Gmu 550 access

[kabusroe]

Does anybody have any advise about bow hunting Gmu 550 Coweeman. Last year I hunted toutle with my any bull tag and saw most of my Elk coming out of the coweeman unit. I was thinking about going past DNR headquarters up the 1600 road, but I don't no if any of that land is weyehauser or not. Any thoughts ?

[bobcat]

Most of the Coweeman unit is Weyerhaeuser land, and if you're going in on the 1600 road, then it's pretty much ALL Weyerhaeuser. I belive it's all closed right now for motorized vehicles, so if that doesn't change, you'll have to park at the gate and walk in.

Call the Weyerhaeuser access hotline to get the most current information.

[jrod1407]

i'm no expert on the matter but from my understanding. "if the gate is open or there just isn't a gate, you can drive in. if the gate is closed you have to walk" and it's fair game.

[IBspoiled]

Nope no access, you may as well stay home.   

And seriously just because gates are open does NOT mean the woods are open.  Call the hotline as everyone always says.   

[jrod1407]

Not a chance! One little ol' gate isn't going to stop me  lol i'll bring my helmet!

[firedog]

i'm no expert on the matter but from my understanding. "if the gate is open or there just isn't a gate, you can drive in. if the gate is closed you have to walk" and it's fair game.

Not true, most roads have a red sign posted that says closed to vehicle access. Just because a gate is open means nothing if it is posted like that. They leave them open when they are working in there, will be locked at quitting time and you can get locked in and a trespass ticket. I heard a WEYCO trespass ticket is $2500 and a lifetime ban from thier property. As long as it isn't posted closed for fire danger then you can walk in. Call the hotline for up dates.

[jrod1407]

Ok... i stand corrected. Like i said "not an expert". thanks for the heads up about the fine though, i probably would have driven right to it if i saw the gate was open.

I called the hotline, and it stated that, as of august first the Mount St. Helens area is closed to motorized vehicles but is open to hiking, horseback and biking.

[firedog]

Hope I didn't come across as an ass, hard to show tone on the Internet just wanted to get the info out. Don't want anyone getting an unnecessary ticket.

[shorthair15]

i would call the hotline for weyco first. if you go in and it is closed you will be in deep i live by the coweeman i hunt it alot. they will also give you a citation and probably call the county sherrif as well. the 1600 road is weyco property. pay attention to the signs . if the gate is open they may be working in there.

[jrod1407]

no one came across as an ass. honestly if you guys didn't say anything i would have continued to make plans to hike in and camp. so thanks for heads up