Ryderwood

[bigun]

My first post.  I think I know how the replies will go, if any, but I'll give it a try. 
I've been deer, duck, turkey, and everything else hunting since about 1978 (when I went through firearm safety at 12). 
I've tried elk hunting several times, never hardcore.  My folks lived in Forks for awhile, but I opted not to shoot an elk out of their back yard (literally), so I've yet to kill one.  Hunted the Nile unit once or twice.  Spent some time on Grouse Ridge with a muzzleloader some years back. 
Been putting in for Toutle and Margaret the last few years.  Have some friends in Vancouver.  Looking forward to that tag someday.
That being said, here I am again without a special permit.  I was down in the Ryderwood area last year before the muzzle season scouting around Abernathy Creek.  Did see a few cows, and found a bit of sign.  When I emailed the biologist for the area, they just said off of Wildwood Road.
I'm hoping to drive down Sunday to scout a bit.  I'll have my bike, and would like to spend the day behind a gate or berm somewhere.  not opposed to going into the brush or timber.
If anyone is willing to share a road number, creek drainage, anything that would give me an idea where to start, it'd be much appreciated. 
If you want to PM me, I'll gladly let you know what I see, or don't see.  Might save you some scouting time?
Thank you

[slack56]

Welcome to the site wish you the best of luck this season

[12Gauge]

I hunted Ryderwood area last year and saw plenty of cow elk and deer. 

If your hunting Weyerhaeuser land, keep in mind that it is now a permit access only.  And at $200 each permit; I can buy lots of steaks with that.     

Welcome to the forum.

[pianoman9701]

Contact the DFW and ask for the area biologist. Start cruising the roads on your bike and looking for sign. Put some miles on your boots. Welcome to the site! 

[scout/sniper]

I hunted Ryderwood area last year and saw plenty of cow elk and deer. 

If your hunting Weyerhaeuser land, keep in mind that it is now a permit access only.  And at $200 each permit; I can buy lots of steaks with that.     

Welcome to the forum.

   All Weyco land?

[blackveltbowhunter]

Yes all weyco is access permit now.

  Bigun- Are you hunting Muzzle or Modern? I agree with Pman and try to contact the area bio and pick their brain a little. Ask specific questions about areas you have in mind, sounds like you are already at least somewhat familiar with the unit and all of the areas are a good start. If all the bio is telling you is off wildwood, IMO that is simply a lazy answer, As that is the area focused on for the late cow hunts and herd reduction. The whole unit recieves alot of pressure, and elk number have plummeted in the area. Between the late cow tags and hoof rot the herd has taken a significant beating in recent years.

   That said elk are truly sprinkled all over, more so once hunting pressure starts. So any spot you choose should produce elk. Personally I would find some area that is conducive to the type of hunting you like to do and start their. PM sent

[scout/sniper]

Yes all weyco is access permit now.

I live in the St. Helens Tree Farm.
Only Central WA Operations (Pe Ell and Vail) is permit access.
!!!!!This is why I asked!!!!!   

[Jonathan_S]

Anyone have hard evidence that ALL Weyco land is permit only?  I've gone to their site and there it only says that Pe Ell and Vail is permit.

[blackveltbowhunter]

I am sorry for the confusion, I was reffering to the op asking about weyco land in the ryderwood gmu. not ALL weyco land.

[scout/sniper]

Anyone have hard evidence that ALL Weyco land is permit only?  I've gone to their site and there it only says that Pe Ell and Vail is permit.

[scout/sniper]

I am sorry for the confusion, I was reffering to the op asking about weyco land in the ryderwood gmu. not ALL weyco land.

Big Sigh Of Relief...Thanks

[blackveltbowhunter]

   Sure thing. 

[Jonathan_S]

  Sure thing. 

Whew!  I was just planning a little jaunt over for late season.

The Pe Ell and Vail areas still breaks my heart 

I had no designs to be hunting there anytime soon but I cut my teeth on deer hunting in the Vail Tree Farm and I'll never see it again.

Not to mention I probably won't see Phelps behind anymore 320" bulls from Pe Ell.

[JPhelps]

I killed my last BIG bull on Weyco last year.  I refuse to pay for access.  Now I have to go chase raghorns elsewhere while all the deep pockets hunt the "MONSTERS OF WEYCO".

[Jayfire83]

Great unit, hold lots of critters! But your going to have to cough up the permit fee!