Toutle GMU 556

[ML_Hunter]

Any one know how the deer population is in Toutle?  I know they have tons of Elk, but not open to Muzzle Loader so I don't spend much time in there.  I've heard of some deer being taken out of there but when folks talk of Toutle, they all talk elk, so I figure they must have good deer right?

I've taken many smaller deer, biggest one along with first one in WA was a 3x3 and every year they get smaller and the past 2 years I've taken does in the last week of the late season (there better eating anyways!).  This year I want to actually harvest a nice deer.  At least a 3x3 again, so I'm out looking for new areas with better genetics.  Am I heading to the right area?

[Deer slayer]

I would pass on the Toutle for deer hunting. I hardly ever saw deer in there. I use to spend a lot of time in there looking at elk during the summer before the gates got put up and locked.  I havent deer hunted that area in several years but I am sure it hasn't changed that much. Also I imagine gates will be locked up in the early season due to fire danger. If you want better genetics look at going eastern Wa. Hope this helps.

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

You could spend your time wisely in other units with better deer numbers. Sure there are deer but not in the numbers you would think, most of the deer that are taken are taken in the late buck hunt.

[ML_Hunter]

I went out and did some light scouting today.  I was over by the S. Fork and saw several does, and all with fawns.  I also counted 42 elk, 3 of which looked to be good bulls and one which made me wish I had a spotting scope to get a better look at him.  I also saw a black bear...3 weeks away from bear season!

There were a lot of locked gates , during hunting season are the gates open more, or do they close more?

[killerkyle13]

just remember this side of I5 doesnt open till aug. 15

[ML_Hunter]

Just opened the regs, Aug 14th!  I recalled seeing that earlier in the year, but completely forgot about that.  Now I'm unsure If I should go back there to hunt bear, or fish for kings?

[ML_Hunter]

Is there better access to this unit from the south end?  There is a good chunk of state land which I can access from the S. Fork Toutle side, but I havent found a way to travle south in the unit .  I can wonder most of the Toutle Mountian Range.

[billythekidrock]

I think you would do better for deer much closer to home. Both in terms of quality and quantity. 

[bobcat]

I've spent some time in the Toutle scouting and elk hunting, and rarely saw any deer.

[deerslyr]

if i was lookin for a little 3 point with a muzzy id go to the skook

[Dmanmastertracker]

 One of the top all-time bucks in the State was harvested in the Margaret unit in just the last couple years.

[HntnFsh]

Top in the state! I sure would like to see that!

[ML_Hunter]

Margaret is not open for Muzzle loader.    I saw a nice buck in the Skum unit #667 a few years back, maybe i'll scout that area more.  Going to set up some trail cams this year so I can have eyes out when i cant be in the field.  Maybe it'll help me locate some nicer bucks, and its close to my house, only about a half hour away.

[lokidog]

I hunted Toutle a few years ago with the muzzleloader.  Drove all over the place, saw lots of elk.  The only deer I saw were down low in the flatter areas.  Ended up shooting a spike just over the line in the Winston.  Good luck.

[ELK SHOT]

Ya ive seen a few in the toutle my self.The biggest was just a 2 point.Seen a lot in the winston unit 3,4,5 points.got some nice sheds from up there.