Wet side archery elk

[E35alex]

So I'm thinking about switching over to the wet side for archery elk. Looking for your hot spots or locations. Just kidding! 😏

Where would someone have an opportunity so at least see some animals on public land. I know about all the land (Hancock, big timers companies, etc) you can pay to hunt. I'm interested in public land. I put in all the work, scouting, trail cameras, salt, etc. Just not sure where to start.

I've looked at the success rates, animals harvested, etc and most of western Washington is pretty good. Which is why I'm asking for help.

If anyone has any helpful hints, a pm would be greatly appreciated.

Alex


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[headshot5]

Best bet is always to look at the harvest reports from the last few years.  This will allow you to see which units have the highest success rates.  Then you can usually search for State lands in those units (generally by County) and go from there. 

Above all else get out and scout any area you are considering hunting.  It's perfect to do this in the early summer (July), as animals will generally be in the open.  (bulls in velvet generally hit open areas while still in velvet).

Once you narrow down where you are considering going, ask on her for any pointers in that area, and you will get some better replies.
   

[E35alex]

I've started my scouting already. But I'm like a pin ball right now. Everywhere and nowhere at once.

Just looked up the elk hoof rot map, and looks like I'll concentrate on areas where there doesn't seem to be too bad.

Harvest reports are almost memorized (2015 and 2016).

I guess I should say this. Looking for a unit I can call home. Meaning somewhere I can hunt elk, deer and bear.

Not asking for much 

[Jpmiller]

I've had plenty of people point me to island county for elk....

[E35alex]

I've had plenty of people point me to island county for elk....

So your saying Camano & Whidbey Islands?


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[JimmyHoffa]

I've had plenty of people point me to island county for elk....

So your saying Camano & Whidbey Islands?


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I think there's one bull over there that swam across from Jefferson Co a couple years ago.

[2MANY]

"elf hoof rot" is defiantly a problem the farther North you hunt.

[jackelope]

I've had plenty of people point me to island county for elk....

So your saying Camano & Whidbey Islands?


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I think there's one bull over there that swam across from Jefferson Co a couple years ago.

Literally.

[E35alex]

I've had plenty of people point me to island county for elk....

So your saying Camano & Whidbey Islands?


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I think there's one bull over there that swam across from Jefferson Co a couple years ago.

Gotcha! Guess I'll have to become a master hunter and go find him....


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[E35alex]

"elf hoof rot" is defiantly a problem the farther North you hunt.

My apologies, iPhone doesn't understand that I'm interested in elk, not elf.

I've corrected the spelling.


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[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Most all permits for land access on the wet side. National forest is about your only other option.

[E35alex]

Most all permits for land access on the wet side. National forest is about your only other option.

Is it worth getting a permit?

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Depends where you get one. If there's any left. They run 300$ +. So if you plan on using it. But for a few weekend hunts it can be spendy. All the spots I hunt were overrun with guys for archery.  Worst season yet.  The elk were there but hardly huntable.

[E35alex]

Depends where you get one. If there's any left. They run 300$ +. So if you plan on using it. But for a few weekend hunts it can be spendy. All the spots I hunt were overrun with guys for archery.  Worst season yet.  The elk were there but hardly huntable.

I guess there goes that idea. Thanks

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Not trying to discourage you. It's just been tough since the timber farms did the permit for the tree farms. There is public land to hunt but you have to search for spots that aren't crowded cause all the guys that use to hunt the tree farms either can't afford or can't get the permits before they sell out, are now hunting the little bits of land left. It displaced ALOT of guys in places I've hardly seen anyone.