NEW TO ELK HUNTING

[irishevox]

Never ELK hunted before but i plan to during the 2014 season.  I have never done it before, so i am not sure where to go etc.... any help would be great.  I know i will need different gear than Deer hunting... so anything any advice would be awesome thanks a million guys and gals.

[snowpack]

I would say first decide what weapon/season/type of hunting you want to do and if eastside vs westside is a factor.
If you want the option of a bull---westside units, NE corner or special permits on the eastside.  If happy with spikes, then the eastside.
Archery-- (early season) first in the field with early rut action and bulls are bugling, pretty good units open.  Weather usually warm and dry. (late season) animals have been chased by the other seasons, might have animals concentrated on winter grounds, weather is usually rainy and cold or even snowy (this year was different--drier).
Muzzy--(early) second to chase the animals, still some in rut and bugling, not as many units open.  Weather usually cooling a little but not yet raining.  (late) kind of the same as late archery but different units.
Modern--bulls spreading out a bit more and less talking, rain/snow and cooled down mostly by then.  Most number of units available.  Shortest number overall days for season.

[Todd_ID]

The gear is the same as for deer unless you want an excuse to buy stuff.  Maybe a bit more rope and another meat sack is all I would add for elk.

[irishevox]

i am doing modern fire arm (rifle) and i would prefer not to drive more than 4 or 5 hours.  I am in oak harbor.   I don;t even know about drwaing tags or anything.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Well you need to get the regs and see where you would like to hunt ..Then apply and start donating money ...notice how I said Donate !!! 

[Tbar]

Are you thinking east or west?

[irishevox]

i was thinking cle leum ( i know it's misspelled)  Ellensburg,  but i don;t know where in those area's

[Bordercop]

I saw a lot in Colockum in the middle of the night. On the other side of the pass just off of Colockum Rd. Just couldn't find them in the day. Probably due to my inexperience. I'm new to hunting animals. People are easy. I still need help and am looking for a hunting coach/mentor. 

[irishevox]

I can help but not when it comes to elk.....I have so much to learn......like I don't know if I can buy a tag over the counter and kill a bull

[Tbar]

Eastside= spike only(except northeast). Westside =3 point minimum. Both otc. I'm not much help on the Eastside, however I think it's safe to say that if you want to be a successful public land elk hunter you have to be willing to go where most won't. Elk find deep dark holes when pressured. 

[irishevox]

I plan to do what it takes so I guess anything east of the cascades like colokum is considered east see I am not even sure

[irishevox]

Through a member on the Forum i am going to hunt the East side! I am really excited to get out there in Feb and do some shed hunting and a little scouting.

[ELKBURGER]

Through a member on the Forum i am going to hunt the East side! I am really excited to get out there in Feb and do some shed hunting and a little scouting.

That is great! You'll have tons of fun while your learning.

[irishevox]

Yeah i am super excited for ELK,  Never hunted it before i am excited to learn about them.

[mendozer]

I'm also planning to do my first hunt this year. I actually have a good site on the west side, but I'd be willing to go east or west for the best spot. My friend and I will also be noobs at it this year. I will be using a 30-06

[RadSav]

A lot of first timers get drawn for cow tags with one or two points.  As a newbie this is a good opportunity to get out there and find success and learn in rapid progression.

Two points of advise I always try to drive home with new elk hunters;

#1 - Don't over think every single detail that first year.  Success or not just get out there as much as possible and have a good time.  Force fed first hand knowledge is often the best kind.  Especially when it's in an enjoyable outdoor classroom.

#2 - Ask "Why? Where? and What?" about every single encounter you have with elk.  Why were they there? Where were they going?  What were they eating?  Why did they spook?  Where did they come from?  What did time, season and weather have to do with this encounter?  Every single encounter can become a learning experience if you ask yourself questions and investigate to obtain the answers.

[trophyhunt]

Good advise Rad!  Wind, always check your wind, just like deer hunting!! Wait till you get your first elk on the ground, you won't look back!

[Skyvalhunter]

Best advice is to find good hunting partners as when or if you get one down you will be thankful for the help packing

[MIKEXRAY]

Get ready for dressing / quartering before the kill.  Don't get your first elk and be standing over it with just a dull pocket knife.  Watch a video on quartering,  get some good game bags, meat pack or two, good knives with small sharpener,  etc. A little pre planning will save time and meat.  I also own a couple of huge ice chests just for meat,  I take ice in the camper freezer and am all ready.  Good luck and have fun.

[RadSav]

Best advice is to find good hunting partners as when or if you get one down you will be thankful for the help packing

Make sure those partners have strong backs, legs and pack boards

[irishevox]

Great information!  Thanks so much