Intro and question about GMU 503 (Randal)

[woodDB]

Found this site last night and have been reading many of the threads.  Looks y'all are a good group so I wanted to make an introduction.  I'm new to the hunting scene as I've been chasing trout on the fly for the past decade.  Always had the desire to hunt but life's priority's (family, career, etc)  have caused me to delay starting.  

Last year I made the decision to start so I bought a bow and after a year of practice at the range, I felt ready to hit the woods.  I was able to spend a week solo hunting the Siouxon Unit for the early season westside elk.  The experience was amazing. After 4 days, I was able to get within 40 yds of nice bull however wasn't able to get a shot off as it was too dark.  It didn't matter, the trip was a success, I experienced the woods in a way never before and had time to get away from the grind of work, the stress of an upcoming relocation to the midwest and time enjoy the woods.

A couple questions I have are regarding hunting in Nov/Dec vs. early Sept? I'm guessing lots of rain and some snow since its an La nina year so I'm curious what y'all recommend for rain gear?  I see a lot of goretex type camo but most of what I've seen is pretty loud.  

Regarding rain/snow, If I do harvest an elk, I keep reading about the need to keep the meat dry.  Do you do anything special if you need to field dress in a downpour?  Keep in mind, I'm a newb so even the most basic tips are welcomed. 

[bigbull94]

I would recommend sitka gear or river's west.I would also recommend carrying a cheap tarp to hang over animal as you skin/quarter/debone elk (I use the gutless method).I also utilize a hammock(light weight 8oz.) to put quarters and boneless meat in while packing out rest. I put a tarp over it as well.You get the picture,good luck and feel free to pm me with any questions.I used to hunt the siouxon years ago,killed 4 cows with my bow back in the day!!One each year for 4 years.It is gettting so brushy where I used to go!!

[Roundhead]

River West do not breath, no good.

[bigbull94]

river west is great for some people,sitka gear is what I would recommend if money wasn't an object!!I am cheap and hunt in wool during late season,and don't mind getting wet!I hate rain gear!!

[go4itlab]

Welcome to the site, stay away from Riverswest, horable to hunt in, was a waste of $ soaked in sweat even with the zippers open under the arms. I will say if someone likes RW I have a coat I will sell, used last year for late archery.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

+1 on the wool.
Keeping water off the meat is not that important, as long as you have a dry place to hang it.
It is not the water that is bad, it is the moisture that stays on the meat allowing bacteria to grow.
I actually have put game animals in creeks to wash the blood off, then hung in a quality game bag in a sheltered area.
The biggest problem I have had with working on a wet animal is you get hair on everything, I dont know why, but I cannot seem to avoid it on a wet animal. 
so washing becomes neccessary to get that stuff off.
A tarp, some rope, and some bungiies to provide a work area, dry place to hang it and make sure it is clean.

[woodDB]

great, thanks for the info... Also curious to hear what to use as a cover scent?  One of the guys I met on the trail mentioned coyote wafers and swore by it.  Is this good advice?

Another question is regarding elk behavior in late Nov/Dec.  Just curious if y'all hunt/call differently during the early vs. late season.  I ordered some books to read up on the subject but local input is always favored.

Anyway, looking forward to sharing some more story's w/ y'all this year.