Lewis River youth hunt

[arees]

My son drew a modern rifle youth tag for Lewis River this year.  This lets him shoot antlerless elk which has him excited for the improved odds.  He got his first Turkey last year and has had deer in his sights without a clean shooting opportunity.  I'm proud that he was going to wait for a sure shot, but he really wants to get his first four legged game animal.

This is a shift from our usual hunting areas around Easton and Cle Elum.  So far we have maps on order and have made a first trip down to the area.  We know it is going to be crowded near the roads, but we prefer to be out of the truck and on our feet anyway.

Does anyone have suggestions for areas that are reachable as one day hikes in the area?  We don't need the secret pockets where the monster bulls hide, but a chance to see fewer pumpkins and maybe some cows would be nice.

[westsidehntr]

You should have zero problems filling a cow tag with a rifle in the Lewis even if there are pumpkins everywhere, which there will be.

[ELKBURGER]

Its a big unit with lots of logging activity over the years. Look for cuts surrounded by dark timber. Around Merril lake, Marble mountain, Pine Creek drainage, swift creek drainage and lewis river drainage. Lots of cows in the unit, just avoid the ones with a limp

[Bulldozer77]

Merrill lake area produces! Especially if the snow level comes down.     However, you may need the weyco permit for that area. It's ok though, tons of area around there that hold elk. Good luck to your son! Nothing feels better than watching your child succeed at something that you're both passionate about.

[arees]

Thanks for the ideas. We are really looking forward to this hunt.

How common is hoof rot in this area?

[TMortensen]

Anywhere around mount saint Helens! and you will be into elk. If you want to get away from people try over by Mt Adams also, crowds seem to thin out. and with the dry conditions this year anywhere along the upper lewis river will be good.

[Bob33]

How common is hoof rot in this area?

It is very common. Fifty percent or more of some herds are infected.

[jeffitz]

50% ?!  .  I think you might be confusing the Lewis River unit with Coweeman or Toutle. Been huntin LR for the last ten years and still havent seen a limper there,but they are gettin close as it spreads