New elk hunter in need of some help!

[Cootkiller]

I am new to elk hunting having served in the navy I didn't get much time to hunt for the last 10 years.  Now I'm done and ready to try and get one of those majestic beasts.  I have a hunt planned down in Ryderwood GMU 530 and was wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction.  I went down bear hunting/ elk scouting in Aug.  I found some sign but really couldn't make it around the unit in only 3 days.  I have never killed an elk, but plan on spending the majority of the time out of the truck putting some miles on the old Danners.  Any help would be appreciated, I have seen a lot of first post by people trying to get the "Spot", I am just looking for a nudge, no reason to give away your honey hole I expect to earn it just like you did.  Thanks a lot and good luck this season.

[NWBREW]

I have never hunted down there so I am of no help. Just wanted to say thank you for the service to our great nation.

Welcome to the site.

[pendoreilleadventures]

I too have never hunted there but your best bet is to get on Google earth scout it out that way look for a good spot away from the roads and start hiking the best way to find game is to get out in the woods. you have a few weeks before elk season get your deer tag and do some in season scouting for elk.  Good Luck!!!

[Cootkiller]

I served active duty for 10 years and now am serving as a GS working for the Navy so my service continues.  I really like my job and appreciate the sailors for what they do.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I dont hunt there myself, but my neighbors all say "Boistfort"
So I suggest taking HWY 6 west to the Curtis-Boistfort Road, drive south, and get off the pavement, find a gate or (hopefully) some sign, and hunt.

[elkhuntindad]

best of luck and be safe

[blackveltbowhunter]

Most of the unit will be gated off of the main rd with the exception of the 600 rd off wildwood which is usually open to drive thru and will drop you over towards the stella unit. There is alot of private timberland and state land but it is very scattered, finding elk shouldn't be to hard. I have usually hunted out boistfort valley toward ryderwood plenty of gated rds out there. You can also try to gain permission to hunt private ground in the valley.

[bankwalker]

I dont hunt there myself, but my neighbors all say "Boistfort"
So I suggest taking HWY 6 west to the Curtis-Boistfort Road, drive south, and get off the pavement, find a gate or (hopefully) some sign, and hunt.

same info i got. and thats where im gonna be searching for elk come opening day.

[dreamunelk]

Call the region 5 office.  Tell them just what you said here.  They will give some pointers.

[Nimrod]

Hunt up by thnq cell tower there our bulls there but if u have been doing your scouting i would just go were u have been seeing bulls and be there first evern if it's a 330 i'n the morning show... Don't recommend driving the truck into the middle of the clear cut i'n the dark if possible block rd tell day light any true hunter will understand that if they pull up behind u... Glass reprod morning and evening and hit the brush i'n between good luck

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

if possible block rd

any true hunter will understand that if they pull up behind u...

WTF

[washelkhntr]

if possible block rd tell day light any true hunter will understand that if they pull up behind u...

Smart move,    let us all know how that works out for you if and when you ever do that.  That has to be the worst piece of advice to give a new hunter, or an old one.

If anyone blocks a road that I can legally go down... I will get around one way or the other.  

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

if possible block rd tell day light any true hunter will understand that if they pull up behind u...

Smart move,    let us all know how that works out for you if and when you ever do that.

I anyone blocks a road that I can legally go down... I will get around one way or the other.  

I would either go around, or lay on my horn until they moved, roads are for driving on, if you want to hunt, park it, and get out and walk.
 

[bobcat]

I read that and thought he HAD to be kidding, no?   

[Nimrod]

Dude a dead end rd was ment to be blocked tell day light anyone  who want to drive into a clear cut at night and spook all the game out is a retard... And if unhide ever hunted around here u would no this 1 percent I'd the people actually hunt the rest drive into clear cuts i'n the dark park there truck leaving it runnin then get out when it's light and complain that there is no elk around.... Ppl that want to shoot elk will be gladly to wait and drive i'n at the same time...