My Sons first year elk hunting

[wt]

I have done archery westside for elk for the last five or six years and will be doing the same this year. I have learned a few areas on the OP and in SW Washington as well. However, I got together with an uncle and a couple cousins and we decided to put my son in with that group for an eastern Washington modern  cow tag (not drawn ). No one from the group has hunted for elk in a number of years but they all live locally to the unit we put in for and figure they will start the researching/planning once the group is drawn. Soooo, I'm trying to get a plan together to take my boy out with his rifle for the  modern elk season on the dry side but I don't know where to start . I'm aware of some areas in central Washington that are so crowded they are a dangerous parody of elk hunting. I don't want my son to cut his teeth in that environment, and I'm not sure where to begin looking. I know I'm a little late in starting my research but I figure if nothing else I'll take him to a high fence farm and let him kill a 400 class bull ... no,just kidding. No budget or desire for that( another type of hunting parody). Any insight or direction would be great. My son is ten, and I'll be out with him and his rifle hoping to play pack mule. If you want to flame on about putting in my time and figuring out an area go for it, I can take it

[rtspring]

Its not always about the harvest, but the whole experience.

If you would like to hunt 346 little naches, I will give you some hotspots.   You will see elk I gurantee it!  Yes it will be crowded in spots, but there is an abundance of elk. 

[Fl0und3rz]

I second 346. It is as accessible as you want to make it, and as busy or solitary as you make it.  It's spike only without permit, but it is not always about the kill.  Congrats to the young hunter. I would take RTsprig up on his offer.

[coachcw]

Ten is gonna be tough to I'd elk and get set up. I'd look for a area that's plenty open where you can set up and glass.  I'm not sure I'd want my  young son in some of the busyier areas .

[chester]

Ten is gonna be tough to I'd elk and get set up. I'd look for a area that's plenty open where you can set up and glass.  I'm not sure I'd want my  young son in some of the busyier areas .

He's right that is pretty young for elk. I'd give him a few years to do some growing before venturing him into the elk woods. Ten years old in a general season I'd be more worried about burning him out on elk hunting all together. 2c


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[Casey]

Ten is gonna be tough to I'd elk and get set up. I'd look for a area that's plenty open where you can set up and glass.  I'm not sure I'd want my  young son in some of the busyier areas .

He's right that is pretty young for elk. I'd give him a few years to do some growing before venturing him into the elk woods. Ten years old in a general season I'd be more worried about burning him out on elk hunting all together. 2c


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Ten is young but he should be fine. I started elk hunting at nine and went rifle. when I was ten, I went archery.

[pianoman9701]

Its not always about the harvest, but the whole experience.

If you would like to hunt 346 little naches, I will give you some hotspots.   You will see elk I gurantee it!  Yes it will be crowded in spots, but there is an abundance of elk.

This!  If the kid is ready to hunt elk, then give him his best opportunity for success. 

[Fish4Fun]

Nothing wrong with being 10 and on an elk hunt. In 1970 when I was 10, it was my first year and I dumped a nice spike. Our dad was an elk hunting machine and had taught my brother and I at a early age. Shooting a lever action 32 Win Special, both my brother and I were ready to go. We were sat on a elk crossing and had specific things to remember when a bull came along.  1) Shoot for the front shoulder  2) Don't stop shooting until he hits the ground or goes out of sight.
Opening morning 1970, the spike we had watched all during the fall, came down that trail like he was supposed to.
10 year old boy sitting on top of his first elk when the Old Man got there   

[coachcw]

Fully supervised I hope ....

[Fish4Fun]

Fully supervised I hope ....

I agree with fully supervised, 45 years ago it was much different and less people in the woods.

[wt]

I hear you on not burning him out, I'm concerned about doing just that for sure. Matter of  fact it is almost always my guiding principal when hunting with my kiddo's, second only to keeping  them safe! As much as we want to bag a critter, it comes in at third place. rt, that is a great offer, I would be a fool not to take you up on it. would you like me to PM you? Thanks for all  the responses!
wt

[rtspring]

I hear you on not burning him out, I'm concerned about doing just that for sure. Matter of  fact it is almost always my guiding principal when hunting with my kiddo's, second only to keeping  them safe! As much as we want to bag a critter, it comes in at third place. rt, that is a great offer, I would be a fool not to take you up on it. would you like me to PM you? Thanks for all  the responses!
wt

Sure send me a pm

[PlateauNDN]

Take it nice and easy and make it about the experience and he will be fine. My son was 10 last Nov and he almost dumped a 6x6 probably low 300's. They're ready when they're ready, just do the best you can to prepare them and let the rest fall into place. 

[wt]

That's my plan PlateauNDN. My son has been wanting to come out for three or four years. I keep telling him "elk is a little different than deer" but now he has his hunters ed card and he will be hunting rifle (I do archery), so it s time to enjoy the ride, teach the son, not push him to hard, and just let it happen. 

[coachcw]

just remember its about the time with dad in the woods . success isn't measured in a harvest . havea blast .

[Magnum_Willys]

just remember its about the time with dad in the woods . success isn't measured in a harvest . havea blast .

   he mite go 10 years or more before getting one - stay warm, fun, and enjoy the time.

[206dawgfan]

Get that boy in the woods.  As a father of 2 sons aged 8 I am looking forward to getting them out there with me.  Get them in the woods before the video games get them.  I hunt the dry side (nile unit) I am not nearly as knowledgable as some but I know some places to get you started that would be easier on a kid.  If you need more info hit me with a PM. 

[wt]

 Yes, you know it! My son's like video games as much as the rest but fortunately the hunting and shooting holds a special allure for them. I just try to keep them interested and back off the authoritarian role a bit and try to make some positive memories.  Rt has given me some pointers (thanks rt), but the more the merrier. I'll shoot you a pm, sweet! Thanks, wt
Wt