New to elk, east or west?

[mtmn35rem5]

Its probably a little late to begin figuring this out but I wasn’t supposed to be in WA during modern elk and now my work schedule has me staying through the end of Nov. I figured I might as well buy a tag.

I’ve never hunted elk before and was curious on what everyones opinion would be on which tag to get, east or west, for a new guy. I don’t really care about killing a big elk at this point, just need an excuse to get out hunting and maybe see some animals, and learn a little about them for next year. Im going to be here for work anyways, I might as well utilize my time..

So, if you were a first time elk hunter and had to do it all over again what side would you start with?

[blacktailcody]

I would hunt the east side. 

[washingtonmuley]

East

[snowpack]

Because the northeast allows bulls, I'll say east.

[summertime blues]

west...too many people east 

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

West! Way more elk than the east side!!!

[Expedition Scout]

"I don’t really care about killing a big elk at this point, just need an excuse to get out hunting and maybe see some animals"

If you are interested in seeing animals, then I would stay west. You could walk all over the east side and never see a thing.

[Bullkllr]

This is funny

Everyone recommends the opposite of what they do 

If you can find an experienced partner, hunt where they do. If not, whichever is closer to home.

[Expedition Scout]

Years of fine tuning a few spots that are up "No tell'm Creek" -vs- first time hunter looking to see animals and learn something. This seems like a no brainer to me!

You can come to the east side and hunt, that's fine, just feel the only thing your going to learn from it is the thick steep county that hides a few elk. My point of view.

[Rooster1981]

I have successfully hunted both sides and think you can have a great hunt either way. East side if your into the elk you could see hundreds of elk in a day, but you might see hundreds of hunters as well. West side you see smaller herds but lots of them in good areas, just get off the road and hunt &  you will see less hunters as well. IMHO if you just want to see lots of elk try the 300 units, but don't get your hopes up on filling a tag. Spike hunting can be tough. If your really wanting to fill a tag on a nice bull get into the western slopes of the cascades and get into the deep woods. 

[CAMPMEAT]

If you're a nonresident, you better check the fees. You could buy a whole beef for what they charge in this state.

[Soady]

If you're a nonresident, you better check the fees. You could buy a whole beef for what they charge in this state.

What I spend in a year just hunting deer and elk with a resident tag I could buy three whole beef never put a price on getting out with friends and family to hunt

   just need an excuse to get out hunting and maybe see some animals, and learn a little about them for next year. Im going to be here for work anyways, I might as well utilize my time..   

Go west and get in with the rest. Depending on how your work locations are and when you have time to hunt the west side could offer some close in opportunities. 

[mtmn35rem5]

Thanks for the insight, I’m a resident here in WA now. I'll have to do some more research and make up my own mind for, I just figured it would be fun to hear everyones pro’s and con’s  about each side..

I’m in Poulsbo, so I think regardless of were I decide to go it is going to be a long drive. I would probably do a three day trip or something each time.

[CAMPMEAT]

Thanks for the insight, I’m a resident here in WA now. I'll have to do some more research and make up my own mind for, I just figured it would be fun to hear everyones pro’s and con’s  about each side..

I’m in Poulsbo, so I think regardless of were I decide to go it is going to be a long drive. I would probably do a three day trip or something each time.

Forks area comes to mind for you...