Looking for Help/Pointers on My First Elk

[avidnwoutdoorsman]

So I am primarily a turkey/bird hunter ... deer hunt ... but never have I gone Elk hunting. In my wonder of looking for Turkey's I have countless pictures of mature bulls on my game Cameras. In particular I have two bulls that are very very nice bulls that I believe come from the same lineage. I ran two cameras less than a mile apart for the last year and consistently pick these bulls up. Sometimes at night and sometimes during the day but throughout the whole year. What I do know is they made it through the season because I have pictures of them recently. If I wanted to pursue trying to hunt these elk what should I start to consider? Is there a season that is better than others? Good materials on Washington Elk hunting besides this forum (trust me, I'm reading)? Newbie... In need of some pointers/help! I have every means of weapon to hunt, archery, muzzy, and modern. Unit is not open for Late Archery or Late Muzzy.

[avidnwoutdoorsman]

Proof of life!


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[BULLBLASTER]

Nothing to help you but wanted to wish you luck. That’s a nice wet side bull!

[Birdgetter]

 

[DOUBLELUNG]

Your best bets in order are early archery and early ML IMHO.  It's too late to get a multiseason permit if you didn't apply in the initial drawing, but would recommend that for future years.  This is assuming you are either hunting west side or Northeast where you can hunt branched bulls with a general tag.  Obviously, get proficient with both if you aren't already, check out the abundance of elk calling instruction on this and other sites, and practice.  Being in great physical condition is another great plan.  Good luck!

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Now that you know where they are, start exploring the area with an eye for why they are there.
In my experience, they will hang around areas for a few days, then travel a different area for a few d ays, working back around in a cycle.
I try to figure out where else they go from my camera.
If they are not in spot #1 , then check spot #2.
Scouting is learning the area well enough to predict where the elk might be...
Hunting is hoping your right.

[Crunchy]

Yes if you can pattern their behavior and travel routes it will increase your odds.  Remember what the wind is doing in the AM compared to PM. The areas I hunt the elk are down low and moving up by first light.  It is tough to find a good spot to cut them off without them getting your wind.  Almost have to be 100 yards or more off to one side.  Once they are moving if you are not close it will be hard to catch up.

[avidnwoutdoorsman]

Your best bets in order are early archery and early ML IMHO.  It's too late to get a multiseason permit if you didn't apply in the initial drawing, but would recommend that for future years.  This is assuming you are either hunting west side or Northeast where you can hunt branched bulls with a general tag.  Obviously, get proficient with both if you aren't already, check out the abundance of elk calling instruction on this and other sites, and practice.  Being in great physical condition is another great plan.  Good luck!

I did put in for Multi Elk, but we all know how that went for most of us.... hey I have a point now. Thanks for the season tips. Right now I have the Muzzy East but because of all these pictures on my cams I am thinking about switching to Muzzy West and now maybe Archery. I am relatively proficient in both. Have the archery range set up in my back yard and there is a nice public course near my place. Would you or anyone have a recommendation on brand or types of calls. I figure a diaphragm but what else?

[avidnwoutdoorsman]

Now that you know where they are, start exploring the area with an eye for why they are there.
In my experience, they will hang around areas for a few days, then travel a different area for a few d ays, working back around in a cycle.
I try to figure out where else they go from my camera.
If they are not in spot #1 , then check spot #2.
Scouting is learning the area well enough to predict where the elk might be...
Hunting is hoping your right.

Yes if you can pattern their behavior and travel routes it will increase your odds.  Remember what the wind is doing in the AM compared to PM. The areas I hunt the elk are down low and moving up by first light.  It is tough to find a good spot to cut them off without them getting your wind.  Almost have to be 100 yards or more off to one side.  Once they are moving if you are not close it will be hard to catch up.

Definitely the plan... it's a mixed terrain of rolling hills and clear cuts. Instead of picking most my cameras up as I usually do after turkey season I think I might just adjust them to focus on elk area instead of turkey area. Will get out and sit in different spots as well. I completely understand that elk like to move a lot and will travel great distances. But say I wanted to start circling away from this area. How wide should I work.... 10 mi....20mi...50mi...100mi...? This is dense thick timber and not open like the east side. My goal is going to find some of their sheds... that will be a gimme on where else they've been.

[cougforester]

Your best bets in order are early archery and early ML IMHO.  It's too late to get a multiseason permit if you didn't apply in the initial drawing, but would recommend that for future years.  This is assuming you are either hunting west side or Northeast where you can hunt branched bulls with a general tag.  Obviously, get proficient with both if you aren't already, check out the abundance of elk calling instruction on this and other sites, and practice.  Being in great physical condition is another great plan.  Good luck!

I did put in for Multi Elk, but we all know how that went for most of us.... hey I have a point now. Thanks for the season tips. Right now I have the Muzzy East but because of all these pictures on my cams I am thinking about switching to Muzzy West and now maybe Archery. I am relatively proficient in both. Have the archery range set up in my back yard and there is a nice public course near my place. Would you or anyone have a recommendation on brand or types of calls. I figure a diaphragm but what else?

Keep in mind that once (if) you apply for a special permit using a certain weapon type, like archery, you are locking into that for the season and can no longer switch weapon choices.

And Phelps all the way. All I carry is the white and black AMP calls.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Roosevelt don't seem to travel as far as rockys (in my experience) usually just travel to certain parts of same drainage, or over ridge to next one, not into next county.
Usually have water/food everywhere, so no real need to go far.
Seems "security/escape cover", or area thick enough to hide a full grown elk standing up from view. Thick reprod, devils club, vine maple, etc... adjoining some heavy timber, near water.
Small benches near top of hill, flat spots close to saddles between ridges provide good bedding areas.
Look for old rubs, can provide clues as to where they are August-Sept.

[avidnwoutdoorsman]

Keep in mind that once (if) you apply for a special permit using a certain weapon type, like archery, you are locking into that for the season and can no longer switch weapon choices.

Didn't think about that...didn't know that... might have to switch to points. Or make up my mind quick!