Unit 681 (BEAR RIVER)
 

I have asked on every forum I could find and even asked the regional biologist, does anybody have any information about this unit? I plan on spending as much time scouting unit between now and packing in for 2, 5 day trips next September. Any information would be appreciated. I am a Traditional Archer that lives in Chehalis and I have been hunting elk for 27 years, the last 20 on the East-side but I am coming back home. I have 2 daughters so I need to stay closer to home and my research has showed that this unit would be a great place to get lost in and get myself a nice Roosevelt elk.

RE: Unit 681 (BEAR RIVER)
 

Due to lack of response I figure that the few hunters that know anything dont want me hunting in their spot. Or I am going to be alone.

RE: Unit 681 (BEAR RIVER)
 

Stik...last year there were 17 bulls and 20 cows taken from that unit by239 archery hunters. Hunters averaged 51 days in the field per harvested animal. Your scouting trips should tell you the rest of the story.

RE: Unit 681 (BEAR RIVER)
 

WOW, those don't seem like good numbers (or maybe they are). How's that compare to other units.

RE: Unit 681 (BEAR RIVER)
 

In region 6 there were only two ther units with higher success rates (archery), 602 and 658 which were at 24.1% and 19.7% respectively.

Keep in mind thatsuccess rates hover around 10% or less on Elk in general.

RE: Unit 681 (BEAR RIVER)
 

Good use of the stats Raghorn

RE: Unit 681 (BEAR RIVER)
 

That's what they're there for...by the way, that's a pretty slick little deal you have there, oddhntr.

I completely forgot about this forum !!
After registering again, I was surprised to see my own post.
Just to update, I have fallen in love with the area, had some awesome hunts, the unit is all walk in, no overnight camping or parking at the gates so limited penetration into area by very few hunters.
The statistics are a little misleading because most hunters actually are in the Williams Creek area due to access, but hit a few gates when the pressure forces the elk away from roads, and majority of harvest is local hunters. Prior to 2007 antlerless harvest was limited to late season.
I have been only able to hunt one week of early season, but have had no trouble finding elk.
My main limitation has been calling animals directly to me, and being unable to take a shot, major handicap of hunting alone.
I have now managed to convince a couple friends to join me, camping in the Williams Creek unit so I am learning both units.
I have yet to harvest an Elk myself, but had some pretty exciting encounters, in 2011 I called in 9 different bulls in 6 days, this year I called in 2, one of those 3 different times. I am really looking forward to 2015 when the season will be later in September so that it will be closer to the peak of the rut.
This year Matt Brody from Wisconsin came out and hunted behind one of the gates and harvested a 5X5 on the second day of the season.