Shaunpm, if my partner isn't going with me, you're welcome anytime I go. If he shoots another bird out from under me, he's gonna have to find a new partner.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> Better bring your breakfast and lunch though, cause we won't likely be back in time. Most birds aren't right next to the road, and mid-morning is probably the best time to connect if you don't at first light. Many hunters have packed it up by then too. If the toms are henned up, this is the #1 time to score because you aren't likely to take them from there harem off the roost. It's all about playin' the odds and being flexible.
My partner and I have talked about taking his 2 horses back into Capital Forest and Skookumchuck to do some scouting way back in there. A fun way to travel, and it's much faster than walking. May be worth a trip down to Tower Rd on horses just to check it out. I've got some leads on specific areas of Capital Forest too, but it's always crappy weather when I go. Spring time in western Washington, what else is new?
I've always heard that soft calling works best over here, but I'm not convinced. The reason I say this is sound doesn't travel well in this jungle stuff. It stands to reason that a clear, high pitched slate, box, or diaphragm would carry better, much like on windy days. If they can't hear you, they won't come. However, if you're in a clearing or power line, definitely call soft and sparingly. In most popular areas, this is where they've been called to the most. Now, I think the soft call rule is probably true when one is responding, but his mood should dictate your response. You've heard the saying "Taking his temperature." Easterns are typically more responsive to soft, occasional calling, especially in high-pressured areas(most of western WA) because most people are too aggressive, or the birds have just been educated to poor set-ups and techniques.
And an important thing to remember, which WANWTF pointed out, was to wait 30min-45min after you've stopped calling. I don't know how many times I've been busted by silent toms and/or hens when I thought it was clear. Another thing to keep in mind is that Easterns cover ground veeerrrrrryyyyyy slowly compared to the other species in this state. While Merriams and Rios will close 500 yards in a matter of minutes, an Eastern may take a half hour or more, if he's inclined to come at all. Be patient.
WANWTF, I'd be happy to help with potential topics, but that's about as far as I would feel comfortable going. While I'm flattered by offer, I'm not a journalist. I'm just a kolledge edumacated suthern boy who loves to hunt. Besides, I wouldn't give much credibility to any "how to" articles because I've never pulled the trigger on a bird myself. One of the downsides to living in a state with a 6" beard minimum is you'd better know you have a mature bird in front of you. They don't usually stand still for a measurement until they've got a head full of lead. Many close calls, wasted time on birdless property, fooling around with jakes, busted set-ups, scouting trips, chasing hard-hunted toms with veterans, etc., etc., have taught me what I know today. The last hunt I made in MS, I had 6 jakes standing within 15 yards, none with more than a 4" beard. Talk about nerve rattling. Life's hard in the Deep South.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
Hunt hard, live right, and tell your kids you love 'em!