Elk hunten Gifford Pinchot area?

[Martinhunter]

Hey all, so me and a couple buddies are talking about puting together a elk hunt in September up in Gifford Pinchot up around walupt lake. Our plan is to do a 15 mile loop witch will put us on the pacific crest trail for about 5 of the 15 miles. We're going up there in the summer to scout it out but I was wondering if anyone has had much luck up in there? I know there's elk scattered all over in there but what about density of the woods? We're really stoked about it and just looking for any tips. Thanks guys.

[Old Man Yager]

I used hunt up there, not that high up, but I know where you're talking about. Make sure you check out the regs, somewhere up there is the West Goat rocks, which is a permit area, you make sure you don't stray into that unit. There are Elk in there for sure. I know there are some good trail systems you can use to access that area. you can get in some old growth, and up that high it's a little less brushy than lower elevations in  the Gif Pinchot. I don't think they log much up there anymore, thanks to the Bill Clinton/ Spotted owl BS. Good Hunting

[bucklucky]

I wont be back , way too many people for me . The granolas up there are rediculas . Im sure there is some descent hunting up there but you wont be alone , I was surprised how many people were deep blowing bugles.

[Old Man Yager]

Yep, if the weathers still good in September, you will have company for sure

[couesbitten]

somewhere up there is the West Goat rocks, which is a permit area, you make sure you don't stray into that unit.

Only a permit area for 5 rifle hunters from Sept. 16 - 30, which is after the general archery season closes, West Goat Rocks is open to general archery, and is part of the Packwood unit.

[lastmk8]

I did spend about a week up there a couple years ago with a buddy that hunted that general area for a number of years.  Great time, although not successful that year. A couple things I can remember very clearly from that trip,... that year it was hotter than the fires of two hells!! Spent more afternoons fishing than you would think, just something about getting all geared up when it's 95 degree's out.  And all that gear,... wholly smokes, bring plenty of Thermacells!!! Mosquitos the size of hummingbirds and packing a 3/8 bit Dewalt Drill, without a reverse button!!!  WE didn't have Thermacells, and a couple of those afternoon fishing adventures were as much about mosquitos driving us off the mountain as anything else!!!

[haus]

I used hunt up there, not that high up, but I know where you're talking about. Make sure you check out the regs, somewhere up there is the West Goat rocks, which is a permit area. I don't think they log much up there anymore, thanks to the Bill Clinton/ Spotted owl BS. Good Hunting

Partially. The rather lengthy forest management documents passed during BC's term actually leave some wiggle room. What we don't get to hear much about is how often the environmental lawyers move to block proposed cut/thinning operations. NFS doesn't have the resources to battle it out each time nor do they have the public support since the general public isn't readily aware this tactic is such a common practice. I'm not sure how clearly defined common is, I've just been told several times by GPNF staff that 'it happens regularly'. That being said there are some newer cuts in the 23/88 corridor north of Trout Lake.

General modern and west side early archery can hunt 5058 since 516 is open.

[Martinhunter]

Thanks guys, ya I figured we wouldn't be alone, where at in this state can you go in the woods and not see other hunters?ya I'll do all the research as far as other permit only areas.

[Sliverslinger]

If you're talking about the 14.3 mile loop that heads around the lake, then over by Howard lake, then up to Gertrude, and back around the south side of Walupt, I've done that one as a backpack in hunt twice. If you have some specific questions about it shoot me a pm. You certainly won't be alone, but there are a couple areas on that hike that are pretty good.

[gotcha]

Don't waste your time. Horse camps everywhere and hikers. Better be able to pack the animal out if ya get one. That is big country. Think mule or horses.

[gotcha]

Also there are people that have hunted that area for years and still do. Be respectful if you hear others calling. That's why I left. To many people trying to hunt it.