Cypress Island San Juan hunting charters and access information?

[bear hunter]

 

Gremlin's have got your keyboard running wild, or you're speaking in tongues. 

 Sounds like Cypress will be a hunt similar to that found on the mainland.  (Where's all the deer I keep hearing about?)

[jamesfromseattle]

Add me to the list of people that have struck out on Cypress. Only time I hunted it the weather got nasty and I had to cross back over so I didn't get stuck there. Was in my own boat.

Another limiting factor is that you're not allowed to camp after Labor Day, which doesn't matter if you've got your own boat by makes things tough if you're on the water taxi. I'm not sure how strictly that is enforced, but there are a lot of people up there who are very anti-hunting and may be apt to call you in for it.

I apologize for the doom and gloom--Cypress is a wonderful and unique public resource that if definitely worth exploring, but I'd recommend spending a sunny July weekend there unless you've got a better plan than I did.

[CamanoArcher4-2016]

New poster here... Im interested in scouting cyprus this year and hunting next year with my bow (need more practice)...My question is access, do i need permission from the state or the DNR to hunt on cyprus? I have a boat to gain access but i wasn't sure about the hunting part.

Anyone know encounter hikers or campers while hauling out a deer? I'm curious if you have to worry about foot traffic while your trying to stalk an animal.

I was checking out the property lines on the Skagit county assessors website and it looks like the private land is mostly along the coast on all sides, so my plan was to scout the water sources.

And as long as i'm there before labor day i can camp right? Do you need reservations or a pass to camp multiple days?

I wish there was a better website on the island and logistics of visiting to hunt or whatever...

Sorry for all the questions ... Thanks!

[CP]

These may help:

http://file.dnr.wa.gov/publications/amp_rec_updated_cypress_island_trail_map.pdf

http://www.dnr.wa.gov/CypressIsland

[CP]

You do not need permission to hunt the DNR land.  Stay off the private land.

Beware of the raccoons – they are bold and relentless.

[CamanoArcher4-2016]

Thanks for the links!

and for the warning on the racoons

[CP]

The place seriously needs some raccoon population control.  They have even learned how open ice chests, nothing is safe from them.   

[yakimanoob]

Sounds like I should pack my 22 wmr american rifle and entertain myself with raccoon control if I strike out on the deer .

[fishnfur]

Great idea.  Cute animals but they make me happier when I see fewer of them.

[RB]

I ran into hikers twice and the DNR guy once made sure to go the opposite direction to ensure I was no where near them. 

[Sitka_Blacktail]

Another limiting factor is that you're not allowed to camp after Labor Day, which doesn't matter if you've got your own boat by makes things tough if you're on the water taxi. I'm not sure how strictly that is enforced, but there are a lot of people up there who are very anti-hunting and may be apt to call you in for it.

That was changed last year. I wrote to Paul Mcfarland NW Regional Natural Areas Manager for DNR as my son and I got drawn for a second deer tag on Cypress this year. Here is his answer.

"Yes, Camping is open year-around on Cypress.  It was closed seasonally for several years, but last year we opened it up year-around again.  Please remember that camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds at Pelican Beach and Cypress Head.  Thanks for checking.  Proper planning always pays off."

For other info his e-mail addy is paul.mcfarland@dnr.wa.gov

 

[lokidog]

Sounds like I should pack my 22 wmr american rifle and entertain myself with raccoon control if I strike out on the deer .

A golf club might be handier, and a lot more quiet.....   

[fishnfur]

.... I recommend a 4 iron.  Stay down on it and swing through the raccoon.   

[bear hunter]

I am planing on trapping there this coming up season. I can't wait. Hoping to catch lots of coons and  some fox.

[johnsc6]

Place is loaded with deer (hence the 2nd tag) , they bed in the Salal brush. You will walk by them they are very small and hold tight. One of the only places I've seen that buckshot may be useful as a deer hunting cartridge. I shot a three point there once,  threw it over my shoulder and never returned. If you shoot a deer that is #100 on the hoof on that island you got a dinger! Smaller the island,  the more inbred and smaller the deer. Good luck.