Ryderwood Sierra Pacific Land Access Changes

[Basket Rack]

For those that hunt on Sierra Pacific's Ryderwood tree farm there are major access changes this year.  It will only be open for non motorized access until November 2nd then only some of the gates will be opened through December 15th.  In years past most of the gates were opened (today) the day before the modern deer opener.  Signage on gates and their hunter hotline (360)-623-1299 outline the changes. 

[Backstrap]

Any idea where the 500 gate off of Wildwood Rd fits into this equation?

[Mulieman]

Any idea where the 500 gate off of Wildwood Rd fits into this equation?

That's walk-in all the time.

[jbeaumont21]

Personally I think it is great.  With all the weyco land in Ryderwood going to pay to play I think SP land will just get hammered.  Closing the gates should help improve the quality of animals in the area.  My buddy killed a nice bull in there during ML season and the head forester gave him a ride in to retrieve it.  The forester said they plan to keep the most of the gates closed for now on.  I hope they keep it that way.

[julzzz]

Too bad hunting is becoming a rich mans sport! What about the young-uns that can't hike that far? My kids are old enough we don't have to worry, but what about future generations? 

[billythekidrock]

Up in the Capitol Forest I ran into a disabled hunter who was displaced by the SP closure. He didn't find out until opening morning so he drove up to hunt state land.

The closures have really added people and pressure to the state land around here.

[jbeaumont21]

It would be nice if they could find a happy medium.  Possibly where they open certain gates to the main roads for disabled hunters and youth hunters and then leave the rest closed for the general population.  Not sure that is the right answer but would be nice if they would explore some alternative options rather than just all closed or all open.