Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: PA BEN on July 18, 2010, 06:14:11 PM

Title: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: PA BEN on July 18, 2010, 06:14:11 PM: I just started scouting, looking for area's to hunt, learning the roads etc. I've done a little elk hunting in these area's but don't know them all that will. I know each area you hunt has the bigger BULLs. I drew the Peninsula tag, Sept. 20-24, I've got 5 days with a rifle in the peck of the rut. What I'm looking for is not your honey hole, (unless you want too), just general area's to hunt for the biggest bulls. This hunt is after archery season and muzzle loader starts in Oct. PM's will work, and your info is safe with me. I moved here 5 years ago and hunt by myself. I'm from Chewelah and hunt turkey and white tails. And info will put you on my buddy list to hunt eastern Washington w/me. ;)
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: MADMAX on July 19, 2010, 06:45:59 AM: I have not hunted those units in years, the 602 Dickey used to be all permit so I would think the bulls would be there, anywhere you don't have tribal easy access.
The 612 Goodman I have seen elk out there in the swampy areas and lots on private ground or around the Calawah and Solduc rivers
607 Solduc has big bull elk and the closer you get to the park boundary the better, for my money I would hit 607 and scout along FR 2918 and Cooper ranch to FR 2923
Good luck
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: PA BEN on July 19, 2010, 04:11:45 PM: Thanks, I put 118 miles out scouting those area's this last weekend.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: MADMAX on July 21, 2010, 05:55:54 AM: And what was the results ?
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: PA BEN on July 21, 2010, 05:58:39 AM: Just deer and a lot of steep overgrown hills.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: MADMAX on July 21, 2010, 06:00:28 AM: They are pretty steep at the end of the road up there huh
I know the Sol Duc does get some nice bulls in there.
Good luck
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: bigbull94 on July 23, 2010, 10:55:35 AM: PM SENT
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: PA BEN on July 23, 2010, 07:55:06 PM: Thanks ;)
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: BAR C3 on July 23, 2010, 08:07:00 PM: Sent you a PM
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: PA BEN on July 23, 2010, 09:21:30 PM: Thanks ;)
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: PA BEN on August 17, 2010, 06:08:21 AM: Boy is it hot. Not the elk, the temp, 90 in Forks last Saturday and 84 Sunday in the mountains along the Park line. Went on a long bike ride on some closed roads, a few tracks that's it. For now I'm just tiring to learn my area's.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: BAR C3 on August 17, 2010, 06:25:35 AM: Quote from: PA BEN on August 17, 2010, 06:08:21 AM
Boy is it hot. Not the elk, the temp, 90 in Forks last Saturday and 84 Sunday in the mountains along the Park line. Went on a long bike ride on some closed roads, a few tracks that's it. For now I'm just tiring to learn my area's.
You might check with the game department on retrieving game from the park. Back when I lived over there I hunted on the park line and as long as you could show where you shot the animal and the blood trail, you could get it with there supervision. I'm told that isn't the case anymore. Those animals know there safe there and thats right where they head if not hit hard!
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: spin05 on August 17, 2010, 05:03:03 PM: If it were me i would hunt the Dickey unit. It was permit only and had some dandy bulls in there.Been trying to make it up there for archery. Beware its real brushy so your shots will not be far... I am trying to remember the name of that mountain up there...
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: HoofsandWings on August 17, 2010, 09:38:16 PM: PA Ben, did you get my PM?
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: nwhunter on August 17, 2010, 09:39:50 PM: There are still a lot of elk in the Dickey but not the big bulls like back when it was permit. The natives wiped out those big bulls thus the general hunting unit it is now. There are some good bulls back in the swamps I know but thats not where I would be with a rifle rut tag. nwhunter
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: PA BEN on August 20, 2010, 06:43:40 PM: So do you think these bulls that hang in the Park, no when archery season is over? You know 3rd week of Sept. all hunting pressure is over. :dunno: And then the rut drives them out to play.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: HoofsandWings on August 21, 2010, 09:47:05 PM: Just like there are traditional calving areas, there are traditional rutting areas. My guess would be places where bugling can be heard for a distance, space for the harem, space to see and fight other bulls, food, water, etc.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: HoofsandWings on August 27, 2010, 08:58:05 AM: Remember to wear orange when scouting starting Sept 1st.
Those units contain some prime grouse areas.
I know I will be up there with my shotgun and pistol.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: BushMonster on August 27, 2010, 03:27:30 PM: I moved out to the N.Oly Pen earlier this year and plan to hunt those same GMUs. Have done some scouting over there, but still looking for the spot(s), studying maps, etc. Plan to go solo as don't know many folks out here, have just been told by many its hard hunting due to the topo and thick brush. PM me if you want my contact info. Would be glad to help pack out or help if you harvest one. Need to get out in the woods as much as possible.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: PA BEN on August 29, 2010, 06:51:54 AM: Hope to get out this afternoon, I heard the bulls are thinking about the rut now out west.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: bigbull94 on August 29, 2010, 07:36:44 AM: Quote from: PA BEN on August 29, 2010, 06:51:54 AM
Hope to get out this afternoon, I heard the bulls are thinking about the rut now out west.
[/quote They have been bugling and raking horns for 2 weeks now,they are doing more than thinking out west,it is on!!!!!!
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: PA BEN on August 29, 2010, 07:58:25 AM: Had a friend call in a 6x6 w/a cow call last week, came in quite no bugles. Then they played with it by calling to it while it was looking at them. :bdid: I told him that's how elk get educated to hunters calls. :bash:
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: bigbull94 on August 29, 2010, 07:36:57 PM: YEAH,WE WERE CUTTING A TRAIL INTO OUR HONEY HOLE ,WHEN A BULL BUGLED AND RAKED HIS HORNS ON SOME TREES TWO WEEKS AGO.I guess the machete hitting limbs sounded like another bull raking!!!!I just let him bugle and rake,we will kill him on the 7th or later in season!I learned a long time ago about educated them to much!!!!IT IS TEMPTING WHEN THEY GET FIRED UP AND YOUR SUCKING ON YOUR REED WAITING FOR SEASON!!! :bash:
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: PA BEN on August 30, 2010, 07:34:18 AM: Saw a herd of about 75 head last night. 6 legal bulls all 4 points and 3 spikes. The spikes still had velvet on. No sign of rutting at all, cows were talking and the bulls were feeding w/the herd. We also 4 bulls together, 3-4 points one 5 point, all rubbed off, just hanging together. All 10 legal bulls w/rag horns. Here's the problem :bash: I've been bow hunting elk starting in '86. I've had legal bulls I've called in up in the NE corned but one shots, started hunting the Bumping but couldn't draw a tag. I've arrow cows and calves but on branch antler bulls. I lost all my points 6 years ago to a muzzleloader cow tag. (shot a spike that year) SO, yesterday I realized that it will be hard not to shoot the biggest bull in the bunch :bdid: and not hold off for a bigger one :bash: I got real excited.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi154.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs276%2FPABEN07%2F0691.jpg&hash=40d01ad65685394213e71d1b5fb90c268e1a94bf)
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: William B. on August 30, 2010, 03:42:53 PM: When are we sneaking out there again?
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: spin05 on August 31, 2010, 05:02:30 AM: yea when are we sneaking out there again???? :chuckle:
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: PA BEN on August 31, 2010, 06:43:05 AM: Quote from: William B. on August 30, 2010, 03:42:53 PM
When are we sneaking out there again?

Saturday afternoon or Sunday afternoon. I'll give you a call.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: William B. on August 31, 2010, 03:38:33 PM: Sounds good to me. I have some more spots to check out and I did a little research on a couple areas that we looked at the other night.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please.
Post by: PA BEN on August 31, 2010, 05:14:21 PM: With the rain maybe we should go out after work this week? ;)
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: bigbull94 on August 31, 2010, 10:01:18 PM: PA BEN,IF YOU SHOOT A RAG WITH THIS TAG,YOU ARE NUTS!!!!I WOULD THINK YOU COULD FIND A NICE HERD BULL!!I DON'T SEE 75 ELK IN PICTURE,40ISH OR SO,I COULD COUNT.But,I am glad you found some bulls.The bigger bulls may not be with the herd yet,when it gets on in that pocket,I am sure a good bull will take over!!!Bachelor groups of bulls are not uncommon,this time of year.The elk are screaming down here,fighting,chasing and panting,last weekend.I am counting the seconds in the next 7 days..I have found that not all cows come in heat at same time,therefore that pocket of elk isn't hot.I know the rut is based on day-length(daylight),and bulls can rut after velvet is off(hormones change).What time of day can dictate calling.If,I were rich,I would love to guide you!
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: PA BEN on September 01, 2010, 05:42:51 AM: I quit counting after 65 head. There were at least 10 more. Always has to be someone to bust balls here. :chuckle:
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on September 01, 2010, 05:57:09 AM: Bigbull is right. the BIG bulls are not with the herds up there yet. Keep watching the cows and the bulls will appear soon to chase those rags away....
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: PA BEN on September 01, 2010, 06:23:50 AM: I know about a guide, I just don't have the money. :bash: I've talked to a couple of guides out of Forks and was told no problem getting a 300 class bull with this tag. I normally wouldn't even talk about a guide but I just don't know the area's out there very will. I plan to spend my money on gas driving out west to scout the next two weeks. With bow hunters hunting then I can see at least the area's there spending there time hunting. ;)
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: bigbull94 on September 01, 2010, 06:52:19 AM: I wasn't trying to bust your balls,just stating an observation.It is rare to see that big of herd up there.I don't know how many 300" bulls are there but definately 260" plus would be my goal.Check out the gates where you see the bow hunters parking during elk season.I wished I could come help!!!
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: Cylvertip on September 01, 2010, 03:17:03 PM: I am heading for these same units come Monday. Have two weeks to hopefully anchor one ( looking for 250+) Won't be back until the 19th, but i will give you a report out when I get back. Right about now is when the Tribes start hitting them hard out there. I'm trying for steeper and deeper this year to start. We'll see what happens. I'll PM you my cell#
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on September 01, 2010, 03:34:50 PM: Be at the Forks coffe shop at3:30 am and follow the big Gold V10 ford.... ;)
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: PA BEN on September 02, 2010, 06:14:41 AM: Quote from: wildmanoutdoors on September 01, 2010, 03:34:50 PM
Be at the Forks coffe shop at3:30 am and follow the big Gold V10 ford.... ;)
If this is who I think it is, it could be good. My 5.7 Hemie will have no problem keeping w/that V10. :chuckle:
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: PA BEN on September 04, 2010, 05:52:14 AM: Went out scouting Thursday afternoon. Didn't see any elk but found a good area w/good sign, and some horned up trees. Stayed out late and did some calling didn't hear any bugles. :dunno: You guys that hunt out here might know this about gates. Red dot and green dot, I came across a red dot gate that was open and had lots of traffic on it, I heard red dot is walk or bike in only or you get locked in or get a ticket. :dunno: Also, do the native hunters have access behind these gates?
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: Cylvertip on September 04, 2010, 10:15:40 AM: Red dot should be non motorize only - with the exception being someone working in there. The natives would also be held to the non motorized - but there are definitely offending parties from all groups.....
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: washingtonmuley on September 04, 2010, 10:35:25 AM: cylvertip,
I will be out that way as well for most of the season.If you need any packing help,etc. I would be more than willing to help.Let me know and I could pm you my cell #.
Good luck,
Tim
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: PA BEN on September 04, 2010, 06:19:57 PM: Quote from: washingtonmuley on September 04, 2010, 10:35:25 AM
cylvertip,
I will be out that way as well for most of the season.If you need any packing help,etc. I would be more than willing to help.Let me know and I could pm you my cell #.
Good luck,
Tim
What about me????? :chuckle:
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: washingtonmuley on September 04, 2010, 08:56:02 PM: Ben,
I thought you had the early rifle tag. If I can help you then give me ring.I will send you my # again.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: Cylvertip on September 05, 2010, 10:38:45 AM: I am trying to head that direction Monday. PM on the way. Shoot me some #'s back

By the way - is there a good butcher in PA, just in case :dunno:.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: PA BEN on September 05, 2010, 02:22:17 PM: There's sunrise meats in PA, I don't know if there is one in Forks?
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: PA BEN on September 06, 2010, 06:01:01 AM: Going to take the family for a behind the gate bike ride today out west. I have an area to check out so we are going to make a day of it. ;)
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: Cylvertip on September 06, 2010, 10:51:41 PM: Still at home >:( Might be able to head out tomorrow, we'll see. Wrapping up a few items from work and just plain not as far along as I should have been with gear. I will take my time and not burn my self out. Better that than wrapped around a tree somewhere on the road.

Ben, how was that bike ride?

Good luck to all in the morning. :hello:
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: PA BEN on September 07, 2010, 06:22:17 AM: We didn't ride yesterday. It was raining and didn't take the bikes. I did check out some new areas and walked into an area next to the Park. Did a little bugling while I was in there but didn't hear any elk. BTW, I was surprised to see no one out, being it was the day before the opener.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: Cylvertip on September 08, 2010, 02:29:26 PM: Will finally be hitting the road at 3:30 :yike:- decided to see the six year old to her first day in 1st grade.... and finish loading all my @%$%!ing gear :bash:

Lunch, shave, and shower and I'll be just in time for rush hour :bash: :bash:

Will be chasing Rosies until the end of early season. Hopefully with some luck.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: PA BEN on September 09, 2010, 05:45:38 AM: Quote from: Cylvertip on September 08, 2010, 02:29:26 PM
Will finally be hitting the road at 3:30 :yike:- decided to see the six year old to her first day in 1st grade.... and finish loading all my @%$%!ing gear :bash:

Lunch, shave, and shower and I'll be just in time for rush hour :bash: :bash:

Will be chasing Rosies until the end of early season. Hopefully with some luck.

Good luck! Maybe I'll see you out scouting.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: PA BEN on September 14, 2010, 05:44:35 AM: Talked to Cylvertip yesterday, he came out to Olympia for a birthday party and his truck broke down. Good thing there and not in the hills out hunting, he hoped to get back out. BTW, 5 more days until my hunt. :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: PA BEN on September 15, 2010, 05:54:52 AM: I went out scouting lastnight. Two campers parked where I planed to bike in and scout. Went in about 4 1/2 miles, opened up in an area that I could see and glass. Found old sign. I sat for about 45 min.s glassing and calling. No answers no elk. It was dark when we got back to the gate and talked to the hunters at the campers. They haven't heard any bugles but seen some bulls, they said the rut is just getting heated up.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: backwoods_boy on September 15, 2010, 09:48:27 AM: Quote from: PA BEN on September 01, 2010, 05:42:51 AM
I quit counting after 65 head. There were at least 10 more. Always has to be someone to bust balls here. :chuckle:
you have no idea how true that is.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: buckhorn2 on September 15, 2010, 10:19:18 AM: Hope you get one of those big old park bulls.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: PA BEN on September 15, 2010, 06:33:42 PM: Yeah, the park line is where I think it's going to happen :dunno: I've seen 11 bulls so far and non I would shoot the first 3 days of my hunt. ;)
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: Cylvertip on September 20, 2010, 04:39:55 PM: Made it back late Saturday night. Shared what info I could With PA Ben and met WA Muley while in forks last week. Not a real good season. First in a very long time that i did not hear any calls :bash: :bash: :bash: - other than hunters. Saw maybe 20 elk total, with maybe two bulls . I hunted Sol Duc, Dickey, and Clear Water, then headed for Ryderwood for Friday and Saturday. Couldn't even get them to talk down there.

Guess I'll get to chase em in the late season.

Note, Rayonier Timber changed a bunch of their policies on camping and entry, so if your going to hunt up there, better check. Permits required to camp, and there is a waiting period to get the permit. Goodman side may not even be able to get permits.

Just go a Text from PA BEN..... could be a critter down :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: PA BEN on September 20, 2010, 06:18:15 PM: Yeah, it's over. No tag soup this year. With all the scouting I've done and the reports from other hunters I took a small bull. Big body and I called him in. Story and pictures later just got home.
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: Cylvertip on September 20, 2010, 10:50:26 PM: Way to go!

I know we were both looking for the big one, but it just wasn't adding up for it to happen. I know I didn't see a lot of elk, and there are a bunch there, but I was trying to find the hole in the wall spots that a big boy might hold up in. I know there are guys up there that take big bulls with regularity, but I sure can't figure them out. Lots of access for folks with gate keys, and for those that don't care pay attention to signs/ rules....... Puts a hurt on letting em be able to grow.

Sorry, had to vent a bit of the frustration.

Again, good job "Ben"... How was the pack out? Need the icey-hot on after toting that porker out???
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: bucklucky on September 21, 2010, 09:11:22 AM: Quote from: PA BEN on September 20, 2010, 06:18:15 PM
Yeah, it's over. No tag soup this year. With all the scouting I've done and the reports from other hunters I took a small bull. Big body and I called him in. Story and pictures later just got home.

Congrats man, cant wait to see some pictures!
Title: Re: GMUs 602, 607, 612 Help please, Picture's added, might not need help now
Post by: brianb231 on September 21, 2010, 09:19:16 AM: PICS.....PICS......PICS......PICS..... :drool:

Congrats Man!!