Anyone have any information on hunting the Mill Creek Watershed in WA

[WAcoueshunter]

Just want to commend Hunt for starting the thread with pics of his scouting, illustrating that he is already hard at work.  Judging by all the great input that followed, there's something to be learned there for those looking for info on a new unit! 

[HUNT]

What a beautiful day for scouting.  Took the family out for a scouting day.  The weather was great.  Saw 6 bears, my wife and kids thought that was awesome.  Also saw some elk so that was icing on the cake.  Thanks for all the great info from you guys. 

[HUNT]

2 of the bears

[sjhgraysage]

Nice bear pics!
 How would you rate the habitat conditions this year in the blues, based on your visits so far?
I have a tag for the tucannon unit this fall.
Thanks, and good luck!

[nwhunter]

I think the fact that they had a late wet spring over there and that there is still plenty of snow up high that it is shaping up to be a great year for the Blues. Its almost JUly and things are still real wet and cool up there I hear and that should help any fire issues(fingers crossed) .nwhunter

[HUNT]

I agree.  I would say that the cool, wet spring puts conditions pretty close to ideal.  I would say close to 70 - 80% of the cows in the herd I saw last weekend had calves, which should tell us something about the conditions.  Not sure what normal calf survival rate is, but this seemed pretty high to me.

[Pathfinder101]

I agree.  I would say that the cool, wet spring puts conditions pretty close to ideal.  I would say close to 70 - 80% of the cows in the herd I saw last weekend had calves, which should tell us something about the conditions.  Not sure what normal calf survival rate is, but this seemed pretty high to me.

The cougars are pretty hard on them throughout the summer.  Check that cow/calf ratio again in late Aug... it's enough to make you cry

Good luck on your hunt.  I know a few guys that have taken bulls out of the shed.  330 is a reasonable goal.  All the guys I know hunted with horses though.  Camped at the edge, rode in the dark, picketed and started hunting.  Rode out in the dark. 

[HUNT]

I haven't received my information packet in the mail yet, so I'm not for sure about the rules.  I wasn't aware that you could take a horse in except to pack out. 

I plan on going in and coming out in the dark.....  We do that alot where I hunt in Idaho....  Usually your too late if you start at daylight.

No scouting for me this weekend....  My oldest is playing in the hoopfest tournament in Spokane...  Then the 4th of July wknd...  So it will be a couple weeks.   

[Pathfinder101]

You used to be able to take a horse in there, (unless they've changed the rules).  I stopped putting in for the unit when I started hunting archery in 2004.
Actually, I just came from there.  I was scouting an area to do mountaineering training this July with my unit (not in the Watershed, obviously).  Didn't actually see anything in the 'shed, but saw 5 cows and 2 calves in a drainage on the other side of the road.  Nice day to be in the mountains...

[HUNT]

Heading down tomorrow night for an overnight scouting trip on the north side of the shed.  Hope to get some pics.....

[Branden]

Good luck.

[HUNT]

Wow!!!!!!!  what a great scouting trip....  WOW!

[Branden]

Wow!!!!!!!  what a great scouting trip....  WOW!

Glad it worked out for you. Any pics?

[HUNT]

Couple Bulls

[Branden]

Sweet, I think I need to go look at some bulls whether on the west side or over there.