Just a quick question

[Rob Allen]

this will be my first year hunting,  I have no interest in trophy hunting of any kind I just want to enjoy time in the woods  and  maybe  if  I am lucky  put  some meat in the freezer..  With that  in mind  what are the pros and cons  of hunting spike only units?   Are there  more  spikes  than larger bulls?   My gut feeling is  that, and i have heard  people say  that they  won't hunt a  spike only area  unless  they draw a trophy elk tag..  so it seems  to me that maybe hunting pressure will be less in a  spike only area...  or  are there just  so many hunters  that  it  won't make much difference?   any other drawbacks to  spike only?   modern firearm  by the  way.

[Woodchuck]

The spike only units I hunt are still a pumpkin patch. The average success is about 1 spike per 10 yrs.

[cbond3318]

The spike only units I hunt are still a pumpkin patch. The average success is about 1 spike per 10 yrs.

  I will be shooting mine this fall!!

[runamuk]

I live in true spike central and to be honest I never see true spikes and I do see about 50 thousand hunters in orange, so take it as you may.  I saw fewer hunters and more elk when I hunted the west side but there were still areas that were pumpkin patches.

[Buck Rub Jr]

In the area I am in which is true spike, I've only seen a handfull of true spikes and I've been hunting there for probably 10 years so it's definitely not a walk in the park to go out and get one. I have seen way too many big bulls up there for my own good though, a couple big six's per day is normal, many of which 300+ bulls. Waiting for the day I draw a quality permit

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

I personally don't do the spike only hunt but lots of people enjoy it. There are lots of people out and about enjoying each others company in some of the most popular GMUs the state has to offer. When out there just ask where the elks are and most people are very nice and will point you in the right direction. One thing nice about the rifle hunt is your never to far from a camp with lots of food and beverage!Good luck!

[Buck Rub Jr]

In the area I am in which is true spike, I've only seen a handfull of true spikes and I've been hunting there for probably 10 years so it's definitely not a walk in the park to go out and get one. I have seen way too many big bulls up there for my own good though, a couple big six's per day is normal, many of which 300+ bulls. Waiting for the day I draw a quality permit

A lot of people just road hunt where I am at though, if you put in the work and get out you will be successful in some way or another, whether it's a dead spike and meat in the freezer or learning a lot about the elk and you area. Plus seeing big bulls is fun even if you can't shoot them. I'd say go for it, it's what I'm doing! You could also apply for antlerless tags.

[Woodchuck]

  Well said.

[Rob Allen]

So..elk hunting in the state of Washington is Elk hunting in the state of Washing?   Pick a spot where you want to spend you time and good luck to you..  Is that about it?

[JimmyHoffa]

Like getting first water for steelhead.  Know the holes ahead of time and then be the first one there.

[Buck Rub Jr]

So..elk hunting in the state of Washington is Elk hunting in the state of Washing?   Pick a spot where you want to spend you time and good luck to you..  Is that about it?

You could always scout multiple areas and then choose the general area where you think will be most likely to produce for you and go there and hunt however your heart desires, use the other areas as a backup if other people show up in your spot.  Obviously easier said than done but it's part of the hunt and it will be rewarding for sure. 

[cryder]

I knew somewhere along the line I would find some agreement here,those spike only ares are a joke ,that's were you will find fish n feathers in platoon size packs,because they know how impossible it is to fit that criteria in a elk.Just ask the guy that hung that spike with a lump on one in the tree at camp thinking it was legal, only to find just how many officers there is in the woods,took his vehicle, took his weapons,the animal , and him to the nearest trophy room to be hung! Funny story on the same trip we were putting up power lines in the trees for battery powered lights and they came skidding into our camp yelling weres the animal !! Wow I have never seen a 80 year old man ( friends grandpa ) tear them a new one and told them to go back to there hideing spots , they did . So you missle launchers enjoy it all im for one wiil never be in those moveing pumpkin patches again,not even in 364 !!