Post by: Hockeyhunter on September 25, 2014, 06:17:52 PM
So, all that being said, how does somebody who is new to an area make sure that they will not be setting up shop somewhere that someone else has for years? Or am I worrying over nothing? If I didn't have my son, I probably wouldn't be concerned at all. But, I know that this particular Natl Forest is pretty busy during hunting season and I would hate to be the one that ruins somebody else's hunt who has put in lots of time scouting, planning, etc. just didn't know if there are any unwritten rules or anything to follow in this type of situation. Sorry again for being so long winded!!
Post by: Knocker of rocks on September 25, 2014, 06:24:31 PM
Or am I worrying over nothing?
:yeah:
Or camp in a campground
Post by: JColony on September 25, 2014, 06:26:11 PM
Post by: kentrek on September 25, 2014, 06:32:48 PM
Post by: Buckmark on September 25, 2014, 06:33:52 PM
So you can avoid those.
Not sure where you are thinking of going, but if you want you can camp at my place, other kids there, nat forest all around and a family friendly atmosphere, and there is deer around.. youj can tent it or i have an extra trailer all set up
Post by: Bean Counter on September 25, 2014, 06:36:32 PM
Post by: Halo on September 25, 2014, 06:40:20 PM
Post by: go4steelhd on September 25, 2014, 06:45:38 PM
I have camped in the same spot during archery season for 8 years with no issue. Last year I set up my camp in archery and left it up because I had a muzzy deer tag. Then when I was done hunting with a muzzle loader I left camp up to rifle deer hunt with my dad. Then elk season is the next weekend so I left it up again. I got my bull opening morning when some guys who put a trailer 5 feet from my wall tent got back to camp. I said hi and offered them about half a cord of wood I had cut and spilt. From here the conversation went south.
So I feel it's first come first serve. But In my case I had a tent up for along time and no one else had a real chance at that spot. So I was probable in the wrong.
Post by: grundy53 on September 25, 2014, 06:45:52 PM
I figure if someone beats me out of a camping spot or hunting spot they are more devoted than I am and deserve it.
:yeah:
First come first serve. If they really wanted it they should've got there sooner.
sent from my typewriter
Post by: boneaddict on September 25, 2014, 06:51:50 PM
In my opinion, you nailed it. It's public land, first come first serve. You have the same right to that spot as the next guy, regardless of how long they've been camping there.
:yeah:
Now I might be nice if I have a little pump tent I might not pick a spot that has room for 4 wall tents and an RV
Post by: ghosthunter on September 25, 2014, 06:54:29 PM
Near Twisp we camped in the same spot for 15 years. Two years ago. There was a old guy with a pup tent right in the middle of it.
We moved 100 yards and set up a new spot. Had him over for fire time evry night and for dinner twice.
This year we have scoped out a new spot for muzzy. Some one has camped there before because there is a fire pit and meat pole, even a toilet they left.
Is it from last muzzy season? Last deer season? Don't know or do I care.
We go over early we pick a spot and we make it ours for the time we are there.
As it should be. If someone else is there we have a 2 nd and a 3 rd spot picked already.
Go camp where you want. I try not to take a bigger spot than I need. And if I know someone camps some where every year I will not take there spot.
Otherwise it is just one spot in thousands on public land.
And if someone comes along a says I am in there spot, if they look decent and are nice about I might offer to share. But if not if they want to be a jack wagon they can go pound sand.
I have a big enough camp and enough people to stand my ground if pushed too hard.
Have a good time. And if you see my avatar out hunting stop in and make new friends.
:tup:
Post by: no.cen.wa on September 25, 2014, 08:46:49 PM
Like others have said, if it looks like someone has been using it maybe find your own or leave enough room for others. We met many good people in the camps. If your in the one we use now,, well, you'll have great company!
ps, we can always use help getting fire wood!
Good luck hunting, we've got great stories for the young ones! and some of them are true!
John G
Post by: Hockeyhunter on September 25, 2014, 08:58:30 PM
1st off you are over thinking this, second off if you are worried then camp in a camp ground of you can, third off unless you are going over like wed before the opener you are good as most established camps will be up early, forth off f'em, it is nat forest land and its first come, you can tell well established camp sites, good fire pits, meat poles, cleared are etc etc..
So you can avoid those.
Not sure where you are thinking of going, but if you want you can camp at my place, other kids there, nat forest all around and a family friendly atmosphere, and there is deer around.. youj can tent it or i have an extra trailer all set up
Well, I think you covered all the bases there!! Figured I was over thinking, I wouldn't be so concerned if it wasn't just me and my son. Really want to teach him to love the outdoors and have a positive experience. Thanks. And be careful or I will end up knocking on your door;);)
Post by: GoPlayOutside on September 25, 2014, 09:31:01 PM
If someone wanted a spot that bad, they should have got there first. That is why you see the little pup tents setting up 1 or 2 weeks before seasons these days.
I have had the same hunting spots for years at a time, and then, 1 year someone else is in it.....no problem, I find or make a camp close to my favorite spot.
Don't worry about it....get your kid out there!!!!! Good Luck!!! Have fun!
Post by: Seahawk12 on September 25, 2014, 09:54:58 PM
It's first come first serve public lands.
When I hunt/camp on public land I show up a few days early so that I can get a "good" spot. Or really I want to have a pick of a few different "good" spots.
I have always felt that setting up a comfortable camp is half the fun. I really don't understand getting possessive over a certain spot. If one I have camped at before is taken then I have the opportunity of setting up a new one.
Post by: Romulus1297 on September 25, 2014, 10:33:57 PM
Post by: sakoshooter on September 25, 2014, 10:57:52 PM
In my opinion, you nailed it. It's public land, first come first serve. You have the same right to that spot as the next guy, regardless of how long they've been camping there.
Post by: csaaphill on September 26, 2014, 12:20:59 AM
I envy ya beign able to camp sounds fun! :tup:
Post by: Alchase on September 26, 2014, 12:06:32 PM
In my opinion, you nailed it. It's public land, first come first serve. You have the same right to that spot as the next guy, regardless of how long they've been camping there.
:yeah:
Now I might be nice if I have a little pump tent I might not pick a spot that has room for 4 wall tents and an RV
:yeah:
FYI, A cleared are, fire pit (or rock circle) or a "meat pole" can be found in almost every camp spot from Twisp to Chewuch.
This is no indication of "ownership" or "reserved" site.
Every site I have used in the last 25 years has had a cleared area, fire pit, and a meat pole.
If there is gear (tent, coolers, table, chairs, etc...) there, it it taken.
No gear, the spot is yours.
At most I have moved fire pits, replaced aging meat poles, and cleared existing spots of debris.
Like Bone said, it pays to be considerate
Post by: hrd2fnd on September 26, 2014, 12:14:16 PM
Quote
:yeah: Do I feel sorry? No, I normally try to arrive no sooner then 2 or 4 days before the opener.
First come first serve. If they really wanted it they should've got there sooner.
Post by: Woodchuck on September 26, 2014, 12:17:33 PM
Post by: jackmaster on September 26, 2014, 12:22:00 PM
you should take buckmark up on his offer, that is a hell of a deal, and since its your first year taking your son it might be a little more relaxing and less b .s and it would give you time to look around for places to scout1st off you are over thinking this, second off if you are worried then camp in a camp ground of you can, third off unless you are going over like wed before the opener you are good as most established camps will be up early, forth off f'em, it is nat forest land and its first come, you can tell well established camp sites, good fire pits, meat poles, cleared are etc etc..
So you can avoid those.
Not sure where you are thinking of going, but if you want you can camp at my place, other kids there, nat forest all around and a family friendly atmosphere, and there is deer around.. youj can tent it or i have an extra trailer all set up
Well, I think you covered all the bases there!! Figured I was over thinking, I wouldn't be so concerned if it wasn't just me and my son. Really want to teach him to love the outdoors and have a positive experience. Thanks. And be careful or I will end up knocking on your door;);)
Post by: NOCK NOCK on September 26, 2014, 12:23:21 PM
Post by: washelkhunter on September 26, 2014, 12:27:06 PM
How do you react when an old truck and camper pull right up to your campfire in the middle of camp and 4 jokers climb out of the cab start pointing at a 6 ft wide clearing beside my truck between tent and trailers with young kids? Then try to tell me this is where they will set up their camp. Plus the camper was full of more people and a couple of kids. They were escorted away far away :bash: crankheads :bash:
A cold barrel jammed up against the nose usually sends the desired message. Just block the entrance with a truck, can't get in, can't setup, issue resolved.
Post by: Alchase on September 26, 2014, 12:44:19 PM
After re-reading the question, there is one critical omission that would help with the answer:
Where on the east side were you thinking about hunting?
Some places have a ton of campsites, others not so much.
Where I hunt there are so many campsites to choose from within a 1 mile radius, I have never worried about getting a spot arriving by noon on Friday before the opener. Then by Monday, 70% of the spots that were full, are now open.
When it comes to Hunting/camp spots it "location/timing"
Post by: Stein on September 26, 2014, 12:46:25 PM
That said, I'm not going to get in a shootout or get my $1,000 tent cut up over some idiot's "Merican" idea of public land. It's kind of funny that the "Sportsmen" are the ones who usually cause the trouble. I have never ran into problems outside of a hunting or fishing arena.
That's not a battle I'm going to get into.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 26, 2014, 12:52:09 PM
Post by: Hockeyhunter on September 26, 2014, 01:19:31 PM
Hockey-Hunter,
After re-reading the question, there is one critical omission that would help with the answer:
Where on the east side were you thinking about hunting?
Some places have a ton of campsites, others not so much.
Where I hunt there are so many campsites to choose from within a 1 mile radius, I have never worried about getting a spot arriving by noon on Friday before the opener. Then by Monday, 70% of the spots that were full, are now open.
When it comes Hunting/camp spots it "location/timing"
Well I was thinking of the Colville National forest in GMU 117. I know it's a busy unit but youth and over 65 can get a doe, so son and dad could both get a doe.
Post by: Buckmark on September 26, 2014, 01:25:48 PM
If i remember correctly the youth and over 65 hunters can't take a whitetail doe until Thursday the 16th, if you are going over after opening weekend some of the weekend warriors will already be gone and some spots will be vacant.Hockey-Hunter,
After re-reading the question, there is one critical omission that would help with the answer:
Where on the east side were you thinking about hunting?
Some places have a ton of campsites, others not so much.
Where I hunt there are so many campsites to choose from within a 1 mile radius, I have never worried about getting a spot arriving by noon on Friday before the opener. Then by Monday, 70% of the spots that were full, are now open.
When it comes Hunting/camp spots it "location/timing"
Well I was thinking of the Colville National forest in GMU 117. I know it's a busy unit but youth and over 65 can get a doe, so son and dad could both get a doe.
I am in 204 and will only be over Friday the 10th till Monday the 13th...
Post by: Hockeyhunter on September 26, 2014, 01:39:12 PM
Post by: Buckmark on September 26, 2014, 01:44:46 PM
Yeah 16th till 19th for does in that unit. Does it really clear out that much after the opening weekend? Don't really have any dates picked out. Still hoping he doesn't have a hockey game that weekend also;);)In the area i am at i would say 1/3 or more of the people in the general area are gone it seems like by tuesday, either they have tagged out, only had the weekend off or are complaining that there are no deer around... :chuckle:, sittin around the campfire by 10 oclock on opening day...
remember success rates are only around 20-25% so 75 out of 100 hunters go home with an unfilled tag
Post by: 1bugman on September 26, 2014, 01:48:15 PM
Unless it my spot......
Just Kidding. Good Luck. :chuckle:
Post by: tonymiller7 on September 26, 2014, 01:57:40 PM
Post by: Hockeyhunter on September 26, 2014, 02:02:40 PM
People done by 10 and at the campfire!?!? I may come back eat then it's back out!!!;)
Post by: Jingles on September 26, 2014, 02:10:36 PM
I have moved tents and will continue to do so if all they leave is an empty tent and I am bringing in my entire camp, tent kitchen boxes, food boxes, cots sleeping bags, and the whole nine yards 4 to 5 days ahead of season and all you set up was a cheapo REI pack packer tent expect it to be moved. Oh I'll roll it up nicely and place it out of the way so as it won't get damaged and if you decide to get froggy about it better be ready for an all out war if you don't accept that fact that there is NO reserving sites
Post by: Alchase on September 26, 2014, 09:08:06 PM
Last year was an anomaly, all the Bucks hanging in our campground area were killed after Tuesday.
Only four of the 12 camp spots were still occupied by Tuesday. A new crowd of hunters usually shows up again Thursday or Friday for the last weekend.
Post by: ghosthunter on September 26, 2014, 09:52:07 PM
If you go over 2 weeks ahead of time and set up one of those ghost camps, where all you do is put up a tent and leave it empty, to save your spot expect it to be trashed. But if you have the time and go over 1 week ahead and set up camp with your stuff in in it and stay in camp scouting and someone comes along and says it is their sight tell them to go pack sand.
I have moved tents and will continue to do so if all they leave is an empty tent and I am bringing in my entire camp, tent kitchen boxes, food boxes, cots sleeping bags, and the whole nine yards 4 to 5 days ahead of season and all you set up was a cheapo REI pack packer tent expect it to be moved. Oh I'll roll it up nicely and place it out of the way so as it won't get damaged and if you decide to get froggy about it better be ready for an all out war if you don't accept that fact that there is NO reserving sites
hey you picking on me? :chuckle: :dunno:
Post by: highmuley on September 27, 2014, 07:37:44 AM
Post by: subagang707 on September 27, 2014, 08:02:17 AM
Post by: br8kitoff on September 28, 2014, 09:09:33 PM
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on September 28, 2014, 11:09:59 PM
I always have 3 potential camp sites picked out. That way if one is occupied, I move on to the next.
Post by: lokidog on September 28, 2014, 11:24:46 PM
Depending on how far you want to drive... The youth white tail season is 16-19 and you are more than welcome to join our camp. My boys, my buddies boys, and another buddies son and daughter will be there. Plenty of WT to shoot for them!! PM and I can give details.
Nice offer. :tup:
Post by: Chukarhead on September 29, 2014, 12:36:09 PM
In Washington there are a lot of hunters that have hunted the same spot for years. So they feel entitled to there camping spot. Some have put hours of work into leveling, clearing trees, making fire pits and so on.
I have camped in the same spot during archery season for 8 years with no issue. Last year I set up my camp in archery and left it up because I had a muzzy deer tag. Then when I was done hunting with a muzzle loader I left camp up to rifle deer hunt with my dad. Then elk season is the next weekend so I left it up again. I got my bull opening morning when some guys who put a trailer 5 feet from my wall tent got back to camp. I said hi and offered them about half a cord of wood I had cut and spilt. From here the conversation went south.
So I feel it's first come first serve. But In my case I had a tent up for along time and no one else had a real chance at that spot. So I was probable in the wrong.
Just keep in mind that a 14-day camping limit is generally in place on National Forest lands (not just campgrounds), and other agency lands typically have limits, too. If you were on Forest Service land, you were probably committing a misdemeanor per 36 CFR 261.10--it's not really a matter of ethics at that point.
That doesn't excuse some pretty poor behavior by the guys who set up 5 feet away from your tent...
So called "ghost camps" (not Ghost Camps :chuckle:) are also arguably illegal...
Post by: go4steelhd on September 29, 2014, 12:56:16 PM
But after reading all the posts this year about camp raiders I don't think I will ever be leaving a camp again.
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on October 01, 2014, 04:26:37 PM
If someone shows up, invite them to the campfire, tell them there is lots of room, have a great time.
Biggest issue I have ever seen was the lack of consideration for fellow hunters.
If we all did it to make friends and enjoy each others company, this issue would not exist.
Unfortunately the competitive nature has trended towards exclusion rather than invitation.
I welcome anybody to come camp with me, you just have to show up at my campfire.
Pick a spot, and be respectful.
There is nothing I can imagine that would be more embarrassing to me than being asked not to return to camp next season.
New friends, exploration, hunting..
Find a spot and don't sweat it.
Post by: Hockeyhunter on October 02, 2014, 06:34:50 AM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on October 02, 2014, 06:44:33 PM
Those people are A-holes and need to be pissed off. Public land is first come, first served--period. Pack up all your valuables and camp.
My thoughts exactly.............
Post by: longrangehunter338 on October 02, 2014, 08:42:00 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on October 02, 2014, 09:04:17 PM
What is up with people thinking they own public land in this state. Fishing on the niqually people come up and either say its their spot or they try and fish right next to you. SERIOUSLY
Ah. we do own the public land.
Post by: longrangehunter338 on October 02, 2014, 09:34:24 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on October 02, 2014, 09:42:42 PM
Not enough to tell someone to move.
Get there before they do and you tell them to move. :tup: