Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: wt on April 30, 2013, 08:06:36 PM

Title: Gate access in the 520 (Winston)unit.
Post by: wt on April 30, 2013, 08:06:36 PM: What are the access restrictions on private timber land for the Winston unit? Are they open on weekdays?, are they open most of the year?, are they open all of elk season?, or do they only open foe instance on the weekends during deer and elk season? I'm thinking of the Spirit lake hwy (504) side.
Title: Re: Gate access in the 520 (Winston)unit.
Post by: zackmioli on April 30, 2013, 11:36:21 PM: early season depends on fire restrictions. last season the gates were closed. thats my only experience in the area.
Title: Re: Gate access in the 520 (Winston)unit.
Post by: bobcat on April 30, 2013, 11:56:14 PM: I believe Weyerhaeuser normally only allows motorized access during modern firearm deer and elk seasons. I'm not 100% sure on that. But I do know the gates are always closed during early archery season. And right now all motorized access is closed, according to the Weyerhaeuser hotline.

Try calling 1-866-636-6531
Title: Re: Gate access in the 520 (Winston)unit.
Post by: RadSav on May 01, 2013, 02:42:03 AM: It has been a few years, but I have been in the Winston during early archery deer season with the gates open. Granted that was a cool wet year. Not sure if that has changed. Definately too dry the last few years so I never even tried to call the hot line. Did see some nice bucks right on the border line two years ago. Not sure where those dang buggers were hiding first day of rifle!
Title: Re: Gate access in the 520 (Winston)unit.
Post by: wa_archer on May 01, 2013, 08:12:27 PM: Last couple years closed during early season but could still access on foot last year closed completely due to fire levels late season and rifle are typically open
Title: Re: Gate access in the 520 (Winston)unit.
Post by: wt on May 01, 2013, 08:16:08 PM: Thanks for the reply's all, keep them coming if you have any further thoughts.
Title: Re: Gate access in the 520 (Winston)unit.
Post by: elk247 on May 01, 2013, 08:25:18 PM: Gate access is not something to count on. In the last 5 years i have been turned away at least 2 times due to fire danger. (Can't even hunt on foot) another late season the gate was open but had active logging and no vehicles allowed. Not to discourage, but if you spend time and money to scout it just beware you could get locked out. :twocents: