Ask the Biologist...

[GASoline71]

So I read or listen to hunters say they've "asked the region biologist", or told another hunter to "get a hold of the biologist in your region".  I've been hunting a long time and have never done this.  Appears I might be missing out on good info.  We are planning on moving to a completely different region in WA for elk season in 2021.  Would like to ask some questions to the biologist of the region and not sound like a tool.

I really don't wanna lead in with, "Soooo, umm, like, where's the elk at?"  What are some good questions a cat can ask?  Ask about winter vs. summer range?  Ask about winter kill and predation in the area?  Food/water sources?  If I could ask you'se cats that have called or emailed a region biologist for some tips on what questions or topics to discuss?

I really dig this forum, been hunting in this state since 1976. 

Gary

[JimmyHoffa]

More along the lines of was the fawn survival higher/lower, average age of deer/elk, bull/cow ratios increasing or decreasing, is predator take declining or increasing in area X, has the habitat project on the creek seeing any good results (there have been meadows made for elk to entice them to the mountains, but they preferred to stay in the farms).

[elksnout]

We've done Oregon, Idaho and now Colorado this coming fall. Write down a list of questions to ask during your call. My biggest bit of advice I'll pass on to you is to do your homework before making that call. They are busy people. Study maps ,etc. So you can make intelligent and thoughtful questions. By our experience the bio's are much more likely to help someone who's done their due diligence rather than asking random questions.

Elksnout.

[NOCK NOCK]

We've done Oregon, Idaho and now Colorado this coming fall. Write down a list of questions to ask during your call. My biggest bit of advice I'll pass on to you is to do your homework before making that call. They are busy people. Study maps ,etc. So you can make intelligent and thoughtful questions. By our experience the bio's are much more likely to help someone who's done their due diligence rather than asking random questions.

Elksnout.

 ... and remember, they field many calls from hunters every year. IMO you'll get general / form letter advice, but prolly not honeyhole advice.

[ridgefire]

I have spoken with the biologist many times and the majority of the time they are a great resource. I ask questions about specific drainages in the unit I intend to hunt. Where do the elk tend to summer, what elevations do they tend to rut at, what do they tend to do once they start feeling hunter pressure. The more specific you are with your question the more specific they are with their answers. I just talked to a biologist in Idaho yesterday about some back up areas in case of fires or heavy hunting pressure and now confident in plans b and c. Good luck.

[GASoline71]

Thank you guys for the tips! I have been amassing a few questions to ask, but not brow beat the poor soul with too many.

Some very helpful advice here.

Gary

[MtnMuley]

All depends on the bio you talk to. Some are great guys/gals who are a bunch of help. Others are liberal anti hunters who would love to see "their" animals survive your season. Keep that in mind.

[hawks33]

I've spoke to a half dozen or so. I've had mixed luck. Be prepared with your questions...for example, wheres a good area to get away from people? Most of the biologists were relatively new to their areas, but overall, I've had a good experience with all I've talked too. Good luck!

[riflehunter]

Do you find the Biologist numbers on the WDFW website? If not where are they located at?

[fishngamereaper]

Honestly, I don't know that WA biologist know that much about elk these days. 10-15 years ago maybe. Ive found that out of State bios are much more tuned in to their big game than Washington guys are. Your best bet for general Intel is the forum. Or spend a weekend in the unit and then come back with some questions. I'm not trying to deter you from making the call but the answers you get are going to be boiler plate stuff. 

[cougforester]

I wouldn’t waste  time with WA biologists. I’ve found one that was helpful out of five or six I’ve called. Game wardens have been much more helpful for me, especially when it relates to pressure or predators in areas you’re focusing on.

[stw]

Left a few messages to one in the area I'm going to hunt for a special draw tag no call  so called a few others no call back over the past 2 weeks I'll call again today if I don't hear anything then calling main office

[Stein]

I had a decent conversation with one, a very helpful conversation with another one for a youth tag. and the other times I couldn't get through and quit after about 50 tries.

The one thing I have noticed is that they have some info on where some elk get shot and it can easily get overstated.  If they heard about an elk shot at xyz, that can turn into "they really get into them over there."  I think people are probably unlikely to tell the bio where they shoot their animals and if they aren't the kind of bio that has boots on the ground during hunting season then the information can be not so helpful.