mill creek watershed

bsball9ss · 10-07-2008, 07:15 PM

anybody have any suggestion on the mill creek watershed? drew the tag but have no idea on the unit.

Klamanite · 10-07-2008, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsball9ss

anybody have any suggestion on the mill creek watershed? drew the tag but have no idea on the unit.

Send a PM to Ras. He had the tag a couple times a few years back. He's the only one I know to have drawn it.

traks44 · 10-07-2008, 07:49 PM

You have an exceptional tag, be sure to read the regs and know what you can and cant take with you. Some very very large bulls call that area home.

Sorry I cant be more helpful, I have spent some time in the area for fire but have never hunted it. Just wanted to give ya the positive word and good luck!!!

elkthumper · 10-07-2008, 07:54 PM

doesn't that hunt start in like two weeks?

Klamanite · 10-07-2008, 08:01 PM

Nov 1st

Dorsey · 10-07-2008, 11:05 PM

You'll have to hunt from the upper rim, obviously, so the best way to get in to the bulls is to head down the ridges to the creeks as quickly as you can. Quite a few hunters will stick to the upper ridges, and you can get the upper hand by dropping in elevation. You'll need to be in good shape.

The year I hunted, the big bulls were taken in the middle of the watershed just above the creeks. I was too inexperienced, and wasted most of my time hunting as if I were after mule deer.

Good luck.

elkthumper · 10-08-2008, 06:02 PM

did you scout this?........at all? Kinda late to start scouting for a nice tag like that.

TheRogue · 10-08-2008, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkthumper

did you scout this?........at all? Kinda late to start scouting for a nice tag like that.

Actually, there's no scouting it, other than driving around the road. NO ENTRY at all outside the elk season, tag holder only during season...one person may help pack. There's like three pullouts where you can actually see into the unit on the Oregon side, that's it. WA side is much bigger.

I've had the tag, so have my best friend and his brother.

Honestly....be in great shape. This is where the Wenaha & Walla Walla bulls go to hide because those units aren't rugged enough

If you're in good shape, and have some persistence; you WILL see a monster bull in this hunt.

Good luck!!

TR

RogueFishr · 10-08-2008, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkthumper

did you scout this?........at all? Kinda late to start scouting for a nice tag like that.

unless it has changed in the last couple years, you can't scout it. You get an access permit, along with the hunting tag. It is good while you have an used tag. The access permit expires like 72 hours after you shoot something. And they patrol it on foot.

Good luck. You definitely need to be in shape.

RF

beardbuster · 10-08-2008, 06:33 PM

There are some big ones in there!! We looked over there when I had the Walla Walla tag and the amount of noise coming out of the bottom was incredi-BULL, plus I saw my first bull moose on the breaks of the watershed.

It is very intimidating country for sure, but if you want a chance to harvest a bull that could potentially push the 400 inch mark - You're holding the golden ticket.

sliverpicker · 10-08-2008, 06:38 PM

Shoot me an email ron6x6@earthlink.net and I'll tell you where a bunch of bulls were hanging their hats a couple weeks ago when I was camped next to the watershed.

Oregon-Jet · 10-08-2008, 06:47 PM

Paradise ridge and go down. good luck man, looks like a snow year there again.

elkthumper · 10-08-2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogueFishr

unless it has changed in the last couple years, you can't scout it. You get an access permit, along with the hunting tag. It is good while you have an used tag. The access permit expires like 72 hours after you shoot something. And they patrol it on foot.

Good luck. You definitely need to be in shape.

RF

Wow, that's rough

Mossyhorn · 10-08-2008, 07:21 PM

That's really interesting, it says in the unit description that the unit is 100% public land but goes on to say that you can only go in with a permit issued by the USFS and if you get something only one person is allowed to go in to help you. So I wouldn't say that's public land if the public can't enter it.

Looks like a pretty small hunt area too.

beardbuster · 10-08-2008, 07:43 PM

Stand on the top and look down - It's bigger in person

sliverpicker · 10-08-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mossyhorn

That's really interesting, it says in the unit description that the unit is 100% public land but goes on to say that you can only go in with a permit issued by the USFS and if you get something only one person is allowed to go in to help you. So I wouldn't say that's public land if the public can't enter it.

Looks like a pretty small hunt area too.

Bull Run Watershed (Portland's watershed) is mostly USFS and city of Portland, and you're not allowed there either. Unless you're a city official and want to fish in Bull Run Lake!

Gun Rod Bow · 10-08-2008, 08:43 PM

So how's the fishing in that lake Ron?

sliverpicker · 10-08-2008, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gun Rod Bow

So how's the fishing in that lake Ron?

We were cutting some roadside salvage up near there several times and would drive up to the little cabins at the lower end of the lake. Saw some absolute monster trout raising 20 ft from the shoreline. Would loved to of had my fly rod with me back in those days!

bsball9ss · 10-08-2008, 08:53 PM

the entry permit says that you can take 3 people in to assist you. looks like a new reg for this year. really appreciate the help.

elkthumper · 10-08-2008, 09:19 PM

I hope you down a big one dude. Would love to see a quality animal out of there

Sandstrom 22 · 10-08-2008, 09:28 PM

you lucky dog...Good luck there is huge bulls there!!

Radke · 10-09-2008, 08:09 AM

I was looking at this hunt a few years ago, and thought I read something where the area is only open to the hunters during the day, that they could not camp in the hunt area. I read the regulations today, it doesn't say that now. Has this changed, or am I missinterpreting something. ?

TheRogue · 10-09-2008, 08:35 AM

Watershed rules used to be stricter. They now have a big fancy filtration system in place; really no reason for any stricter rules than, say, Baker City watershed. But public comment has kept unit this way, I believe.

Every year there's folks physically unable who draw this tag, then spend a couple of days driving around the rim road shakin' in their boots. It's not even very accessible with horses/mules since they quit clearing the trails (after the filtration system was installed). That's too bad for the dedicated ones who apply every year.

TR

Thehunter · 10-09-2008, 10:57 AM

Would you guys consider this a Premium oregon hunt?

RogueFishr · 10-09-2008, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsball9ss

the entry permit says that you can take 3 people in to assist you. looks like a new reg for this year. really appreciate the help.

3 people to help IS a change. It was 1 person when I drew the tag, 10 years ago. And there was a time limit on the entry permit. I believe it was good for 72 hours after tagging an animal. Then the permit expired.

Quote:

I was looking at this hunt a few years ago, and thought I read something where the area is only open to the hunters during the day, that they could not camp in the hunt area. I read the regulations today, it doesn't say that now. Has this changed, or am I missinterpreting something. ?

You can not camp in it, but you can camp around it. There is a road that goes around it.

RF

fishboys · 10-09-2008, 01:17 PM

The regs this year say only one other person allowed in after the animal is down.

Page 82

bsball9ss · 10-09-2008, 03:22 PM

the entry permit says 3 people may assist. the watershed is open from 2 hours before sunset and 2 hours after sunset unless you are involved in removing an elk. there is no time limit after getting animal down except "prompt removal of your elk is required."

RogueFishr · 10-09-2008, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsball9ss

the entry permit says 3 people may assist. the watershed is open from 2 hours before sunset and 2 hours after sunset unless you are involved in removing an elk. there is no time limit after getting animal down except "prompt removal of your elk is required."

That's good! My entry permit said 1 other person, and either 48 or 72 hours (can't remember). I know it took every bit of the 72 hours though.

RF

hazmat · 10-09-2008, 07:17 PM

I harvested a 330 bull out of there a few about 6 years ago you have to be ready to work hard but the big bulls are there. We hunted from the top to the bottom of the ridges they all come together in the bottom. We were able to clear some trails to use the horses to pack meat out. We had 3 tags in our camp we filled every tag with a 5x5 being the smallest have fun it is a great draw but be ready to work hard

traks44 · 10-09-2008, 08:28 PM

This is a premium Oregon elk hunt, I would actually consider this THE premium oregon elk hunt!

For those that dont know this is one of the finest most pristine places left in the western states. The city of walla walla gets their water from here and for good reason so yes there are some regulations because they wonna keep it pristine!

Its simple, some of the largest bulls in the western states call this place home. It is some of the roughest most awesome country out there. Be in shape, shoot straight and you will come home with a big bull.

The tag in nearly a ounce in a lifetime!!!

Thehunter · 10-10-2008, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by traks44

This is a premium Oregon elk hunt, I would actually consider this THE premium oregon elk hunt!

For those that dont know this is one of the finest most pristine places left in the western states. The city of walla walla gets their water from here and for good reason so yes there are some regulations because they wonna keep it pristine!

Its simple, some of the largest bulls in the western states call this place home. It is some of the roughest most awesome country out there. Be in shape, shoot straight and you will come home with a big bull.

The tag in nearly a ounce in a lifetime!!!

Actual it only takes about 8 Years to draw according to the Point book. That is why i was so suprised that no more people put in for this then 435. I guess that fact that you can't scout it has something to do with it.

Thehunter · 10-10-2008, 07:01 AM

I tend to hunt with a Party. I'm sure that is how most people hunt. You enjoy hunting like that for a reason. I'm kind of suprised for safety reason why they don't allow you to have someone else with you. Sounds like you need to be in great shape....

TheRogue · 10-10-2008, 07:12 AM

One other thing.......on the map; this unit is SMALL. Just a few drainages, then you hit the state line. The portion of the watershed across the line in WA is much, much larger.

That being said; yes on a flat map it's small, but it's pretty huge and intimidating when you actually get there. You can see a rock cairn and monument on Paradise Ridge marking the state line when parked at the Milkshakes. There's plenty of other markers to help you out with that as well, although it would still be easy to get way across the line in places without knowing it. VERY good place to have a GPS with you. Basically, you need to stay south of 46 degrees latitude.

TR

traks44 · 10-10-2008, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thehunter

I tend to hunt with a Party. I'm sure that is how most people hunt. You enjoy hunting like that for a reason. I'm kind of suprised for safety reason why they don't allow you to have someone else with you. Sounds like you need to be in great shape....

Country is rugged for sure and you dont need lots of scouting but a 5 day season is the dagger here.

Elk are where you find them, I have seen the sheds from this country and the mounts on the wall and they all have one thing in common. MASS!!!

It would be a very solitary hunt but probably very rewarding packing out a huge bull after a tough hunt.

I would think hooking up with another tag holder or two would be the best way to go about it.

Thehunter · 10-10-2008, 07:16 AM

I guess a guy has to see it to realize how big it is. I've hunted Mt. Emily a lot. Sometime i could imagine canyons being bigger,deeper and steeper than those.

Chris0512 · 10-10-2008, 10:35 AM

I have also drawn this hunt this year and I'm looking for any helpful information on this hunt. I would also like to see any pictures of bulls pulled out of this unit

Thehunter · 10-10-2008, 10:56 AM

Or the land lay out.

TheRogue · 10-10-2008, 11:09 AM

If you haven't done so, download Google Earth. Once you do that, you can zoom into Walla Walla, then follow the road to the watershed. You can take the unit boundaries from the regs and lay them out pretty easily (state line, ridge, and road).

TR

Chris0512 · 10-10-2008, 11:21 AM

The Boundries are pretty simple, Road and OR/WA Border. There are three main ridges in the unit - Low Ridge, Broken Ridge, and Paradise Ridge. I have a RAMS Map of the unit and also have a USFS Fire map of the unit. Google Earth is also a great view. Also I have borrowed a 3D Topo program for the computer that allows me to see down into the drainages, this is also a great tool to familiarize with an area. I don't believe that they are very expensive.

Thehunter · 10-10-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris0512

The Boundries are pretty simple, Road and OR/WA Border. There are three main ridges in the unit - Low Ridge, Broken Ridge, and Paradise Ridge. I have a RAMS Map of the unit and also have a USFS Fire map of the unit. Google Earth is also a great view. Also I have borrowed a 3D Topo program for the computer that allows me to see down into the drainages, this is also a great tool to familiarize with an area. I don't believe that they are very expensive.

Sorry actual pictures....NOT FROM GOOGLE EARTH

TheRogue · 10-10-2008, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris0512

I have also drawn this hunt this year and I'm looking for any helpful information on this hunt. I would also like to see any pictures of bulls pulled out of this unit

PM on the way.....

sliverpicker · 10-10-2008, 04:45 PM

This bull lives in the watershed, but was crossing the road to get water and keep me awake every night with his bugling in the Walla Walla unit several weeks ago. I wouldn't hesitate to drop him!

ommedia · 10-13-2008, 12:54 PM

Here are some google earth layover/outlines of the Walla Walla, Mill Creek Watershed, and Wenaha. acquired from another iFisher then modified and improved the boundary markers and added Mill Creek.

Download Google Earth KMZ file

I hunted this once with my grandfather in early 80's before the draw system. We saw nobody in there. He hunted it for years by horse. Rules back then were slightly different, but very similar in regards to who could go in, where you could/couldn't camp.

will post a pic of his last bull later!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris0512

The Boundries are pretty simple, Road and OR/WA Border. There are three main ridges in the unit - Low Ridge, Broken Ridge, and Paradise Ridge. I have a RAMS Map of the unit and also have a USFS Fire map of the unit. Google Earth is also a great view. Also I have borrowed a 3D Topo program for the computer that allows me to see down into the drainages, this is also a great tool to familiarize with an area. I don't believe that they are very expensive.

Crayfin · 10-13-2008, 02:02 PM

That was pretty sweet...

TheRogue · 10-13-2008, 03:29 PM

Holy crud, look at his thirds!!! That is a BEAST; probably as big or bigger than any bull killed in Oregon yet this year!! Looks like he has some extra tines as well.

TR

Quote:

Originally Posted by sliverpicker

This bull lives in the watershed, but was crossing the road to get water and keep me awake every night with his bugling in the Walla Walla unit several weeks ago. I wouldn't hesitate to drop him!

bsball9ss · 10-13-2008, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ommedia

Here are some google earth layover/outlines of the Walla Walla, Mill Creek Watershed, and Wenaha. acquired from another iFisher then modified and improved the boundary markers and added Mill Creek.

Download Google Earth KMZ file

I hunted this once with my grandfather in early 80's before the draw system. We saw nobody in there. He hunted it for years by horse. Rules back then were slightly different, but very similar in regards to who could go in, where you could/couldn't camp.

will post a pic of his last bull later!

very helpful. thanks for the post

Thehunter · 10-14-2008, 07:44 AM

Thanks for the .kml file. That was perfect. So i check this out and I guess i'm not total impressed with the elivation drop in it. Looks like 5700 at the peak and 2500 at the low or so. About 4 miles from each other. This is no more impresive then hunting Mt. Emily or the Snake. I'm sure it's huge and i need to just go check it out.

so the main question i want to know is how many elk do you see in this unit? Is there those huge herds of 100 plus? Is there only a few elk in there or is it hight populated?

ommedia · 10-14-2008, 09:26 AM

This area is very weather sensitive.

Elk like to drop down into it with big weather fronts, as well as hunting pressure from the Wenaha and Walla Walla units or the WA hunts. Herds can vary in size, I wouldn't expect big private property sized herds, but you never know.

This is also where the Oregon Moose got their start. They've been in there for several years, and are now too starting to come out of that hole and venture as far as Enterprise, Elgin, and a bit west.

If you look at the WA side, it is a bit bigger, but my question, is "how does an Oregon Tag holder know where the state line is?"

Like I said before, my grandfather used to hunt it, but from the Washington side. Washington has it's own unit and tags for their portion of the watershed... I don't recall, as a kid, seeing boundary markers in there.

here is a rough GE map (kmz file) of the WA portion of Mill Creek WS.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thehunter

Thanks for the .kml file. That was perfect. So i check this out and I guess i'm not total impressed with the elivation drop in it. Looks like 5700 at the peak and 2500 at the low or so. About 4 miles from each other. This is no more impresive then hunting Mt. Emily or the Snake. I'm sure it's huge and i need to just go check it out.

so the main question i want to know is how many elk do you see in this unit? Is there those huge herds of 100 plus? Is there only a few elk in there or is it hight populated?

Radke · 11-12-2008, 06:21 AM

If your still out there, can you share any stories about your hunt?

I would be interested in knowing how it turned out.

225nontypical · 11-12-2008, 07:26 AM

i would love to know how the hutn went???????????????

Big Unit · 11-12-2008, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radke

If your still out there, can you share any stories about your hunt?

I would be interested in knowing how it turned out.

ME TOO!!!

Any pictures would be great too!

BU

Big Willie · 11-12-2008, 11:22 AM

Yes...please...a story and hopefully some bull pics!

Thehunter · 11-12-2008, 11:48 AM

Me too

sturgeonboy · 11-12-2008, 03:03 PM

I know the young fellow who went on this hunt. I WILL make him post and tell all! I promise.

Rob

bsball9ss · 11-12-2008, 03:46 PM

Opening morning at 7:30 I passed up a 4-point standing broadside at about 80 yards. Just let him walk off. Was wandering if I had made the right decision. Come to find out I did. Had another 6-point bull In my scope but couldnt get a shot. He was in the timber about 250 yards. Then he just vanished. That was saturday. Sunday, saw some cows and spikes. That was about it. Monday, saw some more spikes and cows. Went down to bottom on Broken and back up another ridge. Talk to another hunter for about 15 minutes about 1/4 the way up and wished each other luck and on our way. Got about 1/2 way up turned around and a big bull was moving fast up the hill right at me. Right where we were talking. Sat down real quick, took the safety off, and he was gone just as fast. Heard him going through the timber and off the other ridge. Tuesday was a snowy and windy day. Snow 12" or more that day. Didnt hunt that day. Took a much needed rest. Wednesday took off on Indian ridge and down. Had one bull bugling down at the bottom and one on Low ridge. Got 1/2 way up low ridge where the herd was. There was a 4-point and a spike and a bunch of cows in the herd. Oh and my 6-point to. My buddy was up on the main road telling me to take the shot at the 4-point. Then he said wait there is a bigger one coming behind it. The 4-point went over the ridge into the timber and the 6-point stepped and bang. hit him 3 times and he rolled down the hill. Come to find out a fellow Ifish "chris0512" had that 4-point at around 80 yards and his bro and dad told him there was a 6-point coming behind it. Sorry Chris. I shot and the herd headed back where they had come from and somebody shot the 4-point. Then the fun began. I would post some pics but dont know how. Can send to somebody to post or need some help. Thanks everybody for the help. Will be a hunt that I will never forget.