Post by: Archery King on August 20, 2015, 05:47:07 AM
Post by: MLBowhunting on August 20, 2015, 05:52:25 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on August 20, 2015, 05:59:52 AM
Post by: nwhunter on August 20, 2015, 06:53:25 AM
Post by: Knocker of rocks on August 20, 2015, 07:30:40 AM
As of yesterday the USFS closed the Umatilla NF to all vehicles and foot traffic.
You sure?
Quote
Pendleton, OR: Forest officials on the Umatilla National Forest have implemented Phase C public use restrictions effective immediately due to extreme fire danger, the potential for human caused fires, and concern for public safety.http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3850947
Phase C Fire restrictions are:
Campfires are not allowed. Liquid and bottle gas stoves only.
No internal combustions engine operation, except for motor vehicles.
Smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles and buildings, developed recreation sites, or cleared areas.
No off-road/off-trail vehicle travel or travel on roads not cleared of standing grass or other flammable material; no vehicle travel on those Forest Service roads where access has been impeded or blocked by earthen berm, logs, boulders, barrier, barricade or gate, or as otherwise identified in the Fire Order.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umatilla/alerts-notices
Looks like road travel in the 1.4 million acre NF as well as all foot travel everywhere except the fire closure areas is un affected. It is almost impossible to close an entire National Forest, I am unaware of it ever occurring since I became aware of such things.
Post by: Lnk on August 20, 2015, 07:36:05 AM
As of yesterday the USFS closed the Umatilla NF to all vehicles and foot traffic.I couldn't find anything on that curious where u got the info?
Post by: stickflngr on August 20, 2015, 07:40:44 AM
Post by: Woodchuck on August 20, 2015, 07:42:15 AM
Just got off the phone with Pomeroy ranger district and she said the closure is the Tucannon/Wehaha area on the Godman spring side. The area around Misery spring cg and Wikiup camp ground is still all open..I wonder if one hand knows what the other is doing, I called them yesterday and got a different story. :dunno:
Post by: Knocker of rocks on August 20, 2015, 07:48:22 AM
Post by: Lnk on August 20, 2015, 07:57:55 AM
There are several closures, you can piece it together by looking at the closure maps available on lineYea u can find several closures but according to the THREAD it's the blue mtns r closed nd no where could I find anything close to that
Post by: Knocker of rocks on August 20, 2015, 08:02:06 AM
Post by: CoryTDF on August 20, 2015, 08:13:14 AM
Post by: tonymoe on August 20, 2015, 08:32:20 AM
He also said its gonna take 2" of rain before they open it.
Post by: Lnk on August 20, 2015, 08:41:57 AM
Post by: bearmanric on August 20, 2015, 08:42:49 AM
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/
Post by: Lnk on August 20, 2015, 08:46:42 AM
Post by: tonymoe on August 20, 2015, 09:13:28 AM
Post by: nw_bowhunter on August 20, 2015, 10:22:56 AM
Post by: Firedogg on August 20, 2015, 11:04:11 AM
Post by: SkookumHntr on August 20, 2015, 12:33:08 PM
Paul wik (east side bio) just called me and updated me that the wilderness is not going to be open for the hunt. He said WDFW has no control over the usfs closure, and that I can take a chance on them opening the hunt or get my points back. He said they are meeting Monday to discuss it further, but he wasn't even sure if the muzzy guys would even get a chance on there tags.they won't get 2" of rain by November!
He also said its gonna take 2" of rain before they open it.
Post by: j_h_nimrod on August 20, 2015, 12:54:01 PM
If you did draw :sry: I can imagine it is pretty stressful at this point.
There is still hope but it is fading fast in many areas.
Post by: vandeman17 on August 20, 2015, 01:05:17 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on August 20, 2015, 01:09:59 PM
This is probably one of the few years that many people NOT SELECTED are actually happy about it :IBCOOL:I noticed in the raffle ticket numbers that the wetside elk raffle ticket had a lot more tickets sold than the eastside, which is unlike what has been in years past. Wondered if maybe a bunch of people figure that too much of the eastside would likely be closed down?
If you did draw :sry: I can imagine it is pretty stressful at this point.
There is still hope but it is fading fast in many areas.
Post by: Woodchuck on August 20, 2015, 01:26:47 PM
not to derail the thread but for those guys getting points back from closures, does that mean they just have to put in next year or what about moving tag to next year?All I have ever heard of is getting points back, so if they do that the current permit holders just get to get back in the pool of diminishing return...
I feel horrible for the folks with green cards in their pockets right now. :bash:
Post by: coldsteel3d on August 20, 2015, 01:29:08 PM
Post by: Woodchuck on August 20, 2015, 01:32:15 PM
Post by: bobcat on August 20, 2015, 01:34:14 PM
I noticed in the raffle ticket numbers that the wetside elk raffle ticket had a lot more tickets sold than the eastside, which is unlike what has been in years past. Wondered if maybe a bunch of people figure that too much of the eastside would likely be closed down?
I bet it was only one person who decided he really needed a west side elk raffle tag this year, and purchased a couple thousand tickets.
Post by: B.G.hunter on August 20, 2015, 01:43:09 PM
So it looks like the only people who are entirely locked out of their entire hunting area are the 3 of us that have Wenaha West tags and possibly the East tag holders as well right? It looks like portions of the other units are closed but not the entire units right?No the whole Wenaha Wilderness is closed so both east and west. And I have heard that Grouse Flats is on a Level 2 Evacuation order.
Post by: tonymoe on August 20, 2015, 01:55:58 PM
So it looks like the only people who are entirely locked out of their entire hunting area are the 3 of us that have Wenaha West tags and possibly the East tag holders as well right? It looks like portions of the other units are closed but not the entire units right?
Looks that way. It is a little frustrating, especially after putting a ton of time in. I would love to be grandfathered in for next year, but that just wouldn't be right to others. At this point I'll take my points back and lick my wounds.
Here's spikey, spikey....here spikey
Post by: Mxracer532 on August 20, 2015, 02:06:23 PM
So it looks like the only people who are entirely locked out of their entire hunting area are the 3 of us that have Wenaha West tags and possibly the East tag holders as well right? It looks like portions of the other units are closed but not the entire units right?
Looks that way. It is a little frustrating, especially after putting a ton of time in. I would love to be grandfathered in for next year, but that just wouldn't be right to others. At this point I'll take my points back and lick my wounds.
Thats where you and I disagree, I am a East Wenaha tag holder and I think it all tag holders should be grandfathered into the next year. It to me is 100% fair. We got lucky and are due 1 season to get to hunt. If they grandfathered in situations out of anyones control and everyone knew that those particular units were not an option then guys could make the decision to either take a points option or put in for a different unit. I dont see if fair to tag holders to shove them back into the lottery and potentially not be drawn for many more years or depending on age maybe never draw.
Here's spikey, spikey....here spikey
Post by: bobcat on August 20, 2015, 02:14:58 PM
Post by: JJB11B on August 20, 2015, 02:16:18 PM
Post by: Firedogg on August 20, 2015, 02:36:03 PM
Post by: Landowner on August 20, 2015, 06:12:51 PM
Post by: 92xj on August 20, 2015, 06:14:03 PM
Can for sure see that from a long ways away.
Post by: steve04 on August 20, 2015, 07:01:56 PM
Post by: coldsteel3d on August 20, 2015, 07:22:52 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on August 20, 2015, 07:33:34 PM
Blue creek in walla walla just had fire crews dispatched near wear the fire was last month
Like a hot spot took off?
Post by: ing on August 20, 2015, 07:36:11 PM
Post by: JJB11B on August 20, 2015, 07:37:53 PM
Post by: Landowner on August 20, 2015, 08:40:20 PM
This fire has some staying power and doesn't appear to be done yet for the next few days.
Post by: emac on August 20, 2015, 08:47:17 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F08%2F20%2F8ba13289617c9e10afe6a8d4150cd66b.jpg&hash=a6d7ad12df13a6cead39dc6f222b2127037ee019)(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F08%2F20%2F08b52b928cb608148c3bc63f7caae332.jpg&hash=7fae09871afae0a0f9d8a0b295d670edb0a1c37b)
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Post by: idahohuntr on August 20, 2015, 08:58:27 PM
Yep. A tree in the previously burned area above my neighbors house started up...they have been finding a few hotspots, this one flared a bit with the winds but they had it out in short order.Blue creek in walla walla just had fire crews dispatched near wear the fire was last month
Like a hot spot took off?
Post by: Timberstalker on August 20, 2015, 09:03:45 PM
Crazy. Glad they got it put out.Yep. A tree in the previously burned area above my neighbors house started up...they have been finding a few hotspots, this one flared a bit with the winds but they had it out in short order.Blue creek in walla walla just had fire crews dispatched near wear the fire was last month
Like a hot spot took off?
Post by: Timberstalker on August 20, 2015, 09:04:29 PM
Post by: Firedogg on August 20, 2015, 10:20:31 PM
Post by: emac on August 21, 2015, 04:59:55 AM
Emac, that's a big ass plume of smoke. Wow.Yeah it looked like an atomic bomb went off
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Post by: nwhunter on August 27, 2015, 07:38:38 AM
Post by: Mxracer532 on August 27, 2015, 07:47:22 AM
Post by: CoryTDF on August 27, 2015, 08:00:58 AM
Nothing has been made official but I have been in contact with the Biologists and they have said the ball is rolling on refunding points.Do you know which units that would be for exactly?
Post by: BULLBLASTER on August 27, 2015, 08:20:12 AM
Post by: CoyoteChuck52 on August 27, 2015, 08:28:43 AM
Bummer deal all around. Even with giving points back your odds of drawing again are still slim. I really feel for the guys with the tags of a lifetime in fire areas this year.
no permit draws for 2016...
2015 permit holders roll into 2016 :chuckle:
Post by: coldsteel3d on August 27, 2015, 09:21:23 AM
Bummer deal all around. Even with giving points back your odds of drawing again are still slim. I really feel for the guys with the tags of a lifetime in fire areas this year.
no permit draws for 2016...
2015 permit holders roll into 2016 :chuckle:
I all for that! It would be the best option I think! :tup:
Post by: Jonathan_S on August 27, 2015, 09:22:18 AM
Bummer deal all around. Even with giving points back your odds of drawing again are still slim. I really feel for the guys with the tags of a lifetime in fire areas this year.
no permit draws for 2016...
2015 permit holders roll into 2016 :chuckle:
I all for that! It would be the best option I think! :tup:
You two must have drawn :chuckle:
Post by: BULLBLASTER on August 27, 2015, 09:36:13 AM
I'd be all for it if it applied regardless if I get to hunt my permit this year!Bummer deal all around. Even with giving points back your odds of drawing again are still slim. I really feel for the guys with the tags of a lifetime in fire areas this year.
no permit draws for 2016...
2015 permit holders roll into 2016 :chuckle:
I all for that! It would be the best option I think! :tup:
Post by: Mxracer532 on August 27, 2015, 09:52:03 AM
Bummer deal all around. Even with giving points back your odds of drawing again are still slim. I really feel for the guys with the tags of a lifetime in fire areas this year.
no permit draws for 2016...
2015 permit holders roll into 2016 :chuckle:
^^^^^ THIS IS EXACTLY THE WAY IT SHOULD BE!
Post by: Elkpiss on August 27, 2015, 10:05:20 AM
Bummer deal all around. Even with giving points back your odds of drawing again are still slim. I really feel for the guys with the tags of a lifetime in fire areas this year.
no permit draws for 2016...
2015 permit holders roll into 2016 :chuckle:
^^^^^ THIS IS EXACTLY THE WAY IT SHOULD BE!
X2. What units are hit the hardest? is the west wenh torched on the east end?
Post by: Mxracer532 on August 27, 2015, 10:18:59 AM
Post by: dreamingbig on August 27, 2015, 12:04:59 PM
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Post by: Curly on August 27, 2015, 12:15:41 PM
Bummer deal all around. Even with giving points back your odds of drawing again are still slim. I really feel for the guys with the tags of a lifetime in fire areas this year.
no permit draws for 2016...
2015 permit holders roll into 2016 :chuckle:
^^^^^ THIS IS EXACTLY THE WAY IT SHOULD BE!
:yeah:
Yeah. Everyone who drew a permit in an area that gets shutdown should be given a permit for next year. That seems like the most fair way of handling it........they have always just given back points so I doubt they would change, but you never know.
Post by: bobcat on August 27, 2015, 12:25:18 PM
Post by: jackelope on August 27, 2015, 12:25:31 PM
So did the state give the archery tag holders an official answer about your season in the BLues(wilderness units)? I have heard lots of rumors.
I was told today that nothing is official yet but archery hunts in the Wenaha are unlikely to happen at this point.
Post by: jackelope on August 27, 2015, 12:27:52 PM
It depends on each individual permit. If it's an area where they could offer a later season, they might do that. That's what they did for me three years ago with the Winston early muzzleloader permit I had. They gave us two weeks to hunt in December. They could offer that as an option and if the person does not want to hunt the later season, then restore the points.
Was that a cow tag?
I'd be hot if I drew an archery bull tag in the rut and I couldn't hunt. Especially if I was given a hunt in October or November or something like that after the rut.
Post by: trophyhunt on August 27, 2015, 12:28:39 PM
That is a major bummer!! In the past I don't believe they give permits for the next year, just points back possibly?So did the state give the archery tag holders an official answer about your season in the BLues(wilderness units)? I have heard lots of rumors.
I was told today that nothing is official yet but archery hunts in the Wenaha are unlikely to happen at this point.
Post by: bobcat on August 27, 2015, 12:29:54 PM
Post by: cbond3318 on August 27, 2015, 12:31:18 PM
Post by: Big6bull on August 27, 2015, 01:26:12 PM
Post by: Firedogg on August 27, 2015, 08:38:33 PM
This is how Oregon is handling their tag holders.
The following is an update from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The #GrizzlyBearComplex information office can’t answer questions about tags and permits. If hunters have questions about Bull Elk tags, they should call the ODFW Licensing Division at 503 947 6101.
We expect to have information from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife later this week, and we will pass it along.
“ODFW has called Wenaha Branch Bull Hunters (256R1) and told them they can exchange their tags free of charge prior to the start of archery season for a general elk archery tag. Those who decide to exchange will get all of their original preference points reinstated and a new point issued as if they were unsuccessful.
In order to take advantage of this the following needs to happen PRIOR to August 29th:
· Exchange 256R1 one bull elk tag for general archery elk tag at any ODFW office with POS capability
· Exchange will be made for free
· If the person has not bought their tag yet they should still come into an ODFW office so we have a record of them declining their 256R1 tag and purchasing a general archery elk tag.
Licensing/Controlled hunts will provide hunter with the proper way to document this transaction – would suggest that we include a signature as a record.”
Post by: Curly on August 27, 2015, 09:33:48 PM
:twocents:
Post by: BLUEBULLS on August 28, 2015, 07:28:37 AM
I don't think it's fair to give them the permit for next year. We all take the risk hunting early archery. And should know before hand what the possible senarios could be. Points back for units that are 100 % unhuntable should be garenteed... Just my opinion
True for a lot of tags. I've literally been snowed out of an area before, as have others. I fell for the tagholders but that's the life when an event like this takes place.
Post by: Sumpnneedskillin on August 28, 2015, 08:14:50 AM
Some hunts may go up in smoke: Massive wildfires have state agencies scrambling to adjust as hunting seasons arrive. http://bit.ly/1UhyreN
Some bow hunters in Washington could miss out on elk hunts in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness because of fires there, but Idaho has no plans to cancel or alter any of its hunts near the many blazes plaguing the Clearwater region.
The Umatilla National Forest has closed the entire Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness Area in the Blue Mountains, where a pair of branch-antler archery bull elk hunts are scheduled to start Sept. 5. Paul Wik, district wildlife biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at Clarkston, said it looks probable hunters who hold the lottery-awarded permits won't be able to hunt.
"At this point, we are assuming that the wilderness will not open back up for public entry in time, unless the weather changes," he said.
The department is working to restore special permit preference points to people who drew permits if they are not able to use them. Washington has a system where hunters build up points over time that give them more favorable drawing odds. Wik said if the area remains closed and the hunt has to be canceled, those holding the permits would relinquish the permits and likely be able to use the preference points in next year's drawing.
"We will reinstate points they used to draw the tags," Wik said. "We are still working through that process at the headquarters level."
Post by: Drop-tine on August 30, 2015, 12:49:18 PM
Post by: MichaelD on August 30, 2015, 12:51:34 PM
Post by: coldsteel3d on August 30, 2015, 04:01:00 PM
Post by: Drop-tine on August 30, 2015, 08:21:40 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on August 31, 2015, 10:30:01 AM
Post by: Mxracer532 on August 31, 2015, 11:11:45 AM
Post by: Timberstalker on August 31, 2015, 11:13:31 AM
Cory, Paul Wik just called me and for my unit East Wenaha WDFW has made the official decision. Mail in permit by Friday for your points to be returned or hold out and hope it opens.
You turning it in? Or you going to gamble?
Post by: SkookumHntr on August 31, 2015, 11:55:25 AM
Post by: CoryTDF on August 31, 2015, 01:30:28 PM
Cory, Paul Wik just called me and for my unit East Wenaha WDFW has made the official decision. Mail in permit by Friday for your points to be returned or hold out and hope it opens.
Do you have contact information for him? Could you PM me that info is so?
Post by: CoryTDF on August 31, 2015, 01:48:34 PM
Post by: coldsteel3d on August 31, 2015, 02:48:25 PM
Just got off the phone with WDFW they told me that I had to wait until the 10th before I could even think about asking to get my points. They said if ANY part of my permit area is open then I will most likely not get my points back. Also, the fact that if an area is open but does not have elk in it is not a reason to restore points. So it looks like I'm going to be biting my nails and waiting. It seem like it is ridiculous if I want to get my points back before the season has started who cares. The potential elk that I may kill will live to see another day. Give out on extra permit next year if necessary.
Problem with that is if they don't make it cut and dry like they have then on any other year people will be looking fot reason to turn their tag in and get their points back. If you read the email they sent out the mailing your permit back only pertains to the unit where 100% of hunting opportunity is closed. Basically Wenaha west and east.
Post by: CoryTDF on August 31, 2015, 02:56:38 PM
Just got off the phone with WDFW they told me that I had to wait until the 10th before I could even think about asking to get my points. They said if ANY part of my permit area is open then I will most likely not get my points back. Also, the fact that if an area is open but does not have elk in it is not a reason to restore points. So it looks like I'm going to be biting my nails and waiting. It seem like it is ridiculous if I want to get my points back before the season has started who cares. The potential elk that I may kill will live to see another day. Give out on extra permit next year if necessary.
Problem with that is if they don't make it cut and dry like they have then on any other year people will be looking fot reason to turn their tag in and get their points back. If you read the email they sent out the mailing your permit back only pertains to the unit where 100% of hunting opportunity is closed. Basically Wenaha west and east.
Yeah I'll play it out and see what happens. If I had the choice right now I would just turn in the tag and wait for another time. It's only a cow tag so it's not a big deal.
Post by: Mxracer532 on August 31, 2015, 04:30:00 PM
Cory, Paul Wik just called me and for my unit East Wenaha WDFW has made the official decision. Mail in permit by Friday for your points to be returned or hold out and hope it opens.
You turning it in? Or you going to gamble?
Yes, im not the gambling type. :'(
Post by: Timberstalker on August 31, 2015, 04:31:35 PM
Hope you can still kill a general season elk. Best of luck. :tup:
Post by: Mxracer532 on August 31, 2015, 04:49:41 PM
Sorry to hear that man. I figured any smart man would turn it in.
Hope you can still kill a general season elk. Best of luck. :tup:
May all the current tag holders kill a 400 plus bull when they do get to hunt. :dunno:
Post by: 2labs on August 31, 2015, 04:55:57 PM
But " Not Selected"
Post by: BLUEBULLS on August 31, 2015, 05:22:12 PM
Just got off the phone with WDFW they told me that I had to wait until the 10th before I could even think about asking to get my points. They said if ANY part of my permit area is open then I will most likely not get my points back. Also, the fact that if an area is open but does not have elk in it is not a reason to restore points. So it looks like I'm going to be biting my nails and waiting. It seem like it is ridiculous if I want to get my points back before the season has started who cares. The potential elk that I may kill will live to see another day. Give out on extra permit next year if necessary.
I really hope they don't close the NF. If they don't you'll still have great areas just a good hike to get in them.
Post by: coldsteel3d on August 31, 2015, 05:56:27 PM
Feel bad for you guys that drew. If I drew with just a few points I might risk it.
But " Not Selected"
Yeah but what's the limit of "just a few points", I drew with 8 and can't decide if that is too many to risk or not?
Post by: growler on August 31, 2015, 06:01:24 PM
Post by: coldsteel3d on August 31, 2015, 06:05:20 PM
It looks like the 64 and Skyline are all closed. Can you even get up to Chase Mt or Godman or Paige?
No, not right now but from what I was told they will reopen.
Post by: gaddy on August 31, 2015, 06:17:55 PM
Post by: BLUEBULLS on August 31, 2015, 06:34:30 PM
When ? have you heard anything special ? The last i saw was that the skyline was closed from the forest boundary south. Is there an update ?
Still closed and closed at touches corral coming from the other way.
Post by: coldsteel3d on August 31, 2015, 06:37:24 PM
Post by: gaddy on August 31, 2015, 06:49:50 PM
Post by: growler on August 31, 2015, 07:02:28 PM
Post by: coldsteel3d on August 31, 2015, 07:46:45 PM
Post by: Landowner on August 31, 2015, 07:52:53 PM
I don't know an exact date I just know that between the rain they got yesterday and the rain they are hopefully gonna get this week hopefully that will be enough to open the roads and NF.
Better hope for more rain in a hurry. Today's InciWeb comments on yesterday's rains were pretty bleak:
Quote
" Yesterday’s rain was sparse over most of the fire area and did not penetrate the tree canopy. Fire will still be active, finding its way through heavier fuels."http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/4511/28738/
Post by: coldsteel3d on August 31, 2015, 08:03:06 PM
Post by: SkookumHntr on August 31, 2015, 08:52:29 PM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on August 31, 2015, 09:07:53 PM
I drew a Dayton archery cow tag. I emailed WDFW and asked if they close the NF down if they will refund my points. I was told that as long as there is a single opportunity in the unit to hunt that no points will be returned. For my tag in particular this is a bunch of crap as the private land in the Dayton unit is all part of elk area 1010 and the rainwater property does not allow the harvest of cow elk. So the "Dayton" cow tag is really only for the are that is NF. If it's all closed off how am I to hunt that? Anyway, what am I crying for it's just a cow tag the Bull tag holders are the ones who have the right to be pissed. I just think that if they are going to be that hard nosed about a cow tag who knows what they will do for the bull tag guys.You know they do not like giving money back ...Hope it works out and you get to hunt ...
Post by: Bob33 on August 31, 2015, 09:46:09 PM
Post by: GameHunter1959 on September 01, 2015, 01:41:37 AM
I drew a Dayton archery cow tag. I emailed WDFW and asked if they close the NF down if they will refund my points. I was told that as long as there is a single opportunity in the unit to hunt that no points will be returned. For my tag in particular this is a bunch of crap as the private land in the Dayton unit is all part of elk area 1010 and the rainwater property does not allow the harvest of cow elk. So the "Dayton" cow tag is really only for the are that is NF. If it's all closed off how am I to hunt that? Anyway, what am I crying for it's just a cow tag the Bull tag holders are the ones who have the right to be pissed. I just think that if they are going to be that hard nosed about a cow tag who knows what they will do for the bull tag guys.You know they do not like giving money back ...Hope it works out and you get to hunt ...
That's a points taker hunt choice IMO. I agree with everything you stated.