Pe Ell South?

[jb101]

How are you Pe Ell South access permit holders doing out there? I've hunted elk for several years with zero luck, but I'm stubborn. I switched from MF to archery and ponied up for the permit. In 4 days of preseason scouting I hardly saw diddly. Almost no poop, scrapes, wallows, signs of feeding. I spent the last 2 days on the bottom end of the area off the mainline with the same results as my scouting.  Oh, but TONS of bear scat!

I've focused on the east side of the mainline. Several of the areas were recommended by a great member of this site, blackveltbowhunter.  Still no evidence of recent activity in recommended areas.  I've been focusing on creeks, river bottoms and big timber, figuring that with all this warm weather the elk would be trying to keep shaded and near a water source.

Am I missing something?  Is anyone having better success west of the mainline, at least in seeing sign? Is the bear scat actually processed elk??

[Jrod79]

Dang, that sucks! Blackvelt knows what he's talking about too. I haven't heard of anyone harvesting an elk yet down there this year and I know about a dozen or so people in there. Best of luck to you the rest of the season.

[RadSav]

No up-to-date information, but I sent you a PM with some of my old spots.  Might be worth a look see.  Used to be great!

[grundy53]

There have been a few taken. I almost got close enough to seal the deal this weekend. But it has been too hot. The bulls didn't really start talking until Sunday. So I think things are starting to heat up. Combine that with cooler temps this week and I think it's going to get a lot better this week.

sent from my typewriter

[birdstew]

Before season I was seeing them around Lester Creek area. Haven't been out there since season opened up. Its a hard area with the terrain and foliage. There could be an elk within 100 yards and you wouldn't see them. Blackveltbowhunter does know the are very well but I don't think he has hunted the area in years so don't be to upset with him. I think you would be surprised with how many local hunters don't hunt that area.

[jb101]

Before season I was seeing them around Lester Creek area. Haven't been out there since season opened up. Its a hard area with the terrain and foliage. There could be an elk within 100 yards and you wouldn't see them. Blackveltbowhunter does know the are very well but I don't think he has hunted the area in years so don't be to upset with him. I think you would be surprised with how many local hunters don't hunt that area.

I'm NEVER upset with anybody who tries to help, whether it works out or not. Trying to put  people on elk is kind of like saying "When will we have good weather in western Washington?" Like the stock market, past performance is no guarantee of future earnings.  I deeply appreciate  anyone's efforts to assist; that's what makes this forum so great!