elk hunting around trout lake?

[haus]

Compared to other units such as the Winston or Coweeman the pressure isn't as bad, but the population density of elk is far lower than what you would find in those units, always has been, especially these days.. The terrains steep in many area's, some of the timber stands allow visibility out to 100yrds or so but for the most part its brushy and the reprod in the NF is too tall to see into most of the cuts. Herds are usually small, I'd guess an average of 5 elk.

Last year it snowed almost everyday, first day and a half I hound dogged elk, sneaky fookers, humbling to see what lengths they will go to in order to shake you off of their trail. Moved camp late on day two down to the snow park on the 88 due to the increasing snow level. Spent day three driving around till we found what elevation was holding the most elk. Picked a spot and stuck with it dawn to dusk for two days, on day three I took my first bull. Nice young n tasty 4x4. 6 guys and about 8 hours later after stumbling through the snow n brush in the pitch black we got it out of the hell hole I was hunting in.

Our groups been hunting in the fr88/fr23 area since 1999. Average 1 elk per our group of 6-8, dependent upon cow tag draws.

[NataSS]

Maybe a dumb question but, what is so bad about the lava beds?

If its clear the lava bed will eat your gear up, especially your footwear.

But if its covered in snow, its just dangerous.  the snow will hide small cravases' that if you arent paying attention to every step you can end up with a broken leg or neck.  Not to mention a couple of spots will put you in ice water.

When I went in last year people looked at me like I was stupid.  But the way I saw it, I havent got an elk in 10 years and I didnt care if satan himself was going to draw down on me, I was going to go where no one else would for at least the hope of seeing something.  Turned out to be a complete waste of alot of time and a metric *censored* ton of energy.

Had a couple of close calls with snow covered holes and slipped down the side of a lava wall and almost ended up soaking wet with the temps in the low 20's.

[jackelope]

no elk there, don't waste your time...they're all down in the blues.
 

[runamuk]

no elk there, don't waste your time...they're all down in the blues.
 

no no they are all between north bend and ellenburgs    check out the subdivisions thats where you will find elk

[Alchase]

Maybe a dumb question but, what is so bad about the lava beds?

If its clear the lava bed will eat your gear up, especially your footwear.

But if its covered in snow, its just dangerous.  the snow will hide small cravases' that if you arent paying attention to every step you can end up with a broken leg or neck.  Not to mention a couple of spots will put you in ice water.

When I went in last year people looked at me like I was stupid.  But the way I saw it, I havent got an elk in 10 years and I didnt care if satan himself was going to draw down on me, I was going to go where no one else would for at least the hope of seeing something.  Turned out to be a complete waste of alot of time and a metric *censored* ton of energy.

Had a couple of close calls with snow covered holes and slipped down the side of a lava wall and almost ended up soaking wet with the temps in the low 20's.

This is also were the elk like to winter out.

[huntinkid20]

I just took the 90 to the 88 over to trout lake again yesterday. Saw a few cows hiking around and a dozen other elk just driving, 2 calves, some cows, and a HUGE 5x5 (already!) on my way back in the headlights. Most of the elk were from the 90/88 junction to trout lake.

[GooNiEs]

I have a funny feeling that area is gonna be a pumpkin patch come modern firearm!! 

[BIGINNER]

lol  ya,  i got alot more info than i expected,  lol  too bad everyone esle can see this info too.  lol