Any advice in 673 Williams Creek

[6.5swede]

With the end of the season quickly approaching I was thinking of heading out to the Williams Creek unit to see if I could find one of the ever elusive blacktails, but have never set foot in this area.  I'm not looking for a handout, but was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction to a starting point in this area.  From my research on here it sounds as if there are quite a few gated roads, and no elk in the area  so I'm expecting to have to hike in, but where is a worth while spot to start from.  I'll have my 8 year old son tagging along so I'm kind of limited on distance, but he's a trooper so we'll see what he can do.  I'd just like for him to see some animals and have a positive experience out in the field.  Thanks in advance!

[TimberCutter]

The 2000 line between raymond and southbend is a good place to start .Or the browning road about 3 or 4 miles past the golf course in raymond. They still have public access gates are open!!!

[skywalker253]

Hunted it for over 25 years. This was my dads 48th year hunting the unit. It has become more of an elk unit then deer anymore. Too many poachers killing off all the deer and elk. 2000 line out of South Bend will take you back into a ton of clear cuts with Jack Firs. I would focus there, but stay as close as you can to the main highway in the lower lands. Drive the main highway at night to see if any bucks are feeding on the road. Hit the timber the next morning and try and get on it. I spent alot of time north of South Bend in the North River GMU. I saw a ton of deer up there. I would go there before Williams Creek. IMO

[6.5swede]

Thanks!!  I really appreciate the help.  I had never considered the North River unit, but will definitely start checking the maps on that one, it sounds like it has some potential. 

[skywalker253]

Thanks!!  I really appreciate the help.  I had never considered the North River unit, but will definitely start checking the maps on that one, it sounds like it has some potential.

If you take the Raymond exit you should be facing the Chevron station. Turn left and follow the road for awhile. Take the first right after you cross the river. If you hit the Artic tavern you have gone too far. Once you take that right, follow it back. The first mile or so is posted, but once you get past; it is all open. Stay on the main road and you will have nothing but clear cuts and patches of timber. Lot's of good deer areas down low. The first big clear cut on the main road, will be located on your left. Every season they get alot of deer there. Park and walk the side roads leading into it at daylight. I walked thru the middle of it last year and deer were everywhere. I had a doe tag. It was fairly easy to fill. It was my first time in the GMU. I normally shoot a deer on the eastside.