south rainier

[nwhunter]

Does anyone hunt this unit or have input on how crowded it gets during archery season? I have opportunity to spend a few days towards the end of the season up towards the PCT as my dad is going to be packing over there on the eastside but I would hunt the westside of the trail. I have never been in there but am looking at the maps, Tks nwhunter

[SkookumHntr]

You will have lots of company..

[dreamingbig]

It is very, very popular but one more can't hurt.  No blue mountain sized bulls but you can have some fun.

[Swatson]

Beautiful country and can be good but yes expect some company!

[akirkland]

Too many people for me!

[cjensen]

I'd definitely try some of the other units with more elk and fewer people.  If you're gonna be there anyway and you already bought a west side tag you may as well join in the cluster though.  Your best chances are near Jug lake, but it's also a zoo there with backpackers and strings of horses. 

[dreamingbig]

And 3 point minimum if you didn't already know.

[akirkland]

mosquitos the size of pheasants! They seriously give one of my horses hives. He is allergic to them up there. Never happened any where else. You have been warned!

[buglebuster]

The unit is not what it used to be that's for sure! The past few years I have really seen a jump inamount of people. Really bad for mosquitos so I can only imagine this year. One good thing this year tho, if you get one down you will have snow drifts to throw your quarters in till you get them out

[deerslyr]

Ive hunted it a few times with muzzy and ive heard its more packed then than during archery...having said that If you get off the trail you will see no one and a few elk. If you stay on the trail you will see crowds of people and no elk. I enjoyed myself while I was up there and didnt see anybody while I was off the trail.

[nwhunter]

Good info guys thanks, lots of people and squeeters sounds fun!nwhunter

[packwoodcoug]

There are a few of us that use the crowds to our advantage and set up in the pockets/drainages below the pct.  send me a message and let me know what days you will be in the woods we typically rendevous near jug midday to lie to each other

[dreamingbig]

"we typically rendevous near jug midday to lie to each other"  I have seen that!  It seemed to get a lot more crowded the past few years.