Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: 7mmfan on October 23, 2012, 07:32:05 AM
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My Dad and I are going to be hunting the Cowiche unit this year. He was over there last weekend to scout out some areas and possible camping spots, and found less then he was expecting. We used to hunt the Nile area and there were ample camping spots. We are planning on hunting up near where the North Fork Ahtanum and the Middle Fork split so if anyone knows of a road or an area that has some spots to set up a wall tent, I'd appreciate it! Getting excited with all this snow and a cow tag in camp!
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Well our camp is set up where you are talkin bout and there's lots of places to camp make sure you have your Discover pass. Should be more spots available now that Deer season is over with, lots of camps in there. Good luck to ya! Oh yeah 5inches of snow in camp already!
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Also just recvd a email alert the Middle Fork rd will remain closed Monday-Friday only opening up friday at 6:00 PM until sunday at 8:00 pm thru November 30th instead of october 31st like first posted , just fyi and dont be caught sneaking over Whites ridge to get to the middle fork and drive on it during closed days there writing tickets if your caught.
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Thats a bummer, really going to focus guys. Does this closure apply to people walking in too or just vehicles?
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Thats a bummer, really going to focus guys. Does this closure apply to people walking in too or just vehicles?
Wow. You are really into walking just to start hunting. The gate is at the bottom. We usually camp at the 3.5 mile marker on the middle fork. Most people I have seen hunting are a mile past the turn off. The DNR guy I spoke with said they are closing the road for safety issues since they are hauling out full length logs. He mentioned 60-70 feet. Too dangerous to have other vehicles around.
He never mentioned foot traffic.
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/News/Pages/2012_05_22_ahtanum_ma.aspx (http://www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/News/Pages/2012_05_22_ahtanum_ma.aspx)
The link is to the news they sent out. I love how it says summer closure. :bash: Jeff Jones is the guy. He loves to take complaints about this issue :) He could probably answer your question about foot traffic.
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THanks for that, I'm all about walkin if it gives me an edge! It will be our first time hunting the area so I'd like to see as much of it as I can. Even bringing the snow shoes in case I get an itch to go deep...
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Bunch of places to camp around there.... Better get there TOMORROW or THURSDAY am if you want a decent camp site.... And don't let anyone try to bull dog you out of camping somewhere because it's "their's"....
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:yeah: Get there early it will be a ZOO
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The only thing that has been hauled out of there in the last week has been chips
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It really is a bummer when you live so far away, and gas is $4+ a gallon. Just can't make 2 trips over to set up camp early. Also, we did that for a few years in the Nile area and then one year we showed up and almost everything was gone. They left the tent thank god but the stove, tarps, table, etc... were all gone. That was the last time we set up early and left it. I'm sure we'll manage though, we adapt easily :)
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So just thought I would throw this out there. When Dad was up there last weekend, he talked to several guys who were in the process of setting up camp up the middle fork. Does anyone have any input as to how the timber company will handle this? What if you are just camped up there but not driving during the week and hunting out of camp? Dad also said that the same signage was on the North Fork road just past the middle fork cut off. Any info on this?
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They can close down areas where the logging is active..... And they will.... Just obey the signs and you'll be fine... I wouldn't hunt where they are actively logging while they are still working... Just cause you're in orange won't gaurantee you'll be seen.... And if you talk to one they'll give you some good info.... Deer and elk will flock back into fresh downed timber to get that lichen they couldn't reach.... I even had a guy on a skidder go pick my elk up and give me a ride back down to my truck then dropped it in the back...
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North fork road is OPEN they put the road closed signage up because the N.fork and middle fork meet up. Heading for camp outside of Tampico in the AM with the wife and dog. I'm hoping to fill the Cow tag I drew. Good luck to everyone this year for Elk.
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First time in 20 years not at elk camp I will miss it. Have hunted Cowiche most of it. Got to take care of my knee so that next year can hit it hard. Good luck to all.
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I feel for you Moose. I've missed the last 4 years because of my choice of work. Changed careers last year and finally get to spend some time in the woods again! Just hoping we can find a place to set up camp with a big chunk of the road system being closed like that.
