New to Elk Hunting.

[LincolnTWilliams]

Hey folks, this will be my second year hunting Wa, first year hunting archery season for elk. I'm super excited and want to get out in the woods.  I’m a Military Joe from Pa.

Last year I hunted rifle elk around Riffe lake and didn't see a thing. I was poorly prepared, I wasn't able to do any scouting at all, so I'm not going to let that discourage me. This year I plan on being on top of it. Last weekend I did some trail riding in the Gifford Pinchot NF and liked what I saw. The Packwood area is supposed to a zoo during rifle but how about bow season? A buddy and I are thinking a pack trip in.

[Woodchuck]

Try up around leavenworth 

[bobcat]

That's a good idea, JIMKD8. I've learned over the years that if one wants to hunt elk without having to compete with other hunters, simply go where there are no elk.   

[Woodchuck]

sorry couldnt resist, but here is another piece of info, no elk in the blues either 

[LincolnTWilliams]

Excellent advice, I'll keep it in mind.

No I understand that there is an abundance of hunting pressure probably anywhere in Wa, I'm just trying to figure out if it is feasible to think I could hike in during bow season and have a decent hunt without ruining someone else’s.

[BIGINNER]

LOL  YOU'LL GET SOME REAL REPLIES SOONER OR LATER,  WE LIKE TO FOOL AROUND WITH PEOPLE...(ESPECIALLY NEW GUY, YOU CAN CHECK OUT SOME OF THE OTHER POSTS IN ELK HUNTING SEE IF YOU CAN FIND ANYTHING THERE THAT WILL HELP.    AS FOR ME...  CAN'T HELP YOU MUCH.  I'VE NEVER HUNTED ELK...  OR DEER..  LOL  BUT WILL BE GIVING BOTH A SHOT THIS YEAR,...   GOOD LUCK HOPE YOU FIND SOMETHING HELPFULL OR SOMEONE GIVES YOU SOME REAL ADVISE 

[WSU]

It is semi-crowded during bow season.  I haven't hunted rifle season.  If you scout out your area should get into elk.  There are plenty around there.  There are plenty of elk around there, and as far south as you want to go (clear to Oregon). 

[BULLBLASTER]

only *censored*s hunt elk 

just ask someone to post a pic of the area.

[LincolnTWilliams]

Hilarious.

[BULLBLASTER]

from my experience on the west side, if you truely put your time and effort intoit, you have a good chance of getting into elk. i have killed elk where people told me there are none. and they are usually there. get out there and scout and remember where you see sign or animals.