Hunt in November in Washington

[MikeJ]

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]

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]

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]

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

[AKBowman]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.