Region 3 Access?

[BChunter1982]

Maybe a long shot but I want to get my 11yr old son out for another day of hunting for a Muley or WT for him. We live in Lake country and want to head to 3-12 or surrounding MU to drive and maybe do a bit of walking. Does anyone have any good advice on where to go in 3-12? Not looking for your honey hole, more looking for areas that are still accessible to a 4wd truck and not too much snow so we get stuck. We are pretty green to alot of the areas, early season we spent time up near Pennask etc but I will assume that is too snowy now so thinking near Merritt or Kamloops areas?

Thank you for any input, we want to head out for the day tomorrow (December 6/17) :D

[mike31154]

Haven't had much opportunity this season, but north of Falkland is an area I've scouted & frequented the last couple of seasons. I hope to get up there too before season ends. Turn right in Falkland & head up the Chase/Falkland road. There are a number of FSRs along the route worth checking out. MU 3-26, a bit more of a drive for you. Some private land north of Pillar Lake to get around, but plenty of crown land north & south of there.

[BChunter1982]

So we drove out to Chase Falkland Rd yesterday and drove almost every FSR and spur we could get into with my truck. We saw 1 set of deer tracks in the snow and a few moose tracks, and I am talking we covered ALOT of ground. But we did see about 5 million K9 tracks from big packs of Wolf to Coyote running every road and cut block we could find. In my years of hunting I have never seen so much Dog tracks anywhere and I have hunted alot and covered many MU's. Keep me posted how you make out if you go out that way but after a full day spent there it was one of those days. Weird part was not being able to find any deer tracks anywhere (yes we hiked around as well). Good luck in your adventures, I do agree, geographically it looks like an awesome area all over out there but no sign is not a good sign​

[g2mike]

So we drove out to Chase Falkland Rd yesterday and drove almost every FSR and spur we could get into with my truck. We saw 1 set of deer tracks in the snow and a few moose tracks, and I am talking we covered ALOT of ground. But we did see about 5 million K9 tracks from big packs of Wolf to Coyote running every road and cut block we could find. In my years of hunting I have never seen so much Dog tracks anywhere and I have hunted alot and covered many MU's. Keep me posted how you make out if you go out that way but after a full day spent there it was one of those days. Weird part was not being able to find any deer tracks anywhere (yes we hiked around as well). Good luck in your adventures, I do agree, geographically it looks like an awesome area all over out there but no sign is not a good sign​
First post on here for me. I was reading this thread as we were going to head up Chase-Falkland tomorrow.

We hunted a full day covering almost everything in 3-13 we could get to from Kane Valley yesterday and I could quote your review of Chase-Falkland and apply it exactly to what we saw. We covered a TON of ground in the truck and on foot. Aside from stalking into a group of 3 WT does and a fawn, we saw almost no deer tracks. A couple of moose and some very fresh elk sign. But the dog tracks were unbelievable! Every FSR had multiple dog tracks on it, including on top of fairly fresh tire tracks. We started the day discussing the pros and cons of shooting a coyote if we saw one, and by the end of the day we were almost hunting coyotes we hated them so much. So many rabbit tracks it was comical too.

Snow level was all over the place, some areas of the same elevation had hardly a skiff in one spot to 6" in other spots, but was getting uncomfortable above 1250m in a stock truck with good tires.

[M.Dean]

Just a reminder guys, it's Winter Time up here! If your going off road carry a set of good chains, and know they fit your tires, a real strong snow shovel, license plates do work but snow shovels work better! Sand bag's, jackall, come a long or chain block, I like winches my self, 25 feet of chain or good cable, extra socks, boots, jacket, food, water, and anything else you can think of! And most importantly! And when you drive by the ranchers house on your way up the logging road, Smile and politely Wave! You might be knock'in on his door at 2 AM asking for a tow out of the ditch!!! Good luck this weekend!

[RyoTHC]

Douglas lake is having big issues with wolves and coyotes, and they own a large portion of 3-12. The "private" property is actually making it easier for the predators. I've personally shot 25+ coyotes from 3-12 and over 20 from 3-13 this fall already, failed to connect on a couple big wolves as well... we need more people hunting predators in the off season! Even 1 coyote per hunter would be substantial.

[Dannybuoy]

Douglas lake is having big issues with wolves and coyotes, and they own a large portion of 3-12. The "private" property is actually making it easier for the predators. I've personally shot 25+ coyotes from 3-12 and over 20 from 3-13 this fall already, failed to connect on a couple big wolves as well... we need more people hunting predators in the off season! Even 1 coyote per hunter would be substantial.
Nice ... you might even be making gas money as a bonus eh ? Or is is too early for nice fur ?

[BChunter1982]

First post on here for me. I was reading this thread as we were going to head up Chase-Falkland tomorrow.

We hunted a full day covering almost everything in 3-13 we could get to from Kane Valley yesterday and I could quote your review of Chase-Falkland and apply it exactly to what we saw. We covered a TON of ground in the truck and on foot. Aside from stalking into a group of 3 WT does and a fawn, we saw almost no deer tracks. A couple of moose and some very fresh elk sign. But the dog tracks were unbelievable! Every FSR had multiple dog tracks on it, including on top of fairly fresh tire tracks. We started the day discussing the pros and cons of shooting a coyote if we saw one, and by the end of the day we were almost hunting coyotes we hated them so much. So many rabbit tracks it was comical too.

Snow level was all over the place, some areas of the same elevation had hardly a skiff in one spot to 6" in other spots, but was getting uncomfortable above 1250m in a stock truck with good tires.

Yeah we saw 1 coyote on the way back home. We took a drive up into an area called Yankee flats (new to me) and saw NOTHING for deer sign but I did see a coyote at 60 yrds, by the time I had rifle loaded it was over the hill and GONZO!! Used a predator call after I saw that bugger but he wouldn't come out of the sticks!!! Still like I stated earlier, I have never ever ever seen so much Dog sign, I still cant believe it. My truck I'm new running BFG K02's and they seem pretty awesome in the deep stuff but not that great on some Icy corners working my way down the switchbacks on some FSR's out there. Chains will be an investment for next season (or a quad if the wife permits lol)

[BChunter1982]

Just a reminder guys, it's Winter Time up here! If your going off road carry a set of good chains, and know they fit your tires, a real strong snow shovel, license plates do work but snow shovels work better! Sand bag's, jackall, come a long or chain block, I like winches my self, 25 feet of chain or good cable, extra socks, boots, jacket, food, water, and anything else you can think of! And most importantly! And when you drive by the ranchers house on your way up the logging road, Smile and politely Wave! You might be knock'in on his door at 2 AM asking for a tow out of the ditch!!! Good luck this weekend!

I did wave and smile in a few spots yesterday :-P but yes I agree I for 1 will definitely go more prepared next time out (next season). Beautiful country out that way!

[Bugle M In]

How about Glimpse lake area?? cant recall the MU, but should have deer right now.
Surprised if there are none around Monte?
Pinuas lake area...???
But hell ya....carry chains...and a come along with chain and rope!
If you don't have them...get em....gets rid of the "greenhorn" experience real quick.
Chainsaw and shovel.. ..stihl or husky...f the other brands.

[IronNoggin]

Douglas lake is having big issues with wolves and coyotes...

While I can actually internalize that intel and be reasonably comfortable with it, the sad part of the news is that these problems are spilling over from their "area of refuge". And that latter part really sucks. :-x

Nog

[bigredchev]

Just a reminder guys, it's Winter Time up here! If your going off road carry a set of good chains, and know they fit your tires, a real strong snow shovel, license plates do work but snow shovels work better! Sand bag's, jackall, come a long or chain block, I like winches my self, 25 feet of chain or good cable, extra socks, boots, jacket, food, water, and anything else you can think of! And most importantly! And when you drive by the ranchers house on your way up the logging road, Smile and politely Wave! You might be knock'in on his door at 2 AM asking for a tow out of the ditch!!! Good luck this weekend!

X2. Good gear and knowing how to use it is as important as rifle, tags and TP.

We had to chain up in 3-19 to run some of the hills

[RyoTHC]

While I can actually internalize that intel and be reasonably comfortable with it, the sad part of the news is that these problems are spilling over from their "area of refuge". And that latter part really sucks. :-x

Nog


Don't get me wrong, I was attempting to imply exactly what you just said, I apologize that I failed haha, you are 100% correct, if they didn't have such vast expanses of private property and actively patrol and restrict access, the wildlife wouldn't be so dense, offering the predators such ample chance to eat everything. I have zero compassion for that specific ranch in any sense of the word.. I know numerous people locally who were trying to be clever and trespass to hunt there and wound up with charges going through the courts..

[Salty]

I've found the guys that work for DLR good guys, quick with a wave, I've had them stop and see if I was OK before. Salt of the earth kind of guys. But the owners can go **** themselves.

[mike31154]

So we drove out to Chase Falkland Rd yesterday and drove almost every FSR and spur we could get into with my truck. We saw 1 set of deer tracks in the snow and a few moose tracks, and I am talking we covered ALOT of ground. But we did see about 5 million K9 tracks from big packs of Wolf to Coyote running every road and cut block we could find. In my years of hunting I have never seen so much Dog tracks anywhere and I have hunted alot and covered many MU's. Keep me posted how you make out if you go out that way but after a full day spent there it was one of those days. Weird part was not being able to find any deer tracks anywhere (yes we hiked around as well). Good luck in your adventures, I do agree, geographically it looks like an awesome area all over out there but no sign is not a good sign​

I did get out that way today for an afternoon outing. Sorry you were unsuccessful, but it's typically a crapshoot when trying a new area one is unfamiliar with. I too saw a good deal of predator tracks but also a few more deer tracks than you appear to have seen. They looked to be a day or so old until near the end of my hike, I found some freshies. Looks like those were a result of a spooked deer, either by me or a dog type critter, there were those kind of tracks nearby as well. A friend of mine lives up that way just north of Pillar Lake & he suggested the area to me several years ago. I also hunt around the Monashee pass & have to say I've had more close encounters, almost success up that way. I've seen deer up close in 8-13, plenty of sign in the Falkland 3-26 MU but never spotted a deer in person there other than on private property on the way in/out. Don't know if you made it up to the Paxton Road area, north of Miller Lake, that's where I usually try my luck. Before the advice from my resident buddy, I hunted FSR to the east off Chase Falkland road. Area I go to now you make a left (west) just north of Pillar Lake, then to Paxton, then I go right & left again to access the road going past Miller Lake.

Didn't get up as high as I wanted since it was a short day, but decided to mount the chains part way up. That was a wise decision. I was hoping to break through the cloud cover, but road got a little too sketchy higher up even with the chains.

https://qhulea.dm2302.livefilestore.com/y4mHUBoNdh7Lw0U5YFG3i0DZ_4tpwQD1foMBXt3AVLLoDFiIEF 15oJoCtbv4whhAWqgs3i6vIk9TeuSkre-Yf7JAyAOTm0WSGB-L9o2KMKeesN-ZmF63AFt8BlqKhKJbNL381qsTx81gscGi7hZpEN97LXVZrRtbS 37lR4lkdkyunj4Le4pINorxksB0FEkP97Q7hQhQ5-aDC_c2J0HUoSQkw?width=371&height=660&cropmode=none

https://qhugea.dm2302.livefilestore.com/y4mz6wR6ITpasaB-If0IoBYiyxguQs8KKmrP-3JWFphXLYMG3nWUL9GovfQ-SPiuPUwohulQXjbBqPhdzi2NrmWmegZcerTIud1blvFF3srB6X H0JIUtO1jQzOiivEMQQoa1Lqzqtj74Rju2276IyYCAWqxuD3JS FHz8FmAtVcRlyX7hYNmwL4y72V4QiDL7IP6gDdVRFimm7X8I91 iOkn5JA?width=371&height=660&cropmode=none

[BChunter1982]

I did get out that way today for an afternoon outing. Sorry you were unsuccessful, but it's typically a crapshoot when trying a new area one is unfamiliar with. I too saw a good deal of predator tracks but also a few more deer tracks than you appear to have seen. They looked to be a day or so old until near the end of my hike, I found some freshies. Looks like those were a result of a spooked deer, either by me or a dog type critter, there were those kind of tracks nearby as well. A friend of mine lives up that way just north of Pillar Lake & he suggested the area to me several years ago. I also hunt around the Monashee pass & have to say I've had more close encounters, almost success up that way. I've seen deer up close in 8-13, plenty of sign in the Falkland 3-26 MU but never spotted a deer in person there other than on private property on the way in/out. Don't know if you made it up to the Paxton Road area, north of Miller Lake, that's where I usually try my luck. Before the advice from my resident buddy, I hunted FSR to the east off Chase Falkland road. Area I go to now you make a left (west) just north of Pillar Lake, then to Paxton, then I go right & left again to access the road going past Miller Lake.

Didn't get up as high as I wanted since it was a short day, but decided to mount the chains part way up. That was a wise decision. I was hoping to break through the cloud cover, but road got a little too sketchy higher up even with the chains.

https://qhulea.dm2302.livefilestore.com/y4mHUBoNdh7Lw0U5YFG3i0DZ_4tpwQD1foMBXt3AVLLoDFiIEF 15oJoCtbv4whhAWqgs3i6vIk9TeuSkre-Yf7JAyAOTm0WSGB-L9o2KMKeesN-ZmF63AFt8BlqKhKJbNL381qsTx81gscGi7hZpEN97LXVZrRtbS 37lR4lkdkyunj4Le4pINorxksB0FEkP97Q7hQhQ5-aDC_c2J0HUoSQkw?width=371&height=660&cropmode=none

https://qhugea.dm2302.livefilestore.com/y4mz6wR6ITpasaB-If0IoBYiyxguQs8KKmrP-3JWFphXLYMG3nWUL9GovfQ-SPiuPUwohulQXjbBqPhdzi2NrmWmegZcerTIud1blvFF3srB6X H0JIUtO1jQzOiivEMQQoa1Lqzqtj74Rju2276IyYCAWqxuD3JS FHz8FmAtVcRlyX7hYNmwL4y72V4QiDL7IP6gDdVRFimm7X8I91 iOkn5JA?width=371&height=660&cropmode=none

Cool man, that sounds like a better day out than I had. No I didnt get out to those other areas, actually I concentrated myself on Bolean FSR, and the one just north of it and the other one just south of it (not sure what the other 2 were called) and we got up pretty high but nothing. I want to get out and tour around the area alot more come spring time, I am going to try for a black bear again in the springtime and this area may have good numbers I have heard, but I will see how that goes in the springtime! Hope you have some more luck out there this year (this weekend that is)

:)