New to Elk Hunting 2019 - What do you recommend for making it a FUN experience?

[Parasite]

So I'll be new to elk hunting this year. Read a whole bunch, listened to podcasts ... yada yada yada ... so what do you folks recommend for having a FUN elk hunting experience? I honestly don't even want to shoot an elk this year just so I don't have to quarter it up and pack it out myself. Any ideas? Roosevelts vs Rockies? Archery seasons sounds nice unless I'm missing something? Not sure where else to go with this topic at the moment. Like I said, FUN is the key takeaway. Unfortunately, I'll be doing this solo as I'm new to WA.

[pianoman9701]

Archery, an RV, a gallon or two of good bourbon, and about 30 cigars. Leave the wife at home unless she can pack meat. Don't eat any pepperoni from a guy named PlateauNDN. You might also go somewhere where there are elk. That's however, not a requirement for a good time.

[jstone]

Hunt with good people
Enjoy nature. I get out before daylight and take in the sounds of the elk bugling before the sun comes up. The birds. Watch the sun come up over the skyline. Let the busy life fade away. I take naps on the hill side sometimes. It’s the best nap you will ever take. Just enjoy the moment and life. If and when you get an animal. It’s the icing on the cake. Don’t stress
Have a blast and good luck

[RB]

Archery, an RV, a gallon or two of good bourbon, and about 30 cigars. Leave the wife at home unless she can pack meat. Don't eat any pepperoni from a guy named PlateauNDN. You might also go somewhere where there are elk. That's however, not a requirement for a good time.

 
Sage advice right there!

Here is what can be fun, pick a unit, east west does not matter. You will most likely stay drier on the east though. Get a map find public land and go find a camp spot. You going to tent? RV? Hotel? it all works a lot of guys on here have gotten animals no matter where or how they stayed.

Pick ridge, drainage, trail which ever you decide and head out. If you are going solo always let someone know where you will be and rough time you will be back. Also if going solo invest in a Delorme in reach  :two cents:

Walk some ridges, drive some miles, and get to know the area so each season it gets a little easier to find your way around, and find animals.

Most of all have fun!

Best of luck

[7mmfan]

For me a big part of enjoying my time hunting is enjoying the ground that I’m hunting. Pick an area with a landscape that’s appealing to you that has some elk and start exploring. For me that’s high country or eastern wa. The downside to most of eastern wa is it’s spike or true spike only. Western WA is a bit of a jungle, but you can hunt bulls in the rut, which is a huge plus.

I love exploring new country, and it’s all new for you so go into it with that mindset and you’re set.

[Stein]

I'm big into the entire experience, for early season I love camping in a tent with a stove and enjoying that part.  Spending a day cutting wood is part of the process and fun for me.  For real late season (November on) or if the opener of rifle is crazy cold or snowy, I stay in a hunting friendly hotel with a hot tub.  Completely different experience but very enjoyable to soak and talk with a few other hunting groups.

The actual hunting part depends on how you like to hunt.  I would say don't change the way you hunt because someone says it is better.  If you are enjoying yourself and it's legal, that's the right way.

[Parasite]

 Any thoughts on cow hunts?

[trophyhunt]

Archery for sure, the first time a bull screams in your face... fugget aboot it.  you'll be hooked!  And most is 3 point or anterless on the wetside, covers your cow.  And cow meat is da best!

[dvolmer]

If you want to have a fun and successful hunt, then don't waste your money here in Washington!  Go out of state.  If you want to have a fun camping trip and pretend that you are elk hunting then you might like Washington.  In the last 10 years WDFW, Liberal loons, Wolves, other predators that cant be hunted with hounds or bait, and uncontrolled native hunting has destroyed most of the hunting here in this state and in the next ten years will complete the destruction.

[b0bbyg]

my 
If you are going archery start practicing now, then you will know your limits and what you are comfortable with if you get a shot.

Archery also has more opportunity to get up close with critters and have adrenalin moments that can make the day feel successful without even getting off a shot.

Spend lots of time out there just seeing and learning, every day/season you learn new things see something different. Don't put too much pressure on yourself early just experiment and learn, even the best hunters sometimes just stumble into a great shot opportunity. I bet most of my good chances were on the way to the spot I think is where I ought to be, occasionally some good chances walking back to camp after calling it quits for the day.

You will encounter some camps that have good folks and will give advice if you are in an same area, others will not you will know quickly which you are camped by.  I have enjoyed getting to know a few of the camps near us over the years.

[Skyvalhunter]

Apply for Colorado elk hunts.they have the largest population for elk with lots of opportunity

[Stein]

Apply for Colorado elk hunts.they have the largest population for elk with lots of opportunity

That is what I would do. 

I'm new at archery hunting and I would absolutely shoot a cow if given the chance.  Look at the harvest statistics and maybe 7-15% of archers are successful in any given year.  Unless you really like antlers, a cow elk is great eating and fills the freezer quickly.

[Mr Mykiss]

Apply for Colorado elk hunts.they have the largest population for elk with lots of opportunity

That or literally any other state that has elk...OR, ID, MT, WY.

[JimmyHoffa]

Be realistic in your expectations.  I've seen guys drive across the state to a new area, then call a guide on the phone to ask for some spots, hunt that area in a newb way---then complain about it being a sucky waste of time.

[Tbob]

Lots of people are down on WA hunting, but it’s not that bad. Try living in Southern California and then get back to me about hunting in WA.. anyways, if you enjoy the outdoors then just get out there man.. sounds like you have zero expectations for bagging an animal so it would just be icing on the cake if you got one! I just love being out in the woods, weather I’m just camping, hiking, scouting, shed hunting, or hunting! I love archery season and usually hunt the westside due to the Best optins of bull or cow. Don’t over do it, like some have said, eat well at camp, drink some good stuff that you like (bourbon or good beers for me) and the last few years my solo camp has grown to 3 of us we and always have a blast just being out there together.. for me it’s about experiences and memories! Ya only live once and it’s a quick ride on this rock so I’m trying to soak up as much as I can! Let us know how you do out there dude!