Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: AMHLDO on August 07, 2025, 09:36:20 AM

Title: Early Archery in GMU 407 Van Zandt Dike
Post by: AMHLDO on August 07, 2025, 09:36:20 AM: In the military and have been bow hunting WA off and on over the last 20 years whenever I was lucky enough to get stationed back in WA. I used to always hunt over in the Nile 352 or 336 areas. Went camping over at our old early season spot and I guess there was a big fire in that area since I last lived here. The whole area looks a bit like Hiroshima now and all of those GMUs are spike only.

My schedule is tight this year and I'll be able to hunt the last week of early Archery 14-18 Sep. I'm looking for any information or tips on the 407 and Van Zandt Dike area. I should be able to get up there in the coming weeks to drive the roads and do some scouting.

I'm used to taking my camper and just dry camping. Are there any campgrounds or good dry camping spots in the area?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Early Archery in GMU 407 Van Zandt Dike
Post by: salmosalar on August 08, 2025, 09:23:13 AM: There is dispersed camping on the dike. It's DNR ground. There isn't a whole lot of it.

There are definitely some elk in the area. I am unsure how quickly they get pressured out into closed areas. There is a lot of private ground in the S. Fork valley. You caould always try knocking on doors when you scout.

I have seen Elk WEst of the South Fork and North of the North Fork although I don't think that they frequent those areas often.

I live in B'ham. I hunt elsewhere.
Title: Re: Early Archery in GMU 407 Van Zandt Dike
Post by: AMHLDO on August 11, 2025, 02:59:33 PM: Thanks

I see fairly low hunting pressure during archery from previous years data then modern firearm and muzzle loader get very busy. Changed from any elk to 3 point Min as well.

May have to stay down in Sedro Woolley.
Title: Re: Early Archery in GMU 407 Van Zandt Dike
Post by: Tbar on August 11, 2025, 05:00:51 PM: Quote from: AMHLDO on August 11, 2025, 02:59:33 PM
Thanks

I see fairly low hunting pressure during archery from previous years data then modern firearm and muzzle loader get very busy. Changed from any elk to 3 point Min as well.

May have to stay down in Sedro Woolley.
Around Sedro-Woolley it's permit draw. Area 437.
Title: Re: Early Archery in GMU 407 Van Zandt Dike
Post by: AMHLDO on August 12, 2025, 11:10:41 AM: Tbar,

Sorry, to clarify, I was only referencing where to camp when talking about Sedro. Looking to see if there are any Air BnB in the ACME area as well.
Title: Re: Early Archery in GMU 407 Van Zandt Dike
Post by: overthefalls on August 12, 2025, 02:36:21 PM: There are elk around but you have to work hard and get a little lucky. There are several well used game crossings across mosquito lake road that can be fruitful to sit on. Definitely pays to scout this area leading up to the opener.

A lot of the rutting I have seen in 407 happens down on the farms. Rainey's farm used to be productive but not so much now that they have added the high fence. I have heard of people having success hunting the actual riverbed of the South fork but haven't tried it myself. Shoot me a PM if you want to chat more.
Title: Re: Early Archery in GMU 407 Van Zandt Dike
Post by: AMHLDO on August 14, 2025, 09:38:36 AM: Quote from: overthefalls on August 12, 2025, 02:36:21 PM
There are elk around but you have to work hard and get a little lucky. There are several well used game crossings across mosquito lake road that can be fruitful to sit on. Definitely pays to scout this area leading up to the opener.

A lot of the rutting I have seen in 407 happens down on the farms. Rainey's farm used to be productive but not so much now that they have added the high fence. I have heard of people having success hunting the actual riverbed of the South fork but haven't tried it myself. Shoot me a PM if you want to chat more.

PM Sent, Much Appreciated.