Eastside ELk hunts

[cumminsbassguy]

Hello everyone. I am new to the whole hunting aspect out here in the western states. I normally deer hunt back in MI. I went on my first "elk" hunt I guess you could call it, out by the Chapman Lake area. Turned out to be a 6 hour walk in the woods getting wet and taking in the scenery. I was curious as to what would be the best season to tag an elk, cow or bull. I would think it would be muzzleloader, but have a feeling that modern rifle probably has better odds. Being that you can reach put a ways and touch them from a great distance away. Would primarily be hunting GMU 124&130. Would looking north more be worth it? I have started my homework for next year already. Looking at possible areas to hunt, where the state land is, where the paper company land is and ETC. I am sure there are a couple post on here already about this kind of thing, but nothing recent that I could see. Thanks everyone and looking forward to a good year.

[Jburke]

How set are you in hunting close to Spokane?  I've hunted North of Spokane quite a bit, and have found elk but it's hard to find them consistently.  It can be done but will take a lot of work scouting and planning.  It's nice to be able to shoot any bull, but it's much harder to find them than in other areas farther west.  So the question is how much time do you have to invest?

[cumminsbassguy]

I appreciate that, burke. I am thinking that I will probably venture up north more, if I cannot secure private land around the turnbull area. I don't have any idea to where even start out west... Hopefully I will have a lot of time to go up and scout and plan. I plan on starting mid summer.. I've never really hunted out here before so this is all new to me. Cow or bull, I hope to get one next year.

[Jburke]

The elk are definitely there. Finding them can be tough at times, but once you find them the key is to try to pattern them. I'd suggest using a trail cam or two with some salt or other bait to try to locate them to begin with.  The more cameras you have, the more different locations you can watch to try to find an area they may be in.  Once you find them on camera, try to determine their travel routes and a potential strategy to hunt them. 

[jackelope]

I think you picked the hardest part of the state to consistently find elk in. It seems like the folks who spend the time to figure them out do pretty well but they put a heck of a lot of time into it and guard their secrets tightly.

[Jburke]

I think you picked the hardest part of the state to consistently find elk in. It seems like the folks who spend the time to figure them out do pretty well but they put a heck of a lot of time into it and guard their secrets tightly.

I don't think you could be much closer to the truth on that.  I have had success in that area, but in the 7-8 years I hunted the NE corner I shot one cow and shot at a huge bull in a different area a couple years before. I haven't really hunted up there the last couple years though.  It can get frustrating not seeing the animals and I decided to hunt a different part of the state where I would likely see more animals. It worked but the longer drive sucks.

[cumminsbassguy]

I appreciate the info everyone.  I've kinda figured that this side of the state is very difficult. .. I'm willing to put in some time to try and find, and then pattern.  Just so I don't have to drive across the state. I'm sure I'll venture around as I get more experienced up here in the woods

[hughjorgan]

I appreciate the info everyone.  I've kinda figured that this side of the state is very difficult. .. I'm willing to put in some time to try and find, and then pattern.  Just so I don't have to drive across the state. I'm sure I'll venture around as I get more experienced up here in the woods

It is only a couple hour drive to get you into good elk hunting around ellensburg...

[Jburke]

I appreciate the info everyone.  I've kinda figured that this side of the state is very difficult. .. I'm willing to put in some time to try and find, and then pattern.  Just so I don't have to drive across the state. I'm sure I'll venture around as I get more experienced up here in the woods

It is only a couple hour drive to get you into good elk hunting around ellensburg...

True, but when it's a 3 hour drive to Ellensburg it makes it a lot more difficult to do much scouting. Also spike only hunts vs. any bull or in some areas any elk is enough to lure a lot of people to the area. 

[Mark251]

I think you picked the hardest part of the state to consistently find elk in. It seems like the folks who spend the time to figure them out do pretty well but they put a heck of a lot of time into it and guard their secrets tightly.

   Elk hunting around Spokane can be tough.  I know it's a long shot but if you happen to know anyone who has property in the areas adjacent to the Turnbull Wildlife refuge you may want to try to see if they will let you access that property.  The Turnbull herd tends to move off the refuge property and on to the adjacent land on a regular basis.

Welcome to the forum!

[hughjorgan]

I appreciate the info everyone.  I've kinda figured that this side of the state is very difficult. .. I'm willing to put in some time to try and find, and then pattern.  Just so I don't have to drive across the state. I'm sure I'll venture around as I get more experienced up here in the woods

It is only a couple hour drive to get you into good elk hunting around ellensburg...

True, but when it's a 3 hour drive to Ellensburg it makes it a lot more difficult to do much scouting. Also spike only hunts vs. any bull or in some areas any elk is enough to lure a lot of people to the area. 

Spike only or any bull depending what part of the eastside... Either way the odds aren't good but at least in the spike only units you will encounter what you are after even if isn't legal to shoot. If a couple hour drive is out of the question for him Idaho is a short drive with better opportunity.

[Jburke]

I appreciate the info everyone.  I've kinda figured that this side of the state is very difficult. .. I'm willing to put in some time to try and find, and then pattern.  Just so I don't have to drive across the state. I'm sure I'll venture around as I get more experienced up here in the woods

It is only a couple hour drive to get you into good elk hunting around ellensburg...

True, but when it's a 3 hour drive to Ellensburg it makes it a lot more difficult to do much scouting. Also spike only hunts vs. any bull or in some areas any elk is enough to lure a lot of people to the area. 

Spike only or any bull depending what part of the eastside... Either way the odds aren't good but at least in the spike only units you will encounter what you are after even if isn't legal to shoot. If a couple hour drive is out of the question for him Idaho is a short drive with better opportunity.

That's exactly the reason I started hunting the Yakima/Ellensburg area a few years ago.  And have decided to hunt Idaho this year.  Longer season, more elk

[cumminsbassguy]

If I can find someone over on the west side to make a few day trip out of it. Or if someone wants a hunting partner for a few trips to shoe the ropes