Bow or Smokepole for elk in Mashel Unit

[WAPatriot]

Went with the smoke pole last year and saw alot of elk thinking about going with bow this year not sure if they will be down that low in early sept can any let me know if the elk are in thick southeast of eatonville in early sept, or do i need to wait til oct and go with the smokepole Thanks in advance

[WAPatriot]

I hunt private land so i will not be taking anyones spots

[biggfish]

I saw a beautiful bull last sept in the pack forest, I didn't have an elk tag or I would have dropped him. I wouldn't say there thick but you can fins them.

[WAPatriot]

Thank you that is very encouraging to hear because the property I hunt is due east of Pack do i quess that answers my question there in

[REHJWA]

I too hunt private property in there but for archery and the vegetation can be a challenge early in the season.
I have been within 20 yards of nice bulls  and not shot because I didn't have a clear lane to thread an arrow through. 
If you have property to pattern them and clear some shotting lanes I would. I will start working on my shooting lanes this summer... 

[WAPatriot]

Thank you for the advice REHJWA. I generally like to hunt like I am a predator on the ground and just follow every game trail through the woods til I see of hear something. But with archery especially early season I am probably gonna have to make stands and hunt heavy traffic areas. from my game cams it seems like the elk move down into the river bed thickets during day. have you had better luck hunting in passing areas holdinging areas or over a food plot. Hope you get a nice one this year

[REHJWA]

I completely understand, I have a hard time sitting. But that doesn't mean I am moving very far. I try to hunt an area with my eyes then take a few steps and check everything from different angles. The elk in my area can be patterned between feeding and bedding areas, they like to bed in the dog hair and feed along the drainages. I try to "still hunt" the transition zones. Last couple of years I have set up and had shots at cows but the bulls have "taken the trail less traveled" and I have been out of position even when they are where I planned for them. But it does get the heart thumping....For me it is about the experience...Good luck with whichever you choose.