Unit 638 Spring Bear Clarification Needed

[TRD1911]

I'm looking at submitting my spring bear application today and looking at units that I can double for scouting/setting up cams for archery elk season. Unit 638 seems appealing but I'm seeking clarification on the boundary regulations -

"7020   Copalis   GMU 642, 648, and 638 (excluding U.S. Forest Service lands).   50   April 15 - June 15   515 / 2.32"

When looking at 638 using my OnX chip, it looks like 90% of the unit is Olympic National Forest while the remaining 10% is Rayonier in the southwest corner of the unit. Typically I wouldn't seek clarification but it just doesn't make sense; does the Olympic National Forest fall under "Forest Service Lands"? If so, did they exclude this massive portion of the unit to focus on damage control hunts on Rayonier? If that's the case that seems like a pay to play scheme for that unit. I always select Kitsap and Mason for spring bear but neither hold elk (or are specialty hunts only) and looking to use my time wisely. Thanks for your help.

[Grizzlybuiltcontracting]

I'm looking at submitting my spring bear application today and looking at units that I can double for scouting/setting up cams for archery elk season. Unit 638 seems appealing but I'm seeking clarification on the boundary regulations -

"7020   Copalis   GMU 642, 648, and 638 (excluding U.S. Forest Service lands).   50   April 15 - June 15   515 / 2.32"

When looking at 638 using my OnX chip, it looks like 90% of the unit is Olympic National Forest while the remaining 10% is Rayonier in the southwest corner of the unit. Typically I wouldn't seek clarification but it just doesn't make sense; does the Olympic National Forest fall under "Forest Service Lands"? If so, did they exclude this massive portion of the unit to focus on damage control hunts on Rayonier? If that's the case that seems like a pay to play scheme for that unit. I always select Kitsap and Mason for spring bear but neither hold elk (or are specialty hunts only) and looking to use my time wisely. Thanks for your help.

I have hunted that unit in the past. Yes you are correct, Forest Service is the same thing as National Forest , so in 638 you are limited to Rayonier land and they do not offer an access permit for that area. They do offer access to the Rayonier land in the other units, and you pretty much do get full rein of the other two units. It is pretty much a pay to play deal. Its mostly all Rayonier or other privately owned land down there. It is also hard to hunt because it is very flat, and doesnt give you much glassing distance, or visibility.
As for the Kitsap  and Mason areas there is a lot of state/public access land, however the the area is really populated so you would be hunting near houses, and I think it is limited to archery gear. (Im not sure about the archery gear though, so dont quote me on it.)
I hope this helps you.
Good luck this spring

[JimmyHoffa]

From what I remember, the Rayonier permit for that hunt is only good for a dates for that specific hunt.  If you wanted to scout ahead of time, you would need a different permit (non-hunting) that would be good for Jan -July.  If you 'scouted' for deer/elk while you were on the bear hunt, and then wanted to hunt them later on you would need the hunting permit that covers Aug-Dec.

[TRD1911]

Thanks for clarification. I don't understand the limitation on hunting public land for this area. We have a more than healthy bear populatipn....but, I digress. Looks like I'll be putting in for mason/kitsap again

[Aginor]

Have you ever been successful in Kitsap or Mason?


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[TRD1911]

Have you ever been successful in Kitsap or Mason?


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I have. Let know if you need some pointers.

[Platensek-po]

Thanks for clarification. I don't understand the limitation on hunting public land for this area. We have a more than healthy bear populatipn....but, I digress. Looks like I'll be putting in for mason/kitsap again

Because spring bear is supposedly about helping the timber companies. I mean tons and tons of accessible timber land in 648. Really wish we had a season in 636 but o well

[TRD1911]

Thanks for clarification. I don't understand the limitation on hunting public land for this area. We have a more than healthy bear populatipn....but, I digress. Looks like I'll be putting in for mason/kitsap again

Because spring bear is supposedly about helping the timber companies. I mean tons and tons of accessible timber land in 648. Really wish we had a season in 636 but o well

Agreed but shouldn't the timber companies then wave the gate fees in their areas to encourage success rates? I know I'm probably opening a can of worms for no reason since I'm hanging out in the loser-lounge for spring bear this year, ha!

[Platensek-po]

I mean green diamond doesn’t charge for access to their property in 648. Gates are hike into only but still free in that area. I was going to call GD and Manke, mostly cause I deal with them a lot, on pointers of where to hunt if I drew the Copalis tag. Same if I was in Mason. In kit sap not so aure

[Aginor]

I could definitely use some tips. I live in Kitsap, but in the firearm restriction area, so I haven’t even bothered applying here. The DNR land I’ve been to was loaded with people which I figured made it hopeless

[TRD1911]

I could definitely use some tips. I live in Kitsap, but in the firearm restriction area, so I haven’t even bothered applying here. The DNR land I’ve been to was loaded with people which I figured made it hopeless

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