Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Waterfowl => Topic started by: Slothman60 on November 16, 2024, 09:17:13 PM

Title: Chehalis River valley tips?
Post by: Slothman60 on November 16, 2024, 09:17:13 PM
I recently moved to Elma and I’m curious on places to go and other advice to hunt the area. Is there good places to go that are accessible without a boat and dog around Elma and Montesano? TIA
Title: Re: Chehalis River valley tips?
Post by: metlhead on November 17, 2024, 08:48:59 AM
None that aren't already pounded and a waste of time. Boat is key to sucess although the valley is beginning to fill with water. Birds scatter to private lands. Knock on doors and maybe get lucky. Late season super freeze will put em back on the river for a few days. Boat
Title: Re: Chehalis River valley tips?
Post by: brew on November 17, 2024, 09:55:07 AM
I drove by the wdfw land off hwy 12 about 130 yesterday.  Nobody hunting it and had a couple dozen ducks sitting on it.  Came back through about 430 and there were more
Title: Re: Chehalis River valley tips?
Post by: metlhead on November 17, 2024, 04:27:08 PM
Scouted the valley this afternoon. Rochester to Satsop is a dead zone on state land. Private lands had a few birds scattered. Swans arrived and saw some buffies so migrant flocks are not far behind.
Title: Re: Chehalis River valley tips?
Post by: ASHQUACK on November 17, 2024, 06:33:10 PM
Scouted the valley this afternoon. Rochester to Satsop is a dead zone on state land. Private lands had a few birds scattered. Swans arrived and saw some buffies so migrant flocks are not far behind.

I did the same on Thursday.  Saw a few birds sitting on private well posted land. Did see one group of woodies that jumped and bailed as soon as I stopped the truck. I was suprised at the lack of sheet water even after the rain. I agree with your assessment. Those swans are cool to see.
Title: Re: Chehalis River valley tips?
Post by: ducks4days on November 19, 2024, 09:49:50 AM
Ive kayaked the river 6 times and was always successful either pass shooting ducks flying between the trees on the sloughs or setting up in shallow flats or ponds with a handful of decoys when the tide comes in. You can get setup with a kayak, travel rack, and blind / cover for under $1k and have access to spots holding birds every day of the season.

Its worth remembering that ducks like to hide, just because you dont see a cyclone of them from the road doesnt mean they arent there.
Title: Re: Chehalis River valley tips?
Post by: The.Fur.bearing.trout on November 30, 2024, 09:44:03 PM
In regards to hitting the river is a kayak necessary, or could you get away with a 12/13 foot John boat?
Title: Re: Chehalis River valley tips?
Post by: metlhead on December 01, 2024, 10:44:43 AM
Chehalis is very tame. Jon would be fine if you can maneuver it easily. Kayak is fine also. Do your map research before hitting the water so you have an idea where backwaters be.
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