Capitol Forest

[codylane20]

Hi I am new to fairly new to the area. This is my first year hunting in Washington. I have been hunting Capitol Forest the last 3 weekends (first of 3 was bear/scouting). Just wondering if anyone has any tips for Capitol Forest. I have read on here that it is not the best place. I would like to stay with it because of the shorter drive and it is the only place that I have walked around even a Little. Wouldn't want to spend last weekend of the season trying to figure out a new area. I have ran into a total of 8-10 doe over the past few weeks and saw one small buck the first weekend but season wasn't open yet. Since season has been open no signs of buck. I know all the people driving around all day does not help my efforts. I do like to get out and walk but there are roads on both sides of every piece of forest. Sunday afternoon my wife and I did go scout the other side (B-Line) I did find an area I thought looked good down in the valley between Buck Ridge and the River. Anyone hunt this area before with any success? I did like it cause with the river being there people can only drive on one side of me. I have originally been hunting near c7000 all the area from the tower down that side of the mountain. Like I said plenty of doe , tracks, and poo but also lots of truck hunters. Any help would be greatly appreciated Thanks!

Also considering Willapa Hills for Elk, would accept any advice on hunting that area also. I have not scouted the area at all though, which makes me nervous. I do actually like to scout well in advance but have not had the chance. I know next year should be better for me with being here all through the summer. Thanks again.

[DoubleJ]

Isn't Cody Lane a porn star?


Capital forest I have no advice on.  Thought about hunting it but always seemed to find another place to go.

[bigtex]

Capital Forest is heavily poached. I've hunted there once and will never go back.

[Michelle_Nelson]

There are bucks up there.  It's just a matter of really good scouting or just running into one.  

[RippinLips]

There are bucks up there.  It's just a matter of really good scouting or just running into one.  

thats definatly true. i saw quite a few good racks in velvet this year but its hunted really heavily

[runamuk]

I live in the capitol and avoid it on weekends too many road warriors.....there are deer and it takes some luck I think....

[codylane20]

ok thanks all for the input. I guess im going to stick to Capitol for the final weekend (dont know anywhere else haha). gonna keep walking and hope for the best. This ain't like Texas that's for sure. Good luck to all this final weekend.

[Curly]

It may be ok this last weekend since the bucks should be rutting by now and may actually show themselves during the daylight.

[DoubleJ]

Saw a nice 3pt crossing the road this morning on my way to work.  4:30am and no rifle    Going to try and find him this evening.

[ser300wsm]

A buddy of mine had some luck this year there. He went during midweek. Good luck to ya.

[Ihuntelk2]

Tons of Deer just called in a three point a couple weeks ago seen about 8 bucks there this year. Hunt the south side and the south west side of the forest less poeple better country i think,

[Martinhunter]

My buddy shot a huge 4 point up there a few years ago while shroom picking.

[billythekidrock]

Codylane, pm sent.
You are in the right area. Keep at it. Try to hunt during the week if you can and use other hunters to your advantage. Blacktails are not always easy to hunt and the CF gets pounded.

Here are a few of the bucks that I have been in on in the CF in the last few years.
















All of these pics are of different bucks and were taken this year in the CF. The bucks are there, but they can be hard to find. I have not been out much, but I have only see two bucks since the season started and both were spikes.

[bowtech721]

Tons of Deer just called in a three point a couple weeks ago seen about 8 bucks there this year. Hunt the south side and the south west side of the forest less poeple better country i think,

thanks alot man    thats like my backyard... the deer numbers as far as i can tell seem to be pretty good but it gets hunted HARD during rifle season. I saw many bucks in velvet this year and in years past but havent been able to seal the deal on one with archery tackle.

[Hyde]

Don't they ride quads, motor cycles, jeeps all over that area?  I am looking for places to ride around the area, but will wait until after hunting season is over so as to not booger the area for hunters.  I have a pocket full of tags left but my moose provided all the meat I could ever consume this year, so I guess I'm done for the year (as painful as it sounds).

[billythekidrock]

I am pretty sure the trails are closed to riding at the end of October.

[runamuk]

I am pretty sure the trails are closed to riding at the end of October.

October 31-May 1 I believe are the dates when they have the trails closed to all vehicles and horses this is to reduce damage during the mud season.