Anybody hunt the Trapper Creek Wilderness?

[longstevo]

I've always looked at the map and that thought it'd be a great place to check out.  Anybody spend any time around that area?

[Magnum_Willys]

Not much feed in that area - Big timber.  Some animals but tough to hunt.  Gets some pressure from the north side.   That whole area has gone downhill over the last 20 years as logging ceased for deer and elk.   My brother spent last weekend driving around down there and saw just two deer.   

[Kain]

I hunted the Siouxon growing up and it used to be wonderful.  Now the roads are almost un-drivable and the animals are scarce.  We hiked through Trappercreek one year on the trail and didnt see any sign.  There just isnt anything for them to eat in there.  It is a miserable freaking hole but everyone should hike it at least once.   

The east side of the Siouxon is still Ok North of Carson.  Saw a few elk on the 65 road.  If I was you I would go to Indian heavens Wilderness instead.  One of the most beautiful places in the world. 

[bowhiker]

I've seen bear sign over there, but very few elk sign. I know of a herd around silver star mtn, but it takes time to find them.

[longstevo]

Bummers.  Not quite the answers I was expecting, but it makes sense. 

I'm a little familiar with Indian Heaven.  The west side of my stomping ground is kind of Carson to Goose Lake, then up to Trout Lake, but I've never actually made it up to the wilderness before.

[Kain]

Oh man you gotta go.  If you go in the summer bring plenty of bug spray.  Fall is the best right before the first snow (still bring bug spray).  It is hippy-hugger-hiker heaven but if you can get off the trail it is not stop beautiful.  Brook trout in the lakes so bring a pole also.

http://www.nwhiker.com/GPNFHike63.html

[Aneoakleaf]

you're sure right about that Kain, Back in the 60s We used to ride horses up there for days on end  and fished the lakes too. There is one place you can stand and throw a rock in 4 diferent lakes!
One time I went up there by myself and didn't want to ever come out. 
My entry for the photo contest was taken up there on the east side.
They're right about the Traper Creek wilderness... All big 2nd groth timber no feed for the animals. Is'nt there an airplane lost in there still??

[elksnout]

I believe you asked about the wilderness, not about overgrown clearcuts and reprod. It's the same feed and cover in there as always. It's a wilderness. And you most likely can't make a fair accessment to how many elk are there just by walking the trails. This summer/early fall lace up your boots and go check it out man. I do not hunt it but have hiked the trails around Sister Rocks, Observation Peak and Soda Peaks Lake many times. I've seen 'em. And with all that escape cover you know there are bulls in there. I know of two bulls taken opening weekend of rifle elk around Observation Peak. As in most wilderness areas animal populations aren't high because ther isn't logging or thinning to increase feed. So do not expect to see alot of elk. Heck, anywhere in the national forest these days is hard to find them with no new cuts and the reprod growing up like crazy. We hunt just a little north and east of there. Same deal. Heavy old growth with 10 -30 year old reprod. But we manage to root out a few. And Indian Heaven will have much more pressure too. Go for it !!