Ryderwood Cow Tag

[Reinsurance shooter]

Drew a Ryderwood cow tag this year, but I typically hunt outside of Forks (home to me).  I made a couple scouting trips down over the summer - camping once at the Lions Site off Pe Elll McDonald Road and once at Rainbow Falls.  So as to not give away the ghost on here, lets just say, the one that biking in for a little ways allows for overlooking several fields on top was the better looking for sign/especially down the gated road the follows the river for 1/2 mile before the bridge and the fork. 

Anyhow, after spending 4 days of deer season up there, I have seen minimal fresh elk sign.  Can't say it was a waste, as I do like to eat chanterelles and I find the amount of coyote very peculiar!  I would be happy to gets some PMs to discuss if I am wasting my time trying to get on some cows in this general area.  If it is like Forks, the herds are large, but can be a little far between where they hang out.  And if like Forks, there are also herds that are cow/spikes post bow.  Just looking for some pointers on getting a nice ear mount (ok, freezer meat!).  Thank you...

[Reinsurance shooter]

After another couple days out in the field I feeling marginally better... Probably more so because i outsmarted the mrs by passing on a spike blacktail which would have ended my deer season- code for "scouting for elk" excuse.   

Let me put it this way as the responses were minimal. If a person were to look to fill their Cow tag, would you say north west (pe ell area) mid (boisfort) or southeast/central near Abernathy for the 530?  Please keep in my I am solo hunting as my usual group our sticking it out in forks (they are good guys they just can't afford the gas and time off to help me get some ears).

Thanks.

[shorthair15]

pm sent

[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

Either area elk are spread all over the unit

[Rainier10]

Either area elk are spread all over the unit

:yeah:I used to bow hunt that unit and we were always in elk.  I am sure the cuts we used to hunt are grown up now but I am sure there are new ones.

[Reinsurance shooter]

Thank you forth feedback everyone. I am going to just keep at it and chalk it up to wrong place at the wrong time over modern deer thus far. I just did not want put down a lot of boot leather to find out the move from one side of the unit to the other side on a seasonal basis.

Big thanks to shorthair15 on the pm.  The input and direction was greatly appreciated. Should I get my cow I will get the story up and pics - regardless of the animal size, sex or horns, the experiences are what we live for and remember! 

[Reinsurance shooter]

Just wanted to once again thank everyone for their input - had a couple more really good pm's JT and WW - both really solid on the pm's, along with shorthair.  As much as people like to accuse others of being mean spirited on the advice giving, my experiences have been great. Thank you everyone.

[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

Pm me for info. I grew up in the Valley

[Alan K]

If walking or biking in, I'd suggest going in some Sierra land to avoid potentially being pissed off when you get in a fair ways. Everything from PeEll, south of the Pe Ell McDonald road, and west of the Boistfort/Wildwood roads until the block house is open to employees to drive in.  While it is still open to the public to bike or walk in, it might save you some frustration if you were to go into an area that doesn't allow any drive in access. 

All that said, if you were stuck on going into an area that employees area allowed to drive into, I'd stick within a few miles of the gate.  Most of the employees I know like to get clear up by the peak or hunt a ways up the river.  I think areas near the gates are often overlooked by them. 

Good luck!

[Mr. Wallmounter]

PM sent

[jumpin]

Dont give up yet.
Plenty of elk in 530  Siera pacific is a great bet. go to the south end of the Boistfort valley. Cant miss it.
There will be a ton of orange but they dont have cow tags
All you need to do is watch them.