Yakima Army Training Center

[Yote46]

Has anyone here hunted coyote at Yakima Training Center? I went over there yesterday and registered myself and my guns but ran out of time to do any exploring. Does anyone know the best unit to hunt there that is not a real long drive from the main gate?
I might also mention that I am a little confused as to check in. The girls who registered me said that I will be assigned a hunting area at the main gate...that doesn't sound right. Then I read that they do it at the counter, then I read the range office?

[Timberstalker]

http://www.lewis-mcchord.army.mil/yakima/otherdocs/Outdoor_rec_policy.pdf

Read through this PDF.

Also - you will be assigned to 3 units.  You can call in and change them, however you have to sign up for 3.  There are coyotes in all of the units.  Just depends on the day.

Good luck.

[Gringo31]

Welcome to the site...

[Hilltop123]

Checking in to hunt is a little confusing at first, mainly because you get a different answer to your question, depending on who you ask at the gate. But any of the training areas have a good supply of dogs, good luck.

[Yote46]

Thanks to all that has responded so far. Confusing is a bit of an understatement  I have read everything they gave me when I registered but I still don't have an answer to a couple of questions. I am going to try to ask them again to everyone but in a different way. I am retired military and was not expecting so many unanswered questions.

1. Does the gate guard play any roll except to check your permit and wave you through?

2. Who do I actually tell which areas I have picked?

3. Is there a range officer involved in the process?

Anybody want to join me on a hunt there ? 

[270Shooter]

The guard at the gate just checks your permit and passport. Then they send you to the hunter sign in building. It's just a little brick building just to the south of the main gate at the end of the big parking lot. Usually there will be an officer in there. If not one of the gate guards will come over and check you in. It is here that they will check to see that your paperwork for your rifle matches (basically just show them the serial number) and they will make sure it is cased. Then they will ask you what you are hunting and they will have a map showing which units are open/closed for that given day. You get to pick three, they don't have to be next to each other though. I'm sure all of the units have coyotes, but a lot of 8 and part of 10 burned. Oh and they will want to see your orange and you have to wear it at all times even in your rig.

[Hilltop123]

Thanks to all that has responded so far. Confusing is a bit of an understatement  I have read everything they gave me when I registered but I still don't have an answer to a couple of questions. I am going to try to ask them again to everyone but in a different way. I am retired military and was not expecting so many unanswered questions.

1. Does the gate guard play any roll except to check your permit and wave you through?

2. Who do I actually tell which areas I have picked?

3. Is there a range officer involved in the process?

Anybody want to join me on a hunt there ? 

Yes the guards will check your paperwork, I.E. weapons permit, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, etc. Make sure it's in order and that you have ALL of it. The guards may even call Law Enforcement to the gate, to check your weapons and hunting license. You will be given options on TA's (training areas), that are open on that day for hunting. The TA's that are open, are selected by Range Control. This will all take place at the gate when you arrive, just show the guard your ID tell them your here to hunt coyotes. Then they will direct you to park up at the Pass house, and get your information. Once you go through the hoops and dance with getting on base once, you will have the procedure pretty much figured out. This whole process takes about 10-15 minutes, provided you don't have other hunters in line ahead of you. Just be patient. 

[Yote46]

Perfect.....Now I understand...thanks again to all.

[Hilltop123]

Just a word of advise, to a new hunter to the training center. Have a spare tire, bring two if you have them. The YTC road system is hell on tires. If it's raining or muddy  stay on graveled roads, non graveled roads are a special kinda hell, when muddy or wet, even with 4X4. Be prepared, for anything. Remember if you get stuck, the army is not getting you unstuck. That bill will be on you. My moto when I hunt YTC is, " it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it". YTC has a lot to offer, and with time on the ground you will figure that out. Good Luck!

[Yote46]

That is good advice. Being it will be my first hunt there I probably won't venture too far in from the main gate.

[Hilltop123]

You should find, coyotes anywhere and everywhere. South Hill, where is that.

[Yote46]

Puyallup

[Dan-o]

As mentioned earlier, two spare tires in not overkill on the YTC.

Good luck

[Bofire]

they give out good maps, they will not let you go where they are training. You have to check in and out. If you leave the main gate and go north on the freeway  there is another gate. you have to stay on the roads.
Carl

[Yote46]

Thanks for the info.

[chevyistop]

How is the bird hunting on YTC? Like quail and Chucker? I want to get over to hunt but don't want to drama of my truck getting broke into or stolen like on the yak res or crab creek.

[Saville]

I've hunted the YTC for years and the pain is worth every penny. The hunting is great and they patrol that place like no other. Your vehicle is safer there than any other place in Yakima.

[dye7barrel]

How is the bird hunting on YTC? Like quail and Chucker? I want to get over to hunt but don't want to drama of my truck getting broke into or stolen like on the yak res or crab creek.

Not worth the trip over. Lots of barren land without cover.

[Bob33]

I've hunted the YTC for years and the pain is worth every penny. The hunting is great and they patrol that place like no other. Your vehicle is safer there than any other place in Yakima.

That's right.

"Tell me again the coordinates of the guy that stole your truck..."