Author Topic: Hunt in November in Washington (Read 10699 times)

MikeJ · « **on:** October 13, 2009, 04:36:51 PM »

So I am getting very jealous looking at all these successful hunts. I looked at the Washington hunting regs and it looks like there are some November modern hunts. I was thinking I could be in the field Nov 12-16. I am out of state. Any recommendations on where to go, anybody willing to take a new hunter? Thanks in advance.

Crunchy · « **Reply #1 on:** October 13, 2009, 05:48:49 PM »

Lots of land out there. U have to give us a general area of what you are thinking. I know little to nothing on the eastside. West side I know of a few areas to get you started.

MikeJ · « **Reply #2 on:** October 13, 2009, 09:43:07 PM »

I am flexible on location, my calendar was not as flexible. I live in California so will be a long drive but if I wait to get drawn in CA it will be a decade before an elk hunt. I did some research and looks like Washington has three different class (modern, archery and muzzle). I just picked up a bow but for this season would not be comfortable going. I don't have a muzzle but could pick up one for that late season. If there are any decent areas for a hunt with tags available would be interested. Thanks Mike

littlebuf · « **Reply #3 on:** October 13, 2009, 10:07:38 PM »

um, theres no more elk in washington. and if there is there on the east side, so go look over there

AKBowman · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2009, 10:17:36 PM »

California sucks! I would try around Pullman for cows during the late season. I heard Cle Elum has a nice late season as well...decent hunting as there are plenty of road access in the area and a good elk population that likes to hang out near the road system. Good luck.

SilkWWU · « **Reply #5 on:** October 14, 2009, 07:19:39 AM »

If you're going to spend the time and money to drive all the way up to washington, why don't you book like a Canadian hunt...?

MikeJ · « **Reply #6 on:** October 14, 2009, 09:33:13 AM »

I would do a Canadian hunt do you have recommendations? Yes, California sucks in many ways. Hunting is near the top. But my job is here and friends. So I just have to be willing to go outside the state.

I figured Washington could be reached in a long day of driving. Canada might be a bit longer, maybe a flight.

I like the post on no more elk in Washington

Thanks in advance.
Mike

bobcat · « **Reply #7 on:** October 14, 2009, 09:45:56 AM »

Yes, Canada would be a lot farther to drive and a lot more expensive. A guide would be required. You can do a do-it-yourself hunt in this state. You would want to hunt the west side of the state, probably, since the east side is spike only for the general season. Look at the units in the Willapa Hills or the units around Mt St Helens. There are two units you can't hunt because you'd have to apply and draw a permit, those are the Toutle and the Margaret. Oh, and also the Loo-Wit is closed to hunting except for a few special permits. Elk hunting in this state can be pretty tough, especially coming from out of state with no prior scouting. But if you get into a good unit and park at a gate and are able to walk in a few miles you might get away from most of the hunters and get into some elk. You should take a look at the harvest reports that are available on the WDFW site if you haven't already. That will give you a good idea where most of the elk are killed every year.

Little Dave · « **Reply #8 on:** October 14, 2009, 10:58:35 AM »

Take a few hours to read all the harvest reports and information at this place first...

http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/game_species/elk/index.html

Cross reference places with a map. Then ask a few questions. Washington has the lowest percentage of public land in the West. Property owners are not required to post their land with "No trespassing" signs. Many Washington Counties have online maps to help locate who owns the land. Here's a list of those maps I put together...

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,35191.msg412557.html#msg412557

The game regs booklet also has phone numbers for a few of the large tree farms. Some of these, you can purchase a permit to access about 100K acres. Read the fine print though, some of these are driver & driver's immediate family only.

Best advice though...
Don't let anyone know that you are up here from California.

MikeJ · « **Reply #9 on:** October 14, 2009, 11:19:40 AM »

Thanks. Well, I am originally from AZ, so maybe that is where I should say I am from.

I am more than willing to put some miles on the boots. Sounds like finding a place to hunt might be a little tough.

I also looked at hunting in Idaho, but the only zone that has a hunt late enough for my calendar, might not be accessable due to snow (or could get snowed in).

Thanks for the info. Any hunting parties interested in a guest hunter? Last year I lived and hunted in Finland. I was a lucky charm and the groups seemed to have great success (not me though).

bobcat · « **Reply #10 on:** October 14, 2009, 11:24:12 AM »

I don't think finding a place to hunt is difficult. Lots of National Forest, state land, and private timberlands open to hunting. The hard part is finding a place to hunt where there are elk and not too many other hunters.

NWBREW · « **Reply #11 on:** October 14, 2009, 11:40:56 AM »

Quote from: MikeJ on October 14, 2009, 09:33:13 AM

I would do a Canadian hunt do you have recommendations? Yes, California sucks in many ways. Hunting is near the top. But my job is here and friends. So I just have to be willing to go outside the state.

Have you thought about a new job and different friends?

joking
Sorry...had to say it.
Washington has a lot to offer for the likes of huntable land. If your serious about it than I would suggest doing a little homework as mentioned in the earlier posts. That would give you a place to start. This being so soon to the start of the season, nothing is wrong with a 2 years plan. Find an area, buy a tag (you might get lucky and see and tag one), come up and consider it a scouting trip to get to, know the land.

Good luck in whatever you decide...Canada or washington

Curly · « **Reply #12 on:** October 14, 2009, 12:24:51 PM »

Finding a place to hunt elk is easy.........just look for the place with 50+ trucks parked at the gate and you'll know you're at the right spot. Then just hike in there and look for tracks.

What about Western Oregon? I suppose the season there is too early for your schedule too.

jtaghansen · « **Reply #13 on:** October 14, 2009, 02:02:51 PM »

Quote from: littlebuf on October 13, 2009, 10:07:38 PM

um, theres no more elk in washington. and if there is there on the east side, so go look over there

Yep no more elk here

MikeJ · « **Reply #14 on:** October 14, 2009, 02:22:34 PM »

My work schedule has me really busy in October and first week of November. My wife signed "us" up for birthing class in November every Tuesday night. So trying to find a hunt that I can do that is in the Thursday to Monday. Figure that gives me a good 5 days in the field. The timing in Washington looks the best. Oregon might work but some of the dates are not as good.

Maybe it is a sign to wait until next year, but reading this forum, I see all those monster elk and my mind starts to race.

Thanks for the help sounds like I have more research to do.

timmyg · « **Reply #15 on:** October 14, 2009, 03:23:26 PM »

Sounds like you are getting ready to have your first child. You better get up here and hunt, and get someone to sit in for you on that Tuesday class. You are not going to be getting too many hall passes when that bambino comes. I got signed up for that class a couple of years ago, so don't think I am making this up. I will be late archery for Elk, so maybe if you get that hall pass next year.....

Congrats in advance on what is I am quite sure your first child. I am joking with you about the hall pass thing

vfilbert · « **Reply #16 on:** October 14, 2009, 03:29:13 PM »

i would seriously consider oregon, thier are a ton of elk thier and way more land to hunt them on, hunt the blues up by heppner, and tags are otc, just my

NWBREW · « **Reply #17 on:** October 14, 2009, 03:41:11 PM »

Quote from: vfilbert on October 14, 2009, 03:29:13 PM

i would seriously consider oregon, thier are a ton of elk thier and way more land to hunt them on, hunt the blues up by heppner, and tags are otc, just my

That's a good idea. closer to Cal. and the land is not as brushy.

bobcat · « **Reply #18 on:** October 14, 2009, 03:50:13 PM »

But eastern Oregon general season elk hunts are spike only. Why would somebody want to pay non-resident prices for that

vfilbert · « **Reply #19 on:** October 14, 2009, 03:54:19 PM »

true, i thought thier was some general hunts on the eastside of oregon that were any bull? could be wrong.

turbociv922001 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 15, 2009, 01:09:09 AM »

whoever said no elk on westside is wrong
friend got a 6x7 with a bow this year
and a 5x5 the year before. so pretty sure they are on westside.
and in the carson area

Curly · « **Reply #21 on:** October 15, 2009, 07:56:13 AM »

Quote from: turbociv922001 on October 15, 2009, 01:09:09 AM

whoever said no elk on westside is wrong
friend got a 6x7 with a bow this year
and a 5x5 the year before. so pretty sure they are on westside.
and in the carson area

You mean this quote:

Quote from: littlebuf on October 13, 2009, 10:07:38 PM

um, theres no more elk in washington. and if there is there on the east side, so go look over there

Dude, that was a joke.............

NWBREW · « **Reply #22 on:** October 15, 2009, 11:47:14 AM »

vfilbert · « **Reply #23 on:** October 15, 2009, 04:56:09 PM »

MikeJ · « **Reply #24 on:** October 15, 2009, 06:04:58 PM »

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. Yes, I am having my first child (boy) right around x-mass. I have to admit I have given some thought to potential for increased negotiation for future hunts

As indicated in my first post this year has been terrible with my schedule. I keep reading these posts though and get interested in getting out in the field and hope for some success. Better in the field than behind a desk.

timmyg · « **Reply #25 on:** October 16, 2009, 09:33:51 AM »

MikeJ,

The conversation could go something like this. "I have been talking with some really nice folks up in Washington who have offered up some great ideas on hunts next month. After thinking about this though, it would be really hard to leave you and I surely wouldn't want to miss a Tuesday class."

Bank that away for a week or two next year. Practice up with that bow and get it dialed in. The guys have given some great ideas, and this way you could keep all options open. Keep involved on this site, and many of the guys tend to give a bit better advise also.

Good luck on your first.

MikeJ · « **Reply #26 on:** October 17, 2009, 09:53:07 AM »

Sounds like you might have some experience with the hunt negotiations with the wife. I am still looking at doing a hunt this year. I figure I can get a good 4 or 5 days in the field with the seasons in either Washington or Oregon. I would look to be in the field Nov 12th and then hunt through the latest the 16th. Oregon has the Rocky Mountain season through the 15th and there are different options in Washington. The hard part is to figure out where to go. Anyone have room for an extra hunter?

NWBREW · « **Reply #27 on:** October 17, 2009, 10:19:37 AM »

I'll be in the N.E. corner the first week of Nov. with a rifle. Not sure about the bow seasons. Good Luck to you Mikej

STIKNSTRINGBOW · « **Reply #28 on:** October 17, 2009, 12:51:24 PM »

You also might consider that (most) of the pics you are seeing is Archery and Muzzleloader, I would plan now for next year.
I know I am already planning for next year, and it isnt over yet for this season !

STIKNSTRINGBOW · « **Reply #29 on:** October 17, 2009, 12:53:17 PM »

But if you do come up this year, most of the good spots on the west-side are antlerless only so......

timmyg · « **Reply #30 on:** October 17, 2009, 01:10:24 PM »

Stick brings up some good points. Archery doesn't open until the 25th of November I believe. Good luck on you plans this year. If you were archery for this year, I could give you a couple of ideas.

coldsteel3d · « **Reply #31 on:** October 17, 2009, 03:43:33 PM »

I think that he said he would be rifle hunting guys, he wasn't comfortable with archery yet.

NWBREW · « **Reply #32 on:** October 17, 2009, 04:32:11 PM »

With the dates he has given that would limit him to westen wa. elk with a rifle. I've never hunted elk on the wet side so good luck to you.

MikeJ · « **Reply #33 on:** October 17, 2009, 06:11:21 PM »

Yeah, I do have a bow but I have not practiced enough to make it worth it. I also would hate to get a bad shot and have a wounded animal suffer.

I looked at the big game rules for Washington and in Eastern - they have any elk through Nov 15 modern fire arm for the units: 203-248, 250, 254-290, 373d, 379, and 381. In Western looks like all of them are through the 17th, some of them are 3pt mins.

I could also pick up a muzzle loader. Probably easier to learn that in the few weeks.

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely look at next year harder. If any of the areas are good let me know as it would be great to get in the field this year as well as next.

STIKNSTRINGBOW · « **Reply #34 on:** October 17, 2009, 08:32:31 PM »

100,200, and, 300 units are East-side 400, 500, and 600 units are west side. You specified Modern Nov 12-16, 4 days to hunt elk for the first time in Washington is a pretty slim chance for success.
I would save the money and plan an early/late hunt for next year and practice with a bow.
Muzzleloaders have limited opportunity/open units and the best chance of success is to apply for permits (additional $55 for non-res) and with only 4 days........
If you are serious about hunting in Washington you are welcome to join me next year for early archery season, I can guaranty you will see elk, but getting one is up to you. West-side Archery, 3 pt or better or antlerless,
P.S. bring a fishing rod for trout and salmon.

STIKNSTRINGBOW · « **Reply #35 on:** October 17, 2009, 08:34:54 PM »

Also, those units with "any elk" dont have very many elk in them, check wdfw harvest statistics....

MikeJ · « **Reply #36 on:** October 18, 2009, 09:26:07 AM »

Thanks for the advice. Maybe I was getting some buck fever sitting in front of the computer looking at all those success posts.

vfilbert · « **Reply #37 on:** October 18, 2009, 09:44:45 AM »

ya i wouldnt waste your time in any of the 200 series units, elk are hard to come by, ya know a think your best chance at an elk comin in blind and not knowing much about the state, would be on the coast williams cr. or willapa hills, it gets crazy in thier, but thiers lots of elk and their always on the move.

STIKNSTRINGBOW · « **Reply #38 on:** October 18, 2009, 09:59:14 AM »

I can relate, but Washington State is a tough hunt.
According to the WDFW there are 100,000 Elk Hunters in the state and only 56,000 elk so they try to keep success rates down around 7%, the best places to get an elk have tighter restrictions and the units with fewer elk have more liberal seasons, making it kind of an optical illusion.
The highest probability for success is to draw a special permit, but you have to apply in May and pray.
The Archery season is the longest and most units have the antlerless option.
Muzzleloaders have a better chance of being during the best part of the rut, but fewer units and a shorter season.
Modern firearm season is a zoo, the hardest part is getting away from other hunters, but if you do some scouting and have a good place to sit......

For a non-resident to come to Washington and hunt elk it is IMO worth the archery because more days afield give you a better chance, and the weather during early is more pleasant.
Late season usually is rainy, with everyone wishing it would snow.

Good Luck ! and there are some good animals, but again you have your work cut out for you.
Look at the WDFW website and get as much information as you can.

sdwwaverider · « **Reply #39 on:** October 19, 2009, 04:36:44 PM »

Definitely spend a year on homework, harvest reports and keep checking this site. It's tough enough for those of us that live here. Unless you had a guide I think allyou would come up with this year is stimulating Washingtons economy

MikeJ · « **Reply #40 on:** October 19, 2009, 06:09:59 PM »

Thanks. Although, I don't mind a little stimulation (of the economy), I want to make sure my personal economics are ok as well. I have been checking out this site for months. Mostly just admiring all the trophy's and reading the fun posts.

I would do a guide if it was reasonable and/or have part of the fee success based. I don't have a Donald Trump hunting budget (if he hunts), though.

I enjoy the outdoors so getting some time in the forest would be fun. Of course want to put myself in a position to have a chance. I have seen those high fence ranches where your "odds" are much better but to me that is not hunting. I am not against it for others just not my deal.

Thanks again everyone. I am definitely going to keep doing my research. Still a chance I will do something this year but with all the advice, I think it won't be likely unless there is a group with space for an extra. Trying to do a DIY hunt this year by myself might just be a walk in the forest and some local economy stimulation.

Take care all.

STIKNSTRINGBOW · « **Reply #41 on:** October 19, 2009, 09:24:23 PM »

I will be looking for a cow/or deer during late Archery, too bad you aren't ready for Archery, still there is next year

LBhunter · « **Reply #42 on:** November 03, 2009, 08:46:25 AM »

I live in CA, and hunt up their every year for either Elk or Deer. I have been doing the Elk thing. My buddy that lives their has already sent u an email. PM me, and I will see what I can do. Do you live in California now.

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Author Topic: Hunt in November in Washington (Read 10699 times)

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