Rayonier Permit Willapa Hills

[jbeaumont21]

Can anyone tell me when this permit goes up for sale, how much it costs, and if it is worth the money?  I appreciate any info you all can share. Thank you.

[JimmyHoffa]

Probably in June or early July.  They are supposed to update areas tomorrow I think for the new places being added.

[bowhunterty]

Rayonier is nice enough to put there permits on sale after the draw. Only bad thing is that the permit only runs from Aug 1st thru Dec 31st.

[jbeaumont21]

I'm guessing the area is not very good or its a honey hole based on the number of responses lol.

[Clearcut]

Definitely a honey hole. I highly recommend spending whatever it takes to get a key for there gate.I believe it’s around 450$ . But it’s been going up in price every year for a decade.

[shadowless_nite]

I'm guessing the area is not very good or its a honey hole based on the number of responses lol.

Wouldn't call it a "honey hole" since it's no secret to anyone. If your looking for large caliber Rosie's I would suggest looking elsewhere. If you are looking for access in a area with high success rates and you aren't picky then this might be a fit for you. If you have a multiseason elk permit, looking to bag your first legal bull/cow and have time to burn through out the season, then this definitely would be a option to consider if you can afford it.

I've had this permit in the past, and a few others have on here. But responses might be a little slow since the elk section of the forum moves quite slower until after special permit draws. Oh and BTW, if you can't buy it within the first minute the permit goes for sale you won't get it, and even then you still might not get it. Good luck!

[BA Mongor]

Shadowless is correct. It sells out in literally seconds. The other thing of note, they offer up the permits to previous holders that have gotten it every year. I'm not sure how many, but talking with some of the previous holders, it appears that it's quite a few people.

For the most part, all of the roads are drivable, and people don't care if it's a dead end road and you're bow hunting. There's some good guys and we all got our bulls. Since I grew down there and my family is from the area, I started hunting it in the late 60's and it sure has changed.

There is very little huntable timber left. Lots of small strips in the water areas, but other than that very little. Plenty of elk, and it's a great area for the rifle hunters. It's ok for bow. It also backs up to the Weyerhaeuser South PeEll permit area, and they put a Rayonier lock on the gate, so you could hunt both if you had both permits. There's lots and lots of huntable timber in Weyerhaeuser.

Plenty of elk, but to many people for me. Have fun if you get it.

BA

[jeffro]

I bought the salmon creek area for 2 years
Plenty of elk but I’m pretty sure the loggers, working there everyday take the creme off the top
And there is still plenty of hunters and activity
The bonus for me was the firewood

[jbeaumont21]

Thanks all for the responses.  Sounds like I'd have to be lucky just to get the permit if I even want it.  I've been hunting SP land in Ryderwood for the last 15 years during muzzleloader with some success but the last few years have been pretty bad. Way less elk in the area anymore. I think they wiped them all out because of hoof rot.  Just don't see the animals like we used to. Was checking out Willapa as an option because of the high sccuess rates on the harvest report but looks like most of it is owned by Rayonier and Weyco.

[JimmyHoffa]

Rayonier's prices can move up or down each year for the individual permits, so what you saw last year might be +/- $30 or $50 this year.  Seems like if the permit sells out it goes up a little, if it sells quickly then if goes up even more, and if it doesn't sell out they lower the price a little.

[300winmag]

Falling timber in the salmon creek area  right now  seeing tons of elk every day but there is alot of logging going on . I also live close to this area but dont hunt it do to the cost and pressure. Use to way back before the permit days when you could hunt clear thru and come out at salmon crk.

[shadowless_nite]

Thanks all for the responses.  Sounds like I'd have to be lucky just to get the permit if I even want it.  I've been hunting SP land in Ryderwood for the last 15 years during muzzleloader with some success but the last few years have been pretty bad. Way less elk in the area anymore. I think they wiped them all out because of hoof rot.  Just don't see the animals like we used to. Was checking out Willapa as an option because of the high sccuess rates on the harvest report but looks like most of it is owned by Rayonier and Weyco.

Forgot to mention.... but if weyco permits are on your mind as an option. Be equally as committed and quick to pull the trigger on a purchase. The demand the last few years has increased to the point that they sell out almost as fast as the rayonier permit in some locations such as the yacolt burn permit. And other access permits that didn't use to sell out are now going that route. ( I'm speaking in particular to vehicle access permits btw). Good luck and godspeed!

[scoutdog346]

How much did u end up paying for the salmon creek tag?
Did u ever see a bull over 290"
Hiw many other hunter did u run into?
Thank you

I bought the salmon creek area for 2 years
Plenty of elk but I’m pretty sure the loggers, working there everyday take the creme off the top
And there is still plenty of hunters and activity
The bonus for me was the firewood

[EyeTooth]

In the recent past the Salmon Creek area has had a few options available. 6 Elk/Deer Modern Firearm access permits, 6 Elk/Deer Archery access permits, 5 Muzzleloader Elk/Deer access permits and several access permits for modern firearm deer hunters.
Last year most of the modern firearm Elk/Deer access permits sold at auction for at least $7000 and the last one went for about $9300! Crazy!
I have been in there a few times, but now the price is too much and it was time for me to quit elk hunting anyway. It was a great place to round out a long west side elk hunting adventure of about 4o years!. I always hunted the modern seasons, but if I were still hunting with a muzzleloader, that would be my preference for that area. I think the muzzle elk season is the best option in there! The permits sell for quite a bit less and if you hit the rut just right and you are good with your calls and weapon mmmm mmmm. That's the sweet spot.
It isn't perfect, most of the bulls that us old guys get in there are rag horns and a few holdovers, and there are some dandy bulls in there as well. If you are still a healthy hunter and get into the woods you could be in for seeing much bigger bulls. We always saw some really nice bulls during the deer seasons, so they are in there. If I had been younger when we started hunting in there I'm sure we would have been into the larger bulls. But, it was great for us because we were never horn hunters.
I haven't been on Rayonier's web site in a couple of years, but if I remember correctly you will want to get on there and make an account before the permits go on sale (even for Fossil creek access permits so you will be ready in case you want to buy or bid.
Good luck.