Thoughts on Today's Timber Permit Message?

[Mumbles]

Not overly surprised to read the WDFW message today that many of the timber areas in a number of the GMU's will now require access permits. Much of W WA just got more costly to hunt. The rest just got more crowded.

[bobcat]

Yeah it was no surprise, we've known about it since April 12th when Weyerhaeuser put the new info up on their website.

[RadSav]

My thought was the information should have been sent out before and during the permit application period.  Instead of midway through the final day.  Other than that I don't expect it caught too many resident Washingtonians by surprise.

My other thought was...finally a chance to improve my Toutle odds and I went for Blues

[Skyvalhunter]

This message needs to be combined with the other on the same topic

[plugger]

Is there a link to the message. I have not seen it

[norsepete]

Any Land receiving a tax break for timber lands should be open to public hunting and fishing. private,corperate and trible.

[plugger]

  I'm done elk hunting. They will be charging on the lands I have hunted for 30 years. My guess is they will open all the gates that we have always biked behind. That alone would stop me. What a joke this state has become. There's not enough logging on N forest land to sustain anything but small groups of animals, throw in the extra pressure from those that wont pay the fee's. I am very curiouse to how the tribes will be granted access to the pay areas. If it keeps them out, I may rethink my decision. But until I have more info, they will not see a dime of my money.  FYI. Im talking about the Oly peninsula. Rayonier will be charging, Just don't know how much yet.

[PA BEN]

WDFW WILDLIFE PROGRAM   
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091   
wildthing@dfw.wa.gov   
Dear Hunter:

Certain timber companies in western Washington have announced plans this year to begin requiring permits and charging fees to hunt on additional private forestlands where access restrictions were not previously in place. We are notifying you to make sure you are aware of these changes.

The game management units currently affected by new access requirements are GMUs 501, 506, 520, 524, 550, 556, 648, 651, 658, 660, and 672. Your special permit application history shows that you have previously applied for a special hunting permit in one or more of these areas.

We advise you to check timber company websites or hotlines soon for more information on the new landowner requirements. The website links below are for two companies that we are aware of that have changed their access policies this year.
•http://greendiamond.com/recreation/ 
•http://weyerhaeuser.com/Businesses/RecreationalAccess/Washington 

We are providing this information to help you plan for your hunt this fall.   

In recent years, we have made a concerted effort to work with private timber companies throughout the state to expand hunter access to commercial timberlands.  However, while we've had some success, WDFW does not have the legal authority to regulate private landowners' decisions about restricting access or charging fees to hunt on their land.

Sincerely,
WDFW
Wildlife Program

[Wacenturion]

Just saw that email.  Decided to put in for western Washington elk this year as when I don't draw eastern I can't hunt regular seasons over here.  Wish I had seen the email earlier, as I would have continued to put in eastside.  Put in for the Toutle unit with son and now notice on Weyerhauser's site, that no permits are available.  Son and I had a good number of points.  Hope I don't draw and burn them.

I think Montana is in my furure..............

[Big6bull]

I would imagine you can still call and change what you put in for. I'd give them a call

Also I did not receive this email and I put in for those permits yearly. Doesn't change my plans but still

[BOWHUNTER45]

My thought was the information should have been sent out before and during the permit application period.  Instead of midway through the final day.  Other than that I don't expect it caught too many resident Washingtonians by surprise.

My other thought was...finally a chance to improve my Toutle odds and I went for Blues

I was thinking the same thing when I read mine ..but nothing is surprising about anything that is happening now days ....

[blackveltbowhunter]

Just saw that email.  Decided to put in for western Washington elk this year as when I don't draw eastern I can't hunt regular seasons over here.  Wish I had seen the email earlier, as I would have continued to put in eastside.  Put in for the Toutle unit with son and now notice on Weyerhauser's site, that no permits are available.  Son and I had a good number of points.  Hope I don't draw and burn them.

I think Montana is in my furure..............

  Montana is a good choice ...But the permits have not gone on sale yet, which is why it is showing not available. If you draw toutle I suspect you will be able to purchase a permit.

[Wacenturion]

Just saw that email.  Decided to put in for western Washington elk this year as when I don't draw eastern I can't hunt regular seasons over here.  Wish I had seen the email earlier, as I would have continued to put in eastside.  Put in for the Toutle unit with son and now notice on Weyerhauser's site, that no permits are available.  Son and I had a good number of points.  Hope I don't draw and burn them.

I think Montana is in my furure..............

  Montana is a good choice ...But the permits have not gone on sale yet, which is why it is showing not available. If you draw toutle I suspect you will be able to purchase a permit.

Well if that's the case, I'm ok with it.  When I went to the site and it said no permits available I thought....#*!. 

[bobcat]

The permits don't go up for sale until June 19th. With 15,000 available, I doubt they will sell out. At least you should definitely not have a problem getting one if you buy it the first week.

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Not to stir the pot but with this and the hoof rot issues I seriously considered calling for the permit change.  But theres nothing to change it to...