Post by: MattySuto on March 06, 2011, 10:33:26 AM
Post by: Alan K on March 06, 2011, 11:17:14 AM
Post by: MattySuto on March 06, 2011, 11:42:50 AM
Post by: MattySuto on March 06, 2011, 12:01:00 PM
Post by: MattySuto on March 06, 2011, 12:25:06 PM
Post by: SkookumHntr on March 06, 2011, 03:16:35 PM
No camping on Weyerhauser land, which a good majority of the unit is (or was anyways, we'll see where the land they sold is at for sure soon enough). There are elk there but it's not what it used to be since the hoof rot has been prevalent the last several years. Of those elk that are left, the locals put hurtin' on. It's all rural living down there with not much else to do but be out there hunting/fishing/scouting and they know the animals really well. If you do go you'd be best off getting as far behind locked gates as you can, but if you're doing that you may as well go bike into Winston. Twice as many elk there and a decent chance at a bull nicer than your average rag horn. :twocents:So let me guess, you will be huntin Willapa Hills next year? :chuckle:
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on March 06, 2011, 03:53:13 PM
If you spend the time to poke around down there you will find some good areas, it will take some fuel $$$ and I suggest finding state (DNR) land, early season usually begins while entry to private (WH)timberland is restricted.
as a new Elk hunter, I don't recommend Willapa as a good place to start though, 3 pt min BULL ONLY during early season.
The area is so thick in places even the WDFW doesnt estimate how many elk live there, and getting to know an area well will take time.
You would be better off hunting a unit open to the taking of antlerless during early and getting to know a little more about elk before hunting bulls. :twocents:
Quote
So let me guess, you will be huntin Willapa Hills next year?I will be spending a few days in the unit myself, if you put in some time scouting, you might see me down there, I drive a white f150, or white mini-van w/ Trad stickers, I dont usually give out info on the web, but if I see you in the field.....
Post by: Alan K on March 07, 2011, 02:00:30 PM
No camping on Weyerhauser land, which a good majority of the unit is (or was anyways, we'll see where the land they sold is at for sure soon enough). There are elk there but it's not what it used to be since the hoof rot has been prevalent the last several years. Of those elk that are left, the locals put hurtin' on. It's all rural living down there with not much else to do but be out there hunting/fishing/scouting and they know the animals really well. If you do go you'd be best off getting as far behind locked gates as you can, but if you're doing that you may as well go bike into Winston. Twice as many elk there and a decent chance at a bull nicer than your average rag horn. :twocents:So let me guess, you will be huntin Willapa Hills next year? :chuckle:
I'll be hunting Ryderwood myself, but it's all the same situation there too. Knowing the area like I do and being local I can still get into the elk even with the hoof rot taking a toll on them. Just trying to give the city folk an honest opinion. Winston is about the best unit on the west side IMO to be able to just show up and get into elk. I generally hit it up in the late season.
Post by: MattySuto on March 07, 2011, 03:31:10 PM
No camping on Weyerhauser land, which a good majority of the unit is (or was anyways, we'll see where the land they sold is at for sure soon enough). There are elk there but it's not what it used to be since the hoof rot has been prevalent the last several years. Of those elk that are left, the locals put hurtin' on. It's all rural living down there with not much else to do but be out there hunting/fishing/scouting and they know the animals really well. If you do go you'd be best off getting as far behind locked gates as you can, but if you're doing that you may as well go bike into Winston. Twice as many elk there and a decent chance at a bull nicer than your average rag horn. :twocents:So let me guess, you will be huntin Willapa Hills next year? :chuckle:
I'll be hunting Ryderwood myself, but it's all the same situation there too. Knowing the area like I do and being local I can still get into the elk even with the hoof rot taking a toll on them. Just trying to give the city folk an honest opinion. Winston is about the best unit on the west side IMO to be able to just show up and get into elk. I generally hit it up in the late season.
Thank you all for your your information, i greatly appreciate it, i will be heading down to do some scouting a little later on this year, the old lady is about to pop so i wount be anytime soon.... is there alot of private land over by winston?? or is it gated like everywhere else that people are saying... i dont want to piss off any locals cause we are coming from Whidbey, but just curious to how people ore if we were to leave a trail cam or two?? Dont all yall get any ideas about grabbing them now... but just want to start getting more familiar with the area....
Post by: AKBowman on March 14, 2011, 11:11:10 PM
If you research a bit there are some places to stick a camper in the pull offs, I've seen people camped up in there during the late season. Never been up there for early season.
Best of luck to you.
Post by: AKBowman on March 14, 2011, 11:14:16 PM
No camping on Weyerhauser land, which a good majority of the unit is (or was anyways, we'll see where the land they sold is at for sure soon enough). There are elk there but it's not what it used to be since the hoof rot has been prevalent the last several years. Of those elk that are left, the locals put hurtin' on. It's all rural living down there with not much else to do but be out there hunting/fishing/scouting and they know the animals really well. If you do go you'd be best off getting as far behind locked gates as you can, but if you're doing that you may as well go bike into Winston. Twice as many elk there and a decent chance at a bull nicer than your average rag horn. :twocents:So let me guess, you will be huntin Willapa Hills next year? :chuckle:
I think if all the info you give someone about the location of you trail cam is in "the winston" you dont have to worry about anyone getting any ideas of tracking it down and stealing it...its a decent sized chunk of land
I'll be hunting Ryderwood myself, but it's all the same situation there too. Knowing the area like I do and being local I can still get into the elk even with the hoof rot taking a toll on them. Just trying to give the city folk an honest opinion. Winston is about the best unit on the west side IMO to be able to just show up and get into elk. I generally hit it up in the late season.
Thank you all for your your information, i greatly appreciate it, i will be heading down to do some scouting a little later on this year, the old lady is about to pop so i wount be anytime soon.... is there alot of private land over by winston?? or is it gated like everywhere else that people are saying... i dont want to piss off any locals cause we are coming from Whidbey, but just curious to how people ore if we were to leave a trail cam or two?? Dont all yall get any ideas about grabbing them now... but just want to start getting more familiar with the area....
Post by: grundy53 on March 15, 2011, 06:18:59 AM
Post by: MADMAX on March 15, 2011, 06:33:26 AM
Was told no camping in the woods but saw many many camps and trailers
Big country up behind South bend
Tried it, but no luck.
I camped at the golf course in Raymond and it was nice to get a hot shower every night and prices were OK
Post by: grundy53 on March 15, 2011, 06:36:59 AM
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on March 15, 2011, 07:54:57 AM
Yoy can't camp on state land.??? :dunno:
Post by: grundy53 on March 15, 2011, 07:58:09 AM
Yoy can't camp on state land.??? :dunno:
Meant to say CAN. Stupid cell phone and presumptive text.