Blue Creek - GMU 154 Archery Bull Tag

[BowhunterPNW]

I've drawn a Blue Creek archery bull tag, one of 8 this year.  I had permission lined up to hunt a big block of land within the unit prior to putting in for the tag and found out that a family member drew the same tag.  So family now comes first, which I total understand.  But it now has me scrambling for more land to hunt within the unit.  I've hunted in the Blues multiple years but haven't hunted Blue Creek.  I'm planning to scout this weekend and next weekend to drive the boundaries and see the country.  I've been studying topo maps, gis parcel maps and wdfw hunt access maps.  I do my homework and like I said had a block of great elk land lined up before even considering to put in for this hunt.  I've been putting in for a quality elk tag for the last 13 years and now I've got one.  If anyone has any advice or insight about the unit or area, I would appreciate your feedback, please feel free to PM me or call me 360-907-2608.
Thanks,
Eric

[724wd]

the landowner doesn't want to team? Separate the land? share info? Tough unit to get access in. Does the landowner have a good relationship with the neighbors?

[BowhunterPNW]

the landowner doesn't want to team? Separate the land? share info? Tough unit to get access in. Does the landowner have a good relationship with the neighbors?

They have been very nice about it but until the family member is successful, I'm out of luck.  I'm working a lot of connections and hoping I'll get something locked up soon.  Many of the farmers and ranchers that own the lands within the unit are harvesting right now, so it's proven to be difficult to make the connections.  Heading over this weekend, hoping to meet some land owners face to face and come back with permission to hunt some land.

[stew pidasso]

Hey, I think I talked to your partner who drew with you. Just wondering if you followed up on that lead him and I talked about. Its the property next to where you were headed. I'll be in town as well this weekend, let me know if you need help with anything.

[nwwanderer]

We own a little there, let me know what you find and ask any questions after your first look.  If you are a good cab lizard, cdl truck driver, you probably have it made!!!

[BowhunterPNW]

Hey, I think I talked to your partner who drew with you. Just wondering if you followed up on that lead him and I talked about. Its the property next to where you were headed. I'll be in town as well this weekend, let me know if you need help with anything.

Sent you a PM.  Thanks

[BowhunterPNW]

We own a little there, let me know what you find and ask any questions after your first look.  If you are a good cab lizard, cdl truck driver, you probably have it made!!!

Sent you a PM. Thanks.

[nwwanderer]

Scouting report?

[BowhunterPNW]

Scouting report?

Sent you a PM.  Thanks

[dvolmer]

I sent you a PM on some options that I know of.

[BowhunterPNW]

I sent you a PM on some options that I know of.

Thanks for the information, much appreciated.  PM sent back.

[BowhunterPNW]

I sent you a PM on some options that I know of.

Sent you a PM. Thanks,

[BowhunterPNW]

Curious....in regards to WDFW "Hunt by Written Permission", have you guys found that you've been able to get permission to hunt these types of properties or is it just those landowner's friends and family that get to hunt?  I've called on many of these within Blue Creek unit and have yet to get permission but I can't even get any callbacks.  I know it's harvest time and the farmers are crazy busy and dealing with hunting access is at the bottom of their list right now....guess just trying to determine if I should continue to try or if it's not going to happen no matter what.  Also think having a "360" phone number is not helping get calls answered or returned.

[92xj]

509 numbers don't get permission either.
Program is a fraud and abused to get some kick back

[BowhunterPNW]

Curious....in regards to WDFW "Hunt by Written Permission", have you guys found that you've been able to get permission to hunt these types of properties or is it just those landowner's friends and family that get to hunt?  I've called on many of these within Blue Creek unit and have yet to get permission but I can't even get any callbacks.  I know it's harvest time and the farmers are crazy busy and dealing with hunting access is at the bottom of their list right now....guess just trying to determine if I should continue to try or if it's not going to happen no matter what.  Also think having a "360" phone number is not helping get calls answered or returned.

Did get one call back....was told not worth my time as there will be no elk on the property during my season.....makes a guy wonder.....

[idahohuntr]

Curious....in regards to WDFW "Hunt by Written Permission", have you guys found that you've been able to get permission to hunt these types of properties or is it just those landowner's friends and family that get to hunt?  I've called on many of these within Blue Creek unit and have yet to get permission but I can't even get any callbacks.  I know it's harvest time and the farmers are crazy busy and dealing with hunting access is at the bottom of their list right now....guess just trying to determine if I should continue to try or if it's not going to happen no matter what.  Also think having a "360" phone number is not helping get calls answered or returned.

Did get one call back....was told not worth my time as there will be no elk on the property during my season.....makes a guy wonder.....

It's a crooked program that provides very limited benefit to hunters.  I believe it's a way the landowner can technically be enrolled in a state hunting access program which makes them eligible for additional crp payments...without really having to give access to anyone.

[JJB11B]

Curious....in regards to WDFW "Hunt by Written Permission", have you guys found that you've been able to get permission to hunt these types of properties or is it just those landowner's friends and family that get to hunt?  I've called on many of these within Blue Creek unit and have yet to get permission but I can't even get any callbacks.  I know it's harvest time and the farmers are crazy busy and dealing with hunting access is at the bottom of their list right now....guess just trying to determine if I should continue to try or if it's not going to happen no matter what.  Also think having a "360" phone number is not helping get calls answered or returned.

Did get one call back....was told not worth my time as there will be no elk on the property during my season.....makes a guy wonder.....

It's a crooked program that provides very limited benefit to hunters.  I believe it's a way the landowner can technically be enrolled in a state hunting access program which makes them eligible for additional crp payments...without really having to give access to anyone.

Years ago my friend had this tag and we all got access. I cannot remember the guys name. I know of 2 places (no good for elk) that are written permission only, that I get access to. Not ALL of the people who are part of this program abuse it. I am sure some do though

[BowhunterPNW]

I'm sure part of the issue with no return calls has primary to do with it harvest time and providing access for hunters is likely near the bottom of their priorities right now.  Maybe when harvest winds down, I will get some call backs.  Everyone I've met in the area face to face have been great people.

[Snakeriver]

I am pretty sure the program that gave landowners additional crp payments came to an end. Unfortunately so much abuse has occured from hunters who have gained access to private ground.  That many landowners view hunting season as a big headache. Roadhunters, poachers and trespassers are ruining it for everyone.

I believe there is some public ground in the blue creek unit.

[BowhunterPNW]

Caseyd - sent you a PM.  Thanks

[dvolmer]

Curious....in regards to WDFW "Hunt by Written Permission", have you guys found that you've been able to get permission to hunt these types of properties or is it just those landowner's friends and family that get to hunt?  I've called on many of these within Blue Creek unit and have yet to get permission but I can't even get any callbacks.  I know it's harvest time and the farmers are crazy busy and dealing with hunting access is at the bottom of their list right now....guess just trying to determine if I should continue to try or if it's not going to happen no matter what.  Also think having a "360" phone number is not helping get calls answered or returned.

This program is a scam.  It is a way to get the game dept (using our license money) to post your property.  Then you let your family and friends hunt as usual.  There is no incentive to let anyone else.  Total waste of money.  Yes, there are a few that use the system the way it is designed but overall its a scam.

[gaddy]

Any updates ? Was hoping to hear you got access somewhere.

[BowhunterPNW]

Any updates ? Was hoping to hear you got access somewhere.

I've been able to obtain permission from some private land owners so far but still hoping to gain more prior to the opener.  But I do have land to hunt.....just not sure whether those lands will hold elk.  I feel like it's good looking elk country and should hold some population of elk, time will tell.