Early Archery Elk: First Week or Second Week?

[Sliverslinger]

Just like it says. We've pretty much chosen 1st week, but have always chosen 2nd week in the past. Wish I could hunt both. I am curious to see what differences we'll see if any in elk behavior with just a week's difference.

[elkoholic1]

definetly first week......

[bobcat]

Do you have Monday the 2nd off as well? If so, I'd definitely go the first week, since you said you only have 4 days to take off work. If you get the holiday off and take your vacation the 3rd thru the 6th, that would give you a 9 day block of time. The first three days you couldn't hunt, but you could scout. That would give you a great advantage on the very first day of the season, to have already been in the woods scouting the three previous days.

[et1702]

Opening week - Shot my archery elk on opening day here in WA last two years in a row.

ET

[blackveltbowhunter]

I voted First week. But only for the pressure. If I really thought pressure was not likley ( as you allude, in your scenario ) then I would move as late into the season as possible.

[Sliverslinger]

Do you have Monday the 2nd off as well? If so, I'd definitely go the first week, since you said you only have 4 days to take off work. If you get the holiday off and take your vacation the 3rd thru the 6th, that would give you a 9 day block of time. The first three days you couldn't hunt, but you could scout. That would give you a great advantage on the very first day of the season, to have already been in the woods scouting the three previous days.

This is precisely why we are going first week instead of second.

[JPhelps]

If your main goal is to kill an elk I dont think it matters much between the two weeks.

With the first week there seems to be more pressure in general but the elk haven't been pressured as much.

In the second week it is likely the bulls will be a little more fired up but they may have already been hunted and called.

If you are hunting unpressured elk the second week is usually more exciting.

[sakoshooter]

I really like the 3rd week the best. Wait.................we don't get a third week.

[Elknut1]

If I knew the area to be hunted very well then either week, if I didn't, the 2nd week would be my choice!

  ElkNut1

[LBES]

First week!.. Unless the weather is 90 degrees!

[D-Rock425]

I'll hunt any week I can but I'd have to go the first week.  Could stand not being in camp opening day.