GMU 454/460

[jcamp86]

Anybody have luck in the open areas off the East side of Hwy 18?  This is my first year hunting, and have spent some time scouting a bit in 335/336 every weekend for the past couple months, but being 20 minutes from home would be so much nicer.  I did a little scouting about a mile beyond the yellow gate last weekend and was amazed how many bear tunnels and game trails there was being that it's not very far from human traffic.
   Any success stories, or advice about the area would be greatly appreciated.  I put my camera out last week and will check it Saturday morning.

[jackelope]

I’ve never hunted there before, but based on the number of vehicles I’ve seen parked along hwy 18, I’d believe there are lots of people who are thinking the same as you in terms of the convenience of it being close to home.

[Milkman]

Heard from wasp that wdfw HAS (in the past)  released several bears in the area.  There's animals in there,  no nm personal succes there but keep at it

[optic2]

Anybody have luck in the open areas off the East side of Hwy 18?  This is my first year hunting, and have spent some time scouting a bit in 335/336 every weekend for the past couple months, but being 20 minutes from home would be so much nicer.  I did a little scouting about a mile beyond the yellow gate last weekend and was amazed how many bear tunnels and game trails there was being that it's not very far from human traffic.
   Any success stories, or advice about the area would be greatly appreciated.  I put my camera out last week and will check it Saturday morning.

I spent a day hunting in there in the November late season last year. On my way back I found some real fresh bear scat on the road about a 1/2 mile from the gate. 

[ljsommer]

Both have game. I have had cougar, bear, elk, bobcat and deer on cams in both units. If it's nearby your home, I'd definitely give it some time.

Also, hello fellow new hunter: last season was my first season

[Tiger1358]

Too many people there during the general season, but the area holds pretty much most game animals. Have seen deer a couple times, grouse, a lotta bear signs near the berry patches, and so forth. Spent some time there last year during the bear season, but shot one in a different GMU, so haven't been there since. 
If it's close to you, definitely spend some time there learning the area, it's definitely a good place to hunt.
Don't forget to post the pics if you get anything on camera.

here are the bear rubs from last year

[jcamp86]

Thanks for the responses so far.  Ive got tags for deer, elk, cougar too, so hoping i can get at least one of those filled.   Ive only put a few grouse in the freezer so far.  It would be  really exciting to get a bruin like the one pictured that used to come Wednesday nights when I lived in Hobart.

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[jcamp86]

No luck with my camera yesterday.  One of the batteries wasn't seated well so I had nothing.   Did some scouting and moved the camera location a little further up the road.  Tried my icotech g300 and had something come in, but I couldn't spot it.   
  Went out today to the other gate and went through a couple clearcuts.  No animals spotted except for a BT carcass some one shot in the last day or so.

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