How do you feel about helping new guys?

[dkecoleman]

So I'm courious, what do you guys think about all the new guys asking questions and advice about elk hunting?  I have decided next year I'm going to put all my efforts into elk hunting. I have a lot of questions I would like to ask but it seems most guys are hesitant about giving advice for some reason and I do understand, nobody wants to work hard to find a spot or get to know an area, just to have more people in there. I guess I have mixed emotions about asking for help, but not knowing much about different areas around the state makes it tough for a new guy.

[JLS]

I really enjoy helping people understand elk hunting so they can know where to look, how to hunt, what tactics to try, etc.  I'm no pro, and I've screwed up more than my share of opportunities.

I won't tell you where I hunt, but I'll tell you how I decide what KIND of places to hunt

[kglacken]

I like helping new guys and helping others in hopes of someone helping me out when I need advice too. I only point close friends to some of my favorite areas, but I dont mind giving people a general area to look at or tactics. I think hunting is a constant learning experience and people need to learn from experience, but if you dont know where to start, who better to ask than hunters? I dont mind people asking for information, as long as they dont expect others to do all the work for them. 

[PlateauNDN]

I don't have a problem helping and I do it quite often thru PM's, I at one point years ago didn't know what I know now and a lot of what I know I figured out myself and then received assistance with filling the gaps.  If its a genuine legitimate person who's worked their tail off and just needs a neudge then I don't see a problem but, if its the day before and their asking "where's the critters" then sorry go find out.

[6x6in6]

I have no problem helping someone.
For every 20 "strap up the boots and scout" posts, there are a handful of behind the scenes PM's that are sent out.  Sometimes they are acknowledged in a post with a "thanks for the PM".  I know, I have received a few of these thanks and I have seen where others have received these thanks publicly.  Others have thanked me via a return PM.
No one's getting a specific honey hole out of me but they do get general areas that might be near areas where I have hunted, past or present.
Sharing a success story when you sent a person in a direction that produced a successful harvest, is good enough for me.

[Button Nubbs]

Ill tell you the exact formula to my success down to every last detail, but I won't tell you where I hunt.

Always how never where...

[kentrek]

special draw or very common ares is the only time id give out locations,other than that you might aswell assume im not being honest with ya 

the honey holes are def double top secret

really best thing to ask is "what to look for" type of questions,i/most have a pretty simple set of requirements when looking for elk country,those requirements is what id be asking for..then hit the maps  also you need to look at yourself just as much as the elk

[sled]

  If you draw a permit for 340 next year send me a on and I'll help ya out.

[Kowsrule30]

I have no problem helping give the basics and some little extras about some things I may know about some areas I'm familiar with.... To anybody... Just not going to hold your hand and spill my beans of everything I know about certain areas... Some no problem I don't even hunt there anymore... So it would probably just piss somebody else off.... The easiest part is scouting and finding where and when you want to hunt.... The hardest part usually is connecting the dots, putting it all together, and making it actually happen... Some people do it yearly.... And you know there are people who have done everything they possibly can scouting, game pin pointed, time, money wise, ect.... Very experienced hunters who still eat a tag... The only way to really find out is to do it....

So where you plan on hunting??      I may spill some beans....

[dkecoleman]

I didn't really expect so many replies, so I thank you for that. As far as where I plan on hunting, thats a good question. First, I plan on archery hunting. I want to put in the effort and really do alot of scouting, I would like to get away from the crowds, if that possible. I'm torn between east and west. I really want to hunt in eastern washington, because I would perfer a spot and stalk type hunt, but who doesn't want a shot at a decent bull. I've read the harvest reports and the little naches gmu seems like a good choice, but I have read about it crawling with people. Seems like you should be able to get away from people if you work hard enough. It's also only a couple of hours from home so that would help in being prepared.

[h2ofowlr]

I would help out through a PM on a location.  Never on a the public forum.  Had my hand bitten a few time early on for this.  At the same time, I work hard at it and spend a lot of time learning new spots.  I did receive some good info through PM's on a spring bear hunt I drew, but I also spent around 20 days in the area hitting it hard before I harvested my bear.  I just wish some individuals would put the extra effort into learning areas and chasing game vs. looking for hand outs.  I think some just don't have the time to scout and some are just to lazy to scout.  Just don't know which percentage is greater. 

[arees]

I also received incredible help from the people on this site when I drew a spring bear tag.  Maybe it is something about bear hunters.

I put some effort into documenting my questions and learning experiences from that hunt on this site.  Hopefully, some of my questions and the answers I got could help a new hunter that can use the search function.  I have also helped some people with areas to hunt that I found in the bear area I drew, just not the same ones the people on this site showed me.

[bowjunkie]

i am fairly new to hunting still struggling a little with those damb elk but i keep going out if it was not for a scrap or two i find threw looking at old posts i would not have even new where to begin scouting/hunting so as a new bow hunter i want to say thanks to all of you who have responded my posts and others thanks again and some day i will be more than willling to share to a point like others but as of now no one wants my advise on places i promise that unless all u want is to have a great veiw while eating lunch

[pianoman9701]

I've only killed one elk with a bow, but I've done a lot of hunting. I'm not sure how much help I'll be! 

Look at the different topics for info on elk hunting, equipment, maps, and you find a lot of information that's already available. This site is a wealth of info. As Plateau stated, many members will PM you with suggestions or information. Contact the local DFW bio for the area you 're interested in hunting and you'll get tons of quality info. Look at the harvest reports on the WDFW website.

[dkecoleman]

I'm not too worried about the harvest, I guess I should say I don't have to arrow one to be satisfied this coming year. For me, I just want to head out with a plan, that I have confidence in. I don't want to head out for a hunt and feel like I'm just wondering around waiting to get lucky. So what are your guys thought's EAST VS WEST? Also, if anyone has spent much time in 346, is it a spot and stalk type of terrian, or too wooded for that?

[washelkhunter]

I like helping new folks out hunting. Hell if someone had'nt initially helped me i would'nt be hunting. You gotta give back.

[carlyoungs]

 

[boneaddict]

Honestly it depends alot on attitude, for which at this point I'd give you an A

[ghosthunter]

I like helping new folks out hunting. Hell if someone had'nt initially helped me i would'nt be hunting. You gotta give back.

Ditto

[JPhelps]

I will help with everything besides location, but I will help you out on how to find your own area 

I have no secrets when it comes to gear questions, calling strategies, knowledge of elk, etc...

ASK AWAY

[grundy53]

I like helping new guys and helping others in hopes of someone helping me out when I need advice too. I only point close friends to some of my favorite areas, but I dont mind giving people a general area to look at or tactics. I think hunting is a constant learning experience and people need to learn from experience, but if you dont know where to start, who better to ask than hunters? I dont mind people asking for information, as long as they dont expect others to do all the work for them. 

[dkecoleman]

Thanks Bone, I do really want to do things the right way, I grew up on a farm in Kentucky hunting whitetails, This out here is a whole different ball of wax. I have been fooling around with hancock the last couple of years, haven't had much success, the worst part of it is, I haven't gotton out and learned much about the rest of the state, and the type of hunting I dreamed about when I was a kid. I really want to get serious in 2013, An elk and a bear are my goals before I have to move from Washington. Or at the very least, learn enough to feel like I have accomplished something.

[grundy53]

I'm not too worried about the harvest, I guess I should say I don't have to arrow one to be satisfied this coming year. For me, I just want to head out with a plan, that I have confidence in. I don't want to head out for a hunt and feel like I'm just wondering around waiting to get lucky. So what are your guys thought's EAST VS WEST? Also, if anyone has spent much time in 346, is it a spot and stalk type of terrian, or too wooded for that?

Personally if I were just starting out and wanted to bow hunt, I would hunt the westside. There is still plenty of spot and stalking plus a lot of cover, and (I know someone will disagree with me) I think it's easiest to hunt a lone rag horn looking for love.

[dkecoleman]

Grundy, I have read that a few times about young bulls, they get pushed out by the herd bull, should be easier to call, makes sense in my simple mind The thing that worries me about the westside is the number of hunters and the thickness of the woods, I haven't done so hot at that in Kapowsin, don't know if it's all like that or not. I am willing to work to get away from them, bike-in or hike-in, I'm good with whatever it takes, and I am by no means ruling out the westside.

[Dan-o]

I'm old and fat now, but was the young guy once.

I never would have learned to catch steelhead if a guy didn't help me out.

I wouldn't have done nearly as well on deer or elk.

I wouldn't have done nearly as well on birds w/o help.

I still get help - had a guy from Hunt Wa take me on a great deer hunt this year.


So, being old and fat now, I try to give back.   Attitude of  the recipient really is everything.   An attitude of entitlement doesn't go far.

[mtman]

  Read alot about the animal you hunt. If you know what they eat Where they like to sleep. How they act during the time you will be hunting them. Then all that's left is finding them. That's the advice I am willing to give. I spend alot of my spare time in the spring shed hunting . This helps to find were elk hang during late season to some degree. It is also not as hard to see in the woods during early spring better chance of finding scrapes as well (early elk hunting).
  I used to walk randomly trough the woods with a Audubon book so I would know what all the plants were as I came across good areas with sign. Nothing can replace being in the woods.

[skywalker253]

The easiest way to figure out where to hunt, is by reading the special permit applicants. If you see 4000 hunters applied for an area, which gives out 50 tags; that is probably a pretty good area. Research to see if it is open during the general season. Try and find out how much weather plays a factor in hunter success. You can also go to the WSDFW website and pull harvest reports. I have only been on this site for a few months and I have already learned a few new areas; just by reading threads. I am interested in a few specific areas, which are new to me. I have been typing in the name of the area in the search box on this site. Start skimming through different threads reading the stories and looking at pictures. I also use YouTube. Lot's of great hunting videos. Type in "Washington elk hunting in....example Cascade Mountains or name of a GMU" and you will be suprised how long you can sit on YouTube and watch hunting videos. That seems to be the new thing for hunters interacting with social media. Film the hunt and post it online. You can get plenty of info of this site without asking questions. I have never set foot is one specific GMU and I have already put together a list of roads and landmarks, where people have posted it on here. Not like I am going to steal there spot, but it gives me an idea of the general area I should scout. Do that for a few areas and hopefully come the season you will harvest an animal. Good luck out there! 

[GEARHEAD]

Dont worry about asking. if ya ask a specific question regarding a particular gmu, you might be surprised, with a private message.  dont worry about negative responses that might present themselves. i wish i could offer more advise, but im still learning myself, there is nothing like calling a bull into you, i havnt killed one yet, but have called in three, one less than 15 yards (DONT ASK )    anyways if you want to call in a bull, im thinking you should focus on west side. hunt behind closed gates, get a mountain bike, spare tubes and a good pack board, and your on your way, and no crowds too. best of luck to you.

[dkecoleman]

Thanks Gearhead, seems to be a common response about the westside.

[grundy53]

As far as asking a question on here and getting a negative response... or 20. Don't let it bother you. Just remember that is only 20 out of 10,000 members. I bet you will get a few PM's pointing you in the right direction.

[Yankee]

I'm relatively new to bow hunting, hunted the Little Naches area in early season, Nile in late (shot my first elk, first kill with a bow just last week).  There is waaay more people in those areas than I'd care for.  Would love to put the work into getting away from the crowds.

[dkecoleman]

Congrats Yankee, Yeah, thats kinda what I thought it would be like, could you get away from the crowds if you wanted to over there? assuming you were will to work for it.

[MADMAX]

I get just as much enjoyment helping new guys who are friends as getting one myself.
The look on the face of guy who has his first big game kill is priceless.
My SIL has yet to get his first elk, but he will and I will be there I hope to share in it.
If anyone wants my help hunting I usually am willing to give it.

[low97ram]

i believe what comes around, goes around.  help someone today, and someone may help you tomorrow.  i'm no expert in any way, shape, or form when it comes to hunting. nor do i know of great hunting spots (i know good spots),  but i have gotten alot of good "starting" info from this site and the members.  i've also met a few guys from here, learned from them, and even hunted with them...it's always a learning experience.  never had the "hunting teacher" so i got bits and pieces from friends/HW members and went from there.  still haven't killed one of them sneaky elk, but i'll keep putting in the time and effort to get there.  and it doesn't hurt to ask questions...the only stupid question, is the one not asked...

pete

[jackmaster]

i myself do not mind helping people out, what i have a problem with is helpn people out that turn out to be lazy turds, or telln someone you will help them out and they pull a no show and mess up your plans....what i do love is helpn kids out, in the past years i have taken a total of 5 new hunters out and got to watch them get their first deer..... what a blast that was and next year i will be taking 2 brand new just going through hunter ed huntresses out deer hunting, yes my daughter who turned 14 decided she wants to hunt and my niece who goes to puyallup highschool and is 17 wants to deer hunt to, this will be the first time i have taken females out deer huntn, lord knows what i am in store for, i am gonna put up some big tree stands for them so they dont have to walk as much...either way it should be a blast...to the OP i see you live in orting, well fisk rd and patterson have some good elk huntn if you can get permission alot of private property that borders hancock and it also holds some nice bulls....just work hard and get permission and scout , scout and scout some more, elk are one critter that you can pattern

[bench beast]

We can all use help sometime, but teaching a new hunter is very rewarding. Being with someone for their first animal can be a great experience.

[SniperDanWA]

I'll help anyone at anytime.  I'm not perfect, but if a newbie needs help I'm game.  I learned from others, it is only right....

[CAMPMEAT]

I'll tell them everything, including places to hunt. I don't care because I'm a hunter, not a jerk !! 

[nailbender]

Ill tell you the exact formula to my success down to every last detail, but I won't tell you where I hunt.

Always how never where...

I can agree..

[nailbender]

As far as asking a question on here and getting a negative response... or 20. Don't let it bother you. Just remember that is only 20 out of 10,000 members. I bet you will get a few PM's pointing you in the right direction.

sems about right...

[Houndhunter]

I've posted on topics about a certain wilderness that im familiar with, and have gotten numerous pm's about the place asking for info. I never give out exact details, but good solid info to help backcountry guys out. I've always said id like to hear how you did, but have not yet had anyone reply back to me after I gave them info. Now I won't share $hit, to many people on here that dont show respect IMO. I'm no expert, but all guys want is info and you'll never hear from them again.

[BOWHUNTER45]

I have no problem helping anyone ..The new guys just have to understand that alot of us are just messing around when someone asks for help with only a couple post ..like they said previously ....most likely you will get a pm from someone that is willing to help .

[The scout]

one thing to remember we might be new to this site but not to hunting,we can be helpfull also.

[6x6in6]

Sometimes they are acknowledged in a post with a "thanks for the PM".  I know, I have received a few of these thanks and I have seen where others have received these thanks publicly.  Others have thanked me via a return PM.

To the 3 of you that PM'd me and look back at this thread, and for which I willingly gave you as much info and advice that I did, I'll just go ahead and say YOU ARE WELCOME and you really don't need to reply via PM or post here with a thank you.  I understand where you were coming from now.   

To the rest of you who would like to PM me, feel free.  I enjoy being milked for info without so much as a thank you.   

[JLS]

Sometimes they are acknowledged in a post with a "thanks for the PM".  I know, I have received a few of these thanks and I have seen where others have received these thanks publicly.  Others have thanked me via a return PM.

To the 3 of you that PM'd me and look back at this thread, and for which I willingly gave you as much info and advice that I did, I'll just go ahead and say YOU ARE WELCOME and you really don't need to reply via PM or post here with a thank you.  I understand where you were coming from now.   

To the rest of you who would like to PM me, feel free.  I enjoy being milked for info without so much as a thank you.   

Agreed, you wouldn't think it was that hard to thank someone for the help.

[6x6in6]

Sometimes they are acknowledged in a post with a "thanks for the PM".  I know, I have received a few of these thanks and I have seen where others have received these thanks publicly.  Others have thanked me via a return PM.

To the 3 of you that PM'd me and look back at this thread, and for which I willingly gave you as much info and advice that I did, I'll just go ahead and say YOU ARE WELCOME and you really don't need to reply via PM or post here with a thank you.  I understand where you were coming from now.   

To the rest of you who would like to PM me, feel free.  I enjoy being milked for info without so much as a thank you.   

Agreed, you wouldn't think it was that hard to thank someone for the help.

And now for the funny parts.....
All 3 have been online in the last 24 hours, cuz I checked before I posted the above.
1 was actually online and reading this very thread which brought me full circle back here to post the above.  Will be interesting to see if that someone has the nads to say something now.   

[6x6in6]

And for the record, none of them posted in this thread.
Their total post count between the 3 of them was 2.
Gotta love the newbs.