Author Topic: Drive to St. Helens? (Read 11921 times)

Eric M · « **on:** September 15, 2015, 09:48:16 AM »

Thinking of driving down to St. Helens to do some listening Thursday night. Need some experience and I figured they might make a bunch of noise in that area since that area seems pretty good. Any suggestions for where to go in the monument area to just listen? Thanks

luvmystang67 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 15, 2015, 09:57:07 AM »

I've been down there quite a bit. Not many people and a lot of animals on both sides of the 99 road to Windy ridge. However, a lot of 99 is open for archery right now, so you might run into a lot of people there blowing on tubes.

Eric M · « **Reply #2 on:** September 15, 2015, 11:36:39 AM »

Thanks. I'll give that area a try. Haven't been there in a long time and never during the rut. For some reason I thought the hunting was pretty restricted at the monument. Don't want to screw up anyone's hunt.

luvmystang67 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 15, 2015, 12:23:41 PM »

The Lewis river unit (560) wraps around most of the east and south side of the mountain. I think most everything on the right of the 99 road is closed as it is part of the monument, but everything to the left is 560 and open for archery. I do know that 560 stops at the Upper Smith Creek Trailhead. Anything past there is closed on each side as you're inside the monument, except for special permit holders for that area.

I believe the archery season there isn't open until Oct, so you probably won't be making anyone too upset.

westsidehntr · « **Reply #4 on:** September 15, 2015, 12:27:58 PM »

Which direction are you coming from? If you are coming on I-5, I would head up to Johnston Ridge Observatory on Hwy 504 out of Castle Rock. Lots of elk and rut activity in the mud flats down below. Bring a spotter and binos.

Eric M · « **Reply #5 on:** September 15, 2015, 12:29:06 PM »

Thanks. If anyone else knows any good spots to pull over and listen, I'd really like to impress the wife on my prowess. Haha.

Eric M · « **Reply #6 on:** September 15, 2015, 12:33:14 PM »

Quote from: westsidehntr on September 15, 2015, 12:27:58 PM

Which direction are you coming from? If you are coming on I-5, I would head up to Johnston Ridge Observatory on Hwy 504 out of Castle Rock. Lots of elk and rut activity in the mud flats down below. Bring a spotter and binos.

Thanks Westside. I'm coming from up by JBLM so that sounds good. Just have a couple days thought it would be a nice way to spend it. I'll drive wherever just want to spend some time listening, observing, and learning what I can.

Eric M · « **Reply #7 on:** September 15, 2015, 09:16:45 PM »

So just a final question on this thread- Anybody hearing them down that way?

luvmystang67 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 16, 2015, 07:14:28 AM »

They were making quite a bit of noise 3/4 weeks ago. Seems as if they're a bit early down there.

Eric M · « **Reply #9 on:** September 16, 2015, 10:08:06 AM »

Quote from: luvmystang67 on September 16, 2015, 07:14:28 AM

They were making quite a bit of noise 3/4 weeks ago. Seems as if they're a bit early down there.

Thanks. I think I'll head down there anyway. Haven't seen that area in a long while. Maybe I'll get lucky and see some stuff.

kodiak 907 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 16, 2015, 10:32:01 AM »

Spent a week in 520. Called in a big 6 point on opening day, he pinned my buddy down at eight steps. No shot and he is probably still running today.

Called in 2 spikes the next day.

None of the Bulls we encountered made a sound. They just came in quite.

Tons of "archers" road hunting with guys standing up in the back of trucks. Camp 9 and camp 10 guys. Avoid that area.

Eric M · « **Reply #11 on:** September 16, 2015, 11:58:20 AM »

Quote from: kodiak 907 on September 16, 2015, 10:32:01 AM

Spent a week in 520. Called in a big 6 point on opening day, he pinned my buddy down at eight steps. No shot and he is probably still running today.

Called in 2 spikes the next day.

None of the Bulls we encountered made a sound. They just came in quite.

Tons of "archers" road hunting with guys standing up in the back of trucks. Camp 9 and camp 10 guys. Avoid that area.

That Winston area seems to get pretty crowded nice job bringing the bulls in. You must be doing some walking. Looking at the stats it seems to be a pretty high % GMU. Thanks for the information. I'm probably headed down to the western side/Cowlitz county with my wife. She's never heard them bugle before so I'm hoping they are still a little active.
Good luck with the rest of the season. Put a picture up if you get one

westsidehntr · « **Reply #12 on:** September 16, 2015, 02:38:25 PM »

Quote from: Eric M on September 16, 2015, 10:08:06 AM

Quote from: luvmystang67 on September 16, 2015, 07:14:28 AM
They were making quite a bit of noise 3/4 weeks ago. Seems as if they're a bit early down there.

Thanks. I think I'll head down there anyway. Haven't seen that area in a long while. Maybe I'll get lucky and see some stuff.

I almost can guarantee you will see elk and hear bugles if you go up Johnston Ridge with your binos/spotter. Good luck and have fun

GetRDone · « **Reply #13 on:** September 16, 2015, 02:44:42 PM »

have you ever read Mike Lapinski's stuff?

CoastalHunter · « **Reply #14 on:** September 16, 2015, 04:09:17 PM »

Quote from: kodiak 907 on September 16, 2015, 10:32:01 AM

Spent a week in 520. Called in a big 6 point on opening day, he pinned my buddy down at eight steps. No shot and he is probably still running today.

Called in 2 spikes the next day.

None of the Bulls we encountered made a sound. They just came in quite.

Tons of "archers" road hunting with guys standing up in the back of trucks. Camp 9 and camp 10 guys. Avoid that area.

Nice taking my brother up there tomorrow... Going to try and call one in for him.

He has a deer and elk tag so we will see what happens.

Where is Camp 10?

kodiak 907 · « **Reply #15 on:** September 16, 2015, 04:17:55 PM »

Up salmon creek.

Eric M · « **Reply #16 on:** September 16, 2015, 05:17:11 PM »

Quote from: GetRDone on September 16, 2015, 02:44:42 PM

have you ever read Mike Lapinski's stuff?

I'm ordering a couple of his books on Amazon tonight. Thanks for the tip. I also heard he has videos out. Thanks a lot!

Eric M · « **Reply #17 on:** September 16, 2015, 05:19:04 PM »

Quote from: westsidehntr on September 16, 2015, 02:38:25 PM

I almost can guarantee you will see elk and hear bugles if you go up Johnston Ridge with your binos/spotter. Good luck and have fun

Thanks Westside

TikkaT3-270Shortmag · « **Reply #18 on:** September 16, 2015, 05:35:25 PM »

I was up looking g at a few elk towards johnson ridge yesterday in the mudflow. Not.much rutting activity. Saw a lone bull feeding and another one bedded with a cow

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Eric M · « **Reply #19 on:** September 16, 2015, 07:34:06 PM »

Quote from: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on September 16, 2015, 05:35:25 PM

I was up looking g at a few elk towards johnson ridge yesterday in the mudflow. Not.much rutting activity. Saw a lone bull feeding and another one bedded with a cow

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Do you think they're done already? Or will things heat up as the weather cools off?

TikkaT3-270Shortmag · « **Reply #20 on:** September 16, 2015, 07:40:01 PM »

They haven't even got going yet! Some areas get going sooner than others but it's the end of pre rut in my unit and anytime things are gonna get crazy

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Eric M · « **Reply #21 on:** September 16, 2015, 07:49:57 PM »

Quote from: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on September 16, 2015, 07:40:01 PM

They haven't even got going yet! Some areas get going sooner than others but it's the end of pre rut in my unit and anytime things are gonna get crazy

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[/quote

awesome! if you haven't filled your freezer I hope you do.

Mudman · « **Reply #22 on:** September 16, 2015, 08:05:02 PM »

I was up there opening weekend. 1 hunter bugled badly but 0 bulls bugling. I was a little surprised by the quiet.

Eric M · « **Reply #23 on:** September 16, 2015, 08:20:16 PM »

Quote from: Mudman on September 16, 2015, 08:05:02 PM

I was up there opening weekend. 1 hunter bugled badly but 0 bulls bugling. I was a little surprised by the quiet.

They must be waiting for me haha

Mudman · « **Reply #24 on:** September 16, 2015, 08:22:36 PM »

Tikka inbox is full.

TikkaT3-270Shortmag · « **Reply #25 on:** September 16, 2015, 08:22:57 PM »

Thanks lol

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TikkaT3-270Shortmag · « **Reply #26 on:** September 16, 2015, 08:24:36 PM »

Mud man fixed!

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Eric M · « **Reply #27 on:** September 20, 2015, 02:02:02 PM »

Drove down Thursday. Had a great time. Saw lots of 4 and 5 points with groups of 3-5 cows. Only saw one really big herd bull. The bulls were really cranked up. Did some calling got some answers. Brought one bull in Friday evening and my wife thought I was amazing ha ha. By the end of the weekend she was helping me glass and spotting stuff I missed! My only regret was we were in such a hurry to get out the door we left our good camera sitting on the table. Thanks to everyone who posted.

mikelonsford · « **Reply #28 on:** September 23, 2015, 09:41:40 AM »

Did you go 99/Windy Ridge or to Johnston Ridge side? I had the Upper Smith Creek permit a couple years ago and that was a fun hunt.

Eric M · « **Reply #29 on:** September 23, 2015, 04:16:23 PM »

I was on the Johnston Ridge side. It was a lot of fun to go down and mess around without feeling like I had to shoot something. It's a great area on the west side.

westsidehntr · « **Reply #30 on:** September 24, 2015, 12:40:05 PM »

Buckrub · « **Reply #31 on:** September 26, 2015, 05:26:27 AM »

Bulls have had some pressure... a bit tight lipped.
Just get in their kitchen... they'll talk.
We Bugled a dozen or so bulls in early season... one big bull to ten feet

TikkaT3-270Shortmag · « **Reply #32 on:** September 26, 2015, 08:31:18 AM »

Buckram where u up high or down low? I jumped around had my opportunity on one at 22 yards.

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TikkaT3-270Shortmag · « **Reply #33 on:** September 26, 2015, 08:31:38 AM »

Buckrub*

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Fullabull · « **Reply #34 on:** September 26, 2015, 08:29:25 PM »

Was there for archery season, they didn't start talking until the 19th. Then it was great,I had bulls coming in each day but none provided a good shot opportunity. It was still the most fun I've had during a season here in WA.

jclancy · « **Reply #35 on:** October 20, 2015, 03:50:11 PM »

Are these areas open for late hunt? The place I hunt is closed and only open in part of it for master hunters, my buddys almost lead me into a bad situation, so I am looking for a great area to put boots on the ground. I have not bee to st helens I a long time.

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Author Topic: Drive to St. Helens? (Read 11921 times)

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