Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.

[syoungs]

So I am thinking pretty heavily of putting down the rifle and going to a bow to hunt elk this year, most the guys I was hunting with have quit or moved away for various reasons, and the short season ater the elk have been scatterd makes for a pretty tough spike hunt.

I usually hunt rimrock, and have been into bulls and cows many times, have even taken some spikes from there when everything lined up ok, but overall have experienced a pretty low success rate.

Can anyone tell me what its like as far as animals and other hunters in the unit during early and late archery?
the unit allows for cows or spikes to be taken during the late hunt, I know during modern season, I have been within 50 yds of a cow more times then I care to count, and it seems like it would very sucesfull hunting in the late season up there, but I have never set foot in the unit after the modern season, maybe the animals move on, I dont know.

my plan of attack would be to spend 3-4 days during the early season, mostly just to get out and scout, would have the family with me at that point, maybe take the ol lady with a bear tag so shes hunting to.

the late season it would be me and maybe 1-2 other hunters, I would camp out of milk creek rd and hope to still get up to louie way gap to catch them on the move over.....

am I crazy for thinking I can go stick a cow, or is it somewhat succesfull?
 

[bobcat]

If you're already getting within 50 yards you should be fine, I would think. Just another 10 yards for a forty yard shot, which for someone new to bow hunting may be about as far as you're going to want to shoot.

You might consider putting a little more time into the early season since they'll be bugling at that time, especially the 2nd week of the season.

Also look into hunting Cowiche in the late season, since if the snow does push them down that's where they'll be. I believe only a portion of 368 is open for late archery.

One thing about archery season is you will at least be much more likely to see elk than during the rifle season. Killing one is another story, but it's nice hunting elk that are still somewhat following their normal routines.

[dreamunelk]

Just remember that just because you can get with range of a cow during modern season when you do not have permit does not mean you can do so during archery.  I Swear they know.

[jackelope]

There's no shortage of hunters, especially in units where antlerless can be taken.
I just think a lot of guys that decide to switch to archery think they'll see a lot less people...I know I did. You probably do see less people, but you're far from alone out there.

[boneaddict]

Maybe a little less traffic on the road, but plenty of folks still in the woods, and all of them are blowing on their new calls.  Weather is usually a little warmer, and it frees up photography in early November late October.  Recently smoke and fire was an issue.  It may be so again this year.

[et1702]

The RR unit is very busy during early archery season, especially the first week of the season.  I've been there for the past several years.  During late season, most of the elk have already moved down or through the RR unit into Bethel or Cowichee.  As others have indicated, you'd do better trying to spend more time getting one down during the early season in this unit. 

FYI, I put down the rifle almost 35 years ago and switched to archery gear and have never regretted it.  Also, I have never shot anything at greater than 40 yards to date and most of my Elk and deer have been shot between 20 and 30 yards.  I do practice at 40, 50 and 60 yards, which makes the close shots a chip shot.  Practice, Practice, Practice and Get close!

ET

[D-Rock425]

To easy during archery season.  I'm batting like 80% in the last 10 years on cows and spikes.  Its so easy I'm thinking about putting down the compound and going traditional this year just to challenge myself a little. 
  OK maybe I'm kidding it's not easy some guys seem to elk almost every year some guys hunt 10 years and never kill one. I read once that  10% of the elk hunters kill 90% of the elk I think that is a very true statement.  It all starts with your preparation.  I've never hunted the rimrock so I can't comment on that but for what it's worth I have killed all my elk in early season.

[akirkland]

Early season. Early season. Early season. Take as much time off as you can and hunt the early season. And no offense, leave the wife at home or at least camp. She will hinder you...trust me. And broaden your horizons. There is more than just Rimrock.

[Broken Arrow]

I think you will love archery hunting. Here is one bit of advise i can share. Start off with the mindset that it is NOT going to be easy and in all reality its probably going to be the hardest hunting you have ever done, both from a physical standpoint and psychological. Less people pushing elk around, usually equate to more ground in your going to need to cover to find them. Its hot as hell, tons of bugs, but for many highly rewarding.

[Jonathan_S]

Its hot as hell, tons of bugs, but for many highly rewarding.

   I 100% agree with this.  I killed two deer this year but just getting within bow range of a nice bull was my biggest accomplishment this year and it feels rewarding even though it didn't pan out.

[The scout]

the elk are a lot more spread out during archery in the rr. I archery hunted there for many years. almost always backpacked in, but between it being so hot risking meat loss and the packer in the area putting drop camps all over up there I just hunt the late hunt now. I no a number of hunters who have gone back to rifle or muzzle for one reason or another. one thing guys I no have struggled with is, you are in more animals but you need a lot more to go right to actually get a shot witch can be very discouraging. there's only one way to figure out if it's for you, it's not for everyone. good luck

[WSU]

one thing guys I no have struggled with is, you are in more animals but you need a lot more to go right to actually get a shot witch can be very discouraging. there's only one way to figure out if it's for you, it's not for everyone. good luck

This is spot on.  Just getting within 50 yards is the easy part.  Getting a good shot is much tougher.  It seems like a fairly low percentage of the times I get within range result in a shot (like 10 percent?).  With a rifle, you almost always get a good shot.  With a bow, the elk is usually moving, behind a bush, facing you, facing away from you, etc., etc.  Just keep in mind it won't be nearly as easy as you are thinking.

[Fl0und3rz]

one thing guys I no have struggled with is, you are in more animals but you need a lot more to go right to actually get a shot witch can be very discouraging. there's only one way to figure out if it's for you, it's not for everyone. good luck

This is spot on.  Just getting within 50 yards is the easy part.  Getting a good shot is much tougher.  It seems like a fairly low percentage of the times I get within range result in a shot (like 10 percent?).  With a rifle, you almost always get a good shot.  With a bow, the elk is usually moving, behind a bush, facing you, facing away from you, etc., etc.  Just keep in mind it won't be nearly as easy as you are thinking.

That sounds like rifle hunting (public land, spike), but without the ease of getting within 50 yards.

[syoungs]

Thanks for the advice so far, been pouring over harvest rates and different gmus that past couple days, im not stuck on hunting that area, I may even look into hunting the blues.

and hopefully I didnt come off like it would be a gimmie hunt, still lots of homework and boot leather to burn up before getting close to animals, I just figure with the low percentage of spikes compared to cows, it may be slightly more succesfull.

 

[deerslyr]

I can't speak of the area that you mentioned but my reasons for switching were similar, for a better season and more time. BE CAREFUL!!! Switching changed my outlook on hunting and how I viewed it as a whole. I used to hunt big game on weekends and claim marginal success. Bowhunting has consumed me and now its all that I think about. Since switching my success rates are at 100% for deer and 50% for branch antlered bulls and 100% for cows on the wetside.  I now spend close to 120 days a year scouting for deer and elk and am truly afflicted by the pursuit. It really gave me a new outlook on hunting and a reverence for the animals I hunt. Bowhunting for me is an addiction that has taken me on new adventures, to other states, and introduced me to other junkies who can't escape the high we get from flinging sticks. Best of luck and if you do decide to follow this route I hope it changes your life like it has mine.

No truer words ever spoken. My entire world revolves around September. That is no understatement.