WA GMU 556 Toutle

Wanderer · Jul 18, 2005

Just found out we drew for the toutle this Nov. So far I know it's part of the St Helens Tree Farm. Took a quick drive along 504 this weekend. Looks kind of dense in there. I'm doing my scouting from now until Nov. Any thoughts that might improve our chances?

This will be our first time in the area and my wifes first real elk hunting.

Bob D. · Jul 18, 2005

All I know is you better get in there soon and scout before Weyerhaeuser shuts it down due to fire danger, if they haven't already. Once they shut it down, you won't be able to get in there, even by walking, until probably sometime in October.

Mule_Deer_Crazy · Jul 18, 2005

Drop me an e-mail if you'd like. What are you after? The wife hardcore or camping with the prospect of killing an elk? It's not a slam dunk hunt and can be quite frustrating if you hope to whack one in a clearcut somewhere. I've worked it for 12 years and have a decent working knowledge of the entire unit.

[email protected]

northwesthunter · Jul 18, 2005

Whats up MDCrazy ,gonna hook another mm up in the toutle? Did you draw any tags this year or use up all your luck last year? Jeff and I drew archery tags in the entiat so will be over there for tail end of the rut. No elk tags so be hunting the oly pen. By the way MDcrazy has good info and helpped my brother get a nice archery bull in the toutle last year with his help. Nwhunter

Mule_Deer_Crazy · Jul 19, 2005

I crashed and burned in the draws this year! My dad has a WY moose tag and three buddies drew for deer, so I get to tag along on that and pack meat. Brother in law drew an Entiat Rifle tag and archery buddy drew the early archery Entiat tag. I may get to play guide on that? Other than that it's over the counter in ID baby!!!

I'm going on some good hunts, just don't have any tags.

Wanderer · Jul 19, 2005

Thanks for the offer. I just sent you a PM. Not looking for just a camping trip. She's been on a few pretty long hunts in the Okanogan the past couple years. Took a dandy a couple years ago !!

bonefreak · Jul 19, 2005

congrats on the draw
good luck.

338WIN · Jul 20, 2005

Took my hunting buddy from CA up to Mt. St. Helens last week and saw around 75 bulls and only about 20 cows. All in the middle of the day. Congratulations and good luck. No go on the draws for me. I don't like the way we have to pick east or west. I'd put in for the E. WA hunts but if I don't draw I'd like to hunt closer to home on the west side. And while I'm whining about it. I have no idea why you can't put in a draw for any of the firearm choices before you have to declare which firearm choice you'll make for the regular season. Can't be that hard to manage via software.
Lots of elk around St. Helens.
The full harvest statistics are now on the wdfw website too.

Wanderer · Jul 25, 2005

It would be nice to be able to hunt with all methods. by having to choose, it limits the number of hunters at any one time. those that hunt bow and rifle and muzzleloader only get to hunt once a year and have to decide early which one.

Anyway, I'm hoping this works out for us. The wife is really exciting about this. She had her first taste of elk meat last year and loved it.

Craig · Jul 25, 2005

Sounds like they (WDFW) are thinking of some kind of draw or pay a extera fee or some thing so some people can hunt with more then one weapon (season ) for next year.