Region 5-15B Moose LEH Logging road access?

[gmachine19]

Hey all! My buddy got a moose draw at 5-15B. Now we are leaving 2 weekends from now for a scouting trip. He insist that we find logging roads instead of bringing jet boats. My plan was to launch somewhere in Quesnel Lake and then scout around the tip of the area. Has anyone hunted here before? Can anyone confirm if there are logging roads access in this area?

Thanks,
G

[Jagermeister]

You can access it by road from Likely on past Maeford Lake over to the Matthew River. Through road is supposed to be good according to SRupp. PM him for detailed synopsis.

[b.c hunter 88]

i do believe if you go into gost lake i think theirs a few roads on that side that might be zone B bur srupp can tell you for sure

[TimberPig]

There's only one road that reaches about a 2km section of 5-15b, the entire rest of the zone requires a boat or plane.

Usually a gong show on that piece of road, as everyone who applied without realizing this zone is basically boat access crowds around the tiny piece of road access.

I'd advise using the boats if it was my tag.

[warnniklz]

I would advise boat. However I've overheard in a book at the bar that there is some logging slated for the area at some point. But they'really barging equipment.

But like I said, sources are a few degrees removed.

[835]

We hunted it 2 seasons a long while back.. The mass of the area is boat only, like everyone said. We stayed at Ghost lake, got our bulls ... BUT... there was no other traffic so to speak and I call. We were able to find some decent spots in the cut to call from.

The first year we drew the tags was literally .... I was drinking when I filled out the LEH and called my buddy and I missed the line I wanted.... Seriously. We went in and got lucky. other side of our group put in there for the next year and got it... and again we got lucky with the moose..... but we haven't put in since. The size of the area was too risky... And this was probably 8 years ago? The river through there had a couple cuts and a couple natural openings on it. There was 1 Road to hunt. The moose were using the river as a corrodoor

I would PM SRUPP.. he always helps out people. That guy deserves something for it as well.

[gmachine19]

Sent Srupp a PM. Thanks all.

[Drillbit]

I would advise boat. However I've overheard in a book at the bar that there is some logging slated for the area at some point. But they'really barging equipment.

But like I said, sources are a few degrees removed.

The barge is going steady.
There are 3 crew boats going everyday too. Guys are roadbuilding over there bigtime, Wasko area.
The Corral has a big private property sign on it.
I think they have a bit of a camp set up too, there's trailers there.
The won't be logging for awhile tho

I wouldn't bother going there this year, too much road traffic.

[srupp]

Hmmm just home from 2 weeks fishing..I did try to call you earlier today..no reply..went on to the 38 other hunters..lol
cheers
Srupp

[Bubbacanuck]

Hmmm just home from 2 weeks fishing..I did try to call you earlier today..no reply..went on to the 38 other hunters..lol
cheers
Srupp

Hopefully good karma comes your way for helping out so many others!!

[JIL_24/7]

Hello,
I am very familiar with the area. I have been there multiple times. If I had a boat I would use it every time. If you do decide to go for the road access you should know that there are basically two cut blocks that just about every hunter sits on and they are old blocks with limited visibility. Everywhere else is a tough hunt which is where I hunt because I don't like hunting around others. ALSO!!!! And this is most important. I have hunted the area 5 out of the last 7 years. There have always been grizzlies, but last year they became ultra aggressive. We were chased out of the bush twice by different grizzlies and the moose went silent as there were at least two calf kills we came across. I saw more scat and more bears than ever and they had no fear of me at all. I heard and avoided them almost every time out. Bottom line is it is a beautiful area, but it is a tough hunt and they give out a TON of tags. I have spent around 50 days hunting the area and I have taken 2 moose. A couple of those years didn't even see a moose. There is a reason they give so many tags at such good odds. I repeat IF I had a boat I would use it EVERY TIME. Others will give you other advice, but I know the area as it is now. I have hunted it recently and often and I have seen numerous groups go for 5 days or less, pack up, and say, "Never again". There is only one other guy who goes there as much as me. We just love the country and don't have a boat. I'm not saying you won't get a moose, but the success rate on that hunt is very low over the last few years. To me just being there is a win, so I won't suggest not going, but the boat is a better idea.

[srupp]

Hmmm because Quesnel lake is the largest salmon spawning area in the world..they spawn in the lake..lots of grizzlies..lots of food means lots of surviving cubs....and yes these are THE most aggressive grizzlies I have encountered in BC...even more aggressive than the Tatsenshini. .
all great points..however there still are a abundance of moose...if one knows where, why, when..
It lends itself to the prime rut for many reasons.
It also has very tricky problematic boundaries that have raised havoc with resident hunters..the C.O, S..involving fines and forfeitures of moose meat..numerous times..know the boundaries....
One day drove out where some hunters were hunting..I knew where they would be. .but were still in camp at 10 am...hmmmmmmm
There are 3 distinct areas to hunt...the area requiring a boat can errupt into a frenzy in mere moments..look for a dark pencil line on the water...it will be upon you instantly..
If you won a tag...GO.you may indeed never draw a tag again...
there are already a couple..3 hunt groups already headed that area..all choosing different parts for different reasons.
Good luck.be safe
Srupp

[JIL_24/7]

Yes,
Steven is correct. KNOW THE BOUNDARIES. If you hunt near Ghost Lake know that the Matthew River is the boundary even though the map is confusing. And yes, there are moose around. They have been hunted pretty hard, though the last few years as they have given out a lot of draws (I believe 30+ in September alone). I hunt hard. I am hunting an hour before sun-up and an hour after sun-down every day. Mostly on foot. I have heard and called more moose than I have seen because of the very small windows. I love the area. All of it. It's beautiful. Steven got me excited the very first time I went, and I have been going ever since. He's a great guy and a great champion for hunters and the Cariboo Region. All that to say. I really do believe a boat is the best option for this draw. 5-15C is a whole other ball-game. That draw lends itself much better to drive in hunting. Also, you can drive to 5-15B through Likely or through Quesnel. The Quesnel route takes a bit longer, but it is shorter on the dirt and the dirt is better maintained.

[MichelD]

I was in 5-15C last year and I can confirm that there are griz present. My buddy sitting in a cut had a face to face encounter at 17 measured yards with not one, not two, not three, but four grizzly bears; a mother with three grown cubs the size of average black bears.

I drove the Likely to Ghost Lake road three times, once to get there, once looking for propane for my buddy's fridge and once more to go back. If I ever go again, I will not take that route. Hammered the shit out of my truck.

[tigrr]

Don't forget bells and pepper spray. And carry enough gun. I came across a pile of bear poop that would fill a 2.5 gallon pail. And it later walked right by camp. That was the November time period. Slept beside the loaded rifle for 10 days. Watch for storms if you do boat in. It can set a 33 foot boat up on a dock when it blows. Sleep in your boat 50 feet off shore if you can. Great adventure is waiting.

[f350ps]

Hello,
I am very familiar with the area. I have been there multiple times. If I had a boat I would use it every time. If you do decide to go for the road access you should know that there are basically two cut blocks that just about every hunter sits on and they are old blocks with limited visibility. Everywhere else is a tough hunt which is where I hunt because I don't like hunting around others. ALSO!!!! And this is most important. I have hunted the area 5 out of the last 7 years. There have always been grizzlies, but last year they became ultra aggressive. We were chased out of the bush twice by different grizzlies and the moose went silent as there were at least two calf kills we came across. I saw more scat and more bears than ever and they had no fear of me at all. I heard and avoided them almost every time out. Bottom line is it is a beautiful area, but it is a tough hunt and they give out a TON of tags. I have spent around 50 days hunting the area and I have taken 2 moose. A couple of those years didn't even see a moose. There is a reason they give so many tags at such good odds. I repeat IF I had a boat I would use it EVERY TIME. Others will give you other advice, but I know the area as it is now. I have hunted it recently and often and I have seen numerous groups go for 5 days or less, pack up, and say, "Never again". There is only one other guy who goes there as much as me. We just love the country and don't have a boat. I'm not saying you won't get a moose, but the success rate on that hunt is very low over the last few years. To me just being there is a win, so I won't suggest not going, but the boat is a better idea.
^^^Read this post a couple times, this fella is telling you something! I hunted B and C for about 30 years and did very very well, rarely coming home without being tagged out no matter how many tags we had! Then came the internet, that was the beginning of the end! Some will say FN's( too far for them), some will say Griz, (they've been thick in there forever) and others will say (wolves)! All bullshit, social media finished that area! Don't get me wrong, there is still a few Moose in there but you're really gonna have to be on your game and have a lot of luck on your side! This will be year 7 that I haven't put in for there and I almost did this year as it's a place that holds a special place in my heart as I have a lot of great memories in there! Thank christ I came to my senses, and saved my $6 and bought a ticket on the 649 instead! Never won that but saved a lot in fuel and aggravation! K

[srupp]

Hmmm yes there are no indians hunting the area.
There are more grizzlies now than 10 years ago in that region..due to incredible food source..however the increased numbers means interactions between bears has increased..plenty of big 25 year old bears in there..
Social media applies to all areas of BC..not just one management unit zone...
Computers make finding maps, intel faster..if you do your homework..checking harvest stats..success rates..logging data..etc etc. .all the same for any species any area.
I would suggest your years of experience would serve you well..knowing the area..boots on the ground..
However less tags..more wolves..more grizzlies..less logging..all make it more challenging.
The biggest issue here is access..it is divided by 3 access areas..the longest access requires a boat..skills..courage..the other 2 are many many miles seperated.
Any area I have moose hunted has the same issues...Mehl lake..great moose spot..huge bodies and huge racks..yet the internt will provide intel..most wont realize what its telling them...the past 3 fly in hunts have been greatly served by the internet information and the wealth of knowledge gathered together for us to access.
Cheers
Srupp

[f350ps]

^^^ You only have to look at LEH odds to figure it out!!! Look back at the last 20 years of LEH authorizations and you will get it also! As they say, loose lips sink ships!! It saddens me deeply what has happened to that part of Reg.5. Don't try to tell me about Griz, wolves etc, I've spoken with many many hunters and I've always asked the same question, "what inspired you to come here"? I'd say at least 3 outta 5 said they read about it on a hunting site! K

[srupp]

Hmmm why the attitude? Most all moose authorizations have dropped that have reasonable access...
You are incorrect about wolves, grizzlies..
Hmmm I live here and have only ever been asked 3x about that area...ever for moose..
Oh well hope your day gets better.....
Srupp

[f350ps]

Hmmm why the attitude? Most all moose authorizations have dropped that have reasonable access...
You are incorrect about wolves, grizzlies..
Hmmm I live here and have only ever been asked 3x about that area...ever for moose..
Oh well hope your day gets better.....
Srupp
No attitude here Srupp, just being honest and trying to keep it real! I don't know why you're taking it personal if you've only been asked 3X about that area! I'll say it again, just look at the LEH authorizations for 5-15 over the last ten plus years and you'll get it, social media has been the demise of that MU! K

[RackStar]

No attitude here Srupp, just being honest and trying to keep it real! I don't know why you're taking it personal if you've only been asked 3X about that area! I'll say it again, just look at the LEH authorizations for 5-15 over the last ten plus years and you'll get it, social media has been the demise of that MU! K


At least you know where NOT to go now =).

[Drillbit]

Quesnel Lake froze over last winter. The helicopter guy here flew the north arm and saw 28 wolves on the lake at the same time.
That and the grizz closure isn't helping the moose up there at all.

[willyqbc]

Then came the internet, that was the beginning of the end! Some will say FN's( too far for them), some will say Griz, (they've been thick in there forever) and others will say (wolves)! All bullshit, social media finished that area!

all due respect, but I think your on the wrong track on this one. Long before social media, word of mouth was bringing people from all over the province to region 5, case in point....5-13 A,B,C.....LOOOOOONG before social media 5-13 would be flooded with hunters from all over the province...you couldn't go a km without seeing another camp. Despite that, and the massive scale of the logging going on, the moose numbers remained strong.....until a horrible winter kill from ticks, followed by a massive rise in wolf population.
Long before social media, everyone knew about "nazko", "the sikanni", " the sekunka", "the tuchodi", "gang ranch" etc, etc.....social media or not, its very rare a good hunting area is ever kept a secret for long. In the case of this particular area....i suspect all the folks who were in there logging back in the day started the word of mouth.....more hunters in there was inevitable.

To the OP....I suspect it could be rather hectic in parts of the boat access portion of the zone, as they are currently setting up and I suspect will be logging again on the east side of the north arm this fall.

JMO
Chris

[srupp]

No attitude here Srupp, just being honest and trying to keep it real! I don't know why you're taking it personal if you've only been asked 3X about that area! I'll say it again, just look at the LEH authorizations for 5-15 over the last ten plus years and you'll get it, social media has been the demise of that MU! K

Hmmmm sorry Ken, I was wrong.in my response to you.
Steven

[835]

Im thinkin 5-15b needs to have a stiki! Lol

[srupp]

Im thinkin 5-15b needs to have a stiki! Lol

Hmmmm lol..fact is there are a lot better areas in region 5 for moose.
A lot better.
More questions on grizzlies here, than ever for moose.
Srupp

[835]

I know there are better places, but is there more asked about? Lol

[dino]

Before i got addicted to muley hunting our group took our fair number of moose. We had a zodiac with a 20hp jet and put it in ghost lake also we drove that nasty trail down to the north arm and jetted up there. All i can say is srupp is tell you what you need to hear. Oh ya, sss. There are problem bears at the ghost campsite.

[srupp]

Hmmmm lol..pretty certain that road down to north arm..goat trail is grown in..man that sure brings back memories..driving from the pond down to the north arm ., walking to Betties cabin in the dark...would not do that today..
Pretty certain if one stayed at Ghost lake for a week would see a dozen grizzlies in the spring..
Srupp

[Sharpish]

I was grizzly hunting there and we found the most epic moose shed I've ever seen. I'm talking 4" diameter base lol. There are a few roads you can run in 15B but it seems you are skirting the very edge of the zone the entire time.

[srupp]

I was grizzly hunting there and we found the most epic moose shed I've ever seen. I'm talking 4" diameter base lol. There are a few roads you can run in 15B but it seems you are skirting the very edge of the zone the entire time.

Pretty damn accurate. .
Srupp