Western washington elk

[suttonmoore]

Hello all. Brand new to the forums and sort of to elk hunting.
I used to go hunting with my father every year up around the Shelton area for black tail but very rarely was I able to take time to join him on his elk hunts. He passed away several years ago and so I've had to rely on my memories of 15 years ago to plan my hunting trips. So I've focused on what I knew best, deer.

Now I've decided to start elk hunting and I'm really unsure where to go. I've read about lots of people having good luck in gmu 530 and 550. Any suggestions for someone new to hunting elk?

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Welcome!  Try and use the search feature for the units in question. Normally you end up with more info than needed?

[bowhunterty]

Don't forget need Weyerhauser access permit. And only have til 17th of Oct to purchase one.

[WapitiTalk1]

Sorry to hear about your pop passing buddy, I lost mine a few years ago.  OK, how to get into elk hunting and perhaps, shorten the learning curve a bit and maximize success.  Study them.  Seriously, get out and spend time watching them, listening to them, and learn as much as possible about the big galoots by first hand experience.  There is really nothing that can duplicate just being close to elk to learn about them.  This forum and others are a wealth of great information on the how to's and don't do's that old codgers like me didn't have access to when we were first starting out.  There weren't too many computers and forums around when I started elk hunting in the mid 70's, LOL.  I would also recommend you pick up some of Elknut's instructional DVDs (he's one of the sponsors here).  His study and information sharing of elk language interpretation, tactics, and calling techniques are the best out there IMO.  Best of luck to you sir in your elk hunting education and future hunts!         

[suttonmoore]

Thanks for the replies.

I am having trouble finding information about how to obtain access permits on the Weyerhaeuser website. Anyone have any links or further info?

[Magnum_Willys]

Only have couple days left to apply...........
https://www.wyrecreationnw.com/StatePage.aspx?state=WA

[RadSav]

From what I have seen this year 550 is going to be a tough hunt.  They said last year we had lost 50% of the herd.  I'm normally a positive person, but looks like at least another half split again this year!  Alder patches that have had rubs for the past 25 years are completely void of rubs or elk sign.  Some areas that have had strong resident herds are complete deserts in regards to elk sign this year.  All I can say is, pray for snow in the high country!!  If not I fear it will be the worst harvest in 550 history.  Only positive thing I can say about 550 this year is that it seems to be holding more elk than 520 

I've had a good number of guys PM me this year with tip requests on where to go in 550 and 520.  In the past I gladly give out information as there really were elk just about everywhere.  All I would need to do is match area to method of hunting for those who needed a step in the right direction.  But this year I was not comfortable giving leads to anyone.  Heck, I would go two maybe three days and not see a single elk.  That's crazy!!!  I remember years when we were disappointed if we saw fewer than 30 in a day.

Good luck!  It only takes one stupid bull to turn a desert into an oasis!