Awesome drew a antlerless winston tag.

[Screaminreelz]

Where did you go in at? There's several access points.

[Bearhide]

By kid valley. All gates are closed on that side. But don't know if they will open them up later.

[Screaminreelz]

Usually lots of pressure there so my suggestion is to go in the merchant road and head in that way up towards hatchet mountain. Or even hang west towards the 1825 I think it is. Little easier walking for you and not as much pressure meaning more road hunters less brush beaters. Grew up down there so if it's a cow you're looking for shouldn't have a problem. Be careful and have fun kill a big one!

[RB]

Drew same tag two years ago the cow ran and the four point bull stood and looked at me so I shot him instead    Drew the tag again this year hope to find a cow did lots of walking last year and only saw one cow one spike and a nice five point I bird dogged out and someone else shot  lots of people!

[Bearhide]

Yeah hopefully they keep some gates closed i rather hike in or ride my bike in. I'll try scouting next week again.

[Screaminreelz]

those gates are usually always open at the start of MF which is why there is such a high density of hunters.

[Bearhide]

I see. Well I guess I'll go scout there after deer season begins. That way I don't have to scout the area where there's going to be 20,000 trucks rolling around.   Yesterday the weather was perfect to cloudy rainy but not to much action.

[Bow tech hunter]

That's awsome I didn't draw anything for bow season but I was in Winston early seen a lot of bulls and cows but no shot I was 24 yards away of a cow and didn't stick the cow you should have no problem finding a cow if u can find the 1100 line just drive that main line it comes off 500 line there's a lot of elk up there on 1100 goodluck

[Bearhide]

Going out tomorrow do some scouting will post some pics after. Hopefully of some nice looking elk. 

[pianoman9701]

Or, put it out of its misery. Some of the hoof rot elk have fine meat and some are gangrenous.

[Bearhide]

Well went out today to winston on the 1900 road the gates are open now so access is there, saw a lot of fresh deer and elk sign  didn't see any animals.

[SFD2015]

I drew the January tag the first year and it was EASY!!!!! My group has taken a number of elk (cow and Bull) out of the Winston. We have taken 2 with Hoof Rot. They seem to be in the swampy areas, so stay out of there and you should be good. There are allot of hunters out there and opening weekend pressure is INSANE, but park your rig and head out in to the deep dark woods and you should be fine.

I wouldn't worry about the gates being closed this year. Even if they are, you should bee able to get a Cow without having to go to far.

A buddy of mine drew the Muzzy cow tag and all he ran into were Bulls. Unfortunately, I heard that all the Bulls have been transplanted to the Blues due to the Federal Government Shutdown, so it would be better for Elk Hunters without Cow tags to head down there.... 

[Bearhide]

Thanks to all you guys for great tips. Couple weeks to go and pictures will follow. Hoping to seal the deal and can't wait, sleepless nights here I come.