Arrange Hunting Access Early

Perhaps the most important element in completing a successful hunt is prearranged access. Nothing is more disappointing or frustrating than when your best-laid plans fail because you haven’t taken care of this one critical detail. Frantic calls made at the last moment usually aren’t successful and only adds to the frustration. Even if you have had a long standing arrangement it is best to check in advance and make sure there are no surprises.

Preseason scouting is a good way to check things out. There are many opportunities to arrange access with landowners enrolled in the “Hunt by Permission” program. Look for the familiar sign with contact phone number posted on the property. Lands posted with “Feel Free to Hunt” signs may be hunted without contacting the landowner.

If you hunt on public lands it is always a good idea to make contact with the land manager in advance to determine if there are special rules in effect or if access rules have changed from the previous year.

Last year Weyerhaeuser Company restricted access onto some of their lands to weekends only. Of particular importance in this regard is the St. Helens Tree Farm, which supports major hunting recreation in some very popular Game Management Units. Increasing problems with vandalism and garbage dumping, and a concern about safety, bring about these changes. Other private timber owners besides Weyerhaeuser have also been placing gates on roads, many open only during general hunting seasons in the fall. This could affect hunting access for bear hunters and early archery deer and elk hunting seasons. Be aware some private lands require fee access. Call the Weyerhauser Company toll free access hotline for up to date information:

• St. Helens Tree Farm Access Hotline 1-866-636-6531
   
• Vail Tree Farm Access Hotline 1-800-361-5602
  or (360) 446-3813
   
• White River/Snoqualmie Tree Farms 1-800-433-3911
  or visit their web site at http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/recreation

Fire danger is high and many private timber companies may close access until the danger eased. These closures, if implemented, are likely to affect bear hunters and early archery deer and elk hunters who would hunt in August and September. Hunters should plan accordingly.