460 Meadowbrook Herd tips

[ronin026]

I'm trying my hand at Elk hunting for the first time this year. I've spent a lot of time reading/e-scouting/scouring the forums for info on this GMU and have found some good posts.

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=109038.0
https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,273741.0.html
https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=104917.0

Some great info in those above posts on hunting this herd. I appreciate everything that's been contributed. I think I'm going to try the Rattlesnake Trail as it's not firearm restricted and has a fair bit of open area to glass and some thick timber to spend the mid-day in. I've put in some hours e-scouting the area and feel I have a pretty good plan. I haven't put boots on the ground here yet, spent most of my fall getting my mule deer and related scouting activities this year, but it's always been a dream to bag a big bull.

My thought is glass mornings, still-hunt timber mid day and try to bust them in their beds, back to glass in the evening. I'm bringing a Marlin 45-70 with irons as I don't see 200+ yard shots being how it goes down(if it goes down at all!)

What's your guys thoughts on this plan and tactic? Any pointers to offer for this GMU and specific area? Any fellow hunters looking for a partner?(Best pack mule is a hunting buddy)

Thanks,

[Russ McDonald]

You are going to deal with a lot of hikers and mt bikers through there.  That herd for the most part stays on private property this time of the year.  Keep you eyes open because there are cougars and bears in there.  I have been up and down that road for over 12 years for work and have yet to see any elk.  The trail crosses the road quite a few times.  In that 12 year I have seen bear, a cougar and plenty of grouse.  I have also hunted in there some to plus up on Tiger Mt south side of 18 and that area has had a lot of logging in the past couple years and I see the gates are becoming super popular.  I am seeing at least 3 vehicles at the lower gate near Raging river morning and on my way home from work.

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[TriggerMike]

Only one way to find out. But I'll say Goodluck and keep an eye out for hikers wearing black and brown and no orange. You'll probably see a ton of people.

[blackpowderhunter]

You are going to deal with a lot of hikers and mt bikers through there.  That herd for the most part stays on private property this time of the year.  Keep you eyes open because there are cougars and bears in there.  I have been up and down that road for over 12 years for work and have yet to see any elk.  The trail crosses the road quite a few times.  In that 12 year I have seen bear, a cougar and plenty of grouse.  I have also hunted in there some to plus up on Tiger Mt south side of 18 and that area has had a lot of logging in the past couple years and I see the gates are becoming super popular.  I am seeing at least 3 vehicles at the lower gate near Raging river morning and on my way home from work.

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yep, and if you chose those gates to park at...dont leave anything valuable in your rig