Report on longbeards from Colville

[yelp]

I have talked with Tribal biologists a few years ago and I told them that they are missing an opportunity to allow turkey hunting via non tribal hunting permits.  You can hunt waterfowl and upland birds in certain areas of the tribe..so the mechanism is already in place.  They could actually make some $ if they allowed some spring hunting in certain areas.  It wouldn't interfere with any tribal hunting seasons..I think it would be a win win.  There are a lot of birds on the tribe and they are having some damage issues to crops. 

[NWTFhunter]

Yelp, it all comes down to getting them off the big game management plan.  Once that happens the tribes can allow them to be hunted under their small game rules as pheasant and quail ect are.

[yelp]

Your right NWTFhunter but the tribal council makes it happen. I don't know why its in the big game list.  The nontribal licenses allow the hunting for the most part non native wildlife (pheasants, quail , chukar and huns) ALso waterfowl...Turkey should be on that list in my mind.  I told biologists they could sell tags for 50 -100 dollars and they could make some serious change for the tribe. I know of a lot of hunters who would pay to get an extra turkey in the spring.   Many tribes that allow hunting, go the way of having to have tribal guides while on the reservation (Spring Bear hunts Quinault Tribe). That however seems to be pretty popular because the tribes have better control over hunters on the reservation..I would rather see them designate for example the Inchelium Unit as the harvest unit for turkeys and you buy a tag over the counter.  Who knows right now In my opinion,  the reservation is a big incubator and it is producing lots of wild turkeys who filter off the reservation to the north, west, south and east..back and forth across the Columbia River. 

[Diehard0123]

You Can NOT hunt turkeys on the Res if you are NOT an enrolled member of the tribe.

You can hunt on the Rez if you are on a guided hunt by one of the members of the tribe.  You can see signs in the yards of the indians as you drive through the rez offering guided hunts.

[NWTFhunter]

You can NOT hunt TURKEYS on the reservations.  They are listed in the big game management plan and No big game can be hunted on the reservations.  You can hunt pheasant, quail, chuckar, grouse, ducks, geese.  Did I forget any other small game animal ?

I dont know who told you that you can or what native said he would take you, but you are playing with fire.  If a native takes you out and another files a complaint your in deep chit my friend.

[NWTFhunter]

Where is our friend from the Colville nation that posts here sometimes ?

[Turkeyman]

Your right Yelp they would make some good money. They need to do it like they do in South Dakota.

[yelp]

Diehard I assume you are talking about the Spokane Reservation?  There were some signs years ago just north of Fort Spokane.  I talked with the owners and they guide off of the reservation in Stevens county they are not allowed to guide on the tribal property...I think thier last name was Kiessler Or Kieffler?   Something like that they had a fish and hunting guide service.  I think they lease land up by Fruitland somewhere. 

NWTF hunter is right...you can't be guided by a member...I know quite a few guys that hunt all kinds of animals on the reservation with thier Tribal buddies...Its Illegal period.  Unless the tribes change the rules currently its illegal.

[NWTFhunter]

Yelp, I know the signs the he and you are talking about.. When I saw them the first time I hit the brakes and was like WTH ?  So I went and talked to him also.  Found out it was off the reservation. 

I was just kinda waiting to see how long he would argue and think he could hunt on the res. for turkey  hehe.

[turkey slayer]

Yelp, their names are Keiffer but last I herd they ar'nt guideing anymore

[@RCHER]

...No big game can be hunted on the reservations. 

The only exception I'm aware of being the guided depredation bear hunts offered by the Quinault in co-op with WDFW.

[NWTFhunter]

That is very true Archer, I had forgotten about those bear hunts.

[Quimby]

Hey everyone, these are some great reports.  I am new to turkey hunting and I am excited to finally go this year.  I am taking my 9 year old boy as well.  My plan is to camp at Curlew State Park and hit the area around there.  I am not asking for anyone to give up their secrets or spots, but if you have some advice I would love to hear it.

A couple of other questions I have as well:

Is it worth heading over for opening weekend or should I wait a while?

How does one get onto to private land?  Is it a case by case basis with the landowner or is there a resource I can contact that has a list of owner opening up their land?

My in-laws live in Tonasket, but I am not sure how the hunting is around there.  I have been reading a lot of how it seems to be better in Eastern Ferry and Stevens county, so I figured Curlew State Park would be somewhat central to the area.  Is this a good spot or should I stay elsewhere? 

Thanks for any advice that is given.

 

[NWTFhunter]

Quimby, I have never hunted around there...... but in order to get permission on private land.......Its either knowing someone, or knocking on doors, or hanging out at the local barber shop burger joint with an open ear !  Making that contact is the biggie !

I have just landed 2 huge spots in the Colville area......... Some say it who you know, I say its who your dating...LOL.

[Diehard0123]

Diehard I assume you are talking about the Spokane Reservation?  There were some signs years ago just north of Fort Spokane.  I talked with the owners and they guide off of the reservation in Stevens county they are not allowed to guide on the tribal property...I think thier last name was Kiessler Or Kieffler?   Something like that they had a fish and hunting guide service.  I think they lease land up by Fruitland somewhere. 

NWTF hunter is right...you can't be guided by a member...I know quite a few guys that hunt all kinds of animals on the reservation with thier Tribal buddies...Its Illegal period.  Unless the tribes change the rules currently its illegal.

Ya those are the ones I was talking about.  I have never been interested in contacting them I just saw the signs and a few guys in the yard that were native.  made me think that they were offering hunts on the res.