Advice for a Colorado hunter in WA

[cardinalguns]

First, some clarifications: I have hunted elk over a period of 37 years, albeit in Colorado. Even when stationed in Germany, I returned to CO to hunt elk. Having moved to the rainy part of the state, it is a completely different mind-set for elk hunting. I suppose CO is somewhat similar to E. Washington in terrain, foliage, and sub-species (Rocky Mtn Elk). For the past two years I have paid the non- resident fees to hunt CO. Daughter has hunted since she was a teen, and now her S.O. wants to try elk hunting. Due to expenses and license fees, not to mention work schedules and child care complications, we discussed hunting WA state this fall.

I'm not an expert in the WA regulations and difficulties in drawing various licenses. I also know that no one wants to give up their secrets. I am not asking for GPS coordinates for your honey hole. There are no aspirations for big bulls, cows and spikes are good enough. I have the summer to get the young man shooting straight and outfitted for a hunt. Daughter is good to go except for some target practice.

With all that being said- is there a simple answer to the question: Where should I take a rookie and two nimrods elk hunting in WA state? 

Any tips or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[Skillet]

Being honest here - I would take them to Colorado.

Here's the reason for my suggestion:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/harvest/2013/elk_general.html

Over the counter Modern Firearm tags here had a 10.4% overall success ratio, a 4.6% ratio for the East Slopes of the Cascades, a 4.3% success ratio for the Blues, and a 4.2% ratio for the NE corner.  There is just not enough elk to go around and there is a lot of pumpkins in the field during Modern.  It would be a tough way to get some young folks into elk hunting, in my opinion. Not saying it can't be done, but dang.

The main reason why a lot of us don't run to Colorado every year is costs, of course, but also lack of knowledge of the area.  You obviously know the area and could likely put them in a decent position to get an animal.  I don't know what Colorado's elk success ratios are like, but I'd imagine they have to be better than here.

[bobcat]

Best bet would probably be to try to draw some cow permits in any of the Yakima area units. Have everyone apply separately to increase odds of getting at least one cow permit. Those who don't draw will be limited to spikes. If you're all in good shape it should be possible to have a decent hunt. Just plan on hunting  a couple miles away from open roads.

[JimmyHoffa]

I would look at GMUs by elk pop, harvest and access.  Then figure out which ones you'll have time to scout out and get basic lay of the land to know where the trails, feeding areas, clear cuts, old growth, where the loggers will be, what gates, etc.  But by rifle season, realize that animals have probably been chased around a lot already by early bow, muzzy, special permit, raffle, incentive tag, auction tags, tribal hunters, etc.

[WapitiTalk1]

Just an option buddy, but Idaho is only a few tanks of gas away and the NR elk tags are around $550 per person.  You can get either an OTC A or B tag; both give you opportunties to hunt with multiple weapons.  The A tag is more archery heavy with a shorter rifle season; the B tag is vise-versa.  Example of the A tag would be to hunt anytime between 6-30 SEP for bugling bulls with a follow on five day rifle season the third week in OCT.  Heck, on that tag you can go back again in NOV and hunt with a smoke pole if you want. Although WA has finally pushed the archery season to the left a bit, allowing hunters to get a bit more of the rut, it's still "not there" IMO.  Just something to consider.     

[buglebrush]

If there is any way you can swing it go CO.  You obviously already know the area etc...  The short seasons in Washington compress everyone into the woods at the same time.  Definitely impacts the success, but even more it really can ruin the experience too. 

[ridgefire]

After hunting idaho the last 8-9 years i hardly waste my time hunting elk in wa anymore. I put in for the draw and will draw a tag one of these years but until then i will gladly pay to hunt out of state.  I would suggest paying the money and  heading to Colorado.

[JimmyHoffa]

After hunting idaho the last 8-9 years i hardly waste my time hunting elk in wa anymore. I put in for the draw and will draw a tag one of these years but until then i will gladly pay to hunt out of state.  I would suggest paying the money and  heading to Colorado.

I think that for WA and OR, there is enough of a terrain/weather difference that coastal elk might be an experience he can't really get out of state.  But for just wanting any kind of elk, seems the rocky mtn states have better elk management and seasons more friendly/conducive to hunters and their success.

[coachcw]

Iyou archery hunt wa is ok if your a rifle hunter be prepaired to be over run inless you get away from roads and pack in .

[cardinalguns]

I should also add that we are rifle hunters.

[coachcw]

I should also add that we are rifle hunters.

tough sledding i'd spend some boot leather hiking in .... 

[MADMAX]

I'd also go to Colorado or even Idaho.

Washington elk hunters , especially with a rifle, dont IMO get the best of anything, spikes in the east, true spikes above I-90 and below Wenatchee, Timber company permits or being locked out in the westside, unless you do the peninsula and stay on state or Federal or draw a good permit.
You could try any elk in the NE .

 

[Special T]

Well I would say go to SW washington. It is different hunting than you have done, and the elk dont act like they do in CO in eastern wa. There is plenty of elk and area in the SW region. IMO key is to start scouting NOW and learn the areas that you plan to hunt. I have rifle hunted NF lands in the SW. Never got an elk but came damn close before going archery. Rifle season is SHORT take the whole time if you can and hunt hard. IMO still hunting is the way to go in the timber unless you get into a really hot spot then maybe sit and wait. Pick up the book "The Wild and Savory Mushroom" Ive found lots of edible mushrooms scouting and hunting. Be prepared for a week of down pouring rain. I think the SW is a good opportunity because of closeness, and because plenty of hunter put nicer weather above opportunity. Good Luck... BTW the state average is one elk every 8 years...

[Taco280AI]

When I get back to the NW I'll have to see about access permits, tag costs, seasons, opportunity and weigh it all against just hunting out of state. Was amazed when I hunted out of state for muleys vs wet side blacktails. As long as I put in the time and effort it wasn't a matter of simply finding a deer, but deciding which buck I wanted. Haven't hunted elk in WA much, and never did get one, but hunted for them in Oregon a few years and got a couple. Also got some in Idaho.

[cardinalguns]

I really appreciate the input and your advice. I think the last time I checked statistics in CO, the statewide success ratio for elk, all seasons and methods combined, was 17%.

You fellas are not painting a pretty picture. I do like to stalk the timber and bedding areas, I find it more challenging and exciting. From what I am hearing, our chances won't be improved hunting in less populated areas. I have considered the peninsula, but had no recommendations to go on till now.

I will start researching some areas and corresponding tag possibilities. Thank you again!