Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: JoelT on June 15, 2023, 04:21:15 PM

Title: Skookumchuck Youth
Post by: JoelT on June 15, 2023, 04:21:15 PM: Quick question and I could be totally off track. Would like to start with saying I have hinted the unit my whole life not looking for info but willing to accept any and all.
I thought I heard that vail was giving the kids access to the tree farm for this hunt the week before the general season starts. I didn't buy an access permit but would love to utilize this option if it's really a thing.
Title: Re: Skookumchuck Youth
Post by: redi on June 15, 2023, 04:35:20 PM: Weyerhaeuser used to do that not sure if they still do. Good luck
Title: Re: Skookumchuck Youth
Post by: Bullkllr on June 15, 2023, 04:41:31 PM: :yeah:

I haven't heard any recent updates, but I know they did up to a few years ago anyway.

Here is their email:

NorthwestAdmin@weyerhaeuser.com
Title: Re: Skookumchuck Youth
Post by: Ridgerunner on June 15, 2023, 05:42:27 PM: When my kids had the tag in 19 they gave them one day access (opening day). Rest of the time you needed a permit. I believe the last few years they did not give access. Actually criminal in my mind, it is such a good hunt for youth but they don't really care about that. It's too bad the state doesn't step up and pay them an access fee so youth can have a quality experience.
Title: Re: Skookumchuck Youth
Post by: JoelT on June 15, 2023, 05:51:34 PM: Quote from: Bullkllr on June 15, 2023, 04:41:31 PM
:yeah:

I haven't heard any recent updates, but I know they did up to a few years ago anyway.

Here is their email:

NorthwestAdmin@weyerhaeuser.com
Thank you sir!
Title: Re: Skookumchuck Youth
Post by: Antlershed on June 15, 2023, 08:46:28 PM: Last year they did not give the kids access.
Title: Re: Skookumchuck Youth
Post by: blackymaster20 on June 15, 2023, 10:16:15 PM: If you know anyone who got a pass you could get a 2 day pass I believe don't remember how much it costs.
Title: Re: Skookumchuck Youth
Post by: cem3434 on June 15, 2023, 10:36:14 PM: Quote from: Antlershed on June 15, 2023, 08:46:28 PM
Last year they did not give the kids access.

:yeah: I bought a pass before putting my daughter in for this very reason. Not a lot of public access outside of Vail. :sry:
Title: Re: Skookumchuck Youth
Post by: Alan K on June 16, 2023, 06:09:04 AM: Weyerhaeuser Vail is of course the big tree farm in the unit, but there is some Port Blakely and DNR on the west side and USFS and SPI (West Fork) on the east side that hold plenty of deer. Not necessarily motorized access though.

I'd see if the guest pass is valid for you and anyone that would be allowed under your permit, or if guests are just considered the individual named. Either way, I think they allow two guest passes now, so worst case would just burn two slots for you and your kid. They're $100 each.

Wish Weyerhaeuser would sell their permits before the draws like other companies.
Title: Re: Skookumchuck Youth
Post by: cem3434 on June 19, 2023, 07:18:24 AM: Yes you might be able to find someone that has a permit that will buy the buddy passes for you to get access. My understanding is it is $100 per person for 2 days, so you would have to buy two assuming you want to tag along with your kid on the hunt.

Just as an FYI, they did sell the Vail permits before the draw deadline this year. Like Alan K suggested there are some other areas, but not easily accessible. Your other option is to turn the permit back in and have the points restored where your kid can try to draw it next year if you have a Vail permit then.

Good luck and hopefully your kiddo has some success this season.