East Elk hunt preferences...

[returnofsid]

Hi all!  So I'm new to Archery hunting, getting back into hunting after a 14 year break!

I'd like to get started planning a couple of hunts and need some advice.  I'll start by saying I'm not at all asking anyone to divulge any "secrets" and I hope this isn't taken that way.  I'm asking about potential advantages vs. disadvantages of a few different areas.

So, the areas I'm considering are:

The Palouse area though I don't have any specific GMUs in mind.
Mt. Spokane GMU 124
Selkirk GMU 113
49 Degrees North GMU 117
I'm also completely open to other areas of suggestions, in Eastern Washington.

I live in Spokane, grew up in Newport (GMU 117).  However, most all of the hunting areas that I grew up hunting have drastically changed so I have absolutely no idea.

Again, not asking for any one to give up their honey holes or secret areas, just looking for a possible list of advantages vs. disadvantages of the areas I'm considering.

I will have some time to do some scouting, I hope, but would like to narrow down my "scope" of areas prior to starting any scouting expeditions.  I have a travel trailer and the ability to take 3-4 day trips. 

Healthwise, I'm probably not able to do a massive amount of hiking in rough terrain, due to a neck injury I sustained a few years ago.  I have a permanent partial disability and it does effect my ability to do a lot of rough hiking and my ability to carry a pack for long periods.

[trophyhunt]

Most popular area's are the central units like Little Naches, bumping, rimrock and clockum. The hiking in those unit is not bad at all and you have some backcountry available to try to get away from people. I don't know much about the north east units for elk, I've heard they are there but not the numbers like in the central units and harder to find because it's thicker brush. Good luck, I'm sure someone on here has better info.

[returnofsid]

Most popular area's are the central units like Little Naches, bumping, rimrock and clockum. The hiking in those unit is not bad at all and you have some backcountry available to try to get away from people. I don't know much about the north east units for elk, I've heard they are there but not the numbers like in the central units and harder to find because it's thicker brush. Good luck, I'm sure someone on here has better info.

Little Naches...I'm assuming that's near Lake Naches, heading up the pass?  I used to work in the Puget Sound area and drove the pass all the time.  Every time, I found myself wishing I had the time to explore the lake.  Maybe now is the time...

[brianb231]

Little Naches may be good but only if you have drawn a special permit for Bull in the early season. IT is open in the late season. Just an FYI.

[returnofsid]

No special permits. I'll probably put in for some, next year, but this is my first year getting back into hunting, after a 14 year hiatus so didn't apply for anything.

[huntnnw]

If your into spike hunts then naches or others mentioned units are good. I hunt elk in 49 and Selkirk .. There is elk and we do well.. Really all I can say is find a area with clear cuts and big timber and start burning boot leather this area is all about just hunting it and gaining exp . If you keep at it you will then find those honey holes yourself . Way to many people attempt to hunt here and give up after a year. They want elk screaming from every canyon and elk visible from the road . U will rarely find that here. The elk talk , but its so thick in the draws that a bull could bugle all day long within sight of a road and u will never hear it. Tips for finding elk around here .. The use of trail cams helps a ton! Throw salt out for a month .. U will know in a hurry if elk are around .drive roads and look for elk tracks they will use them at night a lot to travel .. Follow them back. Walk,listen and bugle at night good way to find elk.

[returnofsid]

If your into spike hunts then naches or others mentioned units are good. I hunt elk in 49 and Selkirk .. There is elk and we do well.. Really all I can say is find a area with clear cuts and big timber and start burning boot leather this area is all about just hunting it and gaining exp . If you keep at it you will then find those honey holes yourself . Way to many people attempt to hunt here and give up after a year. They want elk screaming from every canyon and elk visible from the road . U will rarely find that here. The elk talk , but its so thick in the draws that a bull could bugle all day long within sight of a road and u will never hear it. Tips for finding elk around here .. The use of trail cams helps a ton! Throw salt out for a month .. U will know in a hurry if elk are around .drive roads and look for elk tracks they will use them at night a lot to travel .. Follow them back. Walk,listen and bugle at night good way to find elk.

Thanks!  I'll probably spend some time scouting through some of the ol' stomping grounds I used to hunt a lot, especially on the back side of 49, and see what I can find.

[jechicdr]

Probably see more moose and deer in 149 than you will elk, though the one time I played up there, I lucked into a few elk on the run.  Same with Mount Spokane, though I did not see any elk sign in the particular area I was hunting.  Have not hunted Selkirk, so don't know much about it.  I prefer the Yakima herds.  You go up there, you see elk.  Maybe see a few deer and bears, but it's prime elk habitat.  Colockum is good to but fewer elk and generally spike or true spike even for archers in those areas.  About 3-3.5 hour drive from here is Spokane to get there, but I think it's worth the trip.  I make a 2 week trip out of it every year.

[huntnnw]

Not I..plenty of elk..all about doing it. No chance Ill ever be caught chasing spikes in a spike only..and when I live 25 min away from hunting "any bull" units 

[returnofsid]

Probably see more moose and deer in 149 than you will elk, though the one time I played up there, I lucked into a few elk on the run.  Same with Mount Spokane, though I did not see any elk sign in the particular area I was hunting.  Have not hunted Selkirk, so don't know much about it.  I prefer the Yakima herds.  You go up there, you see elk.  Maybe see a few deer and bears, but it's prime elk habitat.  Colockum is good to but fewer elk and generally spike or true spike even for archers in those areas.  About 3-3.5 hour drive from here is Spokane to get there, but I think it's worth the trip.  I make a 2 week trip out of it every year.

A 3 hour drive doesn't bother me at all.  I'd hook up the travel trailer and make a trip out of it, spending a few days camping.

[JLS]

If I were you, I think I would try what you know first.  Spend a season hunting the NE stuff, and if you aren't seeing many elk, or want to try something different then hook up the trailer and head west.

As long as you're elk hunting, it's hard to go wrong.

[jackelope]

Most popular area's are the central units like Little Naches, bumping, rimrock and clockum. The hiking in those unit is not bad at all and you have some backcountry available to try to get away from people. I don't know much about the north east units for elk, I've heard they are there but not the numbers like in the central units and harder to find because it's thicker brush. Good luck, I'm sure someone on here has better info.

Little Naches...I'm assuming that's near Lake Naches, heading up the pass?  I used to work in the Puget Sound area and drove the pass all the time.  Every time, I found myself wishing I had the time to explore the lake.  Maybe now is the time...

Lake Naches is actually Lake Kachess, if you're referring to I-90 Snoqualmie Pass,  and is not in or near the Little Naches. Lake Kachess is also not visible from the highway itself.
Maybe you're thinking of Keechelus Lake?

[jackelope]

I think it's safe to say that elk are pretty scarce in the Palouse. Sounds like you're hitting on the GMU's where you can shoot branch antlered bulls.

[boneaddict]

If your into spike hunts then naches or others mentioned units are good. I hunt elk in 49 and Selkirk .. There is elk and we do well.. Really all I can say is find a area with clear cuts and big timber and start burning boot leather this area is all about just hunting it and gaining exp . If you keep at it you will then find those honey holes yourself . Way to many people attempt to hunt here and give up after a year. They want elk screaming from every canyon and elk visible from the road . U will rarely find that here. The elk talk , but its so thick in the draws that a bull could bugle all day long within sight of a road and u will never hear it. Tips for finding elk around here .. The use of trail cams helps a ton! Throw salt out for a month .. U will know in a hurry if elk are around .drive roads and look for elk tracks they will use them at night a lot to travel .. Follow them back. Walk,listen and bugle at night good way to find elk.

This is probably the most information you will get on these areas ever, unless you find an old logger or an old man that doesn't hunt anymore and has no kids to pass on information.    These units are essentially the most sought after secret of all time hunting.    Everyone, and I mean everyone looks at the general season ANY BULL and think they have "discovered the tag".   I see and photograph big bulls here every year, so they are here, but it will take some work.   I wouldn't suggest this for the beginner elk hunter unless you are LUCKY.   If you want a more positive elk experience I would head east into Idaho, or west into the Yakima herds.

[boneaddict]

With your injury, I'd really suggest you look into Northern Idaho.  The road system...."one every 15 feet", and the amount of elk, usually means a lot of elk close to the road as opposed to the traditional "steep and deep" thought process.   The northern herd is still fairly vocal as opposed to those effected drastically by wolves.  That is changing in a hurry though or I at least expect it to.