new elk area tactics

[kwright]

Hey Guys

I'm new to Washington from the Midwest and looking forward to pursuing archery elk. I'm considering units 506, 530, 568-578. Having no elk experience I've been having a hard time trying to narrow down what types of terrain and map features would indicate places worth boots on the ground. I've never had the ability to hunt so much area before and its a little overwhelming the sheer size to try and sift through. I have quite a bit of boots on the ground so far just throwing darts at a map essentially and that also made me realize I'm not quite sure what type of sign would indicate a good area. I've found a ton of rubs and some old scat but I've yet to see any tracks to try and follow, none the less any elk. In short what kind of mapping features do you guys look for and what would you look for boots on the ground sign would tell you to come back during season?

Thanks, Keegan

[huntnnw]

finding old elk rubs in a area is a good sign means they may be there in the fall.

[NorseNW]

kwright -

Welcome aboard!  I feel your pain.  Grew up hunting whitetails in Pennsylvania and started up out here about 5 years ago.  Very overwhelming but every time I think about it I think what a great thing to complain about - so many places to hunt I don't know where to start!

From my perspective you are on the right track with picking some spots and putting boots on the ground.  I did the Elk 101 online course and that was pretty helpful.  Mainly the scouting portion because his hunting instructions are based on his experience in Idaho which appears to be a bit more open than some of our jungles around here.  Several youtube videos on e-scouting out there that were helpful as well.  I'm not the best on that just yet but gives you an idea of what to look for (food, water, shelter etc).

What season on your looking at hunting (archery, muzzy, modern)  I hunt archery and have hunted 506 late season and always at least see animals.  Never been in 530.  The only thing I will say for 578 is it has so much private land I've never bothered.

Best of luck to you.  Enjoy the journey

[bornhunter]

You will be shooting nothing but limpers in the 506 and 530.

[WSU]

Elk make rubs during archery season.  You're on the right track if you are finding lots of rubs.  Also, areas with a lot of elk are obvious.  They make a lot of pretty obvious sign.

[bearpaw]

Elk make rubs during archery season.  You're on the right track if you are finding lots of rubs.  Also, areas with a lot of elk are obvious.  They make a lot of pretty obvious sign.