Elk in the Dark Divide?!

[A-Dawg-Archer]

You know, I had a plan to go back to 560 and spend more time scouting. But the more everyone talks, the more I keep getting my kayak ready.
I guess Ill have to go out and look at the area! I have never gone for coastal elk before, does the rut occur about the same time in early Sept or do they get rutty later or earlier?

[Rugergunsite308]

How'd the season go A Dog? I'm thinking of hitting long island for opener

[b0bbyg]

Boating over day of?

[Lucky1]

Don't forget the 560 changed to 3pt or better only this year. No Cows. I also second the large presence of dirt-bikers. Havent seen an elk in there before but lots of sign.   And I've done long island in the late season before. Very wet, very thick, and very cool! Be sure to tie off your boat or raft or drag it into the timber. all the grass is flooded at high tide. Came back to our raft after a day of hunting and it had moved as far away as the rope allowed, and that was after dragging it up 6ft from water level at the time we crossed.

Rugergunsite308- Thanks for the reply. Curious about Long Island, do you recall if the center road on the island was bikeable? I have a crummy old sit-on-top kayak that would make the journey across to the island, and I would love to take the bike with to get around faster. I might be going over to scout it out in the next few weeks.  Good to know about the grass, Id love to hear more about the trip!

I would check the rules about using a bicycle on the island. If I remember right, they were not allowed when I hunted out there about 17 years ago.

[Rugergunsite308]

Well plans changed BobbyG. Based on tides looks like we'd have to leave the island about 1pm to not risk getting stuck overnight. Gonna push that trip to the weekend when tides are more favorable.

[Sundance]

Don't underestimate that island, the tides, the rain, and the ability to cross muddy sloughs. It's a cool place, I'd argue its more of an "experience hunt" vs a volume of animals.