Wildcat Ridge WMA

[flat9999]

Was thinking about hitting Wildcat Ridge WMA this year with the muzzleloader for 6 day, during the week. Have never hunted the area, but plan on doing some still hunting thru it to see what happens.

Looking over the map, it looks like there are some steep sections along Charlottsburg Road, and also east of the parking area off of Upper Hibernia Road. Ideally, picking some of the steeper areas will keep me away from others' spots and allow me to do a nice sloooow walk thru.

Anybody hunt this area and can give some pointers? BTW - I also picked-up a bear tag, just in case.

[smoking gun]

Lotta bear up there

[flat9999]

Lotta bear up there

 

That's the plan.

[Haskell_Hunter]

Expect to see drivers and antis.  I know a few antis up there, so know your boundary lines.  It's steep, very steep.  Lots of folks use Splitrock Reservoir for various activities.  COs patrol the gravel road by the reservoir.  Read the signs about parking on or off the road.

 

Scout it once if you have a chance.  Walking in there in the dark can be treacherous.  And, yes, there are some decent deer in there as well as a good amount of bear.

[flat9999]

Expect to see drivers and antis.  I know a few antis up there, so know your boundary lines.  It's steep, very steep.  Lots of folks use Splitrock Reservoir for various activities.  COs patrol the gravel road by the reservoir.  Read the signs about parking on or off the road.

 

Scout it once if you have a chance.  Walking in there in the dark can be treacherous.  And, yes, there are some decent deer in there as well as a good amount of bear.

 

I have kayaked on the reservoir a few times in the past, and have seen some really nice bucks around the shoreline. I guess hoping the steep sections don't get driven too badly. Will probably be wearing a  full blaze jacket and hat, just in case.

[Bucksnbows]

The Division handled the largest (weight) bear ever in our state this past spring in that WMA.  It was estimated to weigh approx. 910 - 920 pounds this fall.     

[Rusty]

The Division handled the largest (weight) bear ever in our state this past spring in that WMA.  It was estimated to weigh approx. 910 - 920 pounds this fall.     

 

That's a big bear.  

[3Blade]

The Division handled the largest (weight) bear ever in our state this past spring in that WMA.  It was estimated to weigh approx. 910 - 920 pounds this fall.     

That's insane...how would you get that out of the woods without a backhoe or tow truck!

[Bucksnbows]

That's insane...how would you get that out of the woods without a backhoe or tow truck!

 

I don't recall the exact figures, but they tagged him in early spring right after he came out of his den and he was something over 750 lbs then.  They figure approx. 20% weight gain by the next fall, hence 900+ lbs 

[Shoot!]

Lots of bears but little deer