am not sure of the status of Weyco land right now... is it closed to ALL access or just motorized?

There is some state land in that unit as well, been a long time since I was in there though. 

[turbo]

Holy crap! Glad you're okay.

[bobcat]

The 4200 "public access corridor" is open. That will get you into the big block of state land (same area you were going to access by wading the river).

[Blacktail Sniper]

Access hotline for Weyco: 1-866-636-6531.  Can get updates on access and directions to the public corridor if needed.

[Gunfire]

Sorry to hear about the accident.  I hunt the East side so I don't have any tips on where to go.  But as for eating your points on the cow tag, hopefully you can get them reinstated.


Page 84 of the laws:
If you were selected for a special permit in error or if you are not able to participate in the hunt due to illness or deployment, you can contact the Wildlife Program at (360) 902-2515 to request having your points restored.


I'm sure your case will qualify.  Good luck

[sirmissalot]

I want to hear the story. Sorry to hear about the accident and losing someone I'm assuming you knew well... thank god you're alive its not easy to survive for long in our waters, I don't care how deep the water is its cold dark and lonely out there.

I understand wanting to get out and not only fill a tag but also get your mind off the situation and into a better place, but I'd skip the stress of a hunt and spend it with family and friends, relax and wait until late season.

[Austrian Hunter]

Thanks God you made it!! I'm sorry for the person who didn't.  Hope you get help in you search for elk.  Sorry I can't help. 

[carpsniperg2]

Glad you are o.k, wish I could help but I do not know about those areas.