Vail Tree Farm Help!

[Jeremy S]

I've been going to the eastside for years for opening day of modern firearm with failure to harvest an animal. I don't spend much time in the woods which I know considerably lowers my odds so I've been using this great site to research places on the Westside to go. I live in Seattle right now but spend a lot of time in Auburn & Spanaway so anywhere South is pretty much an open option for me. I'd like to start looking at the Vail Tree Farm soon and do some scouting, figure out some hot spots, and hopefully see some animals so I can be ready for the season. I know the general area but I really have no exact directions to the Weyerhaeuser property. I called their info line and the rules seem simple but vague. Also, I would like to purchase a map of the Tree Farm and there was no info on where to buy one on their site or line. If anyone can help me with some info it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

[Jeremy S]

Also, on the roads that you can walk into, does weyerhaeuser have any issues with you mountain biking in on them or is it foot traffic only? Thanks Again.

[New England Native]

Most maps can be purchased at sporting goods stores. I know Sunbirds in Chehalis has them. If the gates are open expect alot of people in there! You can almost always walk/ride in behind gates but check the hotline for access restrictions, especially from july-september when fire danger is high. good luck 

[Jeremy S]

What is Sunbirds? Anyone else know where I can get a map. Thanks.

[heavy hauler]

ace hardware  in tenino(you might google that)  has maps.vail is in between tenino and rainier and is INSANE for rifle deer .don't know what weapon you are using,  but i would suggest either muzzle loader or bow  just to avoid the crowds.as long as the woods are not closed by fire danger , i think any non motorised access is allowed.

[bucklucky]

Stick to the eastside, your probably going to be pretty disapointed on the west, especially if you havent killed on the east yet.

[stumprat]

If you plan to hunt Vail you have alot of walking to do. You can't access anything in there to just go scouting in a vehicle except hunting season. And I hope you like huge crowds.

[Jeremy S]

If you plan to hunt Vail you have alot of walking to do. You can't access anything in there to just go scouting in a vehicle except hunting season. And I hope you like huge crowds.

I spend alot of time on a mountain bike so that's no issue:)

Stick to the eastside, your probably going to be pretty disapointed on the west, especially if you havent killed on the east yet.

I'm getting mixed ideas. I've read that the harvest rate may be going down in Skookumchuck but there are plenty of threads saying that it's one of the better areas on the westside for blacktail....

[bucklucky]

Those harvest rates that have been generated for the skookumchuck have been mainly from vail and all the 100s of spikes and little forked horns that get killed in there every year. Harvest numbers have gone down hill though. Its getting more and more crowded every year, where I hunt I never had to fight for a spot 3-4 miles in , now I do and the hunting is getting a bit tougher. Find some good local stuff around you that is public land and learn it well, there are nice bucks everywhere you just need to find them.

[Jeremy S]

I think I'm still going to check it out. I just need to get used to an area. What's the easiest way to access it?

[GrainfedMuley]

Where on the eastside do you go? For me there is way to many people over here trying to share small parts of land. Almost like hunting in a football stadium! Much more coutnry to access on the east side and easily half the people. Are you hunting muleys or whitetails?

[LongTatLaw]

Poor Frogger...

All he wants is info on Vail and all we keep telling him is go out east...??

Im sorry frogger, I dont hunt vail... but if yeah google getting to Rainier...then head west on the one highway intown...about a mile out of town theres a left turn that says Vail Tree Farm. Id get one of those maps from Tenino Ace and just get ur butt down there...nothing should beb closed to bikes / foot traffic for the next 2-3 months so get moving...

dave

[rasbo]

frogger ya might look up hancock permit.it costs 300 .you will save that in fuel.plus you can drive in.there are many areas once you get in that are blocked off to vehical,walk and bike only.the puplic doesnt have acsess to your rid either.the permits sell in orting at work sports.this is a huge area and beautiful

[stumprat]

If you want to get out there that bad. PM me your address. I'll grab you a map and send it to you.

[stumprat]

I'm getting mixed ideas. I've read that the harvest rate may be going down in Skookumchuck but there are plenty of threads saying that it's one of the better areas on the westside for blacktail....
[/quote]




It is one of the better gmu's. But you will find less people and better hunting outside the tree farm. And from what I've been reading Bucklucky is right. Lower success rates and more spike and forkie kills.