Margaret Unit Help

[Bookworm007]

Hey everyone! I got drawn for the Margaret unit this year with a cow tag. I kinda wish I had a bull tag because I hear there are some monsters to be had up there. I have done some scouting of the unit, mostly on the south side because I have heard that where most of the cows can be found. I am hunting modern rifle season so I have concentrated most of my scouting on lower elevations under the assumption that snow is going to make the higher areas hard to reach. What I was hoping the forum members could help me with is areas where I should concentrate my scouting? I plan on going up into the unit once the fire danger goes and then also a few days before the season starts so I can be on the elk opening day. Not asking for people to give up their honey holes because I dont mind doing some leg work but areas to look into or avoid would be much appreciated. Also I picked up a number of maps from Arnolds, St Helens Tree Farm, GoHunt, and Google Earth. What I have learned from them and my scouting is that everything has a gate..........I know these will open for the season but it does make scouting a little more difficult especially since I found out there is no public land in the unit. On the last scouting trip we wanted to camp in the unit but ended up down in Toutle because we didn't want to risk being run out of dodge by the tree folk. So where can a person camp? I'm not much into tin can camping. Its great when its dry but when you are soaking wet there is nothing like a wall tent and wood stove. My maps show that there is a square of public land in the bottom part of Winston near the sediment damn. Is this a viable camping area? Or will I be setting my tent up on someone's favorite hunting spot? I have looked into staying at the local campgrounds but none have answered/returned my multiple calls. Not sure if they are closed for the season or don't like hunters. Its beautiful country up there and can't wait to spend some more time up there! Any help would be greatly welcomed!!! Hope everyone has a great season!!!

[Blacktail Sniper]

Congrats on drawing your tag.  I drew a bull tag in that unit back in 1991 I believe.  There were elk everywhere it seemed!  I know Weyco has sold some of that area off and it is not open for hunting, but not sure where that is.

Haven't been up there for years except passing through on Spirit Lake Hwy, but if it were me, I would start looking in the areas around the 2500 rd above Echo Park, over to the 2900 rd area/Hoffstad Creek area.

The area gate at the 1900 rd off Spirit Lake will likely be open for access to hunt on the weekends anyway, but I don't think the 2500 has been opened for years, likewise probably with the 2900, but that area can be accessed via the 1900, so shouldn't be a problem.

I would reccomend going up during modern firearm deer when the gates should be open, again, likely only the weekends, and driving the area so you can see what you will be working with.  With an antlerless tag, I really don't think you will have much trouble punching it opening morning.

There is a campground in Kid Valley that alot of folks use, but may be filled up already.  Echo Park that I mentioned also has camping spots & cabins also I believe and may be an option.

Good luck, I have a tag for the Green Mountain area this year, so I will be alittle south & west of you trying to do the same thing!!

[sirmissalot]

I had a bull tag this year and tagged out last weekend. Weyco shut down due to fire danger so I ended up killing him on the east end up high.

With a cow tag I would definitely concentrate on the west end. My sister has that tag and a buddy had it last year. I wouldnt bother scouting until the gates open if I were you, they will be open during your season and hopefully as soon as we get some good rain.

There are a lot of elk in there, just don't plan on road hunting it and you will get on elk. I think a lot of people put in for that tag thinking its the Margaret so it will be easy, not knowing you will actually have to get out of the rig to see many elk. Most the timber is 30 years old and almost no clearcuts, the majority of it is nice huntable timber and some of it has been commercially thinned so you have nice shooting lanes.

[Blacktail Sniper]

I am glad somebody with some more recent exposure jumped in here.  I figured that the area would basically be a completely different area than when I had the tag, but the areas I mentioned should hold a cow or three.  Get in there during deer season and look around, I am sure there is a cow in there with your name all over her!

[furbearer365]

I dont want to be that guy that says it is a gimme because i dont know how you hunt or what you are willing to put into it when the tag starts, but doing serious scouting for a cow is no need.  If you want to go scout for the fun, i say go for it.  I would truely listen to sirmissalot and wait until the gates are open, then when the season starts, treat it like a bull tag and get out and hunt, you will find one, i promise. The last guy i knew that drew it didnt even drive 1/2 mile passed the gate and had a herd in the road, shot a cow, and was eating breakfast at 8:30 on opening day, so it can happen quick.  HAVE FUN

[blindpig]

 

[Bookworm007]

Thank you for all of the replies! That is some good food for thought. In the past I have always hunted either around Mt. Adams or on the cougar side of St. Helens. So I am used to hiking through all the lovely wet weather. I actually kinda enjoy it. If hunting happened when it was really nice outside I don't think it would be as much fun.

I really like getting out and doing some scouting so even if its a little over kill I will probably do it. Plus I have a deer tag to fill anyways. Has anyone ever hunted between the highway and the river? Last time we were up there we found some really really nice meadows with sign of recent activity (tracks, droppings, and where the elk had bedded down). How crazy does the unit get when the season opens up? I know there aren't a ton of tags but its not a huge unit either.

Also got a hold of Kid Valley and have a spot reserved! This will hopefully be my first elk! Once again thank you for all the help!

[sirmissalot]

Kid valley is a perfect place to stay. It doesn't get that busy in there during the cow season, quite a few rigs but not too bad. There really isn't a ton of people who get out and truly hunt.

[Encore 280]

I had a modern cow tag last year in there. Had a camper and stayed in the parking lot by the Hoffstat Bridge. There's a camping spot directly across the road up on a knoll too. Both sides of the hiway are open up to the bridge also. I hunted up pass the bridge on the first road to the left. It's a "T", go to the right and go til ya cross a little bridge and go left up the hill and stay to the left for about 1/4 - 3/8 of a mile. They'll be in there on either side of the road. You'll have to get out and get in the timber and walk real slow or find a cat road.

[furbearer365]

Dont worry about other hunters, remember you have a cow tag.  You are not looking for the monster bull.  All you need is one cow to present a shot.  Sometimes having guys hanging around will keep the elk moving and may actually work in your favor.  I live nearly in the unit and have been in there more than my fair share.  Just HUNT as though you have a tag of a lifetime and dont worry, it will happen. (As long as you can shoot straight) 

[greg fenne]

be sure and sight in your rifle you will be using it soon!

[CallMeBigPapa]

Hunt off the 1010

[Wea300mag]

The muzzy tag holders should receive info on access points this next week. I wonder if it will be a blank piece of paper.

[hayes202]

muzzy season is coming fast hoping for rain. I drew a Margaret cow tag. Hope the gates are open!!

[Huntbear]

There will be plenty of land open... IF you look at a map, and are willing to get away from the road and hike..  There is more to the Margaret Unit than the Weyco land... 

and that is all I will say about this subject...