Heads or Tails

[cohochemist]

I have a buddy from out of state wanting to chase Roosevelt elk with muzzy (so westside).  This weekend I was able to get him on some elk but limited shot opportunities due to the dense forest over here. He is used to more open country hunting (glassing with spot and stalk), I've been working these forests over the last 6years and prefer to stick to what I know.  So this morning we are taking a day to debate our next hunt tonight/tomorrow, two options open for debate; Heads or Tails.

Heads) Stay in an area I know well and holds a lot of elk but is dense forest with limited shot opportunities (drainage bottoms). Keep working it slow.
or
Tails) Leave area for higher ground and find clear cuts for possible better shot. Will be leaving areas I know well and not sure elk densities; so more of scouting mission.

We have all week and it is his hunt so I am open to all of the above, but trying to prioritize our remaining time and prevent him eating $500 tag soup. He is open for Cow or Bull. 


Thanks

[ThurstonCokid]

Personally I’d always stick to what you know. If you keep getting in on the elk it will line up for success eventually. Good luck!


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[JakeLand]

Stay where you know and he has to understand to pick shot opportunities

[Big6bull]

All week to hunt why not go try something. If it doesn’t pan out then it’s just one day lost.

[one shot kill]

Don’t leave elk to find elk. If I know elk are in an area I would keep at it.

[Bobvernon2]

Don’t leave elk to find elk. If I know elk are in an area I would keep at it.

 

[SpurInSpokane]

The most valuable thing you have as a hunter is knowledge of a spot and the animals in it.
Stay put, stay patient, and you're much more likely to be successful.

[cohochemist]

My buddy is normally a patient guy, we've hunted together most of our lives but normally go back to our home state to hunt. This is the first time together in western washington, I tried to prepare him mentally for the challenge ahead.  I guess since he paid the cash to come down, we burn a day in a new spot tomorrow, worst that happens we go back to plan A for rest of the week.  Even if we don't harvest an animal this year for him, we are still having a good time trying.

[nwmein199]

Don’t leave elk to find elk. If I know elk are in an area I would keep at it.

I third this

[HikerHunter]

Unless he is planning on coming out in the following years to hunt the more open areas, I don't think the scout day is worth it. My vote is to stick with what you know!

[DOUBLELUNG]

Don’t leave elk to find elk. If I know elk are in an area I would keep at it.

I third this

Put me on the bandwagon.  Spend the day looking for shooting lanes where the elk are.

[deerhunter_98520]

This is what I'd do...since he spent the money to come here and hunt I'd be honest with him...tell him you know this area and know the elk are there but it's a tough hunt. But your willing to take a day and possibly waste a day but you also may find elk in a new area...give him the options and let him decide. If he wants to flip a coin and chance a day in a new area or not

Just my  and probably what I'd do epsecially if I wasn't hunting...but just make sure he knows you may not see a single animal venturing into an area your not familiar with

[Backstrap]

Clearcuts until it’s good light, then get in the timber. Don’t know if that’s an option for you, but it’s my normal MO, regardless. Good luck.

[Damnimissed]

He wants to hunt rosies, take him back into the jungle where they live!

[cohochemist]

We took off to scout a different area. He was convinced we need to get to higher altitude and open meadows. Made a few scouting trips but didn't find even as much as a hoof print; cool area though.  I am happy we burned a day by scouting, he paid the cash to come hunt and I want him to know I'll do what I can to get him an elk.  He did admit he wants to spend reamining time in my spot, despite the dense, dark mass of green.