How much snow in the Dayton area?

[Gobble Gobble]

My wife has a four day weekend coming up and I wanted to take her shed hunting for the first time. For those who live in the Dayton area how is the now level on the hill tops? I'd like to go over near Bluewood but I know the snow is to deep. How about the state land south of Pomeroy? I know of one area that should be clear but just in case I'd like a back up location. If any of you have a honey hole could you PM me.

Oh, When do they open the gates for shed hunters at the Oak Creek feeding station?

[jackelope]

be careful with the land south of pomeroy, some of it is not open for human access to protect the winter range dependingon where you're talking.

[BLUEBULLS]

the snow is gone in the lowlands but once you hit trees it gets deep in a hurry.

[Gobble Gobble]

 jackelope

My thought was to walk the elk drift fence and see what we could find. I'm cautious about this area as the snow park isn't far up the road and I figure all the noise would have pushed any animals away.

 BLUEBULLS

Thanks, I'd like to check out the area near Case Mountain but I know there is still several feet of snow there.

[jackelope]

i think you're too early for elk sheds unless you're talking a month or more from now.

[ThePascoKid]

Blues bulls drop late february early march pretty consistently

[bow4elk]

In my not so humble opinion on this topic, I believe you should wait till late March/April.  Not sure when you were planning to go.

Pushing animals around is becoming a BIG problem, especially around Dayton.  If people don't start exercising some restraint with shed hunting too early, you can expect the state to step in as they've done in other areas and parts of Oregon.

It's one thing to look for deer sheds in the lowlands now, but entirely another to be running elk around in the snow as some of the locals do in and around Dayton/Pomeroy.  Just being there causes them unnecessary stress at a time when they need to conserve energy and focus on quality food sources.  Driving quads and hiking the hills spooking game - just by your presence - is not helping elk survive.  I spoke to a WDFW employee last April who said it was absolutely ridiculous the way people were combing the hills out there.  He said there were guys chasing elk hoping to get their racks to drop, and some had.

Greed is not good with regard to shed hunting.  A few bad apples can and will spoil it for everyone else in the long run.  The more people who choose not to act this way, the better.  - take it or leave it.

[ThePascoKid]

I agree with you, I wasn't suggesting he go out in early feb besides the Dayton boys will have them all scooped up anyways  :chuckle:public or private they don't care. If you go up there in late feb you'll probably have a helluva time just getting up there especially chase mt I got snowed on up there 2 years ago on memorial day weekend if you go in late march and get lucky you can do really well up there I know some guys that find 10-12 sheds a year in 3 or 4 trips but all on private ground

[Gobble Gobble]

My thought for this topic was more of me and the misses getting away from the baby for a day and spending the it together getting some fresh mountain air. I do not have 4 wheel drive, snowmobiles or snowshoes for that matter so Chase Mt is out of the question. Personally, I don't want to be in an area with lots of snow, an inch or two is ok. I don't want too and don't plan too be chasing any game. I just want a good day with the misses in the mountains and if we find a shed or two then great if not, oh well. As far as being greedy... WHATEVER. I have never shed hunted before. As far a knowing what areas are winter range and summer range in the area I couldn't tell you.

I can understand where some are consurned about stressing the animals but don't you think all those who are out riding in the snow parks with trails that go in an infinite number of directions and who knows how many miles create more stress than a couple hikers who's only noise is their conversation. That's just my 


If any of you would like to voice your displeasure with this topic and my wanting to go hiking in the mountains this time of year with my wife and possible find a shed or two, PLEASE feel free to PM me and we can talk.

[ThePascoKid]

I would try the Tucannon drainage it's low enough in elevation to get out of the deep snow and has plenty of public ground to hike and if your there around the 1st of March you can get a little fishing in also.

[Slayock]

I agree I live just over the hill from the Tuccanon and most of the snow is gone in the lower country.  A lot of the elk like that lower end of the Tucannon and I know in years past they have had access restrictions on some areas around Cummins Creek where most of the elk spend the winter.

[luvtohnt]

Oh, When do they open the gates for shed hunters at the Oak Creek feeding station?

May 1st!

Brandon