663 Capitol peak info on cougars and other units

[stew pidasso]

Looking for some information on Capitol state forest cougar numbers. In March and April I'm taking more than a week off each month to strictly concentrate on cougar. I realize that it may meet quota and not be open but at 8-11 before it closes it may not. I'm open to different units, especially since I'm going to need snow for tracking and Capitol Forest isn't that high. The caviot is I will have my daughters 6 and 9 with me. So I have poured over onX looking for something relatively tame. I live in La Center and was hoping to stay somewhat close to home but am willing to travel because of so many logistics to overcome. One thing also is that I want to be in a motel so my girls can relax and be comfortable at night. Makes it easier for me to dry their close as well. I also need some where with around a 45 minute drive max as well. I know you dad's understand. Being that each trip will be about 9 days I could set up my wall tent up if I found the perfect area. Meaning a spot to camp, tamish terrain, good info on high cougar densities, snow, open unit..... So please recommend any and all places so I can look into it. Man, after typing this I should just book something in Idaho. Anyway, let me know your thoughts.

[redi]

I'm curious what your method of hunting will be are you going to predator call?

[Mudman]

Snow probably wont comply but some years it does.  Deer n cats likely lower elevations then.  667 Vail unit is loaded with cats if ya have access.

[bobcat]

Might look into the Toutle unit. Could be too much snow to get around though. I'd probably go to the east side if it was me. Maybe around Naches. Lots of cougars over there. For west side another area to look into would be just out of Hoodsport. Lots of cougars and you can go high if necessary to get into snow, or stay closer to the highway if there's too much snow up high. Not sure if any areas are good for 6 and 9 year old girls though. My girls wouldn't be into it I know that much.

[Curly]

What about the NF area noth of Carson and west of the Trout Lake area?

[stew pidasso]

I'm curious what your method of hunting will be are you going to predator call?

So I will try an e caller for as long as the girls can stand to sit. I also have a few of rainshadows calls that we will have. My girls don't sit still for long, they love moving which suits my style best. I want to get lucky and cut fresh tracks and try an walk it down. My 9 year old can cross country pretty well but plan on my 6 year old riding on my shoulders once tired. I've line distanced lots of 3-7 mile hikes in the Capitol Forest. Trying to make boxes in the unit moving each day. I'll do that to whatever unit we choose. I am going to try to stick to the tops of ridges until having to drop in.

Bobcat, I may have suckered them in a bit by saying we would do some sledding down the steepest hills they have ever seen My 9 year old took a nice boar this year and now my 6 year old has been a bit jealous. She wants to show her big sister that she is the best hunter. A little bit of competition never hurts ya know.
I'm going to check out all areas suggested so far, thanks.

[stew pidasso]

Snow probably wont comply but some years it does.  Deer n cats likely lower elevations then.  667 Vail unit is loaded with cats if ya have access.

So I do not have access to that Weyerhaeuser ground but that Gifford Pinchot looks promising. 28k acres. Do you know if those roads would be open? Looks like the only access would be from the north. It's ridge tops are up around 3800' though, so that is good.

[Onewhohikes]

Nice Job by your 9 yr old. Do you think she has caught onto the fact you need snow to sled?

[ThurstonCokid]

I live in oly and have been around 663 my entire life. I’ve seen 2 cats one during deer season no shot opportunity and one just on a drive with no gun. (Stupid) i have also seen one in the back on a deer hunters truck. They’re there and i can send you pins of where I’ve seen them. I’d love to see you harvest one and take it out of the area. Like others have said 667 is a cat dense unit as well.


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[Dysfunctional Vet]

Saw one last weekend running down the paved road on the chehalis side.

[rainshadow1]

Get to know the road network that you can see from or near home...

I know you're talking about taking specific time off, but still. Get to know those roads, and trails, and their elevation relative to landmarks you can see when you're at a vantage point close to home. Then you can look every time the clouds are clear enough to see and you'll know if that last snow got down to them.

When it did, Go!

That was my best technique when I lived on the Peninsula. Thankfully I was self employed and could rearrange schedule that day or the following and get up to drive and hike for tracks.  6-12 hours after the storm stopped was the golden time.

Then you pretty well know you're on one that can still hear you!!!!

[Curly]

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/gifford-peak

Won't be snow (most likely not, anyway) in 663 in April, maybe in March.  But I think you would find snow in the Wind River unit.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3843445.pdf

Maybe the 54 road and the 60 road.

And it's closer to Vancouver than Capital Forest.   

[stew pidasso]

Might look into the Toutle unit. Could be too much snow to get around though. I'd probably go to the east side if it was me. Maybe around Naches. Lots of cougars over there. For west side another area to look into would be just out of Hoodsport. Lots of cougars and you can go high if necessary to get into snow, or stay closer to the highway if there's too much snow up high. Not sure if any areas are good for 6 and 9 year old girls though. My girls wouldn't be into it I know that much.

So I checked out both Naches and hoodsport areas today and like what I see. Definitely could try both in 1 trip.

Saw one last weekend running down the paved road on the chehalis side.
[/quote

Shoot it!

Nice Job by your 9 yr old. Do you think she has caught onto the fact you need snow to sled?

Yes. An I have cought on to if we don't sled there may not be a second trip in April.

What about the NF area noth of Carson and west of the Trout Lake area?

Checking this out next week.

[stew pidasso]

What about the NF area noth of Carson and west of the Trout Lake area?

Yep I've been looking into that area recently. That big flat around trout hill looks promising. I feel like it would be a great deer wintering area with cougars coming in to pick them off. I was on 42 yesterday with the girls. 4 miles hiked and 2 hours sledding. No tracks cut.

[Onewhohikes]

Any deer sign?

[stew pidasso]

None

[stew pidasso]

Well I gave it another shot today. Hit snow at 2800', by 3200' I was in 2 1/2 feet. Forgot how difficult walking in it is. Didn't take my girls, just a solo trip. Bumped Elk twice. Lots of bobcat sign. No cougar. Feel like I walked 40 miles. Why does one foot always sink in further than the other?

[Skyvalhunter]

We're you in snowshoes?

[stew pidasso]

No

[stew pidasso]

Well, I've tried the last 3 weeks. Snow level was about 800' higher than a month ago. Have not seen a track yet. This weekend looks promising as the snow level looks like it should drop down to 2000' which is right where the Elk an deer winter in my area. So I'm hoping to make a wide loop an catch one moving one way or the other.

Can anyone show a picture of a tree that they feel like a cougar scratched. I found one yesterday that looks like a scratching post. Just wondering it that may mean there might be a den nearby? Or ...

Only a matter of time.

[stew pidasso]

Hit it hard again yesterday, snow level so close to where I want it to be. Tried out a new area and still not one track. It was nice to see some new country. Wish there would have been more time for something to move around on the fresh snow beings it had started about 3 hours before I got there. This weekend is looking really promising. Going to go big.

[Scruffy]

Good Luck, been following your story.  I recently bought an e-caller and the cougar calls from Rain-Shadow.  Only had one opportunity to get out but it was a cold call, no snow, and no success.  Trying to snow today but not enough to even cover the grass yet, but hoping.....

[rainshadow1]

Well, I've tried the last 3 weeks. Snow level was about 800' higher than a month ago. Have not seen a track yet. This weekend looks promising as the snow level looks like it should drop down to 2000' which is right where the Elk an deer winter in my area. So I'm hoping to make a wide loop an catch one moving one way or the other.

Can anyone show a picture of a tree that they feel like a cougar scratched. I found one yesterday that looks like a scratching post. Just wondering it that may mean there might be a den nearby? Or ...

Only a matter of time.

Usually territorial markings, not a den. Dens are temporary and they keep them hidden as much as possible. Not like the old African Man-eater stories!

[stew pidasso]

Tracks, finally. Hit them just a quarter mile in to the hike as well. Looked to me like about a 60 pounder give or take. It's center to center of paw was about 15". I believe it was about 18 hrs in front of me is my best guess. Tracked it 2 miles before it dropped below snow line. Picked it back up down the ridge around 400 yards further but dropped back down out of the snow and lost it for good. Dang it. Gave me a lot of information on movements and speed though. Here's my thoughts on speed. Slow, never changed pace. Just a real slow walk. Not sure how long it would stand and sniff trees or bushes or deer and elk tracks. Movements.... No rhyme or reason. Veer left some, veer back right. I was really watching the topo to see if I could anticipate it's movements but each time I was wrong. Except when it hit the canyon I lost it in. I didn't think it would drop straight in. Figured it would stay on the rim to which it did until losing it completely. I still think it kept running the ridge down just below the snow line but who knows. I ran the ridge completely out hoping it would come back up. Gives me hope that I can pick it back up somewhere tomorrow. Nice to finally know one is in the area.

[coachteeter]

Thanks for sharing, Stew. Good luck tomorrow!

[Mudman]

Up there today.  Good amount of snow.  Many people of course.  Logging in high gear....  Deer like fresh logging, cats like deer...

[stew pidasso]

Snow level receded since Fri. Had to go higher. My girls and I went 7 miles today. Right at the trailhead was that same cougar I think. Couldn't find where he had came in or out with all the dog traffic from other people. Only saw yote, deer an Elk  tracks on the walk though. Need another snow down lower. After a mile we were in 3'. Some *censored* had ripped the gate down with his truck and went 4 wheeling. We wouldn't have made it very far without his tracks to walk in though. Oh and I got a violation from fish an game for no snow park pass.

[coachteeter]

Sorry about the no snow park pass violation. That makes for a frustrating end to the day. Sounds like you may be onto a cat after the next fresh snow though.

[stew pidasso]

Tried a different road and area yesterday, was just about where I wanted to be and got myself burried trying to turn around. Luckily a guy showed up and drug me around a few times. The snow was so wet and heavy and deep I decided to drop down to a lower elevation. Post holed my way for the entire hunt. Brutal. No cougar tracks. Lots of deer an Elk sign with visuals of 2 does and one cow I cought bedded.
I did decide on an area in bend for my trip with my girls though. Leaving next Saturday. It came down to that or around e-berg. I got some hot tips outside of bend though. Wish me luck.

[stew pidasso]

 

[carlyoungs]

Nice!!!!

[ThurstonCokid]

Looks like perseverance paid off! Congrats. I’d love to hear the story!


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[hunter399]

Work Hard-Play Hard
Gets Reward
That's awesome 
Enjoy hearing your adventures so far.

[stew pidasso]

Sunday we went on more of a shed hunting walk in the Badlands. The terrain here is so different than I'm accustomed too. Oregon has the best timber companies. They really do an incredible job. Love hunting over here. Found this bull head tied hidden in a tree. Looks to have been there about 2 yearsish? Found some deer an Elk tracks but not as many as I thought we would. The ground in the badlands is like wet sand so if it hasn't rained you can see everything.

[stew pidasso]

Monday we went west of bend and ran in to too much snow. Had to drop elevation and just had basically another long shed hunting walk. Very little fresh sign until we got 3 miles of the main rd. We did find 2 frying pans which I thought was something. After the hike we went back to the deep snow and went sledding for a few hours. My girls are professional stump and tree navigators. OR.... Really lucky. This hill we found was steep. One of those moments where you say to yourself, this ends badly. Had a good long talk with them about not needing to go into much more detail to mom other than it was fun.

[hunterednate]

Wow, congrats!! Dying to hear the rest of this story...

[rainshadow1]

Ok, dude.... c'mon!

[stew pidasso]

So, Tuesday morning brought fresh snow. I decided to head south to another area I thought looked good while scouting on onX. The way I plan my hunts is to switch back an forth from satellite/topo and line distance my paths. It helps me to keep it fairly tame elevation wise for my girls. Up in tell we have to deviate due to cougar tracks. Then they just have to woman up. I had 2 different hikes planned at 1000' elevation difference dependent on snow level. Once I reached the first hike I decided to try for the second due to being able to still cover ground safely while driving. Also the higher elevation path I had saved was my first choice. About 400yards further up the rd, tracks. My mistake was that I deemed it a bobcat due to how close paws were. So I kept going. 1 1/2 miles up the rd we cut more. The distance between strides was triple the first set and looked just as fresh. Away we went. Up on a mountain looped around back down 500yards from where we parked and 4 miles later right to the first set on the rd. Arrgghh I couldn't believe how close we possibly were had I not thought it wasn't a cougar. Hopes dashed, girls exhausted, I'm pretty smoked from carrying my 6 year old through deep snow an mansanita brush. Bagged it for the day and went to the high dessert museum. Then back to super 8 for swimming and hot tub. Thank you hot tub. I'll finish the story tonight after we get back from the Centeral OR Sportsmans Show. Going to try an convince Randy Newberg to take my daughters on a hunt

[stew pidasso]

Okay, rainshadow1 calm down! Just kidding, so glad you guys are pumped. We are as well. Crazy:IBCOOL: Wednesday we wake up to another inch of snow here in town. I'm thinking best conditions scenario. Let's go get that cat. My 6 year old even put on her cat socks and says these will help dad. Sorry but no one commented on us finding not 1 but 2 frying pans in different locations on Monday, wierd. Anyway, we hit the road and same location almost. Fresh tracks, I knew it was the one. We made a 2 mile loop on some forest rds to try an cut some walking distance. Nothing, let's go girls. I had my girls tracking like professional bloodhounds. These girls should be illegal. A mile and a half in we hit this big ravine. It was super dangerous following the cougar for even me so we stayed in the open snow below it until we could cross and head back the same direction on the top side. We found were it had jumped it I'm assuming we jumped it because it leaped through the forest for awhile before slowing down to a fast walk. I had the girls bark, I did too for the next half mile. It started zigzagging, doubling back, loops, then belined it outta there. I knew we were close. Next thing I knew I was following it straight to a huge tree in an opening. I looked left around the tree then right, nothing. I look up and she's perched 40' above us. Holy crap! I told my girls look up and watched their faces. Priceless. That cougar never made a sound or movement, nothing but it's eyes following us. Didn't even swish the tail. I positioned myself between it and them, not like I could stop it. But it felt safer. What an experience, feels like I got a ram somewhere or something. The girls think it's easier than deer hunting cat socks and frying pans guys.

[gramps]

Congratulations!!

Now THAT is a memory maker  !

[Platensek-po]

So awesome! Really awesome to see other dads getting their kids into the woods!!! also nice cat!

[rainshadow1]

What a team to hike one down! Awesome!

It was the kitty socks and the pink pony jacket, I'm sure!

(You didn't mention if they were NICE frying pans!)

[stew pidasso]

One of the pans was really old, had a wooden handle. I'm thinking they were a non-typical set.

[hunterednate]

Wow, what a special memory with your girls. Congrats to all of you!

[coachteeter]

What an awesome experience that I'm sure neither you or your girls will ever forget. Well told too! You had us all dying for more. Congratulations!!!

PS: One of my favorite lines was when you mentioned to the girls just to say that they had fun. 

[Igottanewknee]

Great story, great experience for your girls. You made it sound simple. Congratulations!

[Scruffy]

So are we talking 10" or 12" frying pans?    I am assuming not cast iron? Congrats on your cat!! 

[Curly]

Congratulations! 

That's awesome.  And great pics.