Toutle help

[BLKBEARKLR]

So just got back from Toutle, put a lot of mileage on. I was with hunterdug on Friday and we talked to a couple of bulls for him. Since then only one other bugle. I hunted high, low, clear cuts, deep timber and nothing.

I hunted off the 4250 line, 4100 line, walking into the 5200 and the 5300 line. And nothing. Not talking. I did get to see some smaller bulls that I passed on. some 3x3s and 4x4's and a couple of small 5x5's.

So any reason why they are not talking? Any areas you can suggest, I plan on going back down Saturday afternoon and hunting saturday night and Sunday morning.

Thanks for any information.

Joe

[Caliber]

I have the Toutle muzzleloader cow tag, and I went scouting a couple days late last week.  I did some of the same northern areas you did, and didnt see very much sign, no vocalization and no elk; wish I could help you with something but I was was a little disappointed with what I saw under pretty much "ideal" conditions.  The only decent sign I saw was once I got at least 1/2 mile off of any driven road, but even then I was kind of surprised by the lack of routinely used trails.  Cut track in several places, but seemed like small groups, rather than "herds".  I was kind of surprised by the amount of pressure too, considering this is a permit only area.  Have you been seeing many cows?  Also, as wet as it was down there, anyone know why most of the gates are closed still???  And when they might be opened?  Or is it better that they stay closed to keep some pressure off the animals?

[Hunter Dug]

Hey Joe you think that maybe all the guys that are driving in there illegally may have pressured the elk into shutting up.  REMEMBER HUNTERS JUST BECAUSE THE GATES ARE OPEN YOU STILL HAVE TO CALL THE 800 NUMBER, IF IT SAYS ITS CLOSED ITS CLOSED BOTTOM LINE.  All you hunters, and you know who you are breaking the rules are going to f it up for all of us.  Closed gates are great, elk are more relaxed, and less people get to these areas keeping the elk in a more natural setting. I can attest to that. I f-ing hate lazy hunters. Good Luck Joe.

[funkster]

PM sent!

[Deer slayer]

You might consider some of the state land off of Rock Creek. It's off of the highway that goes from Woodland to Cougar. I live on te east side but know the Toutle well. I grew up over there. If the Kalama stuff is open which I haven't checked look at the 6600 and the Elk Mtn stuff. All good areas. I like that stuff on the north end that's along the Toutle River too but it sounds like you have been in there. Good luck and I hope I helped some.

[Trailstrider]

Deer slayer is right! I have lived here my whole 48 years and have hunted that area from day one. The North end of the unit does have some impressive bulls but they are all up high due to lack of snow and presure from vehicles. If the timber companys open the Kalama river gate I would check out the high open ground on the 6600 line, or the grown up land in the 7200 and 7300 areas. You might even try the top of Elk mt. but be ready to work for your Elk. Its steep! One last option would be the 5500 line but again the gates have to be open unless you are prepaired to ride bikes for 15 to 20 miles one way! Hope ya score and good luck!