2026 NE timberlands access

[ganghis]

In prep for turkey season I was trying to figure out what timber companies are allowing access in the NE corner.  Here's what I came up with, feel free to add/edit if you have more info.

Arden – No
Boston – Probably not, maybe part of Hancock?
Golden Pond – Probably not, maybe part of Hancock?
Hancock – No unless you're rich and lease
Priest River – Probably (people do it, can’t find official statement)
Riley Creek - ??
Stimson – Yes (read requirements online @ https://stimsonlumber.com/recreation-land/)
System global – Probably not, maybe part of Hancock?
Vaagen Bros – No

[Ridgeratt]

That's pretty much 3/4 or more of the northeast. Might make big game hunting a little more challenging.

[hunter_sean08]

Genuinely curious on the Golden Pond, Boston, and System Global lands that haven't been put up for lease or permits thru Manulife (Hancock). There's still quite a few of them. If they're unavailable, it makes hunting up there that much more difficult.

[hughjorgan]

That's pretty much 3/4 or more of the northeast. Might make big game hunting a little more challenging.

It looks like they are going to start selling access permits starting 7/1 if you go look at their website

[baldopepper]

Not just the timber companies that have made access more difficult.  There's some pretty big chunks around that have sold to private individuals and seems more properties.also leased out for hunting.  A lot of those properties, both timber companies and private, have become almost game preserves when the seasons start. Every year I run into hunters very frustrated because they see a lot of game, but all safely behind no trespassing signs.

[hunter399]

In prep for turkey season I was trying to figure out what timber companies are allowing access in the NE corner.  Here's what I came up with, feel free to add/edit if you have more info.

Arden – No
Boston – Probably not, maybe part of Hancock?
Golden Pond – Probably not, maybe part of Hancock?
Hancock – No unless you're rich and lease
Priest River – Probably (people do it, can’t find official statement)
Riley Creek - ??
Stimson – Yes (read requirements online @ https://stimsonlumber.com/recreation-land/)
System global – Probably not, maybe part of Hancock?
Vaagen Bros – No

Your assessment is correct., Boston, system global, golden pond,is Hancock

[ganghis]

@hunter399 - thank for the info!

@hughjorgan - thanks, yeah looks like at least some properties (like in Ferry County) will be open for permit fees for big game season.  But, I'm still not sure what is going on for the fall on Manulife/Hancock in Stevens county etc.  Looks like they're going to open things somewhat but right now it says 'place bid' when you click on it (see https://manulifeimlanduse.com/browse-licenses?licenseId=40699).  Anyway, I'm going to leave 'as is' for now since my current focus is on spring turkey.

Also, I'm using Gaia GPS instead of OnX like most of you, so not sure if my private land names are up-to-date (mine says Hancock but maybe OnX has updated to Manulife?).  At any rate, I've updated the list:

Arden – No
Boston – See Hancock/Manulife
Golden Pond – See Hancock/Manulife
Hancock/Manulife – No unless you're rich and lease
Priest River – Probably (people do it, can’t find official statement)
Riley Creek - ??
Stimson – Yes (read requirements online @ https://stimsonlumber.com/recreation-land/)
System global – See Hancock/Manulife
Vaagen Bros – No

Every time I say Hancock I think of this scene from Family Guy:

You're welcome.

[Limhangerslayer]

In prep for turkey season I was trying to figure out what timber companies are allowing access in the NE corner.  Here's what I came up with, feel free to add/edit if you have more info.

Arden – No
Boston – Probably not, maybe part of Hancock?
Golden Pond – Probably not, maybe part of Hancock?
Hancock – No unless you're rich and lease
Priest River – Probably (people do it, can’t find official statement)
Riley Creek - ??
Stimson – Yes (read requirements online @ https://stimsonlumber.com/recreation-land/)
System global – Probably not, maybe part of Hancock?
Vaagen Bros – No

correct on all and Arden and Vaagen are really just more local private owners not timber companies really. 

[huntnnw]

inland paper is a timber co and allows access with a permit