Post by: TRD1911 on February 22, 2021, 04:58:56 PM
"7020 Copalis GMU 642, 648, and 638 (excluding U.S. Forest Service lands). 50 April 15 - June 15 515 / 2.32"
When looking at 638 using my OnX chip, it looks like 90% of the unit is Olympic National Forest while the remaining 10% is Rayonier in the southwest corner of the unit. Typically I wouldn't seek clarification but it just doesn't make sense; does the Olympic National Forest fall under "Forest Service Lands"? If so, did they exclude this massive portion of the unit to focus on damage control hunts on Rayonier? If that's the case that seems like a pay to play scheme for that unit. I always select Kitsap and Mason for spring bear but neither hold elk (or are specialty hunts only) and looking to use my time wisely. Thanks for your help.
Post by: Grizzlybuiltcontracting on February 23, 2021, 12:09:29 PM
I'm looking at submitting my spring bear application today and looking at units that I can double for scouting/setting up cams for archery elk season. Unit 638 seems appealing but I'm seeking clarification on the boundary regulations -
"7020 Copalis GMU 642, 648, and 638 (excluding U.S. Forest Service lands). 50 April 15 - June 15 515 / 2.32"
When looking at 638 using my OnX chip, it looks like 90% of the unit is Olympic National Forest while the remaining 10% is Rayonier in the southwest corner of the unit. Typically I wouldn't seek clarification but it just doesn't make sense; does the Olympic National Forest fall under "Forest Service Lands"? If so, did they exclude this massive portion of the unit to focus on damage control hunts on Rayonier? If that's the case that seems like a pay to play scheme for that unit. I always select Kitsap and Mason for spring bear but neither hold elk (or are specialty hunts only) and looking to use my time wisely. Thanks for your help.
I have hunted that unit in the past. Yes you are correct, Forest Service is the same thing as National Forest , so in 638 you are limited to Rayonier land and they do not offer an access permit for that area. They do offer access to the Rayonier land in the other units, and you pretty much do get full rein of the other two units. It is pretty much a pay to play deal. Its mostly all Rayonier or other privately owned land down there. It is also hard to hunt because it is very flat, and doesnt give you much glassing distance, or visibility.
As for the Kitsap and Mason areas there is a lot of state/public access land, however the the area is really populated so you would be hunting near houses, and I think it is limited to archery gear. (Im not sure about the archery gear though, so dont quote me on it.)
I hope this helps you.
Good luck this spring
Post by: JimmyHoffa on February 23, 2021, 12:31:25 PM
Post by: TRD1911 on February 23, 2021, 12:53:06 PM
Post by: Aginor on March 23, 2021, 02:22:18 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: TRD1911 on March 23, 2021, 02:27:17 PM
Have you ever been successful in Kitsap or Mason?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have. Let know if you need some pointers.
Post by: Platensek-po on March 23, 2021, 02:56:05 PM
Thanks for clarification. I don't understand the limitation on hunting public land for this area. We have a more than healthy bear populatipn....but, I digress. Looks like I'll be putting in for mason/kitsap again
Because spring bear is supposedly about helping the timber companies. I mean tons and tons of accessible timber land in 648. Really wish we had a season in 636 but o well
Post by: TRD1911 on March 23, 2021, 03:11:14 PM
Thanks for clarification. I don't understand the limitation on hunting public land for this area. We have a more than healthy bear populatipn....but, I digress. Looks like I'll be putting in for mason/kitsap again
Because spring bear is supposedly about helping the timber companies. I mean tons and tons of accessible timber land in 648. Really wish we had a season in 636 but o well
Agreed but shouldn't the timber companies then wave the gate fees in their areas to encourage success rates? I know I'm probably opening a can of worms for no reason since I'm hanging out in the loser-lounge for spring bear this year, ha!
Post by: Platensek-po on March 23, 2021, 03:22:35 PM
Post by: Aginor on March 23, 2021, 03:24:33 PM
Post by: TRD1911 on March 23, 2021, 04:20:43 PM
I could definitely use some tips. I live in Kitsap, but in the firearm restriction area, so I haven’t even bothered applying here. The DNR land I’ve been to was loaded with people which I figured made it hopeless
Message sent