So, I just wanted to provide a quick Muzzleloader Permit hunt story with some observations.

My partner and I were pulled for the Winston 520 Cow Permit (only 45) and it was all last week. We had drive in access, since it is so big and they wanted some cows removed from the middle area of the treefarm.

So, we had a rough week of conditions, we had a full moon, we had completely sunny days with temps between 42 deg nights and 67 days. I know some would probably be happy with that but this makes for tough hunting. The elk were out all night long and then in the deep reprod and brush during the days. We had hunted this area for 15 years as archers so knew it well. The bull’s had their herds and so seemed to be keeping the herds in close and in the trees. We got there a day early and checked a couple of spots and the first one we jumped a 4x4 bull with 8 cows and then we jumped another 4x4 bull. So we were excited. Anyway, the rest of the week we only had 2 chances to get a shot on cows, but couldn’t seal the deal. We did have a great time! We also happened to sneak into an area, old growth with deep ferns, and we got within 80 yards of the largest bull we have ever seen hunting the west side, 6x6 with a HUGE rack, and he was between us and his herd of 12 cows that were about 150 yards away, but it was very exciting!!!!

Now, the observations: I know that we are individuals, we all hunt different methods and techniques, but there are some things that I think would be basic hunting etiquette.

1) If you drive into an area and you see a someone’s rig parked next to, just prior to, in a clear-cut, PLEASE just drive by. Don’t stop and talk, smoke or get out of your car/truck to see if you can see the other hunters or the animals they might be pursuing. I would hope that someone really wouldn’t shoot and animal that others are stalking.

2) Try and practice a “Pack it in and Pack it out” mind set at ALL times. Within ½ a mile of our camp there were at least 50 cans and bottles along side the road, at old campsites, and even on hiking trails. What is wrong with you if you just drop it or through it out the window? (not looking for praise) But my partner and I packed out 1 FULL white trash bag of smashed cans and bottles. That doesn’t count the ones that we just put in the trash or recycling at the gas station. I also packed out a small propane stove and some old hunting clothes and boots. PLEASE Pack it out!

3) Remember that there are other hunting seasons besides your own! So, the woods where others are hunting is NOT the place to sight in or target practice while other user groups are Actually Hunting. And this is really true if you have driven past a Private landowners sign (including Weyerhaeuser and Port Blakeley treefarms) that says “No Target Shooting”. And for goodness sake stop your friends, family or others that you might know that are STUPID enough to shoot signs!

These are just a few. I was reminded of my father as a kid… when I was doing something, that he had given me permission to do… “If you abuse the privilege you WILL LOSE the privilege!” And we have all seen and complain about loosing hunting access… but it is our own fault if we abuse the privilege!

GOOD LUCK to the Rifle Guys… go give it to them! Shoot Straight and Know Your Target!

Shawn

P.S. and one more observation 4) PLEASE, PLEASE learn how to make a “cat hole” when you are taking a dump or pee in the woods, or on the road, or in the ditch. Guys/Gals, I know first hand that if you are brave enough to be out there in the woods hunting that you should be able to get far enough off the road or away from the trail, and that you should be strong enough to dig a “cat hole” (a hole about 6 inches deep, or that you make with your boot heel) that crap into. Also, gal PLEASE, use the same method when you take a pee. And guys if your gal is to scared to get away from the edge of the road get you butt out of the truck and take her. PLEASE! It is ridiculous how much paper I saw sitting onto of the sole!