William O Douglas

[yakimarcher]

Im going up scouting tonight and tomorrow in GMU 356 near the north fork of rattlesnake creek. I've been reviewing harvest numbers and less animals are being taken out of there than in the other units around it. I was thinking that it's because there is little road access and you have to pack in, or is it because there is less game in therethan surrounding units? Im planning on a 9 day deer/elk/bear backpack hunt in september, but i was wondering if i'd see more action backpacking into the goat rocks. Im not looking for a free lunch; just some ideas.

[dreamingbig]

It is spike only this year for early archery elk; the game department believes the herd to be below objective hence the change.

[Thenewguy]

alot of Road hunters there with alot of roads. To get away from them you really have to hike. Fairly dense cover as well. enough animals but they will hear you coming more often then not

[yakimarcher]

thanks for letting me know that, but it's spike or cow for late season, so if i dont connect then i can go back out.

[SuperDave]

Unit 356 isn't open during the late archery season!

[Quackwhacker]

Horses would be the way to go if you have access to any. 

[colockumelk]

It is spike only this year for early archery elk; the game department believes the herd to be below objective hence the change.

That's because the WDFW doesn't know what its doing.  They are a complete joke. 

[dreamingbig]

colockumelk,  I agree!  I called them and volunteered to take the game biologist out this summer and show him where the elk are but he declined.

[Matt]

Im going up scouting tonight and tomorrow in GMU 356 near the north fork of rattlesnake creek. I've been reviewing harvest numbers and less animals are being taken out of there than in the other units around it. I was thinking that it's because there is little road access and you have to pack in, or is it because there is less game in therethan surrounding units? Im planning on a 9 day deer/elk/bear backpack hunt in september, but i was wondering if i'd see more action backpacking into the goat rocks. Im not looking for a free lunch; just some ideas.

If you are going to hunt that unit.  The wilderness area is your best bet at getting a spike.  If you can get into deep creek via bumping lake rd park and hike up to twin sisters or blankenship lakes it's a pretty easy backpack in and the hunting is pretty good in that area around Tumac.  It has become more crowded over the years but with it being spike only it should keep most out that don't have a bull tag.  I think the spike only rule is great for that unit.

[colockumelk]

colockumelk,  I agree!  I called them and volunteered to take the game biologist out this summer and show him where the elk are but he declined.

That's because that would involve walking.  Unless you have a helicopter I don't forsee them coming out with you.  I've been seriously contemplating trying to get into a position where I can run the WDFW when I get out of the Army. 

[jackelope]

alot of Road hunters there with alot of roads. To get away from them you really have to hike. Fairly dense cover as well. enough animals but they will hear you coming more often then not

how much road hunting could there possibly be in a wilderness area?
I don't know the area much so I'm really asking a question here...

[MIKEXRAY]

Definitely not a mule deer rich area. Only like 12 bucks killed with all weapons last year ( 2009 statistics ) . I've only seen 2 leagal bucks in the last five years and killed a nice 4x3 in 2008. I've seen two bears, both were small in my opinion but have been told that the don't get very big up there by locals. ?. Both bears I didn't shoot because of their size. There are a lot of elk, the area is not dense but very open and that is why I like hunting it. Late season it is closed, 352 Nile is open though. With spike bull only & number of muledeer success, it would be a tough hunt to be successful. Lots of other better areas around. It is a beautiful area & you will see animals. Last year I saw a 4x4 elk  & a spike deer in the same hour & couldn't shoot . To bad it wasn't the other way around ! Have a good season, coming fast. Mike

[yakimarcher]

the trip went well, although the weather was bad yesterday. saw lots of tracks on the trail i was on and saw an elk near the trail head, but it was still dark and i couldn't see him that well. Next weekend im scouting near bear creek mountain, hopefully will find more sign and have more time so sit behind my bino's. i will post some pics of the trip.

[dreamingbig]

How high did you get and when did you run into snow?

[yakimarcher]

I started at the mt aix trailhead off of rd 1502 and hiked in about 2.5 miles, there was no snow except high upon the north faces. it was raining pretty hard by then and i headed in for the day.