Eastern vs Western WA

[dkecoleman]

So I have been planning to hunt eastern wa, somewhere in the bumping, most likely, for awhile now. I don't know much about it, started google scouting it, have a few maps and a rough game plan, but thats it. The other day a couple of guys I know asked me if I would like to hunt with them in the packwood area, they pack in somewhere down there. I wouldn't call these guys experienced elk hunters, but more than me, they have hunted the area for a few years now, and have been in the elk but have not connected. Like I have said in a few other post, this is my last year out west and would just like to have a good hunt, with some good views, and a chance at slinging an arrow at an elk. What would you guys do? Which area would be a better hunt?

[Button Nubbs]

imagine how epic it would be on your last year to put an arrow through a mature bull.

[dkecoleman]

Yeah, I really think I would like eastern WA better, but that is the thought that keeps coming to mind.

[billdo5]

Would rather hunt western because u dont have to get drawn to kill a big bull and i can scout year round since i live here... If you dont get drawn for eastern they good luck with a spike.

[fishingnut71]

E wa is nothin but a pumpkin patch,EVERYWHERE. High and low. Spike can be tougher than one would think. Theres only so many compared to the people. Land on the herd first thing opening morning and shoot strait and you are set! In my experience after opening day the remaining spikes(if any) seem to separate from the herd and run alone wandering around. In our area the 2nd,3rd and 4th days can be just as good as the first. We dont see as many animals after the 1st day but if you see a single animal its most likely a bull.

[huntnnw]

plenty of places to hunt for any bull in E WA and some giants shot every year here

[20 Minutes]

Packwood has been poached to death. Yes there are elk there, but I would hunt archery in Bumping. My friend got drawn for the late Sept. Muzzy Bull tag about 5 years ago. He was 11 miles in. He bugled in several bulls, and ended up shooting a massive 9 x 7. Plenty of elk in there.

[madmack76]

sounds like your friends know more than you ? follow your head to where you want to go.

[madmack76]

that and the fact is the elk are where the elk are if you put in the time you will find the elk you have to chose your trophy do you just want to kill an elk or are you looking for horns that should make you decision easy

[20 Minutes]

sounds like your friends know more than you ? follow your head to where you want to go.

I don't know what that is suppose to mean? But you live in Rochester, so that explains it.

There are elk in just about every GMU in the state. Some more some less. I would rather hunt Bumping than Packwood. The harvest numbers don't lie.

[elk247]

I agree with both of you guys to some degree. Not really sure what the bickering is about. If the op wants to have better chances at an elk, harvest numbers and the chance at a cow. Then east side makes sense. If he wants horns then there are a few decent westside units. Packwood does get poached hard. Thats a fact. Although the same can be said about units east and west. There are also some antlerless oppertunitys for early archery on the westside. For the best chance at slinging an arrow, pick a unit that allows taking a cow elk.

[billdo5]

according to your location there are some nice elk herds right out your back door. A few guys I know get into them/take some nice animals every year and as I recall it is an any elk unit, not positive since I have never hunted there.

He is right.. Orting, Buckley, Enumclaw and Electron got good elk numbers... Got a 6x6 right out your back door this year