Unit 520 (Winston)

[Huntbear]

As far as I know, the Winston is only open to vehicle traffic on the weekends.  During the week the gates are closed and you have to walk in.  Which is fine with us, we do not mind a 4-6 mile hike to get into our elk spot.  Plus, it keeps most of the other hunters away.

[12Gauge]

We were 15 mile in just south of Riffe lake, yep there is a gate just after crossing the Cowlitz river and another 15 mile in.  If they lock us in after crossing the river gate, oh well, my guess it will better for us.

[elkfan2]

Winston Creek is more like combat than hunting

[12Gauge]

Winston Creek is more like combat than hunting

Then I will fit right in, I am a retired Jarine

[fish affender]

Hello,  first time posting here. Winston has been my unit of choice for the last several yrs. there are, as someone mentioned, advantages to busy units. people are easier to pattern than elk some times. once you figure out hunter entry routes and basic lay of land, you can take advantage of it. i have taken only 2 bulls in the last 7 yrs. i do how ever see lots of elk in the first days of the season, not always a legal bull but if i'm in the woods seeing animals i'm as successful as i need to be.  Mike

[jwroberts]

I have hunted in that unit for about 5 years now.  Last year I shot a bull on opening day of rifle.  This would have been my first bull.  Unfortunately my shot did not drop him and someone else ran up the hill and shot him before I could get another clear shot.  He dropped it and tagged it.  That was all I needed to switch to archery

[SunniCutt]

I quit hunting the Winston 6 years ago, for all the above reasons.  I thought maybe the Coweeman would be better, after all I live in the unit.  No way.  I too settled on giving archery a try.  Still alot of hunters in both units, so I will have to live with it. 

[madmack76]

winston is an exceptional unit for elk i got a budiie who kills a elk up there every year for the last 12 years you just have to get off the roads an in the bush

[furbearer365]

  If you can deal with a crowd and corrupt people on 4-wheelers shooting everything that walks then by all means have fun.

[sportsman002001]

If you can deal with a crowd and corrupt people on 4-wheelers shooting everything that walks then by all means have fun.

Very true

[Crunchy]

I would not hunt that unit during rifle.  It was somewhat of a zoo during late  archery.  You almost have to find a locked gate and hike in, otherwise it will be nothing but road hunters.