Need a little direction

[7mag.]

Ever since my elk hunting grounds went to permit only, I have been looking for a new place for my annual elk hunt. My hunting partner and I have been checking out new area's for the past 5 years and haven't found a good place yet. Next week we are heading over to the Forks area, hoping to make it our new elk spot. We are mostly going to be exploring, and scouting for next year, but my hunting partner has a tag, just in case. So, what I am looking for is a starting point. We haven't been there before, and have no idea where to start out scouting. If any of you guys know the area, could you give me a road number or general area to start looking? I don't need any honey holes or secret spots, just some place to start scouting so we can get to know the area over the next year. It's a 5 hour drive from where we live, so every chance we get to go scouting will be important. Thanks in advance, I hope I don't get bashed for not having enough posts before asking for help.

[runamuk]

you are a brave man...I am afraid to ask this question outloud  I am skipping elk...money is tight and I truly am at a loss of where to go....wish you much luck and will be watching this thread closely.

[fair-chase]

Went up there for the first time on a whim this year. Beautiful country. 8hr drive for me though so I don't see a return trip in the near future for me. I will see if I can scan that page out of my scout book and PM you.

[dreamunelk]

Try and find a map locally.  During the week you may be able to pick up a DNR map at the office in Forks although I heard that they now longer carry and you have to order online.  You also may be able to get a useful map at Forks outfitters.

Try GMU 602 and 612.  Both have pretty good elk numbers.  I would try to learn both.  Hit the holes and cover ground.  
Google Clallam county GIS and use there interactive map to find ways into the units.  I would try and explain but, I would feel bad giving you bad directions.  I spent a fare amount of time up there earlier this year and seen a lot of elk in both area.  

[7mag.]

Thanks everybody for all the help. That is the kind of info that I am looking for. I don't mind doing my own scouting, but with Forks being so far away, a starting point helps a whole bunch.

[krout81]

When I hunted up there we always hunted near the HoH river with much success.  Who knows how may elk are left but I am sure there are some running around still.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

you are a brave man...I am afraid to ask this question outloud  I am skipping elk...money is tight and I truly am at a loss of where to go....wish you much luck and will be watching this thread closely.

You live in Grays Harbor County (  )
take an hour drive in any direction and you can find a few Elk....

[runamuk]

you are a brave man...I am afraid to ask this question outloud  I am skipping elk...money is tight and I truly am at a loss of where to go....wish you much luck and will be watching this thread closely.

You live in Grays Harbor County (  )
take an hour drive in any direction and you can find a few Elk....

yeah on private property saw lots last season  all I saw in the woods was lots of orange driving round in cars/trucks.....doesn't really matter at this point still not looking like I will get out there.....I have 2 days next week free after payday cant even buy a tag until wed...

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

yeah on private property saw lots last season   all I saw in the woods was lots of orange driving round in cars/trucks.....

There is always next year...
Living nearby, you could approach the private landowners (during off season) and request permission.
A good way to do that is to send Christmas cards with an introduction and s.a.s.e. if they don't respond, oh well, but if they do......
You will be amazed at how many hate the deer/elk during the winter months due to the damage to fences, feed, etc. and in a moment of weakness will say O.K. (especially to a local)
Then all you have to do is keep in touch, and offer to help mend fences or whatever 

As far as seeing orange driving around, as long as you get out and look for the elk in the areas between the roads, and down in holes, those guys driving by will (hopefully) keep the animals away from roads, and where you are hunting....

[runamuk]

yeah on private property saw lots last season   all I saw in the woods was lots of orange driving round in cars/trucks.....

There is always next year...
Living nearby, you could approach the private landowners (during off season) and request permission.
A good way to do that is to send Christmas cards with an introduction and s.a.s.e. if they don't respond, oh well, but if they do......
You will be amazed at how many hate the deer/elk during the winter months due to the damage to fences, feed, etc. and in a moment of weakness will say O.K. (especially to a local)
Then all you have to do is keep in touch, and offer to help mend fences or whatever 

As far as seeing orange driving around, as long as you get out and look for the elk in the areas between the roads, and down in holes, those guys driving by will (hopefully) keep the animals away from roads, and where you are hunting....

Well maybe some day...who knows ...I keep trying just doing the best I can and so far my best leaves me empty handed but I like being in the woods so it isn't really a loss.  I dont like being out there with lots of other hunters that makes me nervous I am still not entirely comfortable with random gunshots when I do not know where they are coming from or going to