Any hope for the Margaret Unit?

[Mr T]

I did some research, planning, and a little scouting.  However, it was not enough because I never planned for WEYCO to close down the St Helens Tree Farm.  So do I just stay depressed for now and begin try and get hopeful for the late season in December?
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH 

[bobcat]

There's quite a bit of public land in the east end of the unit. Why don't you try that? I believe access would be out of Randle.

[JPhelps]

There is some really good hunting on the forest service land.

[Bigshooter]

There's quite a bit of public land in the east end of the unit. Why don't you try that? I believe access would be out of Randle.

Bobcat do you know how to access the NF out of Randle?

[Mr T]

There's quite a bit of public land in the east end of the unit. Why don't you try that? I believe access would be out of Randle.

Bobcat do you know how to access the NF out of Randle?

2nd that question

[bobcat]

Bobcat do you know how to access the NF out of Randle?

I think you or someone else knows better than I, so I'll wait for someone with more knowledge to answer that. All I know is I wouldn't give up on that Margaret permit just because Weyerhaeuser is closed.

[Mr T]

Bobcat do you know how to access the NF out of Randle?

I think you or someone else knows better than I, so I'll wait for someone with more knowledge to answer that. All I know is I wouldn't give up on that Margaret permit just because Weyerhaeuser is closed.

Trying not to............... we will see.  Thank you for the input.  Much appreciated

[bobcat]

Forest Service road #26 will get you to the eastern boundary of the Margaret unit. I just don't know how far you may have to hike from there to get into elk.

[Mr T]

Yes, it appears there is a small sliver of land that is within the unit that is outside of the monument boundary.....  To be pessimistic I bet every tag holder is bunched up there....to be optimistic, there is possibly some land to get into for the tag

[bobcat]

If nothing else, you can at least go on camping trip and get some exercise.   

[BENCHLEG]

take the 25 south to the 99 and go west to the 26 take a right. the 26 is gated from the south lasr time i checked.

[Mr T]

If nothing else, you can at least go on camping trip and get some exercise.   

More optimism...I like it....I need a little of that

[Bigshooter]

Forest Service road #26 will get you to the eastern boundary of the Margaret unit. I just don't know how far you may have to hike from there to get into elk.

I wasn't trying to show you up or something.  Just wanted to see if you knew a different way than me.

[Bigshooter]

Mr. T,
Get a map and find the 26rd and then find the 2612 rd.  Those roads along with the green river are some of the boundaries that make up the north east corner of the unit.  Its going to be a hiking show.  Make sure and stay out of the Loo-Wit.

[bobcat]

I wasn't trying to show you up or something.  Just wanted to see if you knew a different way than me.

No, I only know of the one way. I've never been lucky enough to draw a Margaret permit, so I'm only going by what I've heard from others. I have been up there a few times but never to hunt elk.

[Huntbear]

The 26 has a big wash out ... might want to check with the forest service ... the 25 is still open around to the 99

[Bigshooter]

I wasn't trying to show you up or something.  Just wanted to see if you knew a different way than me.

No, I only know of the one way. I've never been lucky enough to draw a Margaret permit, so I'm only going by what I've heard from others. I have been up there a few times but never to hunt elk.

I lucked out and drew a margaret muzzy cow tag this year.  I hope this isn't how I have to hunt the unit.  I don't want to have to pack a cow out very far. 

[Bigshooter]

The 26 has a big wash out ... might want to check with the forest service ... the 25 is still open around to the 99

I've heard from people its open and closed.  So I don't know what to believe.  Have you went and looked at it this year?

[bobcat]

I lucked out and drew a margaret muzzy cow tag this year.

Man it's not looking good for you. (sorry to say)
 
Temperatures are going to be a lot cooler, but I just looked at the 10 day forecast and it's just calling for a "few showers". Doesn't sound like a significant amount of precipitation to me, and that's probably what it will take for Weyerhaeuser to open it back up. Course who knows, their Pe Ell area is currently open for hunting.   

It's too bad your permit doesn't also have a late season like the archery permits do.   

[Bigshooter]

I lucked out and drew a margaret muzzy cow tag this year.

Man it's not looking good for you. (sorry to say)
 
Temperatures are going to be a lot cooler, but I just looked at the 10 day forecast and it's just calling for a "few showers". Doesn't sound like a significant amount of precipitation to me, and that's probably what it will take for Weyerhaeuser to open it back up. Course who know, their Pe Ell area is currently open for hunting.   

It's too bad your permit doesn't also have a late season like the archery permits do.   

I know I keep checking the forecast every few hours hoping it will change.   

[Huntbear]

Have not been up there yet this year....  sorry

[Mr T]

Pessimistic time again.......Probably gonna need snow shoes for the late hunt 

[Bluesdude]

MR T, PM me, I know that unit very well, esp that side of it.

Todd

[SnakeEyes]

This is my bull from 1998 on the East side when it was shut down for fire danger.

[Bigshooter]

Everyone that draws a Margaret or Toutle tag should look at that pic.  That is a classic bull for those units.  Nice bull 

[Nimrod]

That late season hunt is a really good hunt i'n the margret i would not sweat it a bit... I have never hunted it but drove some rds on the late season and the elk are all piled up i'n the rds looking for feed...

[BENCHLEG]

when in doubt camo out.  enough said.

[Arteman]

Was up spirit lake highway this last weekend, only went as far as hoffstadt bridge though.  Every gate has new orange fire danger signs so they are making it very clear.  However, I never made it up to where Weco had just sold all that high country land up off the 3540, don't know who owns it now or if they allow hunting, and if they do allow hunting if its closed for fire, but something you might check into.  I know its full of elk though and still the margret.  When and if you get in with that cow tag your hunt will be about an hour long tops so enjoy and pop one close to the road for easy packing.

[Arteman]

Just had an idea for you to check out, past kid valley headed up spirit lake highway there is a bridge going over the toutle just past the sediment dam road, once across the bridge there is a lot of land on the right side of the highway that is Margaret and state land also all you have to do is park right off the highway to start hunting, and don't have to cross any closed privately owned timber lands to get there, right off the pavement.  Anyways, I did a lot of shed hunting all up and down along that highway this spring and was back in there a couple times, both times I seen elk.

[Arteman]

Hahaha hey Nimrod, speaking of shed hunting, see ya at work tomorrow buddy! 

[Nimrod]

Yeah i got to work sat owe well tagged out anyway... Anyhow they are giving tickets up spirit lake hwy for parking off the side of the road so bad idea.... On the other hand if i drew a margret tag i would not eat that tag.... I would pay a ticket....just a thought

[bobcat]

Just had an idea for you to check out, past kid valley headed up spirit lake highway there is a bridge going over the toutle just past the sediment dam road, once across the bridge there is a lot of land on the right side of the highway that is Margaret and state land also all you have to do is park right off the highway to start hunting, and don't have to cross any closed privately owned timber lands to get there, right off the pavement.  Anyways, I did a lot of shed hunting all up and down along that highway this spring and was back in there a couple times, both times I seen elk.

   As far as I can tell, in looking at a map, you cannot get to the state land there without crossing private. In one spot it's only about 100 yards from the highway to the state land, but you're still crossing private land, and I'm assuming it's Weyerhaeuser.

[nailbender]

The 26 has a big wash out ... might want to check with the forest service ... the 25 is still open around to the 99

I've heard from people its open and closed.  So I don't know what to believe.  Have you went and looked at it this year?

I've the muzzy cow tag as well.  I was up there two weeks ago and the 26 has a washout not much pass Ryan Lake.

[blindpig]

Don't sweat it, I do believe the roads (some) to be driveable in Dec.  See u in Dec. (cow tag)

[rsrobins]

Back to walk in only for this weekend!!

[Arteman]

Did they lift the fire band rsrobins?

[funkster]

weyco land is open as of today! 1-866-636-6531 go kill some elk

[nailbender]

weyco land is open as of today! 1-866-636-6531 go kill some elk

Open to non-motorized access