Post by: mpetersen on May 13, 2012, 12:33:56 AM
Post by: BullMagnet76 on May 13, 2012, 04:17:51 AM
Post by: ICEMAN on May 13, 2012, 05:19:52 AM
I have hunted in the Winston unit my whole life, Weyerhaeuser has ruined it completly. Now with the Master hunter program the elk are hunted in the Winston unit from august to janurary, pretty soon there wont be any animals left in there. It is a damn shame they are catering to all the lazy dilholes that are too stinken lazy to get out of their rigs. People can't seem to figure out that deer aren't stupid, they aren't gonna just sit there and wait for you to get out of your rig. Last year I was a half second from pulling the trigger on the biggest blacktail I had ever seen when some idiot drove his truck right down the middle of the clearcut. :bash:
So which is it? You feel there will be no more animals in the unit, or you liked seeing the biggest blacktail ever?
I don't think that Winston was ever a big secret. I have hunted it off and on forever it seems. I loved the dark hidey holes I used to know. But roads were always a part of this hunt. Your buddy would drop you off on a ridge and pick you up three hours later at the creek.
I feel that WH is not necessarily playing to "lazy dilholes" by opening gates. I consider it a favor by a corporation, a trade of sorts. They want game populations down, they do not want to spend resources running around opening and closing gates for guys that walk around em... Even this January I was able to drive in a fill a cow tag on a late hunt, on a road normally closed to hunter vehicle traffic.
Thank you Weyerhauser.
Post by: BullMagnet76 on May 13, 2012, 05:49:18 AM
So which is it? You feel there will be no more animals in the unit, or you liked seeing the biggest blacktail ever?
I don't think that Winston was ever a big secret. I have hunted it off and on forever it seems. I loved the dark hidey holes I used to know. But roads were always a part of this hunt. Your buddy would drop you off on a ridge and pick you up three hours later at the creek.
I feel that WH is not necessarily playing to "lazy dilholes" by opening gates. I consider it a favor by a corporation, a trade of sorts. They want game populations down, they do not want to spend resources running around opening and closing gates for guys that walk around em... Even this January I was able to drive in a fill a cow tag on a late hunt, on a road normally closed to hunter vehicle traffic.
Thank you Weyerhauser.
The only reason that I saw that big blacktail is because I hunt hard and walk/biked into the area, just to have a "lazy dillhole" screw me out of my opportunity. I agree that the Winston unit is no secret but it was nice that they kept some areas closed off to foot traffic only. I saw alot more game and was far more successful. Elk and deer are far harder to find in that area now. And Weyerhaeuser IS catering to the LAZY people that is the only reason they opened the gates in the area that I am talking about, and that is first had knowledge strait out of Weyerhuaser's mouth, people were whining because they had to exercise, my good friend is one of the head foresters for the Winston Unit. They are trying to cut down the winston herd in most of the unit because Weyerhueuser is worried about thier bottom line, but the small area of the unit I hunt was opened because all the fat people were afraid of a little exercise. I am a 60%disabled vet, and I have no problem with getting off my butt and earning what I kill, BUT that is exactly the problem most people don't want to earn anything anymore they just want it handed to them, hence the term "Lazy Dilholes."
Post by: brokenvet on May 13, 2012, 07:31:01 AM
On the other hand I am glad that the land is open to us hunters.
Post by: MuleDeerCrazy on May 13, 2012, 08:09:59 AM
Post by: mpetersen on May 13, 2012, 08:14:10 AM
Post by: Harborhunter on May 13, 2012, 04:47:52 PM
Post by: steen on May 13, 2012, 05:17:27 PM
Post by: funkster on May 13, 2012, 06:55:23 PM
If Wey co. really wants to lessen the herd, they would keep the gates closed :twocents:
Post by: SI Eagle on May 13, 2012, 07:43:12 PM
Post by: furbearer365 on May 13, 2012, 07:57:25 PM
Post by: elksnout on May 13, 2012, 09:29:03 PM
Lock em. Even for retrieval. Leaves to many variables when you see someone driving around when noone else can. I have been passed by countless guys with gate keys and they just use multiple excuses as to why they are there. Weyco doesnt owe us anything and i would rather the hunting be good no matter how much harder i have to work to get it out. My greatest memories will always be me and my dad packing my first bull out on our backs for hours. Believe my, when i am old enough that i cant do it anymore, i will hang it up to the next generation and not use age a crutch to endorse bad hunting.
:yeah: Couldn't agree more.
Post by: kentrek on May 13, 2012, 09:43:38 PM
Lock em. Even for retrieval. Leaves to many variables when you see someone driving around when noone else can. I have been passed by countless guys with gate keys and they just use multiple excuses as to why they are there. Weyco doesnt owe us anything and i would rather the hunting be good no matter how much harder i have to work to get it out. My greatest memories will always be me and my dad packing my first bull out on our backs for hours. Believe my, when i am old enough that i cant do it anymore, i will hang it up to the next generation and not use age a crutch to endorse bad hunting.
:yeah: Couldn't agree more.
:yeah: :yeah: :yeah: :yeah:
the winston was waayyyyy beter off with gates closed,just went ten miles through out the berma today and didnt see a critter one :yike:
Post by: HntnFsh on May 14, 2012, 05:47:44 AM
Lock em. Even for retrieval. Leaves to many variables when you see someone driving around when noone else can. I have been passed by countless guys with gate keys and they just use multiple excuses as to why they are there. Weyco doesnt owe us anything and i would rather the hunting be good no matter how much harder i have to work to get it out. My greatest memories will always be me and my dad packing my first bull out on our backs for hours. Believe my, when i am old enough that i cant do it anymore, i will hang it up to the next generation and not use age a crutch to endorse bad hunting.
I think thats a crazy remark. What does age have to do with bad hunting.Who do you want locked out next.The disabled.Because surely you dont want to use that excuse to endorse bad hunting. Oh and of course we need to lock out our young kids.Because they are too young to be able to get out and hike their asses off and pack elk all day.So we will need to wait a few more years until they can hunt with us. Some of you people really need to watch what you wish for.You might end up regretting it. Well,unless your so selfish that you dont care about others that love to get out and hunt too.
My dads 81 years old. Has hunted all his life.Got me started hunting. He doesant get arounf too good anymore.Last year he broke his femur.Could barely get out of the truck. But he still wanted to go hunting. Maybe you should be the one that tells him."Stay home you crippled old *censored*.Its time to hang it up"But I told him."I'll be there at 6 am to take you road hunting"
Oh,and we were into elk everyday we went out. He didnt get to kill one.But I could have shot a few for him. He has a disabled card.And we didnt spoil anybody elses hunt. But he had a great time.So did I. Sure hope my son or grandson is able to do the same for me when I get older. But then again the selfish people might have me locked out by then.
This attitude just pisses me off everytime it comes up. Guess anybody that cant hike,and pack all day should buy a Nintendo or something and play hunting games.
Post by: funkster on May 14, 2012, 08:34:39 AM
Not that I agree 100% with the statement about age, however Washington is big and has a lot of state land that holds elk. One can drive around all day if one so chooses. My Dad is 65 and he is back behind gates 10 miles huntin' right by me!
Post by: tbuck6568 on May 14, 2012, 09:17:08 AM
Post by: bowhuntersd on May 14, 2012, 10:53:05 AM
I WOULD like it to be walk/drive in for all 3 seasons. But I'm a realist and I'm not going to hold my breath. All I can say is, at least the Gun Totters get to hunt it. Archery and Muzzleloader get screwed almost every year. Either it's walk in (which I like) or it's closed all together (most years). If their are going to lock out 1 group, lock them all out, OR NONE at all. But it definitely seems that Weyco caiters to the RIFFLE SEASON.
For Weyco to get their tax breaks they have to have the land accessable to the public for (X) amount of days. For a few years it seemed like that (#) was the only amount of days they allowed access.
Post by: buckhorn2 on May 14, 2012, 11:59:32 AM
Post by: funkster on May 14, 2012, 06:14:54 PM
Since they made Margeret just general elk they shoud give winston to the walk in hunters
When did "they" make Margaret general? Margaret is permit only!
Maybe we can add a poll to this thread and send a link to Wey co. If they see that the majority of hunters want it closed than maybe they will at least think twice about opening the gates up. I think it will be hard to get a" majority vote" because most of the modern rifle hunters like it open and that is a lot of votes :twocents:
Post by: mpetersen on May 14, 2012, 06:24:07 PM
Post by: madmack76 on May 14, 2012, 06:57:33 PM
Post by: Yelm hunter on May 14, 2012, 06:58:19 PM
I was able to Kill a Cow on the 3rd day of January thanks to Weyco sending me gate code information and maps to all the gates that were open.
Post by: Yelm hunter on May 14, 2012, 07:01:23 PM
Are there a lot of gates open in the Winston for that January cow hunt?
All the gates are open for the January Hunt "IF" you are selected for the hunt. They will send you gates codes and maps for the hunt.
Post by: JimmyHoffa on May 14, 2012, 07:18:01 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on May 14, 2012, 08:18:06 PM
For Weyco to get their tax breaks they have to have the land accessable to the public for (X) amount of days. For a few years it seemed like that (#) was the only amount of days they allowed access.
Never heard of this before, just dreamt about it. Can I ask where you learned of this?
Post by: bobcat on May 14, 2012, 08:22:06 PM
For Weyco to get their tax breaks they have to have the land accessable to the public for (X) amount of days. For a few years it seemed like that (#) was the only amount of days they allowed access.
Never heard of this before, just dreamt about it. Can I ask where you learned of this?
:yeah: It's a nice theory, too bad it's not true.
Post by: furbearer365 on May 14, 2012, 09:10:08 PM
Post by: mpetersen on May 14, 2012, 09:29:22 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on May 14, 2012, 09:38:06 PM
Post by: Alan K on May 14, 2012, 09:50:09 PM
Post by: kentrek on May 14, 2012, 09:51:43 PM
How much state land is there in the Winston?
not much..but there are plenty of oppertunities for disabled,youth,and senior folks looking to keep it close to the truck out 19 mile.not to mention the summer hunts they have now..which completly @!#%'s up my summer blacktails..but thats a different topic
also when weyco "thinks" the animals are over populated(when they start hurting there golden trees) they want to thin it out a bit. they dont care if its legal or not and the best way to thin a herd is def not legal so they keep the gates open..all night long..this is what i think hapend to the winston.. could be(hopefully am) wrong but thats my thoughts >:(
Post by: HntnFsh on May 15, 2012, 06:19:07 AM
Locking gates is selfish.Dont care how you try to justify it. Do you really think it cuts down on poaching,garbage, and vandalism. Hell no it doesnt.It just moves it to a more accessable area. Get out and look around.You will see it.
So you want to concentrate more people in a smaller area,with less opportunity to see animals.While your fortunate enough to be able to hike back in for miles to be on your own. There are a lot of people that arent able to do that type of hiking.But dont qualify for a disabled permit. Naw,thats not selfish. Heck,its easy for you to say.There is plenty of state land to go drive around on.Not in this area. But there are plenty of places to hike into that will give you what you are looking for if you want to put out the effort to find them. And you have the choice of whether you want to do it behind a locked gate or not.
How do you think all those people that volunteer their time with Eyes in the Woods,or the land access coalition would feel after working so hard with the Timber companies to get us more access.And people like you help to get it shut down again.
People like you really need to reassess what you want. You want to lock out a huge user group to benefit a few.Who do you want to lock out next? Those that cant afford an access permit. Thats already happening. Those that cant afford to buy 1000s of acres of land. Like happened up in the high lakes area. Yep that happened too.Those that dont get a key to the gate because they dont work for the timber comany.Thats happening too!.I'm sure ther are other examples too.
Yep,lock her up.That way only those in good health and prime shape or with a valid disabled permit can hunt it. Seems pretty selfish to me.
Ive lived in and hunted the Winston all my life.Over 50 years. The elk are doing great.(well maybe till this year)Thats why its such a popular unit. If your looking for a reason that herds in the Winston could be on the decline.Look no further than the WDFW permit system. If I remember correctly they gave out 720 cow tags for the Toledo and Winston units. And I havent even looked at this years permits. Look at when a lot of those permits were valid. Yep,the cows were pregnant. So you lose next years calf because a pregnant cow is shot. Or maybe it doesnt get pregnant or aborts because its stressed so bad from being hunted for 5 months in a row. Now thats a hell of a hit.
Ive never once said that locked gates dont make for better hunting. But it only makes for better hunting for those that are physically able to do it.That excludes a huge amount of people. Sounds selfish to me.
Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on May 15, 2012, 06:23:56 AM
Post by: funkster on May 15, 2012, 08:08:35 AM
Locking gates is selfish.Dont care how you try to justify it. Do you really think it cuts down on poaching,garbage, and vandalism.
You really have not given a solid reason for how locking the gates is selfish besides the elderly and children. In my opinion the elderly and children make up a very small amount of hunters. Like I said, my dad is 65 and we ride bikes behind gates 10+ miles a day one way, and he loves it. He knows that he is not going to be able to do this forever. So we are planning for the future and doing some homework in other units. Units like Lewis river holds lots of elk and you can drive around all day and even camp if you wish :chuckle: I can tell you after a few days he was looking for a gate to ride behind to get away from all the road hunters.
As far as poaching,garbage and vandalism goes come on, are you going to hike in to dump that truck load of trash? Are you going to hike in 5+ miles to vandalize a skidder? Are you going to hike in and poach an elk and pack it out? Every tree farm I have been to has been some of the cleanest forestland I have stepped my foot on.
Let's keep those gates closed and stop CHASING elk and start HUNTING them :twocents:
Post by: furbearer365 on May 15, 2012, 06:02:52 PM
Hntnfsh is a typical person that wants everything and is willing to give nothing. Sounds like a great plan you have there. If open gates doesnt add more poaching, vandalism, and garbage, why on earth would weyco go out of there way and spend money to hire the local county police as their own security. They are not in locked up areas looking for guys that are walking around and hunting. I said it before and will say it again, when i am of the age that i can not longer hike to hunt, then i will adapt to what my options are. You wont see me sitting back knowing that locked gates improve hunting and still arguing just to keep myself out in the woods. I want what is good for hunting and the animals we hunt. Hell, i would love for the Entiat or Dayton to be over the counter during the rut but you cant have areas like those without a little give. I grew up learning that a little hard work goes a long way and have made a living working for what i got, and hunting is no different. I WILL ALWAYS ENDORSE LOCKED GATES AND BE THANKFUL THAT OUR TIMBER COMPANIES EVEN LET US ON TO HUNT. I AM FOR THE ANIMALS, AND A GOOD QUALITY OF HUNTING, FOR YEARS TO COME AND WILL ALWAYS BE.
Post by: HntnFsh on May 15, 2012, 08:03:04 PM
I find it amazing that you can make such broad remarks about a person you dont even know. Your speculation says a lot about you. And I'm not impressed. If your going to throw out comments about a persons character. You should actually know what your talking about. Not bad mouth them because they dont agree with you.
You have no idea how many hours Ive put into planting trees in the mudflow to help the habitat. You have no idea how many days Ive spent picking up huge piles of garbage on timber company property to help improve the image of so called hunters. You dont have any idea how many days Ive spent helping fix farmers fences that have been trashed by elk. You have no idea how many people I have mentored while hunting. Trying to help them become good ethical hunters. You have no idea how many people,how many days,how much fuel, Ive spent showing people hunting areas trying to help improve their chances at filling their tag. You dont have a clue how many letters Ive written or phone calls Ive made to WDFW or our politicians. All on my own dime. And that is just from this aspect of our lives. You just dont have a clue! Dont make remarks about people you know nothing about!
As I said. I dont think open gates changes the amount of poaching,garbage,and vandalism. IT CHANGES WHERE IT HAPPENS AT. Just because its not happening out in the woods where you have walked into doesnt mean its not happening. It means its happening somewhere else. The people that do that kind of crap will do it wherever they have the opportunity. You seem to have missed that point in my last post.
The only hunting that is improved by locked gates is for those that are able to hike into those areas. I can see that perspective.
It sure doesnt improve the hunting for those that arent able to hike in though does it? In fact it diminishes their hunting opportunity. I can see that too. And thats what I'm getting at. But you and a couple others are blind to it.
I am not the type of person that worries about what benefits me. I worry about what benefits everybody. Sure some locked gates are good. But I get sick of hearing the remark. Lock it up.Lock it up. It is selfish because you are taking opportunity from others. Others that may have put a lot more into these resources than you have. And if they havent.that shouldnt matter either.
There is more than 1 perspective on most things.Just because you dont see it doesnt mean it doesnt exist.
Post by: HntnFsh on May 15, 2012, 08:05:05 PM
How much state land is there in the Winston?
not much..but there are plenty of oppertunities for disabled,youth,and senior folks looking to keep it close to the truck out 19 mile.not to mention the summer hunts they have now..which completly @!#%'s up my summer blacktails..but thats a different topic
also when weyco "thinks" the animals are over populated(when they start hurting there golden trees) they want to thin it out a bit. they dont care if its legal or not and the best way to thin a herd is def not legal so they keep the gates open..all night long..this is what i think hapend to the winston.. could be(hopefully am) wrong but thats my thoughts >:(
Ya,but your missing the point.19 mile is in the Winston. These guys are saying lock it up. There goes that opportunity. When they get pushed out of there where do they go next. and on and on.
Post by: funkster on May 15, 2012, 09:51:55 PM
On a side note, I do agree with what you stated about the special permits and January tags in that area.
Post by: kglacken on May 15, 2012, 10:19:27 PM
:yeah: Well said. Thats what it is all about. I know I want some road access when I get too old to ride around. When I was 12 I broke my ankle playing basketball and was going to miss the deer season, but my dad said "hey lets still go out and ride around, glass the cuts and see what happens." On the last day of late buck, I smoked my first deer. I am thankful for the opportunity the road hunting allowed me.Lock em. Even for retrieval. Leaves to many variables when you see someone driving around when noone else can. I have been passed by countless guys with gate keys and they just use multiple excuses as to why they are there. Weyco doesnt owe us anything and i would rather the hunting be good no matter how much harder i have to work to get it out. My greatest memories will always be me and my dad packing my first bull out on our backs for hours. Believe my, when i am old enough that i cant do it anymore, i will hang it up to the next generation and not use age a crutch to endorse bad hunting.
I think thats a crazy remark. What does age have to do with bad hunting.Who do you want locked out next.The disabled.Because surely you dont want to use that excuse to endorse bad hunting. Oh and of course we need to lock out our young kids.Because they are too young to be able to get out and hike their asses off and pack elk all day.So we will need to wait a few more years until they can hunt with us. Some of you people really need to watch what you wish for.You might end up regretting it. Well,unless your so selfish that you dont care about others that love to get out and hunt too.
My dads 81 years old. Has hunted all his life.Got me started hunting. He doesant get arounf too good anymore.Last year he broke his femur.Could barely get out of the truck. But he still wanted to go hunting. Maybe you should be the one that tells him."Stay home you crippled old *censored*.Its time to hang it up"But I told him."I'll be there at 6 am to take you road hunting"
Oh,and we were into elk everyday we went out. He didnt get to kill one.But I could have shot a few for him. He has a disabled card.And we didnt spoil anybody elses hunt. But he had a great time.So did I. Sure hope my son or grandson is able to do the same for me when I get older. But then again the selfish people might have me locked out by then.
This attitude just pisses me off everytime it comes up. Guess anybody that cant hike,and pack all day should buy a Nintendo or something and play hunting games.
Post by: KopperBuck on May 15, 2012, 10:56:24 PM
:yeah: Well said. Thats what it is all about. I know I want some road access when I get too old to ride around. When I was 12 I broke my ankle playing basketball and was going to miss the deer season, but my dad said "hey lets still go out and ride around, glass the cuts and see what happens." On the last day of late buck, I smoked my first deer. I am thankful for the opportunity the road hunting allowed me.Lock em. Even for retrieval. Leaves to many variables when you see someone driving around when noone else can. I have been passed by countless guys with gate keys and they just use multiple excuses as to why they are there. Weyco doesnt owe us anything and i would rather the hunting be good no matter how much harder i have to work to get it out. My greatest memories will always be me and my dad packing my first bull out on our backs for hours. Believe my, when i am old enough that i cant do it anymore, i will hang it up to the next generation and not use age a crutch to endorse bad hunting.
I think thats a crazy remark. What does age have to do with bad hunting.Who do you want locked out next.The disabled.Because surely you dont want to use that excuse to endorse bad hunting. Oh and of course we need to lock out our young kids.Because they are too young to be able to get out and hike their asses off and pack elk all day.So we will need to wait a few more years until they can hunt with us. Some of you people really need to watch what you wish for.You might end up regretting it. Well,unless your so selfish that you dont care about others that love to get out and hunt too.
My dads 81 years old. Has hunted all his life.Got me started hunting. He doesant get arounf too good anymore.Last year he broke his femur.Could barely get out of the truck. But he still wanted to go hunting. Maybe you should be the one that tells him."Stay home you crippled old *censored*.Its time to hang it up"But I told him."I'll be there at 6 am to take you road hunting"
Oh,and we were into elk everyday we went out. He didnt get to kill one.But I could have shot a few for him. He has a disabled card.And we didnt spoil anybody elses hunt. But he had a great time.So did I. Sure hope my son or grandson is able to do the same for me when I get older. But then again the selfish people might have me locked out by then.
This attitude just pisses me off everytime it comes up. Guess anybody that cant hike,and pack all day should buy a Nintendo or something and play hunting games.
I don't hunt there, but I guess I'm missing the point. The land is private right?
Post by: kentrek on May 15, 2012, 11:10:30 PM
How much state land is there in the Winston?
not much..but there are plenty of oppertunities for disabled,youth,and senior folks looking to keep it close to the truck out 19 mile.not to mention the summer hunts they have now..which completly @!#%'s up my summer blacktails..but thats a different topic
also when weyco "thinks" the animals are over populated(when they start hurting there golden trees) they want to thin it out a bit. they dont care if its legal or not and the best way to thin a herd is def not legal so they keep the gates open..all night long..this is what i think hapend to the winston.. could be(hopefully am) wrong but thats my thoughts >:(
Ya,but your missing the point.19 mile is in the Winston. These guys are saying lock it up. There goes that opportunity. When they get pushed out of there where do they go next. and on and on.
are we not talking about the winston ? most likly the berma(800 country) that they have left open the last few years ?
that 19 mile has lots of both road hunting and walk in. diferent units have different styles of hunting. if your not much of a hiker and dont like what is offered than go hunt up behind rosevalley or the other drive in spots.luckly you are still alowed to hunt what ever legal unit you would like.
i have spent about 4 months in the berma a year for the last six years and its gone down hill since they opend the gates. i can even show you my pics of the age class of deer go down.. :'( i use to have no problem seeing 40 deer a day but like i said befor my last jont out there was a goose egg. that place is too small to let peaple drive in. just my :twocents: and am not trying to offend any one by saying pleeeezz lock up the 800 COUNTRY.
Post by: mpetersen on May 16, 2012, 08:10:10 AM
Post by: funkster on May 16, 2012, 08:58:47 AM
I think we need to remember that most of the hunting ground in the winston is private property and Wey. co. runs their land how they deem appropriate. I enjoy hunting their land and will continue to do so as long as I hunt on the west side.
We all talk about the elderly,children and disabled. I feel for them, I really do. Like I said my Dad is 65, my son couldn't go with us for many years. The elderly,children and disabled have A LOT of state land they can go to and travel road systems if they so choose. The state is taking down gates, timber companies are opening them for thousands to drive around all day long and then complain that the herd numbers are to high. Where does your average hunter have to go to get away from the road hunters? The place for those type of hunters are diminishing year by year.
Post by: mpetersen on May 16, 2012, 09:06:44 AM
Post by: asl20bball on May 16, 2012, 09:30:51 AM
Post by: kentrek on May 16, 2012, 09:38:25 AM
I'm just trying to figure out weyco's reasoning, WDFW stats show more legal bulls put down prior to gates being open, security must have been busy keeping an eye on any machinery that might get vandalized, the amount of busch lite cans per landing went up considerably.
more bulls were killed because the population was higher,same with deer.
whats left of the animals get sucked into the brush and go nocturnal pretty fast.
also poachers dont submit hunter reports....and the winston has been hit hard by em..
Post by: Arteman on May 16, 2012, 09:50:57 AM
I haven't read the whole thread yet so I don't know what's come of it, but I know exactly where your talking. It was such a small area it didn't affect the unit by being closed to walk in, so I do agree it should have remained closed. It was nice to have the option to walk in. They did the same thing behind the lake in Coweeman and ruined a good walk in area, but there are still areas good for walking, in fact I think better areas. The worse part is after they open these areas they get pounded so hard that even short 50 yard truck turn around spurs get rutted up by people thinking they are roads that go someplace. Personally I think that the area you speak of there is a major public safety concern with having that many hunters in there. Don't want to offend anybody, and I've done my fair share of road hunting, but its been my observation that walk in hunters in general as a group in comparison tend to be a little more responsible than road hunters. Only meaning their are more bad seeds driving around than walking. Plus there is less action going on in a walk in area, nobody walks in 5+ miles and gets bored half way through the day and starts Target shooting, or shoots grouse, etc. For that reason I'm surprised they opened it.So which is it? You feel there will be no more animals in the unit, or you liked seeing the biggest blacktail ever?
I don't think that Winston was ever a big secret. I have hunted it off and on forever it seems. I loved the dark hidey holes I used to know. But roads were always a part of this hunt. Your buddy would drop you off on a ridge and pick you up three hours later at the creek.
I feel that WH is not necessarily playing to "lazy dilholes" by opening gates. I consider it a favor by a corporation, a trade of sorts. They want game populations down, they do not want to spend resources running around opening and closing gates for guys that walk around em... Even this January I was able to drive in a fill a cow tag on a late hunt, on a road normally closed to hunter vehicle traffic.
Thank you Weyerhauser.
The only reason that I saw that big blacktail is because I hunt hard and walk/biked into the area, just to have a "lazy dillhole" screw me out of my opportunity. I agree that the Winston unit is no secret but it was nice that they kept some areas closed off to foot traffic only. I saw alot more game and was far more successful. Elk and deer are far harder to find in that area now. And Weyerhaeuser IS catering to the LAZY people that is the only reason they opened the gates in the area that I am talking about, and that is first had knowledge strait out of Weyerhuaser's mouth, people were whining because they had to exercise, my good friend is one of the head foresters for the Winston Unit. They are trying to cut down the winston herd in most of the unit because Weyerhueuser is worried about thier bottom line, but the small area of the unit I hunt was opened because all the fat people were afraid of a little exercise. I am a 60%disabled vet, and I have no problem with getting off my butt and earning what I kill, BUT that is exactly the problem most people don't want to earn anything anymore they just want it handed to them, hence the term "Lazy Dilholes."
Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on May 16, 2012, 09:54:54 AM
Post by: mpetersen on May 16, 2012, 10:01:43 AM
Post by: kentrek on May 16, 2012, 10:17:29 AM
Kentrek the reason I started hunting this area because it was unique. The Ryderwood unit gave us some good years but the timber got overharvested and the place got hunted hard, no timber for the elk to hide. Now for the last ten years we found a place we can walk/bike past the gates and kinda of sorta get away from the crowd and boom ! here they come again like a pack of locust, the road hunters ! So now were back to (what to do now) ? Elk season is my time to get away from it all and hopefully score a bull, not deal with the agravation of hundreds of rigs driving up and down every road including spur roads (you never know when a bull will get caught knapping at the end of one) !
the reason i started hunting there is well i started hunting..living ten minutes away helps out alot too. but ive moved on and found a good little slice of heaven.. 5.5 hours away...no inconviences tho,im a foot hunter
Post by: mpetersen on May 16, 2012, 10:53:59 AM
Post by: WSU on May 16, 2012, 10:59:37 AM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on May 16, 2012, 11:01:21 AM
Post by: winshooter88 on May 16, 2012, 11:38:24 AM
Post by: Arteman on May 16, 2012, 12:55:22 PM
RIGHT ON FURBEARER 365 !! Wish weyco would keep things as they were, the only employee who was busy was the gal answering the 1-800 number to give you the combination to the gate. I would even give that up and use a game cart if it means keeping the gates closed. Will be calling weyco soon to find out what there reasoning is behind last years change.A lot of Wecos decision making on if they will allow public access during the week if the weather permits is based on the amount of work going on in the area during the week days. Winston in recent years has been one or the more heavily logged areas on the tree farm, my old man has told me stories of things he's heard over the company radio about idiot hunters blocking log truck traffic, driving through active logging sites, under yarder cables, etc. This is a huge liability for weco so they lock it up. Notice the Kalama area is locked up the same now in the last couple years with all the active logging? When they are done with an area they will allow access all week long again.
Post by: mrmoskillz on May 16, 2012, 01:05:21 PM
Post by: Arteman on May 16, 2012, 01:14:50 PM
When I called Weyco about a diff unit the lady who updates the phone info line said she doesn't think they will open ANY gates this year in any units because of damage and garbage left last year. She said they might open a few gates but I would have to wait til closer to hunting season to see but as of now they are planning on not opening any gates including Vail...Don't kill the messanger its just what she told me :sry:I couldn't imagine that, I know right where I'd be opening morning.
Post by: mrmoskillz on May 16, 2012, 01:23:22 PM
When I called Weyco about a diff unit the lady who updates the phone info line said she doesn't think they will open ANY gates this year in any units because of damage and garbage left last year. She said they might open a few gates but I would have to wait til closer to hunting season to see but as of now they are planning on not opening any gates including Vail...Don't kill the messanger its just what she told me :sry:I couldn't imagine that, I know right where I'd be opening morning.
Arteman, you know where I will be opening day you gave me a few pointers :IBCOOL:
Post by: Arteman on May 16, 2012, 01:33:03 PM
That's where ill be also, modern. ;)When I called Weyco about a diff unit the lady who updates the phone info line said she doesn't think they will open ANY gates this year in any units because of damage and garbage left last year. She said they might open a few gates but I would have to wait til closer to hunting season to see but as of now they are planning on not opening any gates including Vail...Don't kill the messanger its just what she told me :sry:I couldn't imagine that, I know right where I'd be opening morning.
Arteman, you know where I will be opening day you gave me a few pointers :IBCOOL:
Post by: funkster on May 16, 2012, 01:45:54 PM
Have you guys that want the gates closed ever thought that Weyco opens the gates because it pushes the elk out of the area?
If they plan on road traffic as an elk pusher, all that is doing is pushing the elk out of the winston and on to another chunk of land that wey. co owns. Wey. co. owns most of the winston, margaret ,toutle and coweeman. Its not really solving the problem just making one somewhere else.
I think we all can agree that wey.co wants the elk numbers down on their farm due to tree damage. That is why they are working so hard with the wdfw. That is why they are giving out so many cow tags and January hunts when most of the cows are pregnant.
I can tell you from my personal experience last season during the muzzleloader antlerless season in the winston. I was selected for antlerless deer and elk. I hunted for 4 days before the elk season for deer and had multiple elk within 25 yards everyday and all the gates where closed. I thought it was going to be an easy tag to fill :bdid: First day of muzzy antlerless elk season they opened up all the gates( I mean every single gate in the unit) and the elk where nowhere to be found. Finally on the last evening I kicked out a large herd in some reprod. The point I am trying to make is if wey. co and the wdfw really wants the elk herd thinned, why not keep the gates closed and let us help you do that. All road hunting does is stress out and scare the elk, a scared elk runs, it is way harder to harvest a stressed out scared running elk then an naturally relaxed elk that doesn't even know I am there :twocents:
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 16, 2012, 02:01:20 PM
This is private land that a private company could well charge $300 or more a year for a hunter to access (think Hancock). If you hunt Winston, whether the gates, the bulls, or the people are or are not the way you like them, you should be sending Weyerhouser a thank you note every year you use it for allowing you a free place to hunt.
Post by: Arteman on May 16, 2012, 02:12:56 PM
Kind of a funny thread. Weyerhouser opens or closes the gates on their private land to make best use of hunters to control damage to their investment. If they leave the gates open, it's because it's better for their trees. If they close 'em, it's because it's better for their trees.:yeah: a multi billion dollar company isn't going to make decisions based off or in favor of any hunters interest. It's all about protecting their investment, property, equipment, etc, or if your a liability to them keeping you out. I thank god Weco has been the major land owner in my area, others are not so generous. I just hope they dont pick up on some of these other major land owners bad habits.
This is private land that a private company could well charge $300 or more a year for a hunter to access (think Hancock). If you hunt Winston, whether the gates, the bulls, or the people are or are not the way you like them, you should be sending Weyerhouser a thank you note every year you use it for allowing you a free place to hunt.
Post by: MADMAX on May 16, 2012, 02:36:21 PM
Post by: funkster on May 16, 2012, 03:20:44 PM
Kind of a funny thread. Weyerhouser opens or closes the gates on their private land to make best use of hunters to control damage to their investment. If they leave the gates open, it's because it's better for their trees. If they close 'em, it's because it's better for their trees.
I totally agree that we should thank them for letting us use their private land, I already stated that in this thread. It is an awesome privilege.
Leaving the gates closed would make it easier for us as hunters to help wey. co. protect their trees by hunting naturally relax animals being animals. Leaving the gates open does nothing to help protect their trees, it only makes it harder to harvest the thing that is ruining their trees. Plus now you have to account for trash dumping, road deterioration, people actually setting up camps right in front of no camping signs(seen it with my own eyes) and a list of other thing I care not to mention. People talk about Hancock charging an access fee as it is a bad thing. Have you ever been on their land? Was it not some of the cleanest forestland and nicest maintained roads? I never saw multiple piles of human wasted in the middle of the road covered up with half a roll of TP like I did during late season archery in the winston(gates open). In my opinion they are managing elk better than the state does. Where else can you spend $300 and have a chance at a 300 plus bull on thousands of acres of land with just a few people on it? None of this matters to anyone at the wdfw or wey.co. but the guy that started this thread was asking for opinions and this is a message board.
Post by: furbearer365 on May 16, 2012, 03:57:55 PM
Post by: tbuck6568 on May 18, 2012, 04:34:58 PM
Post by: johnnymac on May 20, 2012, 12:56:58 PM
Post by: cwuwildcat on May 20, 2012, 04:03:13 PM