Where have the elk gone? Falls River Unit

[mmullins]

I am tring to find some back up spots because i have had a hard time getting on elk the last couple years. I am trying to get away from people but in doing so i am also getting away from elk. I used to deer hunt down in the falls river unit about 5 years ago and always stumbled on elk. I went down there today to hang my trail cam and didn't even see that much sighn. I did see a ton of deer and a couple of nice shooter bucks but no elk. I am going to head down to the williams creek unit and do some scouting down there, see if i can find any good spots. If there is anyone out there in need of a elk hunting partner for the september bowhunting season, i concider my self a pretty good caller and like to tear up the woods.

[Ihookum]

hoof rot

[mmullins]

Really? I know it's nasty but to take that much elk out of the woods. WOW.

[dreamunelk]

Take a look at the harvest reports om the WDFW web site.  Harvest is a good indication of the population in most units (consider unit size when looking).  There are exceptions.  Than get out and scout, scout, scout and scout!

I don't recommend Williams creek.   No elk and way to many hunters!   

[Alan K]

I've hunted Williams Creek elk since I was 13 years old.  It was great the first few years, I killed 3 elk in my first 5 years, and have yet to get one since.  More and more people the last several years.  I even switched to archery to get away from the hunters but it was no different.

I'm looking at the Baw Faw area outside of Pe Ell. I think it's in the Ryderwood unit, but maybe the Willapa Hills. Super rugged country and locked up for walk in only.    Going to have to work harder than the rest to get away from hunters.

[deerslyr]

i would consider a different area than williams creek. i hunted there last year during archery and it was a MAD HOUSE. Road hunters everywhere, quads behind locked gated and not enough elk to put up with all of that. im considering willapa or ryderwood this year...