Hunt in November in Washington

[timmyg]

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]

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

[NWBREW]

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]

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]

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]

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

[MikeJ]

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

[vfilbert]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.