Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: bullelk1 on September 15, 2007, 08:28:38 AM

Title: GMU 506 access
Post by: bullelk1 on September 15, 2007, 08:28:38 AM: My elk season has been impacted by slow recovery from a broken leg which has restricted my normal elk camp activities in central Washington. Since I have to stay close to home, I purchased a Western Washington tag. I would like to try some hunts in GMU 506 (Willipa Hills). Looking at the map it appears most of this is private land.

Can anyone tell me what roads access this area?

(Not looking for your secret spots, just a way to get into the GMU).
Title: Re: GMU 506 access
Post by: ICEMAN on September 15, 2007, 11:24:47 AM: Sure, Hiway 6, from I-5 go past Lebam, turn in and go south at the Willapa Hatchery. Plan on gated roads. But you can find your way back in there.
Title: Re: GMU 506 access
Post by: Little Fish on September 15, 2007, 11:29:19 AM: When you say private land are you saying private timber company land. Most of the timber companies allow access to their land during the hunting season if fire danger isn't too high and although I haven't hunted Willap Hills I think it has a lot of timber company land.
Title: Re: GMU 506 access
Post by: ICEMAN on September 15, 2007, 11:32:15 AM: Yep, mostly private there, timber companies will kick you out if you try camping there, really screws the hunt up. I have had to stealth camp in the GMU in order to stay on elk... The gate closures are pretty thurough in that area. Mountain bike if you can. Good elk there in places.
Title: Re: GMU 506 access
Post by: spin05 on September 15, 2007, 09:37:21 PM: Go up the 1000 mainline out of Pe ell. I think you turn at 3rd street?????? Lots of access there if theres no fire danger.......I find most the elk up high in there.
Title: Re: GMU 506 access
Post by: bullelk1 on September 16, 2007, 11:15:56 AM: Thanks a lot for the information guys, it is most appreciated!

I will do some map work (if I can find one that is somewhat up to date) before I go looking and wandering, keeping in mind of course that my early season time is running out.
Title: Re: GMU 506 access
Post by: Little Fish on September 17, 2007, 01:31:00 PM: Iceman....FYI during modern season when the roads have been open we have located land locked pockets of state land and camped without any problems. This hasn't been in the Willapa Hills unit, but other SW areas. I am not sure how the timber company guys would react to camping on state land if you had to cross private land to get there...even if you went in on foot?
Title: Re: GMU 506 access
Post by: ICEMAN on September 17, 2007, 07:51:42 PM: Yah, I have done the same, but a couple of years down there, had to stealth it, to keep close to the game...