Grayback unit 388

[huntndad]

I usually spend the late season hunting close to home here on the west side, but I'm feeling the need to get away for a few days.  One of the units I'm considering is the Grayback.  I haven't hunted in it for aboutr 20 years.  Back then, we would rifle hunt just outside of Lyle.  I've also spent a little time in the Soda Springs area, but never in the late season.  I'm hoping for some advise or tips on hunting the unit in the later season.  I'd really like to find an area where I have to walk or mountain bike.  The map I have shows state lands, but it doesn't identify other lands, like private timber lands, that I could hunt.  Any advise is greatly appreciated.  Thanks

[carpsniperg2]

There has been some changes in the area so make sure you have a curent map. The snow will make it harder to get back in there on a bike. The good thing is plenty of snow up on the mountains right now. The deer are moving down lower and it should be pretty decent. They had been rutting like mad but the cold and snow has got them more in food mode right now. Good luck to you

[Jason]

Soda Springs is a very popular area during the late season

[carpsniperg2]

  I know about 20 people myself that will be hunting that area!

[huntndad]

I figured an accessible piece of public land like that would be pretty popular.  I've seen it during modern rifle season, and I couldn't believe the number of camps in there. 
Is there gated timber land north of Goldendale?  I've heard that there are a lot of locked gates in the unit, but I don't think they're in the part of the unit I've been to.

[carpsniperg2]

Yes the locked gates are on the north side of goldendale. There is lots of areas to park and get back in there and hunt! Most people just don't want ot get off the road and hunt. Like all the dips I had to deal with today that drive roads where there is no public land for 5 miles in either direction. Trying to shoot a deer from the road and get it into the truck before they get caught and then celebrate and think how cool it was and what big bad hunters they are Can you tell I had a long day! Point is get back in there and hunt and you should have a good hunt