Tough Decision

[dkecoleman]

So what do you guys think, I'm trying to decided between Deer or Elk hunting this year. I know most people on here are going to say do both but, I'm not going to have time to put into both, and have a chance at being sucessful. don't really care about killing a trophy of either one, just a good hunting experience. Heck, a cow or doe either would be fine with me, but if I eat tag soup, I just want to know I put forth all the effort I could and seen some nice country.

If I deer hunt, I'm going to buy one of the 3 remaining passes and hunt Kapowsin for the 3rd year, just this time with a bow. I feel like I'm starting to know the area pretty good.

If I Elk hunt I'm pretty much starting from scratch. I don't really know much about hunting Elk but I have been reading alot, studing WDFW website, and browsing google earth quite a bit. I have seen all the harvest reports and have a few units in mind but thats it. 

I'm Military and have one more hunting season in Washington, moving to Missouri next Feb. Just want to make the most of it.

[washelkhunter]

Go for the elk. You can hunt deer just about anywhere. What season are you choosing?

[dkecoleman]

The thought that keeps coming to my mind is, " theres no elk in Missouri ". I'm going Archery, either way.

[pianoman9701]

Buy both tags and go for elk. If you're elk hunting without a deer tag, you will see the deer of a lifetime, I guarantee it.

[wildmanoutdoors]

Go Elk for sure! So much more rewarding IMO. Plus you will have ggreat deer hunting were you are going.

Hunt Cows in Bumping or Nile this Sept. Thats were Ill be!

[WSU]

There are plenty of places that are open to both at the same time for archery.  That's what I would do.

[dkecoleman]

Thanks for the replies fellas, the bumping and nile are a few of the areas I was looking at. I would like to find an area thats open to cows as well, seems that your odds would be a little better that way, If I'm hunting and deer season is open I will have a tag. I guess my descision is to buy the Kapowsin permit or not, If I buy it, I probably won't spend the money or have the time to drive and do the scouting it's going to take to get to know an area.

[grundy53]

Kapowsin will probably be closed during the early season due to fire danger. Either way my vote is elk.

sent from my typewriter

[JLS]

Hunt elk.  Then, when you move to Missouri you will be hopelessly addicted to elk hunting and will continue to hunt elk somewhere like Colorado or Wyoming.  Sound good?

[wildmanoutdoors]

I believe if you get into the Nile or Bumping you will get into Elk! If you do a bit o scouting it could be better.

But man just get in the woods, be quiet, and the Elk will come.

[dkecoleman]

Yeah I know, I do really want to hunt Elk (I guess I'm answering my own post huh) but I'm just a little worried about being able to find a area where I'll have somewhat of a chance, Having enough time to learn the area and enough about hunting them to maybe stumble upon a few.

Yeah grundy, if it's like last year it will be huh.

[washelkhunter]

Those antlerless opportunities in nile and bumping are not a sure deal yet....just proposals.

[dkecoleman]

Yeah, I have been waiting for the regs, hopefully they are out before to long, should be in a week or so I would think.

[hughjorgan]

Those antlerless opportunities in nile and bumping are not a sure deal yet....just proposals.

The archery season for cow or spike are a done deal for the Nile and bumping.

[Stick em]

There are plenty of places that are open to both at the same time for archery.  That's what I would do.

The best thing about archery is that you can get a deer while going for elk. Trust me, deer in this state are not tough to find. Your in a great area for both. The upper part of the 667 unit holds everything. I have seen tons of big deer and small pockets of Elk within a mile of the road. Aim for a Bull and maybe get a Doe