Need some general direction for first time (Wind River / Siouxon) PLEASE HELP!

[dickwilly]

Hey,
new to your guys's site and so far really am impressed so far.

   I went elk hunting with two buddies last year (my first time) and decided real quick I wanted to go to a new area and do things my way.  I am experienced outdoors and have spent over 10 years camping, hiking, backpacking and riding dirtbikes around this area, but never hunted it.  I am also going deer hunting for the first time ever (as a 33 y/o man)     I know kinda rediculous.

I decided to hunt this area (with one to two buddies) because I have access to a cabin in the area and it will make a perfect base camp.

so I'm not asking for any of your secret access, or hidden water holes.  I'm just hoping some of you could point me in the right direction to concentrate our efforts.  we have no problem getting up early and driving, and definately no problem hiking in deep and putting in the work.

I have read some about the cristo ridge and oklahoma bowl/basin.  I've heard a few good things about getting in deep into Indian heaven and south prairie (more for elk).  we are going to hunt the area both for deer and elk so any help for either is greatly appreciated.    I'm going to post this in "deer hunting" also if you get dejavu when you see it.

[runamuk]

Find food and shelter and dont push/spook them if its elk cuz they will leave....if there are lots of hunters find the land marked no hunting that is where the elk will be  seriously I hiked and camped for years and damn near had elk in my tent during hunting seasons but we didn't hunt the minute I picked up a gun all animal life disappears when the season opens... I am hunting areas I dont know well you have a huge advantage if you know the area your going to be hunting.  If you've spent years in there then you should already know where the animals are.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Any of the draws along the Panther creek drainage.  Draws along Carson-Guller road have produced for me. Stay out of the lava beds. There's deer in there, but your compass will spin like a top. Indian Heaven really doesn't see many bucks until the snows hit.  Yes, the Oklahoma bowl, but down low by the creek always seemed to have more critter sign. Too many 'shooters' go to the top.  Buck creek trail.

-Steve

[dickwilly]

thank you runamuk and jackofalltrades.    Your right I do know where some animals are on no hunting land      your advice will help get me started in a good direction though.  I appreciate it,   I will post and let you know how we do..

[Magnum_Willys]

Good Luck !  You're gonna need it.  This area is tough for deer - you can go all day without seeing a doe.  Seriously.   If possible consider moving east towards Glenwood/Klickitat.  If you get dry weather and several guys to push you might get a shot shoving something out.  Don't get discouraged - you are hunting in one of the toughest spots in the state - 30 years ago it was good.

[longstevo]

Although I am pretty hesitant to give up my own personal honey hole, recent boundary changes will prevent me from hunting here anymore.  So...

If it snows, hit the tall timber to the EAST of Willard.  Do not hunt to the WEST.  SDNS owns that area and have it completely shut off to hunters.  Big fines and big trouble if you're caught trespassing.

Anyways, if you hunt the tall timber to the east of Willard, above the natural gas station, when it snows the deer suck back in from the dense clearcuts to the tall timber.  Find a game trail to follow and creep along it.  I've always seen deer in there. 

I guess I'll leave it at that.  Don't want to give up all the secrets around there! 

[dickwilly]

Thanks Longstevo...   very generous.   if we get snow I will check that area out.  I haven't scouted that far south yet.  I will let y'all know if I get to that area and overall what I find.....   I am so ready to go.  I need to get on the road fast.... everytime I turn around I'm spending more money on some new or different hunting item I just can't live without...   

[longstevo]

Thanks Longstevo...   very generous.   if we get snow I will check that area out.  I haven't scouted that far south yet.  I will let y'all know if I get to that area and overall what I find.....   I am so ready to go.  I need to get on the road fast.... everytime I turn around I'm spending more money on some new or different hunting item I just can't live without...   

I know what you mean.  I head to Idaho in the morning and I don't know if I'll be able to sleep because I'm bouncing off the walls so much!

[Mark B]

I grew up hunting in this area.. used to hunt the Bowl from top to bottom.. Super hard hunting.. It was GREAt years ago when the season would overlap and you could basically put a bullet in anything that moved.. The elk are far and few between BUT if it snows try a little west of the lava beds... More Deer than elk.. Bring your Weed Wacker and OFF bugspray.. Itsz been year since ive been up there.. The last time i was there the "Loop Road" had washed out in several areas.. havent really been back since goin east to the Klickitat area like another poster had said... and the Cristo Trail is great when theres snow..  Did see one of the Biggest Bucks I have ever seen up there.. he was hanging in a tree In Oklahoma Campground opening day 1993' or 1994' A really wierd Non typical.. 8 x 13.. his Genetics are probably still up there though.. Good Luck..

[Magnum_Willys]

My brother pounded the wind river - soiuxon -trout creek area opening weekend for deer.  Never saw even a doe.  Like I said - this place is very poor for deer hunting any more.  Did you hunt it yet Dickwilly?

[elksnout]

I don't know guys. We took two very nice bucks out of the Wind last year on the late hunt. I saw several does last Saturday and plenty of fresh sign in the same area. I tend to see deer. But it's all a timber hunt now. 90% of the cuts are done, that's to say not huntable. I know of the area Longstevo speaks of. Listen to his advise. But if you're intent on hunting the national forest....plan on hunting the timber. Find some trails with recent use, work in some and sit.

[HEADSHOT]

DRIVE FROM YACOLt STORE head up canyon creek take your third left and head over the top. suixon canyon holsd tons of elk especially by the falls....

[USAFpj]

Let me throw this out as well- I hit the 'four corners' area HARD during early elk archery.  Was very pleased with what I saw, but this is compared to what I've seen in other states in terms of deer numbers.  I had no idea how difficult this area is considered, so ignorance is bliss.  Let me tell you this deer season- from opening morning until yesterday, I saw (2) does during daylight hours, but every night at 1915hrs, would bump them or elk on the way back from my area.  I also noted the lack of hunters, so I just thought East is where everyone went .  I'm not the best hunter by any shot, but it is fairly common for me to stalk to within a handful of feet of feeding elk, and sometimes blackies.  I will sneak for a straight 8 hours, and I still saw nothing except for a couple of yotes.  The sunny weather and moon phase (and damned huckleberry bushes) played a part in the lack of sightings I believe, but even when it finally rained, I saw 0 elk, and only (2) does.  It was the craziest thing I've ever seen.  I had a couple of guys PM me with good information, and I thank you for giving up good information.  I'm sure the older guys are laughing as they knew exactly where I went wrong.  I found some good grouse spots and places where the asians love to chop whatever they chop.  I met a good ol'boy named Doug who shared some homemade 'shine and made some great chili; good to see there's still some roughnecks out there.  The best part of the 9 day adventure was driving back down off of the mountain where I came within inches of hammering a doe that trotted in front of my truck.  If there hadn't been another driver behind me, I might have hit the gas   I would have to 'seriously' think about returning since there is so many more places out in WA to hit up.  Good luck, and that's my .02.

[dad98684]

i like black creek down to falls creek. use to hold a ton of elk, but have not elk hunted up there in 20 years. good luck

[dickwilly]

WELLLLLL      $&@%     7 days not a buck in sight.  didn't get east of willard, weather (as im sure you all know) was warm clear, clear night sky, huge moon high in the sky, not a cloud till saturday I think.  went high, went low, sat on clears, snuck in game trails, watched ridges, went to the top of little huckleberry mountain, monte cristo trail to the top before sunrise and snuck back down to try and intercept   saw 6-7 does all crossing the road in my head lights.  One almost got a ford up her ass and another almost stuck her head out a little too far.  mid week gamey had only checked 6 bucks in camps.  tried a lot of different elevations and enviornments at all times of day.  found some good game trails but all old track and droppings probably several days to weeks old.  found ONE pile of droppings that was still black.  very frustrating.   but found a few decent areas with elk activity and saw a small pod of 9 cow, and in another area got a glimpse of bull we spooked late morning, was definately 3 point plus, my partner thinks 4-5.  hopefully we can find him again.    so maybe next year.   I dont think wind river is open for late buck but siouxon is I believe so we may go back and give her another go.  anyway I wish I had some better info and findings to report.  maybe elk season..

Hey USAFpj.  I know of few pj's in the fire department around vancouver.  any chance you are one of these?

[USAFpj]

Hey USAFpj.  I know of few pj's in the fire department around vancouver.  any chance you are one of these?

Not me, I have a full time position.  BUT, that is the only way to go.  I feel like a sucker every month when they come in to do their duty.  They have 2 less stripes, but make 2 times more than what I make.  How the he!! does that work??

[rock]

go on 54 and hunt they have quite a few elk

[longstevo]

Sorry to hear, dickwilly.

Its tough hunting in the 'jungle,' especially when you don't have weather backing you up.  Hitting that Willard area wouldn't have done you any good in those conditions. 

We had the same conditions last week in Idaho.  Tough going.

[dickwilly]

thank Rock   I'll check that out too. 

longstevo, everyone I've talked to that i know had the same issues this year.  Strange weather from spring on. 

[Magnum_Willys]

No surprise - tough to see anything there.  Forgot to tell you - the best day to hunt there is today - Last day of General they are just going in the rut - by late buck many are done and resting.  Still time for the evening hunt for those over there.  Good Luck.

[rock]

idk how the weathers been over there but on 54 as you get closer to where it ends there are some 10-15 year old second growth. i would try there for the evening hunt. if there is alot of pressure find a funnel and sit if there arent that many hunters i would still hunt

[dickwilly]

well two years pounding these areas around trout lake, siouxon, wind river and it's pretty obvious deer have been decimated by lack of cuts and big cats. 
have seen some elk, mostly cows.  Only Bulls we've seen have been during deer season.  Figures.  Still love the area and just being out there so we are heading back.  We're camped in the first open spot on the right after you pass Goose lake (heading from Trout Lake town that is) Wall tent with a brown tarp on it.  Stop in and say hi, share some stories and beers. 

Any suggestions are always welcomed for elk spots in this area, and greatly appreciated.   Still longing for my first Bull.

My suggestion after the last 3 years, Indian Heaven is tasty looking but with such limited access routes it's like a party buss getting in there, I haven't seen and can't imagine there's very good luck after opening day in there.  Just too much pressure and it's too easy for the elk to smell and hear EVERYONE and their brother coming in the trails.