Author Topic: New to the area-Klickitat County (Read 19429 times)

b.oneill · « **on:** February 22, 2013, 01:43:35 PM »

Hello Everyone! Let me use this first post to introduce myself...My name is Brian O'Neill, I moved to White Salmon, WA relatively recently from Minnesota. So far I'm absolutely blown away at the outdoor recreation activities the Colombia Gorge and surrounding area have to offer. I originally moved out here for the whitewater...but man, there is so much other good stuff.

Anyhow, I'm keen to do some turkey hunting out here this spring. I grew up hunting Eastern's in SE Minnesota, and I'm stoked to have a chance to hunt some Merriam's. I did some legwork yesterday in the Klickitat Wildlife Area. From my initial scouting, I like what I see. However, I'm used to hunting Eastern's so I'm not sure what exactly to look for (habitat wise) for Merriam's. I found some areas that looked good, but found zero turkey sign.

-I've read some articles, but am curious what type of habitat you folks would recommend focusing on?

- How hard does that area get hunted for turkeys? From the looks of it, it gets POUNDED for deer hunting (I've never seen so much marker tape in all my life).

-Do they open the gates on Soda Spring Road in time for turkey season? Google earth showed some promising area's, but was short on time to get there.

-How likely are residents in the area to allow hunting? I know this is a very subjective question, but overall would you say people are willing to let you hunt?

-How do I find private property to hunt with written permission? I've looked at the Gohunt! maps and they state Klick county has thousands of acres of private land you can hunt, but I'm only able to find one thousand acre parcel near Goldendale.

I would really appreciate any knowledge you guys/gals are willing to share with me. Cheers!

jackmaster · « **Reply #1 on:** February 22, 2013, 01:49:18 PM »

welcome to washington, sorry to say i am no help when it comes to huntn the wild turks, good luck, i am sure there will be someone on here that will help you out

Curly · « **Reply #2 on:** February 22, 2013, 01:51:32 PM »

Welcome to the site. If Jerbear doesn't see this thread, you should try sending a PM to him. He lives near the Wildlife area and I'm sure he would be willing to answer all your questions. He is a really nice guy.

motg9_6 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 22, 2013, 01:56:20 PM »

all of the turkeys get pounded as well as deer, elk, bear and any other animal in klickitat county. (thanks to local businesses posting ads in the papers in portland that its the best hunting in the north west) almost impossible to get hunting permission on private land unless you know somebody and all that marking tape is more than likely from logging they did or are going to do.

HUNTINCOUPLE · « **Reply #4 on:** February 22, 2013, 02:22:09 PM »

Welcome to the site! You moved to gods country for sure!

HUNTINCOUPLE · « **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2013, 02:23:35 PM »

You really moved here for the walleye!

Deer slayer · « **Reply #6 on:** February 22, 2013, 10:25:16 PM »

I also live in the area. The wildlife area does get busy. Send me a PM and I will give you some ideas. For some reason thru talkatap I can't send PM's. I wonder what businesses are sending the articles out. Be interesting to know. Never heard about this one.

Wazukie · « **Reply #7 on:** February 22, 2013, 10:32:29 PM »

I live in the area also. If you want turkey's, they are real easy to find on the refuge in Glenwood

but unfortunately, can't hunt them. Lots of private land east of the Klickitat grade but I don't hunt anything east of the river anyway. Lot's of good hunting both east and west but I think I can say that I probably wouldn't hunt here if I didnt live here. By the way, I think I live in the greatest town Klickitat County has to offer

carpsniperg2 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 22, 2013, 10:36:59 PM »

I am in goldendale as well. There is about 15 of us on here that are in the "gorge" area. The wildlife areas will get busy. If you put some time in there is some good chunks of public ground to kill birds on. They will get pressure and you have to play with tactics from time to time but they are around.

Jerbear · « **Reply #9 on:** February 22, 2013, 10:38:40 PM »

The wildlife area is 16,000 acres. All open. They unlock the gates the day before turkey season. The tape is mostly from when the GF&WL people were doing a 13 year study on Westernn Grey Squirrels. Don't get me started on that waste of money project.
There are a lot of turkeys on the wildlife area. WE are the second house in on Soda Springs Road. That is the road you took to get intto the area. Stick built house, red barn. Stop in the next time you are in the area. 773-6039.

Limhangerslayer · « **Reply #10 on:** February 22, 2013, 11:36:59 PM »

Quote from: Jerbear on February 22, 2013, 10:38:40 PM

The wildlife area is 16,000 acres. All open. They unlock the gates the day before turkey season. The tape is mostly from when the GF&WL people were doing a 13 year study on Westernn Grey Squirrels. Don't get me started on that waste of money project.
There are a lot of turkeys on the wildlife area. WE are the second house in on Soda Springs Road. That is the road you took to get intto the area. Stick built house, red barn. Stop in the next time you are in the area. 773-6039.

We always stayed at the game land east of you. I loved seeing the biologists trying to trap the squirrels with two walnuts in the traps.

Deer slayer · « **Reply #11 on:** February 23, 2013, 06:05:30 PM »

Quote from: Wazukie on February 22, 2013, 10:32:29 PM

I live in the area also. If you want turkey's, they are real easy to find on the refuge in Glenwood but unfortunately, can't hunt them. Lots of private land east of the Klickitat grade but I don't hunt anything east of the river anyway. Lot's of good hunting both east and west but I think I can say that I probably wouldn't hunt here if I didnt live here. By the way, I think I live in the greatest town Klickitat County has to offer

You must live in Goldendale. Lol.

blacktail luv · « **Reply #12 on:** February 24, 2013, 08:15:56 PM »

I'm from white salmon also send me a pm and we can maybe meet up and I can give you a tip or two.

Simcoe hunter · « **Reply #13 on:** February 24, 2013, 08:41:04 PM »

Welcome. You could come hunt my backyard if I wasn't in town. You need to PM me and I will try to find the link to the counties website for you that lists all property owners. The timberland between Hwy 97 and the big Klickitat is still open to hunting. At least for another year or two. The darned game department keeps putting articles in the Yakima Herald about all of the great hunting available in Klickitat County. It is no where near what it used to be. The woods north of G'dale were half orange opening day of 2011. So I went somewhere else 2012. There are still some good public access areas, but being the cynic I am I see more of the state becoming pay to play. But welcome to one of the best places on the planet.

logger · « **Reply #14 on:** February 24, 2013, 09:15:24 PM »

Quote from: Wazukie on February 22, 2013, 10:32:29 PM

I live in the area also. If you want turkey's, they are real easy to find on the refuge in Glenwood but unfortunately, can't hunt them. Lots of private land east of the Klickitat grade but I don't hunt anything east of the river anyway. Lot's of good hunting both east and west but I think I can say that I probably wouldn't hunt here if I didnt live here. By the way, I think I live in the greatest town Klickitat County has to offer

have to agree with wazukie, he does live in the best town! lucky for me I have lottsa private to hunt, but still some good areas close to white salmon, and welcome to the klick!

b.oneill · « **Reply #15 on:** March 01, 2013, 01:20:01 PM »

WOW! Thank you all so much for the beta. Some of you will be getting a PM. I look forward to posting a picture of my first Merriam! Very refreshing to see such an open hunting community.

Simcoe hunter · « **Reply #16 on:** March 02, 2013, 09:50:25 AM »

B.oneill,

Do you work for KPUD?

Deer slayer · « **Reply #17 on:** March 02, 2013, 11:37:38 AM »

Quote from: Simcoe hunter on February 24, 2013, 08:41:04 PM

Welcome. You could come hunt my backyard if I wasn't in town. You need to PM me and I will try to find the link to the counties website for you that lists all property owners. The timberland between Hwy 97 and the big Klickitat is still open to hunting. At least for another year or two. The darned game department keeps putting articles in the Yakima Herald about all of the great hunting available in Klickitat County. It is no where near what it used to be. The woods north of G'dale were half orange opening day of 2011. So I went somewhere else 2012. There are still some good public access areas, but being the cynic I am I see more of the state becoming pay to play. But welcome to one of the best places on the planet.

Your back yard looks familiar. Goldendale?

Greenhorn · « **Reply #18 on:** March 02, 2013, 12:36:40 PM »

Actually Bickleton is the best town to live in in Klickitat County. It is on the far east end. The west end is a great place to visit. Kind of like Eastern and Western Washington. We have a few turkeys between Rock Creek and Cleveland. Not a lot of public land though.

Deer slayer · « **Reply #19 on:** March 02, 2013, 01:40:04 PM »

I would have to agree with Greenhorn on that one. If I lived there I would weigh 500 pounds from eating 2x2's at the famous Bluebird. I spend as much time out there as I can.

Greenhorn · « **Reply #20 on:** March 02, 2013, 03:55:15 PM »

Deerslayer, let me know next time you are over and I will meet you uptown.

Wazukie · « **Reply #21 on:** March 02, 2013, 04:05:25 PM »

Glenwood area.

Deer slayer · « **Reply #22 on:** March 02, 2013, 05:29:43 PM »

I think I can guess that location within a couple miles. Greenhorn the wife and I might go that way next weekend.

Greenhorn · « **Reply #23 on:** March 02, 2013, 07:09:08 PM »

Wow, great pictures Wazukie, we have spent quite a few miles chasing the kids in sports in Glenwood and driving through to Trout Lake. Deerslayer, I am on the highway 3 miles towards Mabton past Bickleton. Our barn has a big WSU cougar head on it. Wheat farmer.

Wazukie · « **Reply #24 on:** March 02, 2013, 07:31:27 PM »

I'm sure with track season starting up I will find myself in Bickleton once or twice real soon. Deerslayer, guess ahead

Greenhorn · « **Reply #25 on:** March 02, 2013, 09:25:38 PM »

We are working on a brand new track, but it will not be ready for this season. Might see you in Glenwood at a track meet, my son enjoys pole vault.

Wazukie · « **Reply #26 on:** March 02, 2013, 09:32:06 PM »

Oh man, I was told you guys had your track done. Bummer, I was looking forward to the drive out that way to take some landscape pic's and maybe a deer or two.

Limhangerslayer · « **Reply #27 on:** March 02, 2013, 10:39:20 PM »

Drive by that barn a few times every year, love the bickelton area. Didn't that track have drainage problems or problems with the water table?

Greenhorn · « **Reply #28 on:** March 02, 2013, 11:46:38 PM »

We built a brand new school and track 2 years ago. The excavation for the track in the solid rock was messed up from the start, but the contractor just kept on building. They even laid some small crushed rock and then asphalted the whole track. It didn't drain worth beans and was covered by water. The rubber surfacing company came out and refused to surface it because they didn't want their name attached to it. After quite a bit of litigation, the asphalt was torn up and better drainage installed. That is where we are at now. It will probably get surfaced this spring or summer after track season.

Sorry to hijack your thread b.oneill, but welcome to small town USA. I think we all enjoy living in Klickitat County.

motg9_6 · « **Reply #29 on:** March 03, 2013, 07:26:23 AM »

looks like those turkey pics were taken on the Miller Ranch...?

Deer slayer · « **Reply #30 on:** March 03, 2013, 10:20:55 AM »

My guess would be somewhere around stenson flats.

Simcoe hunter · « **Reply #31 on:** March 03, 2013, 12:56:17 PM »

Are the turkey pics from just west of the Reload?

b.oneill · « **Reply #32 on:** March 05, 2013, 01:02:10 PM »

Quote from: Simcoe hunter on March 02, 2013, 09:50:25 AM

B.oneill,

Do you work for KPUD?

I do not. Why?

Simcoe hunter · « **Reply #33 on:** March 05, 2013, 07:41:47 PM »

If I had retread your first post I wouldn't have asked that.

NWTFhunter · « **Reply #34 on:** March 08, 2013, 10:34:12 PM »

B.oneil, I used to hunt a couple areas around Gdale, but dont live there anylonger. Shoot me a pm if you need some more options. And if you head to the ne corner have several areas there.

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Author Topic: New to the area-Klickitat County (Read 19429 times)

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