Charles Pack Forest

[The Big Game Hunter]

I'm new to this forum, new to Washington, and I'm looking for a place to hunt deer this fall. I live just south of Tacoma, and I recently became aware of the Charles Pack Forest in GMU 654, which is a reasonable drive from my house.

On the official website for the forest, it is mentioned that opportunities are available to hunt there during hunting season, but no other details are provided. Does anyone hunt there or know of any specific rules or regulations for hunting there or know if a special permit needs to be purchased to hunt in the forest?

[ICEMAN]

Big Game, I know nothing of this forest.... sorry.

But, being new to the area, I would recommend you spend a bunch of time checking out this site, the dept of wildlifes website etc for access areas. Many private timberlands allow hunting, some you must park at a gate and hike in..... State lands and federal lands are generally open to hunting in this state.

Welcome to the site and good luck.

[biggfish]

There is no special permits required just can't hunt on the UW campus or dorm housing area and on the far south end.  I'm not sure how deer or elk season will be there all I've found so far is lots of bear scat. Not saying their not in their I've found deer droppings but signs point to it being a bears home.  The only thing living I've seen was bobcats on the way up the Hugo Peak trail.  Are you hunting with firearm or bow? There are some spots near Orting that could be hunted but the Puyallup gmu is restricted firearm, I'd have to look again but I thing archery equipment only.

[CAMPMEAT]

The Pack forest in west of Eatonville. From what I understand, it's an area where people can go and learn about the forest, hike etc. I've hunted on it years ago, but is right on highway 7  ( old memory ) so it's probably full of people/hunters during hunting season. I don't think it's a very big area either. Good Luck.....

[yorketransport]

We used to hunt it for rabbit and grouse quite a bit and occasionally deer. There are even a few elk passing through there. You can walk it down to the Nisqually river to where the bridge used to be and do some fishing and duck hunting as well. The other side of the river is the Weherhaueser 1000 line that will take you to Bald Hills Road if you're up for a serious hike. I live in Clearwood on the other side of the river now and will walk from the Yelm side down to the river a couple times a year.

It was a nice area the last time I was out there and worth a couple hours to check it out.

Andrew

[Mudman]

I know nothing about hunting there but, It is an educational research forest.  I seen some old growth that were as big as my arm in there!  Really neat stuff.  Some very old timber and big too!  Also its a research facility that they grow select tree species with select types of waste/fertilizers to learn.  I think UW does a lot of these things. I remember one area that was growing doug fir with human waste to fertilize.  They were growing fast but were as knotty and crooked as they could be! Some good hunting in that general area for elk.

[The Big Game Hunter]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. It sounds like the forest is worth my time to check out at least once. I'm going to add it to the list of places to visit and scout.

[Alchase]

I am in Pack Forest often. Great place to hike roads with the dog. Deer, Elk, Bear, and Grouse are in there. More elk then deer though, and they are in the thick stuff.
I usually enter from the Alder/Eatonville cut off road.
Watch out for brush pickers not wearing orange, they are common in there.
On their website you can download a .PDF map.
Make sure you write down their hotline number, if you knock anything down behind the gates, you can call that number and they will assist you getting you animal out. They take tooth and hair samples.
If you get the chance, stop in the offices off HWY 7, and talk to the manager and the maintenance guy. They will point you to where the elk have been seen lately and also to where they are having issues with bears.

[zackmioli]

i also spend quite a bit of time in there each season. never seen another person while i was hunting which has been awesome. be prepared to hunt some very thick stuff and hear more critters than you actually see. great place to get out for a hike, can cover most of the roads in 1 or 2 days, especially if you have a bike. check out the PDF trail map. PM me for more info if you want.