Volunteers needed for St Helen's elk hunts

[jackelope]

WDFW NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov/

August 14, 2013

Contact: Nicholle Stephens, (360) 696-6211

Volunteers needed to facilitate access
for elk hunts near Mount St. Helens

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking volunteers to participate in a cooperative effort that has provided hunters access to 250,000 acres of private timberlands near Mount St. Helens in the last six years.

As in previous years, the Weyerhaeuser Company is prepared to give hunters holding special elk permits additional motorized access to a large portion of the St. Helens Tree Farm if enough volunteers can be found to ensure a safe and orderly hunt.

WDFW is seeking dozens of volunteers to help in that effort during special elk-permit seasons scheduled from September through January.

Key tasks for volunteers include orienting hunters, staffing access points and maintaining safety buffers between hunters and active Weyerhaeuser operations, said Sandra Jonker, regional wildlife manager for WDFW.

"The success of this program depends on our ability to recruit a dedicated team of volunteers to help us facilitate these permit hunts," Jonker said. "The amount of timberland that can be opened to hunting is directly proportional to the number of volunteers that sign up, so participation is vital to the continuation of this program."

Jonker noted that the program has attracted about 50 to 60 volunteers per year since 2007.

To participate in the St. Helens Land Access Program, volunteers can sign up online ( http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/volunteer/sainthelens/ ) or at the WDFW Region 5 Office, 2108 S.E. Grand Boulevard, Vancouver, Wash., (360-696-6211).

Participants will be required to attend one of three orientation sessions, scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the following dates and locations:

Aug. 22 - Natural Resources Building in Olympia, Room 172, 1111 Washington St. S.E.
Sept. 25 - WDFW Regional Office in Vancouver, 2108 Grand Blvd.
Oct. 24 - Cowlitz Public Utility District Office, 961 12th Ave., Longview.
Volunteer organizations, led by the Southwest Washington Land Access Coalition, have secured funding to reimburse volunteers for mileage accrued for participating in the program.

Other partners in the program include Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Cowlitz Game & Anglers, Yacolt Burn Sportsmen Club, Washington State Archer Association, Eyes In the Woods, Vancouver Wildlife League and the Washington State Bowhunters.

The partnership between WDFW, Weyerhaeuser and the volunteer organizations is designed to expand hunter access to areas of the St. Helens Tree Farm that lie within Game Management Units 520 (Winston), 524 (Margaret), 550 (Coweeman) and 556 (Toutle).

Jonker said the access program - combined with the issuance of additional special hunting permits - has helped to increase harvest levels over the past several years throughout the Mount St. Helens elk herd. That is a key goal under the department’s management plan for the herd, the largest of 10 elk herds in the state.

"The department’s management plan calls for reducing the herd size to bring the number of animals into balance with available habitat," Jonker said. "We really appreciate the role Weyerhaeuser and all the volunteers have played in this joint effort."

The Mount St. Helens Elk Herd plan, adopted in 2006, is available on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00771/ .

This message has been sent to the WDFW All Information mailing list.
Visit the WDFW News Release Archive at:  http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/

[ICEMAN]

These volunteers are needed only for permit hunts? What about non-permit hunts? Did I miss something?

[Fl0und3rz]

Interesting.

Similar request from 2007.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,1161.msg10870.html#msg10870

Couldn't they just hire some temps with all that access permit money?

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,130346.msg1734348.html#msg1734348

[pianoman9701]

Interesting.

Similar request from 2007.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,1161.msg10870.html#msg10870

Couldn't they just hire some temps with all that access permit money?

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,130346.msg1734348.html#msg1734348

I'm not inclined to volunteer for anything that benefits WEYCO, Hancock, or Rayonier as long as they charge people for access to their lands. They can suck it and deal with the tree damage on their own.

[jstone]

Perfect job for the MASTER HUNTERS

[pianoman9701]

Not this Master Hunter. No way. There are plenty of other projects out there which benefit wildlife but not the greedy timber companies.

[huntnphool]

Sounds like a perfect opportunity to put those master hunter certificates to good use.

[huntnphool]

Not this Master Hunter. No way. There are plenty of other projects out there which benefit wildlife but not the greedy timber companies.

How about for the benefit of your fellow hunters!

[pianoman9701]

Not this Master Hunter. No way. There are plenty of other projects out there which benefit wildlife but not the greedy timber companies.

How about for the benefit of your fellow hunters!

Like I said, I'll do other projects that benefit wildlife, and therefor, my fellow hunters. I did one last week in the mudflow on the monument side. I will continue to. I'm so far over my volunteer hours, it's not even close.

This WETCO thing is just a huge burr under my blanket. I hate it and it's going to keep a lot of low-income hunters from being able to enjoy this wonderful sport. Right now, we really don't need anything to dissuade people from hunting.

[rsarkks]

The way I understand this program is: Because of the volunteers Weyerhaeuser is allowing access to their land for special permit holders at no charge. Without the volunteers Weyco might not allow access due to concerns with vandalism and people getting to close to active logging operations.

[huntnphool]

The way I understand this program is: Because of the volunteers Weyerhaeuser is allowing access to their land for special permit holders at no charge. Without the volunteers Weyco might not allow access due to concerns with vandalism and people getting to close to active logging operations.

As if imposing a fee would impact the likelihood of vandalism or people getting too close.

[pianoman9701]

I do enough for wildlife and hunters. Let someone else kiss WEYCO's butt for their generosity to the tag holders.

[rsarkks]

Quote from: rsarkks on Today at 11:57:44 AM

The way I understand this program is: Because of the volunteers Weyerhaeuser is allowing access to their land for special permit holders at no charge. Without the volunteers Weyco might not allow access due to concerns with vandalism and people getting to close to active logging operations.



As if imposing a fee would impact the likelihood of vandalism or people getting too close.

Has Weyco imposed a fee?

[getreal711]

They charge in vail and pe ell right now.

[trophyhunt]

If I lived closer I don't think I would have a problem volunteering, only to help the hunters out. If the Wdfw gave people a point or two for special elk or deer tags I bet they would have a ton of volunteers!!

[Eli346]

 Weyco's been doing this for years; taking advantage of hunters and seeking pity by threatening to close down areas because of lack of resourses to keep them open. They've got the money and the time and the resourses to do it but why should they when the game dept and the hunting groups kiss up to them and give them free labor by volunteering! As far as I'm concerned we are fueling the fire by doing this but also in retrospect we are hurting the Weyco employees who may be laid off right now because of the free ride we're giving their rip off employer! Weyco can kiss my *^%&*()!

[BOWHUNTER45]

Interesting.

Similar request from 2007.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,1161.msg10870.html#msg10870

Couldn't they just hire some temps with all that access permit money?

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,130346.msg1734348.html#msg1734348

I'm not inclined to volunteer for anything that benefits WEYCO, Hancock, or Rayonier as long as they charge people for access to their lands. They can suck it and deal with the tree damage on their own.

BIG 10-4 ON THAT ONE 

[billythekidrock]

This does no good for the permit hunts that are currently going, or the ones that just finished.

[get one leakin]

They do OWN the land, everyone complains about access but it is privately owned not state land or wdfw land.  Its their right to do what they want with it.  As a landowner myself and spending a lot of time on timber company land that is open to hunting there is a lot of vandalism, littering and dislike for the people or companies that are letting people hunt on THEIR land.  People start fires, tear up the roads, leave garbage....  Maybe they could just shut down access totally then they wouldn't have to worry about asking hunters for help.  I bet if everyone who complains has 40 acres somewhere they would just let anybody hunt it right??? 

[rosscrazyelk]

I would do it if they gave me a tag for helping.

[Moose-head]

I would do it if they gave me a tag for helping.

...Or points toward a tag, either OIL or elk since this is for elk.

[TommyGun496]

They do OWN the land, everyone complains about access but it is privately owned not state land or wdfw land.  Its their right to do what they want with it.  As a landowner myself and spending a lot of time on timber company land that is open to hunting there is a lot of vandalism, littering and dislike for the people or companies that are letting people hunt on THEIR land.  People start fires, tear up the roads, leave garbage....  Maybe they could just shut down access totally then they wouldn't have to worry about asking hunters for help.  I bet if everyone who complains has 40 acres somewhere they would just let anybody hunt it right??? 

[fireweed]

The way I understand this program is: Because of the volunteers Weyerhaeuser is allowing access to their land for special permit holders at no charge. Without the volunteers Weyco might not allow access due to concerns with vandalism and people getting to close to active logging operations.

As soon as people stop "volunteering" Weyco will justify a new permit to enter system at St. Helens by saying this:  We tried volunteers, but we had no more takers, so now we have to PAY someone to manage access.  (It's pure BS, but they have a ready made reason to install permits at St. Helens)  The ONLY reason to volunteer, is to make it harder for them to use this excuse.    This program makes it harder for them to justify the permit system with these normal excuses (garbage, roads, liability BS).  They are also partnering with WDFW and groups--looks pretty bad to pull the rug out from under that program and claim garbage dumping.  They would have to tell the truth when they go to permit only, we're doing it to see if we can make tons of cash like in the south.

PS--a few years ago when their were more elk here, Weyco tried to get employee cow permits for damage.  Shows that they think they own the elk!  The WDFW actually did something right, and said NO WAY.

[DARKTIMBER]

All the years they had pe ell closed up the employees would drive in right by us guys walking in to hunt, and come out at the end of the day with massive bulls

[pianoman9701]

They do OWN the land, everyone complains about access but it is privately owned not state land or wdfw land.  Its their right to do what they want with it.  As a landowner myself and spending a lot of time on timber company land that is open to hunting there is a lot of vandalism, littering and dislike for the people or companies that are letting people hunt on THEIR land.  People start fires, tear up the roads, leave garbage....  Maybe they could just shut down access totally then they wouldn't have to worry about asking hunters for help.  I bet if everyone who complains has 40 acres somewhere they would just let anybody hunt it right??? 

No one is arguing that they own the land and they can do what they want with it. There's another discussion regarding the lower tax rate they receive and whether that law should be changed to charge timber companies a higher rate when their land is closed to the general public except through paid fees. That discussion is here:

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,128331.0.html
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,131119.msg1752628.html#new

I have no problem with landowner rights to do as they wish. But, when they control millions of acres of land and close it off except to permit only, they effectively take away hunting opportunities to many lower income hunters who either can't afford to pay the extra $200-300, or can't afford to take the time off to hunt far away from home for an extended period of time. For me personally, I could afford it, although it would certainly be difficult. But, this effectively cancels out the late season for me, as the public land units I hunt during the early season are closed.

[TommyGun496]

Do they have a lower rate than other's that have tree farms?

[bowhuntersd]

They do OWN the land, everyone complains about access but it is privately owned not state land or wdfw land.  Its their right to do what they want with it.  As a landowner myself and spending a lot of time on timber company land that is open to hunting there is a lot of vandalism, littering and dislike for the people or companies that are letting people hunt on THEIR land.  People start fires, tear up the roads, leave garbage....  Maybe they could just shut down access totally then they wouldn't have to worry about asking hunters for help.  I bet if everyone who complains has 40 acres somewhere they would just let anybody hunt it right??? 

I agree to a certain extent. They have the right to lock up their lands as they see fit. But they should not be able to lock US out of State owned lands that they border. Also the  tax breaks they are given for allowing public access should be addressed.

[DARKTIMBER]

All I know is, if there's a lock on the gate that lets me access state land it will be cut

[bearpaw]

All I know is, if there's a lock on the gate that lets me access state land it will be cut

It is a crime to destroy property, I hope you get caught by a hidden trail cam when you do this. Maybe you don't like that they own the land you want to cross, that does not give you the right to destroy property. Destruction of property is specifically one reason many private lands are off limits to the public even passing through. People with this same mentality would likely shoot game while passing through private land, thus another reason land owners lock their property, they can't trust some of the public.

[TommyGun496]

All I know is, if there's a lock on the gate that lets me access state land it will be cut

It is a crime to destroy property, I hope you get caught by a hidden trail cam when you do this. Maybe you don't like that they own the land you want to cross, that does not give you the right to destroy property. Destruction of property is specifically one reason many private lands are off limits to the public even passing through. People with this same mentality would likely shoot game while passing through private land, thus another reason land owners lock their property, they can't trust some of the public.

Well said!  Typical, the people causing the promblems are they ones squealing.

[DARKTIMBER]

What gives them the right to lock me out of land that I am supposed to be able to access whenever I want? I pay taxes to the state, so state land in my land to use. Keep your locks off

[dreamunelk]

What gives them the right to lock me out of land that I am supposed to be able to access whenever I want? I pay taxes to the state, so state land in my land to use. Keep your locks off

What makes you think you have the right to cross private property?   Unless there is an an easement in place the states the public has access you do not have the right to cross.  That is the way our laws are written.

[snowpack]

What gives them the right to lock me out of land that I am supposed to be able to access whenever I want? I pay taxes to the state, so state land in my land to use. Keep your locks off

The state and the FS should be proactive in ensuring access to those lands.  FS seems to be so embattled with greenies I can kind of understand why they make little progress doing anything at all.  But it's not like the state hasn't known access issues were going to be more and more of a problem.  State seemed fine with gates blocking vehicles and telling folks to bike or hike, but now that they can't even do that--I would guess they will have to quit kicking the can down the road.

[jackelope]

All I know is, if there's a lock on the gate that lets me access state land it will be cut

It is a crime to destroy property, I hope you get caught by a hidden trail cam when you do this. Maybe you don't like that they own the land you want to cross, that does not give you the right to destroy property. Destruction of property is specifically one reason many private lands are off limits to the public even passing through. People with this same mentality would likely shoot game while passing through private land, thus another reason land owners lock their property, they can't trust some of the public.

Everybody reading Darktimber's post?? This is why the gates are there. This is why private timberlands are closing down their access. Because people like this just feel like they can do whatever they want, break, ruin, litter, vandalize, etc. Whatever. Thanks, Darktimber, for the example next time someone wonders why timber companies are now charging for access, or putting gates up, or closing their land. Way to go.

[bearpaw]

   yep, exactly right

[Elkstuffer]

What gives them the right to lock me out of land that I am supposed to be able to access whenever I want? I pay taxes to the state, so state land in my land to use. Keep your locks off

All I know is, if there's a lock on the gate that lets me access state land it will be cut

What a tool! He was bashing a kid on another thread for asking for opinions on hunting a new unit. I thought this site was for helping each other be better and more successful hunters. He is the exact reason that they are locking there gates.

[Bob33]

In December 2011 there was a thread about a hunter who was on Weyerhaeuser (i.e. private) land, and got locked in behind the gate after dark.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,89333.0.html

Here are some of the suggestions that were offered:
 
“A good long chain and a truck is the key”
“Sounds like a torch is in order”
“Break the locks on the gate if you can. maybe the gates shut at a certain time and the idiot who closed it thought everybody was out and wanted to go home early”
“Blow that *censored* off”.
“This is exactly why i carry my "permission slip"”
“cordless dremmel”
“Cordless SAW ZALL”
“…run a small diameter piece thru the lock hasp, wind up the 'molly' hook your tow chain onto it and give a sharp jerk with your truck, you'll snap the lock open.”
 “Long handled bolt cutters are a must. The short ones don't have enough leverage and even then you will want to use your truck to move the cutter”

It is disgusting that we have so many hunters with so little regard for private landowners. A few posts on this thread are just one more fine example, and a clear indication why more and more land is locked up or requires an access fee.

[madmack76]

All I know is, if there's a lock on the gate that lets me access state land it will be cut

and hopefully you go to jail idiot actions like this are causing half the problems.

[snowpack]

There's a difference in removing a lock to get into a place and removing one to get out of the place.  I have no plans to destroy a lock to get in, but if locked in (trapped)....the lock would be gone and I'd contact the owner about replacing it assuming they couldn't get out to open it in a reasonable amount of time.  I see those as very different situations.

[madmack76]

What gives them the right to lock me out of land that I am supposed to be able to access whenever I want? I pay taxes to the state, so state land in my land to use. Keep your locks off

All I know is, if there's a lock on the gate that lets me access state land it will be cut

What a tool! He was bashing a kid on another thread for asking for opinions on hunting a new unit. I thought this site was for helping each other be better and more successful hunters. He is the exact reason that they are locking there gates.

he's coming on here roaring dbag.

[Bob33]

There's a difference in removing a lock to get into a place and removing one to get out of the place.  I have no plans to destroy a lock to get in, but if locked in (trapped)....the lock would be gone and I'd contact the owner about replacing it assuming they couldn't get out to open it in a reasonable amount of time.  I see those as very different situations.

When you're on someone else's land, he gets to make the rules. I appreciate your willingness to reimburse the landowner in this hypothetical situation, however. That was evidently missing in the attitude of many in the other post.

[DARKTIMBER]

Never have I cut a lock. Nor do I shoot up equipment, or leave trash in the woods. So calm down tough guys. I myself have purchased a pe ell pass. So don't think I am crooked

[TommyGun496]

Never have I cut a lock. Nor do I shoot up equipment, or leave trash in the woods. So calm down tough guys. I myself have purchased a pe ell pass. So don't think I am crooked

Dont you have a marget & a toutle bull tag?  Did you buy the pe ell pass just for a deer?  Ironic you calling out 'tough guys' when you are threatening to cut locks on gates??

[DARKTIMBER]

Yeah I did draw both. Bought the pe ell pass for deer, and my father drew a cow tag for modern rifle.

[DARKTIMBER]

Decent bear hunting in pe ell too

[fireweed]

What gives them the right to lock me out of land that I am supposed to be able to access whenever I want? I pay taxes to the state, so state land in my land to use. Keep your locks off

The state and the FS should be proactive in ensuring access to those lands.  FS seems to be so embattled with greenies I can kind of understand why they make little progress doing anything at all.  But it's not like the state hasn't known access issues were going to be more and more of a problem.  State seemed fine with gates blocking vehicles and telling folks to bike or hike, but now that they can't even do that--I would guess they will have to quit kicking the can down the road.

How many of us have actually written or called the DNR/USFS about the issue of landlocked public lands?  We all get frustrated, we get mad and rant and rave, but do we follow up?   The DNR and USFS has to HEAR it loud and clear and often (remember these are government employees).  The USFS in SW Washington right now is under tremendous political pressure to improve access near Mount St. Helens.  Contact them today!

Since everyone has email--

Peter Goldmark--commissioner of public lands
cpl@dnr.wa.gov

WDFW director
director@dfw.wa.gov

Gifford Pinchot Nat. Forest Comment form
http://www.fs.usda.gov/contactus/giffordpinchot/about-forest/contactus

Weyerhaeuser sustainability survey
http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/Sustainability/Extras/Feedback

Don't forget your state legislators and federal elected officials too.  Jamie Herrera-Butler in SW wash is pro-access and pro-timber, just the person timber industry might listen to when approached about easements to public land.

[get one leakin]

All I know is, if there's a lock on the gate that lets me access state land it will be cut

It is a crime to destroy property, I hope you get caught by a hidden trail cam when you do this. Maybe you don't like that they own the land you want to cross, that does not give you the right to destroy property. Destruction of property is specifically one reason many private lands are off limits to the public even passing through. People with this same mentality would likely shoot game while passing through private land, thus another reason land owners lock their property, they can't trust some of the public.

Everybody reading Darktimber's post?? This is why the gates are there. This is why private timberlands are closing down their access. Because people like this just feel like they can do whatever they want, break, ruin, litter, vandalize, etc. Whatever. Thanks, Darktimber, for the example next time someone wonders why timber companies are now charging for access, or putting gates up, or closing their land. Way to go.

Exactly

[pianoman9701]

What gives them the right to lock me out of land that I am supposed to be able to access whenever I want? I pay taxes to the state, so state land in my land to use. Keep your locks off

The state and the FS should be proactive in ensuring access to those lands.  FS seems to be so embattled with greenies I can kind of understand why they make little progress doing anything at all.  But it's not like the state hasn't known access issues were going to be more and more of a problem.  State seemed fine with gates blocking vehicles and telling folks to bike or hike, but now that they can't even do that--I would guess they will have to quit kicking the can down the road.

How many of us have actually written or called the DNR/USFS about the issue of landlocked public lands?  We all get frustrated, we get mad and rant and rave, but do we follow up?   The DNR and USFS has to HEAR it loud and clear and often (remember these are government employees).  The USFS in SW Washington right now is under tremendous political pressure to improve access near Mount St. Helens.  Contact them today!

Since everyone has email--

Peter Goldmark--commissioner of public lands
cpl@dnr.wa.gov

WDFW director
director@dfw.wa.gov

Gifford Pinchot Nat. Forest Comment form
http://www.fs.usda.gov/contactus/giffordpinchot/about-forest/contactus

Weyerhaeuser sustainability survey
http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/Sustainability/Extras/Feedback

Don't forget your state legislators and federal elected officials too.  Jamie Herrera-Butler in SW wash is pro-access and pro-timber, just the person timber industry might listen to when approached about easements to public land.

Good constructive post with resources for all of us, Fireweed. Thanks.