How important are thermals elk hunting in SW washington west of I-5

[Dwightinwashington]

 I read a lot of threads and see a lot of videos that say elk hunting is all about the wind and the morning and evening thermals. Is it that important here in SW Washington West of I-5? I personally know archery hunters who are more Successful than not in SW Washington every year  but rarely check the wind and laugh about morning  thermals.....  Were they lucky or?  I would love your opinion? 

[Bobvernon2]

I find the wind changes so damn much depending on the cover you hunt that keeping track of thermals and wind pretty much guarantees you’ll never leave one spot. However with that being said watching your wind on a stalk is extremely important. Once an elk smells you game over, they’ll lock down quick.

[trophyhunt]

Yup, if they smell you, game over.  All the fancy equipment and clothing won’t help you if they smell you.

[WSU]

I don’t think you can rely on thermals being consistent.

[Cylvertip]

I don’t think you can rely on thermals being consistent.

You can bet on them being inconsistent.

[buggy]

I have found west side thermals/wind direction to be nearly impossible to rely on unless there is a steady  significant breeze. I have had the best luck stalking cross wind rather than trying to stay down wind. It seems the wind (at least in the areas I hunt) tends to switch 180 degrees.

[scoutdog346]

I've had Elk Run because they smell me from a hundred yards away I've seen elk walk right past me and they had to smell me and not care at all. I've learned to just be aggressive and don't NOT pursue a bull just because of wind direction and u think theybqill bust u just go after them no matter what but only if you're on public land not special permit or private land different story. Public land General season you only get a few days so treat every situation like it ypur last. U might only get one chance. Im not that good of a hunter so i allways try to harvest the 1st legal bull i can/see.