Wanted: bowhunting mentor in SE WA

[elkboy]

Dear Hunt-WA:  Over the last 15 years, I have had reasonable success with muzzleloader and modern firearm on deer.   Hunting has become one of the central passions of my life.  But I have a bit of a nemesis in archery elk hunting- trust me, this year was a "character-building experience" (including sailing an arrow a few inches under the chest of a 6x6).  Next September 2017, I want to step into the woods as prepared as I possibly can be. 

Is there any experienced bowhunter from Spokane on down to Clarkston that would be willing to meet up with me 2-3 times over the next year to help me "learn what I need to learn"?  Thanks in advance.

[pianoman9701]

Someone help this guy out, please. When my daughter was having a real problem in Pullman, this young man jumped immediately into action and helped her, no questions asked. He's a stand up guy. Maybe another stand up guy could help! Good luck, EB. 

[elkboy]

Thank you, Piano!   

[Rider]

Not an expert by any stretch of the imagination.  We all are looking for "learn what I need to learn".

Learn your prey. Learn what they eat and when and where. Get inside their minds. Learn the environment. This past weekend was a very tough lesson on bugling, calling, and cover scents.

One of the keys I learned from another hunter is this: An elk can smell a drop of human sweat 5 miles away.  Don't know if it true or not. But I found out they can smell a human at 300 yards. Cover scent is your friend.

Know your environment and hunt the wind. Learn the wind patterns where you are hunting. Learn how to see the wind on the trees. Learn the trails. Learn the water & food sources. Learn how they live.

Learn how to properly field dress an elk before you need to field dress an elk. Talk to the butcher that will be doing your processing. Ask them how to best field dress an elk to make it easiest on them. Figure out how you are going to get the body out.

Know yourself. Know your body. Know when it is time to stop. Dehydration can kill you.

Practice, practice, practice. Practice standing, sitting on thy butt, kneeling, twist with your upper body. Practice shooting in various positions. Practice like a martial artists practices their katas.