Free: Contests & Raffles.
WA archery gives you a hunt during part of the rut (ends right during/before the peak). ML season gives you the tail of the rut and fewer areas to hunt. Maybe buy an OTC “other” state elk tag and hunt the full rut, in a better elk area, with your bow . But yes, it’s never a bad time to pick up a new weapon and try it out. I’m actually hunting ML season in WA for the first time ever this fall to try it out (and will be hunting another state with the old Darton in SEPT). Whatever you decide, enjoy your hunt!
Does 0 success mean not getting into elk or just not killing them? If you not getting into elk, stick with archery. If you getting into elk and having trouble closing the deal with a bow then mz might be worth a shot. Bow hunting gives you the best opportunity to understand elk and have a quality hunting experience....IMO. That being said, I go back and forth depending on season dates and my hunting calendar.
RU retired Army mister?