coweeman early archery

[addicted2hunting]

Hey guys,
Me and a few guys (Steeliedrew) are starting to plan next years early archery hunt. We are looking into the coweeman and of course winston and we are curious as to what access and camping is like for the coweeman during the early archery season and same for winston? We want to get deep in there and are not afraid to work for it. Also, can a guy hike and camp in there aways? Not worried about a campfire.

[billythekidrock]

Can't camp on private timberlands.

[bobcat]

There is very little land to camp on in the Coweeman, if any.

There is a new campground just outside of the town of Toutle, that is close. You could try that.

[addicted2hunting]

ok bummer no camping. how is the fire danger access as far as on foot?

[billythekidrock]

No access period to private timber land if it is closed to fire danger.

[sirmissalot]

I hunted the coweeman one year and it was enough for me. Spent some time scouting and was excited with seeing a lot of elk and good country. Opening morning got to the spot early with our bikes ready to go and there were.... Literally... 17 rigs at the gate. Found a new area I hadn't stepped foot in before which had less people, but still saw a ton of people on bikes, more than anywhere I've ever been. That was probably 3 years ago and only one weekend of hunting but that was my experience. Saw some elk but not a lot, scouting they were plentiful.

[addicted2hunting]

No access period to private timber land if it is closed to fire danger.

ok thanks.

[addicted2hunting]

I hunted the coweeman one year and it was enough for me. Spent some time scouting and was excited with seeing a lot of elk and good country. Opening morning got to the spot early with our bikes ready to go and there were.... Literally... 17 rigs at the gate. Found a new area I hadn't stepped foot in before which had less people, but still saw a ton of people on bikes, more than anywhere I've ever been. That was probably 3 years ago and only one weekend of hunting but that was my experience. Saw some elk but not a lot, scouting they were plentiful.

Ouch that many people even during early archery?

[billythekidrock]

I hunted the coweeman one year and it was enough for me. Spent some time scouting and was excited with seeing a lot of elk and good country. Opening morning got to the spot early with our bikes ready to go and there were.... Literally... 17 rigs at the gate. Found a new area I hadn't stepped foot in before which had less people, but still saw a ton of people on bikes, more than anywhere I've ever been. That was probably 3 years ago and only one weekend of hunting but that was my experience. Saw some elk but not a lot, scouting they were plentiful.

Same with the Winston unit. If you go in real early and come out real late you will not see many people or rigs, but go in early and come out early and you will see that a dozen guys have come in behind you.

[addicted2hunting]

ok I know this is off the original area but has anyone here hunted the indian heaven wilderness area?

[billythekidrock]

Unless you are looking for a backcountry experience, don't give up on the two units you mentioned in the original post. There are plenty of elk. Tons of people, but that is everywhere in the early season.

[addicted2hunting]

Unless you are looking for a backcountry experience, don't give up on the two units you mentioned in the original post. There are plenty of elk. Tons of people, but that is everywhere in the early season.

Ok i hear ya.

[steeliedrew]

I think I can speak for Brandon when I say we want to go in deeeeep and are more than happy for the adventure. I want to go somewhere that we don't have to go in and out of everyday. Somewhere we can go deep and legally camp out there. find animals, stay on them and make shiz happen. haha. Is that just a pipe dream?

[billythekidrock]

Not a pipe dream, but probably not happening in the Winston or Coweeman.

[Deer slayer]

In the coweeman yes. For the most part. I grew up there and have spent a lot of time in parts of the unit.