Pepperbox Wilderness

[copper]

Do any of you hunt in the Pepperbox Wilderness? I'm curious to learn any interesting details related that region. My understanding is that it is very remote, very forbidding.

Please share any thoughts,

Thanks,
Copper

[pondhopper]

Most of the Pepperbox has an occassional hunter passing through at one time or another (very few in "deep"). There are isolated "pockets" that don't get touched. Main access pts are: Sunday Crk. Powerstation w/walking bridge across the Beaver River. Parking near Stillwater Res. Dam & crossing the Beaver R. there. Prentice Rd. off of the Long Pond Rd. in the town of Croghan w/access in the Sand Pond area & east. Walking in from the north near Tide Lake....off of the Bear Pond Rd. which, is somewhat like a continuance of the Long Pond Rd.

[copper]

Pondhopper,

Thank you for responding. My expectation is that sightings would be scarce but that a hard, thorough foot hunt should give hope of finding a track. I need to start scouting shortly- what should I expect of the terrain/growth this time of year?

[pondhopper]

Pondhopper,

Thank you for responding. My expectation is that sightings would be scarce but that a hard, thorough foot hunt should give hope of finding a track. I need to start scouting shortly- what should I expect of the terrain/growth this time of year?

The area from Cowboy Beaver Meadow east to Raven Lake burned in 1903, so Maples & Cherry trees are the predominant hardwoods on high ground, excepting the highest hills. Such as: Pepperbox Mt. on the west side of Pepperbox pond, the highest hills NW of Bear Pond to the Cowboy Beaver Meadow and E & NE of Sunshine Pond where a few big Beech still remain. Along creeks and low-lying areas, spruce, balsam and white pine prevail with some instances of very thick sections. Lots of open beaver meadows along creeks. Some logging of fallen timber was allowed after the hurricane of 1950....which, is why there is that dotted line running from Sand Pond towards Tide Lake.....it is known as "the Smith Road" and is a good legal walking path into that section (however, there is a block of private land near the headwaters of Martin Brook). Last year the land around Spring Pond transitioned over into State hands so, that camp just down it's outlet is no longer used and the area is open to the public. Some hunters set up an outfitters tent in Three Mile Beaver Meadow each year but, they mainly hunt westward and don't, generally, travel too far. There's some "microburst" remnants north of Moshier Reservoir to Cropsey Pond but, it's starting to "settle" now and one is able to get through it, nowadays.

You're correct about having to look for a track........but, there's a few nice ones in that area.

[pondhopper]

Oh, and if, you get the chance......you may want to check out the lower end of that creek that runs north towards Lower Moshier Pond. I noticed some big "signposts" while snowshoeing through there last Winter. Now, who the heck would put "signposts" way back in there? Well, whoever did it.....it looks like they come from high ground to the east and follow the creek for awhile through the lower ground.

Also, if, you look around the west side of Deer Pond Outlet near the end of the pond....you may find something that floats.