Hunting Pamphlet incorrect about USFS Margaret Closure.

[fireweed]

Have followed up with USFS about hunting pamphlet stating that Monument land is closed to hunting in Margaret Unit.
Here's from the USFS.

"The hunters’ pamphlet is incorrect.  The only area of the Margaret unit inside the Monument where hunting is not allowed is the south-facing slope along the north side of Coldwater Lake, where no off-trail hiking is permitted.  This is the same restriction that has been in place for years, so there is no change in hunting restrictions from previous years."

 Mitch Wainwright
South Zone Wildlife Biologist
Mt. Adams R.D.
Mt. St. Helens R.D.
42218 NE Yale Bridge Rd.
Amboy, WA  98601

[bigtex]

Until WDFW changes it (typically in their pamphlet errata) it will still be illegal to hunt in that area, even if the USFS says it's ok to do so because state regulations (WAC) are currently written to prohibit hunting in that area.

[bobcat]

Bigtex, I don't see why the WDFW have to make a correction for hunting to be legal in that area.

Here is what the note says in the pamphlet: 

"Currently the USFS does not allow hunting on the portion of GMU 524 that is within Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument per USFS rules."

So if the current USFS rules say it's okay, then it should be.

[Blacktail Sniper]

You really willing to gamble on that??

[fireweed]

The USFS also said they will follow-up with the state on a correction.

[bobcat]

You really willing to gamble on that??

Sure, I would. But I didn't apply for Margaret so I don't have to worry. And if I did, I would pay the $150 and hunt Weyerhaeuser.

The note looks to be simply information the WDFW is providing. It doesn't prohibit hunting that area. It only says the USFS does. Well, they don't, so who's going to be enforcing a rule that doesn't exist?

Having said all that, I'm sure the WDFW will put a correction online (where most people won't see it anyway) 

[bowhunterty]

Ther has always been a portion closed in the Margaret as stated previously. If the monument was closed to hunting portions of other units would be closed as well. Along with the Upper Smith Creek, Mt Whittier hunts.

[furbearer365]

Im glad to hear this.  I put in for the archery tag and have a solid chance to get it.  Im not sure yet whether which area I will hunt if I draw, but it is an archery tag and I cant remember the last time the woods were not shut down at least a bit during September.  At least there is still an option to hunt barring hot weather and an inevitable fire closure by Weyco.  Thanks Fireweed for taking the time to look into this.

[bowhunterty]

Hunted the Margaret the last tw years. Get the Weyerhauser permit if you get drawn. Some dandy areas on Weyerhauser property.

[kentrek]

Thank you for checking into this 

That area is the only reason i apply for that unit and with the amount of people getting discouraged from hoof rot or private land issues I feel like this is the year   

[Big6bull]

Thank you for checking into this 

That area is the only reason i apply for that unit and with the amount of people getting discouraged from hoof rot or private land issues I feel like this is the year   

There's just as much of a hoof rot issue up high as there is down lower 

[bobcat]

Thank you for checking into this 

That area is the only reason i apply for that unit and with the amount of people getting discouraged from hoof rot or private land issues I feel like this is the year   

There's just as much of a hoof rot issue up high as there is down lower 

I think what he's saying is that with hoof rot being prevalent in the St. Helens area, that less people may have applied for the Margaret permit this year, so his odds of drawing are better this year than in the past.

[Big6bull]

Thank you for checking into this 

That area is the only reason i apply for that unit and with the amount of people getting discouraged from hoof rot or private land issues I feel like this is the year   

There's just as much of a hoof rot issue up high as there is down lower 

I think what he's saying is that with hoof rot being prevalent in the St. Helens area, that less people may have applied for the Margaret permit this year, so his odds of drawing are better this year than in the past.

Thanks I read that differently lol.  I'm in the same boat, and would be ecstatic to draw any bull tag in the area!

[Bullkllr]

Thank you for checking into this 

That area is the only reason i apply for that unit and with the amount of people getting discouraged from hoof rot or private land issues I feel like this is the year   

There's just as much of a hoof rot issue up high as there is down lower 

I think what he's saying is that with hoof rot being prevalent in the St. Helens area, that less people may have applied for the Margaret permit this year, so his odds of drawing are better this year than in the past.

Looking at last year's reported success rates, I'm thinking the draw odds should be getting better anyway:

  Bull Hunts
Mod. Rut- 100%
Modern- 58%
Archery-50%
Muzz- 23.5%
Total overall = 52%

Antlerless Hunts
Modern- 62%
Archery- 13.5%
Muzz- 18.5%
Dis.- 20%
Total Overall = 38%

I know the unit is unique in some ways, but those  success rates are topped by many other units.
Ain't what it used to be by a long shot.

[kentrek]

Thank you for checking into this 

That area is the only reason i apply for that unit and with the amount of people getting discouraged from hoof rot or private land issues I feel like this is the year   

There's just as much of a hoof rot issue up high as there is down lower 

I think what he's saying is that with hoof rot being prevalent in the St. Helens area, that less people may have applied for the Margaret permit this year, so his odds of drawing are better this year than in the past.

Bingo  you might run into a random infected elk but for the most part the elk in the area up there are pretty healthy