Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: Angus on August 02, 2020, 11:20:50 AM

Title: Another Weyco/St Helens tree farm ???
Post by: Angus on August 02, 2020, 11:20:50 AM: So I did something I swore I would never do, I paid to play on Weyco's St Helens tree farm. I've been studying the map they sent and noticed there are a lot of gated roads inside the main gates which I thought was cool, I like hiking/biking in behind gates. Well, I had a few hours of free time and went for a drive this morning to check out the area and do a little scouting, I drove by about a dozen gates and everyone was open, just wondering if they're all open and stay open or if I keep looking will I find any closed gates? slightly disappointed if that's the case.

The scouting part didn't disappoint, saw some elk, saw some deer including a very nice buck and a porcupine, not a bad 4 hour drive.
Title: Re: Another Weyco/St Helens tree farm ???
Post by: Bullkllr on August 02, 2020, 11:23:20 AM: They will all stay open.

And yes, it's disappointing. Worst part of the whole permit thing imo.

Only roads that are not open are in areas on the map marked with red slashes.
Title: Re: Another Weyco/St Helens tree farm ???
Post by: pianoman9701 on August 02, 2020, 11:27:51 AM: I believe even the locked gates can be accessed by WEYCO employees. Not positive but that's how it used to be.
Title: Re: Another Weyco/St Helens tree farm ???
Post by: Angus on August 02, 2020, 11:57:48 AM: That's what I was afraid of, thanks guys.
Title: Re: Another Weyco/St Helens tree farm ???
Post by: Remnar on August 02, 2020, 01:11:48 PM: Quote from: pianoman9701 on August 02, 2020, 11:27:51 AM
I believe even the locked gates can be accessed by WEYCO employees. Not positive but that's how it used to be.

Only if they are working behind them . Employees have to get a permit like everybody else .
Title: Re: Another Weyco/St Helens tree farm ???
Post by: pianoman9701 on August 02, 2020, 01:58:03 PM: Thanks. Good to know. Some years ago, I was hunting either WEYCO or Hancock and the roads were gated but the employees had access. That was discouraging after a 3 or 4 mile hike.
Title: Re: Another Weyco/St Helens tree farm ???
Post by: MADMAX on August 02, 2020, 02:29:04 PM: I personally think its still the same
Title: Re: Another Weyco/St Helens tree farm ???
Post by: ASienkiewich on August 20, 2020, 12:56:02 AM: Definitely wish the would have more gated/wildlife escapement areas. But we still get away from the mass of road hunters every year, just gotta not be afraid of the thick stuff

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Title: Re: Another Weyco/St Helens tree farm ???
Post by: elkoholic on August 20, 2020, 06:28:19 AM: Quote from: pianoman9701 on August 02, 2020, 01:58:03 PM
Thanks. Good to know. Some years ago, I was hunting either WEYCO or Hancock and the roads were gated but the employees had access. That was discouraging after a 3 or 4 mile hike.

Not Weyco but a couple of years ago down at the coast I was about 4 miles in on private timber land behind locked gates and shot a cow during late archery(solo) and was about 1/2 way done breaking her down and boning her out when I could swear I heard christmas music and about 1 minute later here comes a timber employee and his daughter driving in to cut a Christmas tree. He said if you can be ready to go in about 30 minutes We will pick you up on our way out and drive you back to the gate with all your meat. I kicked her into high gear and was ready to go. Easiest pack out ever...
Title: Re: Another Weyco/St Helens tree farm ???
Post by: Dark2Dark on August 20, 2020, 11:46:19 PM: I think in the past, before you had to buy keys, some weyco employees has keys to locked gates that everyone else has to hike past.

Some of the gates that are open at times will be closed early mornings, evenings and weekends. Some will be closed at all times due to no active shows in that area.

But as far as areas where you can’t access them by vehicle with the key, there are very few. If you look around enough you can find a few spots where some roads are dug out so access is by foot only.