Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: Lcl 66 Tinner on September 27, 2011, 08:43:24 PM

Title: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: Lcl 66 Tinner on September 27, 2011, 08:43:24 PM: So I'm hunting the Fall River unit because I've seen Elk on the way to the Brooklyn Tavern. That was at least 5 yrs. ago and they were in the reprod so I imagine that its to grown up to see anything to start a stalk. Any info would help.
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: chester on September 27, 2011, 09:05:03 PM: Great first post :bdid:
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on September 27, 2011, 09:07:06 PM: No Elk in Fall River Unit
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: bobcat on September 27, 2011, 09:08:45 PM: You might be surprised. There may be a lot of reprod but there is also a lot of brand new logged areas. Can't tell you where the elk are. If I knew, I'd be hunting there. But they are around. You just have to get lucky.
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on September 27, 2011, 09:17:09 PM: Actually I was joking myself, as a nearby (Adna) resident I have seen Elk there, but usually small herds mostly on Private land, and a lot of people looking for them.
Also, for some strange reason, I find an awful lot of Pumpkins discarded in the woods up there, although never seen an animal near them.
Am I missing something ?
There are Elk in unit, but competition is pretty stiff for the few and far between, if you don't know where they are, either start scouting NOW, or pick a different unit. :twocents:
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: chester on September 27, 2011, 09:19:24 PM: :yeah: pretty good advice on the area
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on September 27, 2011, 09:23:39 PM: Also, seen more in the south end than I have near Brooklyn, but that is just me, and I was looking for Turkeys the only time I ever saw them near Brooklyn (spring) . :dunno:
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: BowBender87 on September 27, 2011, 09:24:45 PM: To brushy, to many hunters, to brushy, not enough elk, still to brushy and access is limited. i'd hunt winston along with everyone else :chuckle:
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: bobcat on September 27, 2011, 09:28:12 PM: STIKNSTRING, I knew you were joking. When I said "you might be surprised..." I was replying to the original poster, not you. I just meant he might be surprised that it's not ALL reprod that is "too grown up to see anything". (not that there's anything to see) :chuckle:

You're right though- it definitely wouldn't be my first choice of an area to hunt elk.
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: Lcl 66 Tinner on September 27, 2011, 10:55:07 PM: Thanks for the advice, might try the Lincoln unit too. I hunt deer there and see elk sign but it more toward bunker. This is a AWESOME Forum thanks for taking a new guy in, its much appreciated.
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: letmhunt on September 28, 2011, 07:01:26 AM: does anybody scout anymore? thats how everyone used to do it before we had forums like this! my advice is get out and scout!
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on September 28, 2011, 07:04:42 AM: Quote from: Lcl 66 Tinner on September 27, 2011, 10:55:07 PM
Thanks for the advice, might try the Lincoln unit too. I hunt deer there and see elk sign but it more toward bunker. This is a AWESOME Forum thanks for taking a new guy in, its much appreciated.
Same story, unless you know the landowner, and wait for them to call you and tell you when, it is more hunting than seeing
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on September 28, 2011, 09:18:12 AM: Quote from: letmhunt on September 28, 2011, 07:01:26 AM
does anybody scout anymore? thats how everyone used to do it before we had forums like this! my advice is get out and scout!

Very true. But in this case I will give my :twocents: since in that area even with gps coordinates you would hard pressed to locate elk consistently without ALOT of good old fashioned scouting. :chuckle:
Don't worry about it being brushy that is where you will find the elk. 672 has a decent population and pretty good access to timberland (north) or state ground (south). Plenty of ground in there and truly the elk are where you find them. Dont be afraid to try litterally ANY area that you think may hold an elk. IMHO looking for clearcuts during the season is a waste of time, as 97 percent of hunters will be there and the elk most likely will not. But again anything can happen in the elk woods.
Every elk hunter in the state should be thankful the elk from gmu 501 are not allowed to propogate. If they were our already poor odds of tagging an elk would drop to near zero. How there are any elk left in this gmu is a testament to their resilience and smarts. Essentially the season is year round as poaching is rampant and the regulated season is the most liberal for nearly all weapon types. However every year I see not only several groups of elk but usually locate at least one "smoker" bull. The downside is that after being lured into trying to kill one of these studs, i have usually been humiliated to the point where I say enuff is enuff and go find some "dumb" elk to kill. Access into many areas is limited and alot of research may be required to find access points and/or proccur permission to hunt or cross private land.
A tip: Once you do locate elk, hunt smart and careful. As it wont take anything to push them to where you will either waste time trying to relocate them, or push them onto private land.
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on September 28, 2011, 09:31:57 AM: Quote
Every elk hunter in the state should be thankful the elk from gmu 501 are not allowed to propogate. If they were our already poor odds of tagging an elk would drop to near zero.
:dunno:
what ?
I see these Elk on private land a lot, also with the road closures and creek flowing over one good access point, if you can find these elk, they usually move on to another patch of private land.
There are a few that get harvested every year, but I suspect they are by locals with access.
I just wish the large DNR block would keep the roads closed year-round, lots of traffic come season and the locals just ride around the gates anyhow.
With 3pt or antlerless for all user groups they get hit pretty hard, plus when seen, the cell phones start ringing, I have seen a few in the back of truck while dropping my kids off at school, or picking them up.
And hear stories at the local store.
It helps to know someone.
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: Lcl 66 Tinner on September 28, 2011, 11:01:34 AM: I've scouted the Lincoln unit this year and was on to them, a herd of 17+, 1 6X6, 1 3X4, and a spike and the rest were cows and 4 calf's. This was before bow season and have to permission to access a couple of peoples land. This was on Weyco land bordering private. I didn't want to get on here to get easy info so I didn't have to work for My elk, was just trying to get info on the unit as I have never hunted it before just drove thru. I'm not a road hunter ,I like to get out and get down into the holes where others don't want to and don't mind putting the miles on the boots. It also helps that 3 of my family members are state timber cruisers(2) and a forester so I get info from them too. I kinda have them figured out, I know where they travel to and from in the Lincoln unit but no pattern.
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: sirmissalot on September 28, 2011, 11:29:59 AM: I seen quite a few elk in fall river on the south end. Had to hunt there before because it was state land and the only thing open. Scouted it before the season opened saw 2 herds and a lot of sign. The gates were locked so we biked in, found elk but then moved onto greener pastures since it rained and the rest the woods opened up. All of the area I saw in this small area was great, ranged from big tall mature timber to reprod to nice clear cuts.

Lincoln is a tough one to go for elk in IMHO, but if you scout and find a herd, thats all you need.
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: Lcl 66 Tinner on September 28, 2011, 11:55:08 AM: Fill me in, what does IMHO mean?
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: BowBender87 on September 28, 2011, 12:28:50 PM: In My Humble Opinion
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on September 28, 2011, 01:13:32 PM: Quote from: STIKNSTRINGBOW on September 28, 2011, 09:31:57 AM
Quote
Every elk hunter in the state should be thankful the elk from gmu 501 are not allowed to propogate. If they were our already poor odds of tagging an elk would drop to near zero.
:dunno:
what ?
I see these Elk on private land a lot, also with the road closures and creek flowing over one good access point, if you can find these elk, they usually move on to another patch of private land.
There are a few that get harvested every year, but I suspect they are by locals with access.
I just wish the large DNR block would keep the roads closed year-round, lots of traffic come season and the locals just ride around the gates anyhow.
With 3pt or antlerless for all user groups they get hit pretty hard, plus when seen, the cell phones start ringing, I have seen a few in the back of truck while dropping my kids off at school, or picking them up.
And hear stories at the local store.
It helps to know someone.

I agree with you Stik..... What I was saying is these elk are hunted HARD. The mere fact I still find elk in there after some of the slaughterfests during rifle season sometimes seems amazing. I guess what I was saying is these elk get smart fast or die. I have watched them sneak instead of spook, hide instead of run. Often acting like a cagey buck instead of your typical elk behavior, sure they are not super elk. But the ones that survive the onslaught I respect em.
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on September 28, 2011, 03:13:10 PM: Quote
I agree with you Stik..... What I was saying is these elk are hunted HARD. The mere fact I still find elk in there after some of the slaughterfests during rifle season sometimes seems amazing. I guess what I was saying is these elk get smart fast or die. I have watched them sneak instead of spook, hide instead of run. Often acting like a cagey buck instead of your typical elk behavior, sure they are not super elk. But the ones that survive the onslaught I respect em.
what I see them do is hide behind the fire station until someone pushes them, then they hide until nightfall, then head for Patton's Ranch, but that is just one herd, I am sure there are a few more with a wise old lead cow that knows where to hide, and where to run !
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on September 28, 2011, 03:44:58 PM: :chuckle: :chuckle: Ya those ones do. Theres plenty of others in spots that are plenty accessible to the public.
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: Lcl 66 Tinner on September 28, 2011, 05:23:03 PM: So are the elk that hang out behind the fire station on LCR the same as the ones that go to Pattons place, because I"ve seen them in both places and on Stearns too. Didn't realize that was the same herd, thought there was a couple of small ones. Thats a pretty big area to travel, to go from LCR over Ingalls and to BCR.
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: bobcat on September 28, 2011, 05:28:16 PM: That's not very far at all for an elk.
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: Lcl 66 Tinner on September 28, 2011, 05:45:43 PM: Yeah its not that far when i look at the map, but you still think thats only one herd?
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: Alan K on September 28, 2011, 06:16:27 PM: Quote from: blackveltbowhunter on September 28, 2011, 09:18:12 AM
Every elk hunter in the state should be thankful the elk from gmu 501 are not allowed to propogate. If they were our already poor odds of tagging an elk would drop to near zero. How there are any elk left in this gmu is a testament to their resilience and smarts. Essentially the season is year round as poaching is rampant and the regulated season is the most liberal for nearly all weapon types.

Ain't that the truth! There are still elk around and you can find them if you put the work in, but seemingly everywhere around there has more elk, and I'd bet it's in large part due to the reasons you mentioned!
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 28, 2011, 08:27:07 PM: ive hunted this unit my whole life...theres tons of elk...the problem people are having is they wont stay out of their rig long enough to find them...unless there standing in the middle of the clear cut or in the middle of the road they say theres no elk...thats fine with me...i hit the timber/reprod and find the elk...wear out a pair of boots...find a spot you think most people wont go and just go for it..thats where they'll be
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: madmack76 on September 28, 2011, 08:39:38 PM: there are 3 herds and several small branches off the herd those three are not the same herd
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: Alan K on September 29, 2011, 05:03:22 PM: Quote from: deerhunter_98520 on September 28, 2011, 08:27:07 PM
ive hunted this unit my whole life...theres tons of elk...the problem people are having is they wont stay out of their rig long enough to find them...unless there standing in the middle of the clear cut or in the middle of the road they say theres no elk...thats fine with me...i hit the timber/reprod and find the elk...wear out a pair of boots...find a spot you think most people wont go and just go for it..thats where they'll be

I think people got side tracked and are talking about not many elk being in the Lincoln unit - I know I was. I think you're talking about Fall River? If you're talking about Lincoln, and believe there are tons of elk there I wonder how many you would say are in Winston or even Ryderwood! :chuckle:
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 29, 2011, 06:23:13 PM: Quote from: Alan K on September 29, 2011, 05:03:22 PM
Quote from: deerhunter_98520 on September 28, 2011, 08:27:07 PM
ive hunted this unit my whole life...theres tons of elk...the problem people are having is they wont stay out of their rig long enough to find them...unless there standing in the middle of the clear cut or in the middle of the road they say theres no elk...thats fine with me...i hit the timber/reprod and find the elk...wear out a pair of boots...find a spot you think most people wont go and just go for it..thats where they'll be

I think people got side tracked and are talking about not many elk being in the Lincoln unit - I know I was. I think you're talking about Fall River? If you're talking about Lincoln, and believe there are tons of elk there I wonder how many you would say are in Winston or even Ryderwood! :chuckle:

im talkin about fall river :chuckle: ive never hunted lincoln so i wouldnt know :dunno:
Title: Re: Hunting the Fall River Unit, any info would help
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on September 29, 2011, 06:27:37 PM: I was talking about Lincoln myself, only been in Fall River a couple dozen times, but have spent 100's of days in Lincoln.
The reason I think there is not very many Elk, and that it is/was the same herd is due to my spring search for Turkeys.
and the year I was drawn for bear in Lincoln.
I have been behind a herd as it walked from Deep Creek all the way to Teague Road (Lincoln Creek)
and have seen them a few times on my travels in area, (I drive "the loop" quite a bit) and usually only in one spot at a time.
but really have seen more Turkeys in unit, and they are pretty few and far between.
Lots of Elk sign in the spring, but it dries up pretty fast as soon as they open the gates.