Cowiche ?

[Webfoot]

Would someone be willing to give me some information on the Cowiche unit? Such as terrain type, timbered or open country, steep or semi steep or fairly flat, how about road densities. I am thinking about applying for the bull tag there and at my age I am through crawling into the watershed and wenaha type areas. I hunt mostly alone and need to hunt someplace where I can get an elk to a road in a reasonable amount of time. I have 20 some points for the bull tag so this will likely be my last draw hunt if I am successful in pulling the tag. Maybe there is another unit I should be looking at I am not to familiar with the east side only having hunted it one time in the east wenaha in 2012
Thanks
John

[OutHouse]

The eastern side of the unit is sage brush steps (high desert) that slowly build up to the edge of the Cascades. Once into the mountains the forests are mostly pine with some fur and others mixed in. The more open parts of the unit are in the transition between sage and pine forest. There is access via Cowiche Mill Rd. though there is a lot of private land out there. A more popular way to get into the mountains is by way of Ahtanum rd that splits (at the edge of the mountains) into North and South Fork rd.  Both of those are great for access and equally popular with hunters. I know a guy who has drawn that tag twice and he said it was easy to tag out and pack out. Road densities could be on the high end. I'm usually only out in Cowiche for late archery elk and the density then is fairly high. If you want more open areas I'd take N. Fork Road then go up what is locally known as the "switch backs" which is/was a green dot road leading up into the mountains. I'll try to look up that road and get back to you with specifics. Once higher up on that road, there is a lot of more open country that could be great for rifle season. Pretty sure my buddy got both his bulls up that road.

[buglebuster]

The eastern side of the unit is sage brush steps (high desert) that slowly build up to the edge of the Cascades. Once into the mountains the forests are mostly pine with some fur and others mixed in. The more open parts of the unit are in the transition between sage and pine forest. There is access via Cowiche Mill Rd. though there is a lot of private land out there. A more popular way to get into the mountains is by way of Ahtanum rd that splits (at the edge of the mountains) into North and South Fork rd.  Both of those are great for access and equally popular with hunters. I know a guy who has drawn that tag twice and he said it was easy to tag out and pack out. Road densities could be on the high end. I'm usually only out in Cowiche for late archery elk and the density then is fairly high. If you want more open areas I'd take N. Fork Road then go up what is locally known as the "switch backs" which is/was a green dot road leading up into the mountains. I'll try to look up that road and get back to you with specifics. Once higher up on that road, there is a lot of more open country that could be great for rifle season. Pretty sure my buddy got both his bulls up that road.

There is no access on cowiche Mill road as of now. Landowner gated it off to public access. I called wdfw and they said he CAN legally do that. as far as the switchbacks, I'm assuming you mean *censored*, which will lead into some great land. As well as the road before it, nasty creek.

[OutHouse]

The eastern side of the unit is sage brush steps (high desert) that slowly build up to the edge of the Cascades. Once into the mountains the forests are mostly pine with some fur and others mixed in. The more open parts of the unit are in the transition between sage and pine forest. There is access via Cowiche Mill Rd. though there is a lot of private land out there. A more popular way to get into the mountains is by way of Ahtanum rd that splits (at the edge of the mountains) into North and South Fork rd.  Both of those are great for access and equally popular with hunters. I know a guy who has drawn that tag twice and he said it was easy to tag out and pack out. Road densities could be on the high end. I'm usually only out in Cowiche for late archery elk and the density then is fairly high. If you want more open areas I'd take N. Fork Road then go up what is locally known as the "switch backs" which is/was a green dot road leading up into the mountains. I'll try to look up that road and get back to you with specifics. Once higher up on that road, there is a lot of more open country that could be great for rifle season. Pretty sure my buddy got both his bulls up that road.

There is no access on cowiche Mill road as of now. Landowner gated it off to public access. I called wdfw and they said he CAN legally do that. as far as the switchbacks, I'm assuming you mean *censored*, which will lead into some great land. As well as the road before it, nasty creek.

Whoa! That sucks. I went up a ways back but had to turn around because I thought I'd get stuck. Never got to the gate. Are you talking about the gate a few miles past the cattle guard? I thought there was a public easement on that road. If there was an easement we could enforce it in court if we had to. Damn.

[buglebuster]

The eastern side of the unit is sage brush steps (high desert) that slowly build up to the edge of the Cascades. Once into the mountains the forests are mostly pine with some fur and others mixed in. The more open parts of the unit are in the transition between sage and pine forest. There is access via Cowiche Mill Rd. though there is a lot of private land out there. A more popular way to get into the mountains is by way of Ahtanum rd that splits (at the edge of the mountains) into North and South Fork rd.  Both of those are great for access and equally popular with hunters. I know a guy who has drawn that tag twice and he said it was easy to tag out and pack out. Road densities could be on the high end. I'm usually only out in Cowiche for late archery elk and the density then is fairly high. If you want more open areas I'd take N. Fork Road then go up what is locally known as the "switch backs" which is/was a green dot road leading up into the mountains. I'll try to look up that road and get back to you with specifics. Once higher up on that road, there is a lot of more open country that could be great for rifle season. Pretty sure my buddy got both his bulls up that road.

There is no access on cowiche Mill road as of now. Landowner gated it off to public access. I called wdfw and they said he CAN legally do that. as far as the switchbacks, I'm assuming you mean *censored*, which will lead into some great land. As well as the road before it, nasty creek.

Whoa! That sucks. I went up a ways back but had to turn around because I thought I'd get stuck. Never got to the gate. Are you talking about the gate a few miles past the cattle guard? I thought there was a public easement on that road. If there was an easement we could enforce it in court if we had to. Damn.

the cattle guard right at the power line past cowiche ranches. wdfw said the green dot road doesn't start until the state land past the vanwycks land.

[Oh Mah]

here i will try to sum up the Cowiche unit that produces game.

EVER WATCH THE MOVIE DELIVERANCE?There it is.

[millerwheeler]

here i will try to sum up the Cowiche unit that produces game.

EVER WATCH THE MOVIE DELIVERANCE?There it is.

Hahahaj

[sagerat]

here i will try to sum up the Cowiche unit that produces game.

EVER WATCH THE MOVIE DELIVERANCE?There it is.

Too many stories like this have kept me from applying. I've got a ton of points too, not that points really matter. Search cowiche unit on here and you'll find some good reading on @$&hole land owners who think they own the entire unit.

[OutHouse]

here i will try to sum up the Cowiche unit that produces game.

EVER WATCH THE MOVIE DELIVERANCE?There it is.

 

There are no doubt a few families out that way that live a particular kind of lifestyle!

[kyleJmiller607]

wolves and grizz everywhere.... no elk

[millerwheeler]

wolves and grizz everywhere.... no elk

I have spent a long time in cowiche  wolves yes but grizz...... come on lol maybe a plant from the res went for a run but it wouldn't last long if there even was one 

[kevinlisa06]

My favorite area to hunt is Cowiche

[Oh Mah]

My favorite area to hunt is Cowiche

the unit or this area they are talking about?the unit is awesome but not so much in this neighborhood being talked about.

[Jolten]

Cowiche isn't too bad. Lots of roads. Some closed by *censored*s as previously mentioned. Some nice timber, a fee steep and deep pockets. Sage brush that gently rolls. The occasional drop off. Watch for those.

Myself and BugleBuster live pretty close to there. If you draw and get need help dragging send me a pm here.

[jdb]

wolves and grizz everywhere.... no elk

I have spent a long time in cowiche  wolves yes but grizz...... come on lol maybe a plant from the res went for a run but it wouldn't last long if there even was one

if you can show me a confirmed picture of a wolf in cowiche I'll buy you lunch

[millerwheeler]

wolves and grizz everywhere.... no elk

I have spent a long time in cowiche  wolves yes but grizz...... come on lol maybe a plant from the res went for a run but it wouldn't last long if there even was one

if you can show me a confirmed picture of a wolf in cowiche I'll buy you lunch

pm sent

[buglebuster]

wolves and grizz everywhere.... no elk

I have spent a long time in cowiche  wolves yes but grizz...... come on lol maybe a plant from the res went for a run but it wouldn't last long if there even was one

if you can show me a confirmed picture of a wolf in cowiche I'll buy you lunch

pm sent

Pm me too

[Oh Mah]

were all still waiting.you want in on this lunch to bugle?

[OutHouse]

Why not post this alleged pic of a wolf in Cowiche Unit right here? I am doubtful.

[yakimanoob]

Why not post this alleged pic of a wolf in Cowiche Unit right here? I am doubtful.

If you show a photo, I'd buy that a wolf could wander into the unit occasionally, but I took the comment about wolves and bears as tongue-in-cheek, especially given the comment about hardly any elk.  I've heard what I'm pretty sure are wolf howls in the Rimrock unit not far from the border with Cowiche, but I think I'd have to call BS on the claim there's an established pack in the area.

[OutHouse]

Why not post this alleged pic of a wolf in Cowiche Unit right here? I am doubtful.

If you show a photo, I'd buy that a wolf could wander into the unit occasionally, but I took the comment about wolves and bears as tongue-in-cheek, especially given the comment about hardly any elk.  I've heard what I'm pretty sure are wolf howls in the Rimrock unit not far from the border with Cowiche, but I think I'd have to call BS on the claim there's an established pack in the area.

Yea it's been long enough, I'm calling BS.

[millerwheeler]

Here's your pic and yes I'm sure it's cause they are traveling back and fourth from rim rock

[millerwheeler]

Why not post this alleged pic of a wolf in Cowiche Unit right here? I am doubtful.

If you show a photo, I'd buy that a wolf could wander into the unit occasionally, but I took the comment about wolves and bears as tongue-in-cheek, especially given the comment about hardly any elk.  I've heard what I'm pretty sure are wolf howls in the Rimrock unit not far from the border with Cowiche, but I think I'd have to call BS on the claim there's an established pack in the area.

Did I ever say established pack??..... No
Wander in and out yes absolutely
Does it affect animals in area absolutely

Not sure why people are so surprised

[OutHouse]

@millerwheeler Thanks Man! I thought it was all puffery but I'm glad you posted the pic. Now I am gonna argue that it's not a wolf   

Can you tell me generally where this was taken? I've been in these units for 20 years never seen any sign but didn't discount it altogether.

[millerwheeler]

@millerwheeler Thanks Man! I thought it was all puffery but I'm glad you posted the pic. Now I am gonna argue that it's not a wolf   

Can you tell me generally where this was taken? I've been in these units for 20 years never seen any sign but didn't discount it altogether.

Back side of dome peak close to the border  of rim rock unit

[kevinlisa06]

Seen 1 wolf up in the Ewe Neck bout 4-5 years ago at 65 yards the camp next to us seen a black phase the same day bout a mile from where I saw the gray phase. Fish n game sent the wolf callers up in there that winter according to DNR and said no wolves in the area. DNR said no wolves the following season and to shoot all large coyotes then.

[Opportunist]

2 years I saw a gray one up above Conrad meadows up by Darland mountain scouting for my dads rimrock elk tag. Ran into a game warden the next day up on Bethel and he said there was 4 of them running around up around Darland mountain, I too am surprised at how some guys are in denial. I have no pics.

[yakimanoob]

Millerwheeler, FWIW, I didn't think you were claiming there was an established pack -- I was just specifying that I don't think there is one there.  That claim was made by someone else, and like I said I took it as tongue-in-cheek. 

I've seen a pretty convincing print near Tieton Meadows and heard howls so I'm not surprised or in denial.  I do have serious doubts that they're having a significant effect on the ungulate population of the area though; I think they're just occasional visitors.  With so many game cams deployed and so many hunters in the area, it seems impossible to me that they'd be making an impact on the elk/deer/sheep without obvious evidence.  Just think about how many wolf kills are found north of I-90, and how motivated Olympia is to claim more wolf packs. 

I guess I just give no credence to the idea that there's an established population south of I-90 and WDFW is hiding it for...  fun?  I guess?

[millerwheeler]

Millerwheeler, FWIW, I didn't think you were claiming there was an established pack -- I was just specifying that I don't think there is one there.  That claim was made by someone else, and like I said I took it as tongue-in-cheek. 

I've seen a pretty convincing print near Tieton Meadows and heard howls so I'm not surprised or in denial.  I do have serious doubts that they're having a significant effect on the ungulate population of the area though; I think they're just occasional visitors.  With so many game cams deployed and so many hunters in the area, it seems impossible to me that they'd be making an impact on the elk/deer/sheep without obvious evidence.  Just think about how many wolf kills are found north of I-90, and how motivated Olympia is to claim more wolf packs. 

I guess I just give no credence to the idea that there's an established population south of I-90 and WDFW is hiding it for...  fun?  I guess?

They  hide it because once they establish it there liable to deal with it and with a low budget, under funded, under manages, and lack of resources to actually deal with it how could they?

I agree there travelers but there are lots and lots of units with travelers and with an animal that kills  just to kill or just plan like warm meat it affects everywhere as a whole . The cowiche unit has been in trouble for a long time with many other issues that aren't worth getting into .

[yakimanoob]

The cowiche unit has been in trouble for a long time with many other issues that aren't worth getting into .

In trouble how? Aren't elk numbers still growing?

[jdb]

Elk numbers may be strong but deer numbers are abysmal

[yakimanoob]

Elk numbers may be strong but deer numbers are abysmal

Sure, but that's because of the Eurasian louse and adenovirus. It doesn't seem reasonable to blame wolves for low deer numbers in the region...

[kevinlisa06]

The deer in there have been in trouble since the mid 1990's from what I have seen.

[boneaddict]

Elephant in the room but we wont speak of it because its not PC

[millerwheeler]

Elephant in the room but we wont speak of it because its not PC

YES


I also would add poor management of predators is a c9mtributing factor, bad practices by certain land management, lack of resources with fish and game, maybe a large amount of "specual" people who do as they want, , as mentioned the diseases  the deer.

There  is allot to contribute nobody is saying it's just wolves

[jdb]

Elk numbers may be strong but deer numbers are abysmal

Sure, but that's because of the Eurasian louse and adenovirus. It doesn't seem reasonable to blame wolves for low deer numbers in the region...

its not from Eurasian louse, and I've never heard of adenovirus, that herd has never truly came back from the winter kill of 92/93 much less 96/97. It's is also completely over hunted, it starts in September and those deer are under continued pressure until the middle of December. Not only that but it's arguably one of the most poached units in the state and also receives its share of native harvest. It's not that the wolves are responsible it's that herd is all ready on the brink of decimation, a super predator such as wolves could push it over the edge