Washington Winston unit 520

[Mel Carter]

Well,
I'm in the beginning stages of planning my hunt this year with my cousin and hunting buddy. My cousin has hunted unit 520 for about 15 year and taken some good bulls, gets on about every other year and he goes just to get away from the wife, lol. I was just wondering if anyone here has any insight on this area and what to expect. I've heard it gets pressured but is a producer? Strapping the boots up tight and heading away from roads seems like the plan.. Checking the area out on Google earth, it looks thick?

Thoughts?

 

[GWPointer]

Hey Mel,

I grew up hunting in western Washington and have been to Winston unit a couple times, mainly for deer, it's very thick, your typical western WA timber with some clear cuts. There's a ton of road hunters usually, but a good population of deer and elk, if you put in a good hike somewhere that's not drive able there's a good chance of seeing something. The elk really get pressured, at least during rifle season anyways.

 

[Mel Carter]

Thanks for the input, I normally don't like hunting thick cover and will really be out of my comfort zone on this hunt. But, i'm looking to add a Roosevelt to my Tule elk, and this sounds like the typical terrain. My cousin pretty much has this place figured out, so i'm going to be relying on his knowledge. I figure if I can get away from the road hunters, I should be ok.

 

[4mykidz]

Grew up there, graduated Mossyrock in '84. I try to get back once in awhile. Brothers still live and hunt there. Knowing someone that knows the area really helps. It has changed a lot since I left in '85. Dad, before he passed away last spring, would start checking on the herds in early summer and keep track of their movement until season started. By keeping track, someone in the family would usually have one the first couple days of season. Thick area, just learn the roads, because you will end up on one eventually.

 

[Mel Carter]

Thanks guys.