Chief Joseph Area

[PeninsulaPariah]

Anyone hunted the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area for Mule deer recently? Particularly interested in the Schumaker  Unit. Is it possible to hike the river bottom there away from the road and up into the canyons? Getting crowded these days? Its been over a decade since I've been down there. Never hunted Chief Joseph, but had permission for some private land a bit north of there for a few years. Some of the best hunting I've ever had. Just trying to get a sense of the public areas there these days.

[Mfowl]

Last time I went down Schumaker during modern season was a mistake I won't make again. There were numerous traffic jams from guys literally using the hood of their trucks as a shooting rest right in the middle of the road. They didn't seem to care that there were 1-5 trucks held up behind them. Beyond that it was just overrun with people and not worth the long drive down. Shame to because it is nice country.

[PeninsulaPariah]

Well, that's a bummer. Sounds like I'll have to go more remote.

[Mfowl]

Last time I went down Schumaker during modern season was a mistake I won't make again. There were numerous traffic jams from guys literally using the hood of their trucks as a shooting rest right in the middle of the road. They didn't seem to care that there were 1-5 trucks held up behind them. Beyond that it was just overrun with people and not worth the long drive down. Shame to because it is nice country.

This experience was from perhaps 10 years ago so read into it what you will.

[PeninsulaPariah]

How about Joseph Creek canyon? Anyone familiar? Looks like there is a pretty decent stretch that is roadless with BLM bordering the north and south. Seems like it might be worth it to hike in to some of the side canyons.