Question on Watershed Unit?

[Elkslayer]

   Ok this might be a stupid question! What is the deal with this unit, I have never been down there but if this is National Forest Land, as I have been told. How can they keep people out of there? Also are you allowed in there before the season to scout and do you have to be a permit holder to go in and scout?
   Reason I am asking is because I have a budy that drew a tag and was thinking of going down and scouting it out with him.

[SHANE(WA)]

He is referring to the only unit I know to be "watershed" in the blue mt's. I dont know what the deal is with that area, i too have wondered the same questions, why is it so difficult to get in and all the damn restrictions when hunting.

[BLUEBULLS]

I think the guys in wallawalla don't want you pissin in their water

[HUNT]

 

[SHANE(WA)]

 

[bear]

I have a friend that drew the tag as well.  Basically, not allowed to go in and scout.  Once the hunt starts, you have to walk in and can only take one non tag holder with you when you hunt.  Can take horses in only to pack out an elk, but I think that you have to pack out any horse crap.  I think that's pretty accurate, but I'm not 100% sure.  Bear

[BLUEBULLS]

Elk/deer piss must taste better than man'

I just wish they'd give a few deer tags in there.

[HUNT]

There's no elk or deer in there.  What are you, crazy?

[BOHNTR]

Have lived here in the Walla Walla valley most of my life, it is the City's water source, and there has always been a restriction on access, they have a full time shed rider that patrols the area, the fine is pretty steep if you get caught in there, most of the unit can be glassed from the edge, with out having to go in. I have no idea who would want to unless you are actually hunting steeeeeeeeeep !!!.
But then again that is why it is such a popular draw no one can go in there but once a year during elk season, wait till you see some of the mule deer in there !, you'll wet your self.
 

[mtncook]

Most of the comments are correct, however no one can go in without a permit until you are actually packing meat.  The hunter can take 1 person to help pack meat.  Until you have an animal down you are on your own. I have been trying to get a permit to pack in there since the other guy gave it up.  Insurance in our business is expensive, I could keep a packer and mules busy there.I'm thinking if the FS had enough calls asking for some help they may reconsider issuing a permit. The Forest Service is not wanting to reissue the permit, so guys you are on your own. I have been in there with mules in the past. Now the person that regularly patrols walks, so the trails are not kept open as they once were.  The trail up from the water masters residence crosses mill creek 8 times.  The creek is good sized can be around 20 feet wide, but not real deep. Hard to tell when riding across.  At the time when I was there several of the crossings had walk across logs, not sure now.  We did see alot of heavy duty black garbage bags that the walkers pulled on to cross the creek.  The mule deer there are really nice.  You can see a good deal from the borders but be sure you know the State line boundry, good access from Green Peak, if you choose to come in the bottom you are in Oregon for a fair distance.  You are not to spend the night in there either, but that is hard to patrol. Last year my cell phone had several messages as the WDFG gave my number to some guys that were not physical to get the job done, they were risking wasting the meat and the Game agent was on them. Don't know how it turned out.  Good Luck.

mtncook      www.westernlifeoutfitters.com

[sjhgraysage]

mtncook,
 Thanks for the info update. The deal about not being inthere unless you have a permit or are helping pack meat is somewhat new as years ago you could go in with the permit holder prior to killing an elk.
Where would we send comments to for the FS to consider issueing a new permit??

[HUNT]

Those permits are issued by the City of Walla Walla from what I've been told.  I don't think you have been able to take someone with you before the kill for quite a while.  At least 10 years for sure.  The main trail from the bottom has been cleared up about 7 miles or so.  They also cleared the trail on the north side and the trail that runs paradise ridge.  As far as I know- after I kill an animal I can hire a packer to some pack it out for me as long as I am with him.

[westsideoutdoorsman]

lots of good info, thanks for posing.

[Elkslayer]

   Thanks for the info guys! I guess he is on his own until packing time. I still dont see how they can keep people out of there legally since this is public land. I can understand them wanting to protect the water source. My buddy said that one of the rules is that you have to drag your elk either 100ft or 100yds from any stream before you can gut and clean it.
   I think it would make more sense to have a buddy with you during the hunt just for safety reasons if nothing else.

[bear]

Soooo,  by yourself without any help you have to drag the whole elk 100 ft or yards away from a stream.  And being that streams are in the bottom of the canyon, that means you have to drag it uphill.   Riiiiiiiiggggghhhhht