Late Season - Archery Elk Questions

[Little Fish]

How many of you guys hunt the late elk season with a bow? More importantly what do you like about the late season and what are the advantages/disadvantages versus the early season?

Since I can't seem to kill an elk during the early season by default I'll be out for the late season again this year.

LF

[Crunchy]

Well you can hope for some snow to push the elk down and make it easier to track.  Outside of that I cant think of too many benefits, rain, windy help cover your noise?

[halflife65]

I don't bother to hunt my "usual spot" unless there is a lot of snow.  It makes it almost impossible for quads and pickups to drive in...if there is snow I usually don't see anybody because it requires substantial effort to access but if there is no snow it can be a madhouse and I go bird hunting or one of my backup spots. 

Snow and cold weather are definite advantages...

[colockumelk]

SNOW is a must.  In 06 and 07 there was a bunch of snow.  Elk all over moving into the low country.  It was awsome.  Last year there wasn't any snow and it was like 45 degrees.  I didnt' see a track. 

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

The advantage I get is, more days afield....You stand a better chance of getting one while you are hunting.
I usually get my deer late season, but elk 50/50.......
Leaves are down and you can see better
Rain makes stalking quieter.
It is cooler, both for me not sweating as much (scent) and cooling the meat after harvest.
windy, rainy days get the animals out in the open, or hunkered down in quiet places making them easier to find., you would be surprised how many animals will bed down out in the open on a nasty day....

[AKBowman]

The soft ground leaves obvious sign if any elk have been frequenting the area you are hunting. I find trails be patient and generally sit and wait. Or sit wait and glass. I wouldnt recommend calling in order to not give up your position. Some guys talk about following tracks and stalking but they are better than I b/c its really hard to stay quiet. Also, listen 90% of the time you will hear them before you see them.

[Little Fish]

Thanks for the info. I can't recall who it was, but someone on this site said they prefer the late season so I was wondering why. For me its more days in the woods plus its fun to hunt in the snow (when there is some). After going over my notes for this past season 75% of my opportunities (all of which I blew) came from spot and stalk hunting. This gives me hope that the late season will be as exciting as the early season.

[carpsniperg2]

i would but i got my elk in are area its better bringd the elk lower on the mountain and easyer to see but crunchy snow sucks bad

[nw_bowhunter]

I find the snow helps a lot for tracking and getting the elk moving around. Plus it is always great to hunt around Thanksgiving. Depending on the unit cows become available versus just hunting spikes.

[bowkid]

The Bad, the bulls arn't talking, the herds have split up some, there aren't as many units to hunt, and there's more restrictions on what you can shoot. 
The Good, It's a bit less noisy to walk around, there's lots of time to hunt and you are outside with your bow tring to out wit some elk.  Good Luck, I'll be out there also.

[coachcw]

what , crunch ,crunch , crunch it sucks , roads slick , elk spooked , I'd stay home    .

[brianmtsinc]

It all just depends on the weather.  Nice fresh snow to hunt in can't be beat.  It is quite and lets see and track better.  BUT if it gets too cold and freezes over, you might as well sleep in.  I HATE CRUNCHY SNOW.  TOOOOO MUCH NOISE.

2 fresh inches of snow daily is my request...   

[Basket Rack]

In addition to the weather pros and cons already discussed, the two units I hunt in SW WA are now cow only.   Over the past 10 years or so we have done real well on branch bulls late if the snow is right but no more. 

If you hit the brush with the right conditions though you will do fine.

[AKBowman]

In addition to the weather pros and cons already discussed, the two units I hunt in SW WA are now cow only.   Over the past 10 years or so we have done real well on branch bulls late if the snow is right but no more. 

If you hit the brush with the right conditions though you will do fine.

 

That does suck. Do you know why they decided to make that change?

[heavy hauler]

the leaves have fallen by then, also the rain quiets the ground cover so sneaking is possible.   its easier to spot elk in the snow.the feed longer in the morning and come out earlier in the evening.there is a urgency to feed