Which state to hunt elk? ID, MT, or WA

[piledup]

So I have a dilemma. I have a choice of hunting Idaho, Montana, or Washington and I can't decide which state to hunt. I will be doing archery. I know nothing about Idaho or Montana and have hunted Washington before and know that elk aren't everywhere If I choose Idaho or Montana I know there will be a lot of homework to do.

Was wondering what you guys would do?

[Ridgerunner]

Montana

[dreamingbig]

My order of choice would be 1. Montana 2. Idaho 3. Washington

[MADMAX]

Montana

[vandeman17]

My order of choice would be 1. Montana 2. Idaho 3. Washington

 

[piledup]

Mind if I ask Why for your answers?

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Take wa off the list, build up points here in wa and hunt 1st then Montana. Idaho is closer an the panhandle is a good OTC tag. Montana will be harder to scout and it's a little more expensive. The panhandle has a good archery season this year and plenty of places to hunt. I know Montana has good hunting as well, but you wanna scout the area as much as possible and Idaho gives you a better chance to do that.

[vandeman17]

I picked Montana first because of the numbers of animals versus the numbers of hunters. It seems to me that if a guy is willing to put in a little scouting and research that he has a good chance of a quality hunt. Idaho is a close second and in some areas, maybe better but I haven't hunted elk there enough to really know. The biggest question is what you are looking to get out of the hunt? Is seeing lots of animals most important, chance at a trophy class animal, not seeing other hunters etc?

[piledup]

So to build up points in WA, do I need to buy the license to be able to buy the point cause I forgot to mention that I'm a nonresident for all three states now.

For what I'm looking for is maybe a chance of a shot at any bull is fine(my wishfull thinking ) or maybe even a cow. It'll be my first elk (if I even get one) so not expecting too much. Oh and not too many hunters would be cool too. I also like areas with closed gates with foot traffic only.

Thanks for all your replies

[Bob33]

So to build up points in WA, do I need to buy the license to be able to buy the point cause I forgot to mention that I'm a nonresident for all three states now.
Thanks for all your replies

For elk, yes you need a license to build up points.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Nevermind then don't worry about wa. I know up north archery season I usually any elk and some roads do get closed before the season starts and you can hike or bike for miles. Put up some trail cams to do the scouting for you; )

[JBR]

If time and money are an issue like they are for me, I would hunt WA first.  Obviously it not because I think it's the best choice of the three for a successful elk hunt.  That being said, I have never hunted Idaho OR MT but would LOVE the chance at both.  Knowing people that have hunted ID and MT, one factor that can't be ignored any more is the wolf issue.  I would hate to spend the time, money and effort in planning an awesome trip to ID or MT, only to get there and find that the wolves in that area have changed the game.  If you have the time and money, I would reseach BOTH ID and MT and find a specific location with proven success for ARCHERY hunting elk on public land.  I think both states still have high quality archery elk hunts that beat WA hands down, but you gotta know what you're doing and where you going, so reseach and planning is the key.

[piledup]

So the wolf issue is that bad huh.

Knowing a little about Washington, an elk tag on the east side isn't that good unless I get drawn so should it be out of the picture then?

Is the Idaho Panhandle like Washington's Northeast?

[JBR]

The wolf issue is a factor, depending on location.  I know a friend that went 2 years ago on an archery elk hunt in ID and was horrified by the 1) lack of elk and 2) the presence of several obvious elk carcasses from suspected wolf kills.  The hunt was a total bust for the location he was in and he was pissed about how much the wolves effected the entire lack of success for him.  I'm sure it's not wide spread, so you have to know what areas in either ID or MT you're looking at and research what impact the local wolf and/or cougar population is having on the herds in a given area. 

Again, research is the key in my opinion.

I currently have an Eastern WA archey elk tag, so I hardly think it's worthless.  I don't count on drawing a quality bull tag (would be great if I did though) however, there are still plenty of good opportunities in Eastern WA for getting a cow with archery.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

So the wolf issue is that bad huh.

Knowing a little about Washington, an elk tag on the east side isn't that good unless I get drawn so should it be out of the picture then?

Is the Idaho Panhandle like Washington's Northeast?

Some parts are thick closer to the state line, but you can find many spots that are not as over grown further east and south by cda and the
joe, the wolves are there but I had heard it is not nearly as bad as te Clearwater area. Yes wa has cow opportunities with a bow but the tags are Expensive for nr and why not chase a bull around for the money!?

[deermeat]

There's similarities in the Northeast part of WA but North ID is way more rugged in my opinion. My friends and I have done a lot of hiking in North ID and there's no other like it. The wolves are getting ridiculous. We cross tracks up there everytime we go up the Cd'A. It's crazy. It's getting out of hand and they are putting a hurtin on the elk in there. I already made a trip in an area in North ID this winter and every ridge had a set or two of wolf tracks. You want to hunt elk in NE WA, prepare to babysit them all year.

[piledup]

I've had experience with some elk in Washington's NE corner before and they are very clever when season comes around and they are far and few between. I know that there's wolves in there too cause I've seen fresh and I mean fresh like I just missed them.

Even though there are wolves in the Panhandle, are the elk vocal unlike Washington's NE?

[Alan K]

The bulls are getting quieter and quieter.  They know bugling gives their position away to predators other than humans (wolves). . . 

I talked to a guy in the bow shop in Lewiston while I was having my bow tweaked. He said he called in more wolves than bulls this past year! 

That said, I still think the hunting is better than Washington despite the wolves.  I never experienced Idaho before the wolf devastation, so I couldn't comment on how much of an impact they've had. 

Never hunted Montana.

 

[THEBUGLER]

I live in N Idaho, and the wolf issue is huge. I hunt here out of convenience. If I were a NR and had to travel, I sure wouldnt pick the the wolf infested jungles of N Idaho.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

There are no Elk in Washington 
I am too poor to hunt out of state, but if I did, Colorado or Wyoming 
If I had to chose between Wa, MT, or ID, without having experience, then it would probably be Montana.
I guess an important question is whether you are going on a guided trip, or DIY.
Tags may not be available for the better units unless booked through a guide.
Do you plan on hunting alone, or are friends coming with you ?
Everyone talks about Eastern Washington, but Western has 3pt of better units and some are open to antlerless at the same time.
Where are you coming from, and what will be your travel costs, food costs, sleeping arrangements etc..?
Also what about time restrictions, how long will you have to hunt ?

[Basket Rack]

I have hunted both Idaho and Montana pre and post wolf.  I can not explain how much things have changed.  There is lots of beautiful elk country with few elk if any.  There are still areas of good hunting but you need to do your homework and scouting.  Plus as was already explained the bulls are pretty quiet.  Really you might want to look at Oregon, Utah or Colorado.  The latter two are farther away but they do not have the wolves yet and still have some good bowhunting.  If ID and MT are where you want to go it would really pay to get over there to scout some areas prior to season.

[ribka]

I put in for pts in Wy UT and plan to hunt OR OTC archery.Might do Co next year.  As mentioned N Idaho was crawling with elk until the wolves. What a shame.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Is it really getting that bad?! Darnit I wanted to try it this year! I hear know some kivas who consistently getting elk, but they are locals and know the holes.
As for wa I have hunted up north and it is fine when you pay resident prices but I can't justify a non resident tag unless I get drawn for a quality bull tag.  Like people said they are far and few between and require baby sitting.

[piledup]

There are no Elk in Washington 
I am too poor to hunt out of state, but if I did, Colorado or Wyoming 
If I had to chose between Wa, MT, or ID, without having experience, then it would probably be Montana.
I guess an important question is whether you are going on a guided trip, or DIY.
Tags may not be available for the better units unless booked through a guide.
Do you plan on hunting alone, or are friends coming with you ?
Everyone talks about Eastern Washington, but Western has 3pt of better units and some are open to antlerless at the same time.
Where are you coming from, and what will be your travel costs, food costs, sleeping arrangements etc..?
Also what about time restrictions, how long will you have to hunt ?

I'm flying in from Oklahoma. I have friends in WA and OR so I might be staying with them if I decide either state. I have a buddy hunting in Idaho this year so I might go along with him if I choose Idaho. For MT, I have a friend in Missoula that hunts elk there every year too. I'm budgeting around (1500-2000)? for everything or less.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I'm flying in from Oklahoma. I have friends in WA and OR so I might be staying with them if I decide either state. I have a buddy hunting in Idaho this year so I might go along with him if I choose Idaho. For MT, I have a friend in Missoula that hunts elk there every year too. I'm budgeting around (1500-2000)? for everything or less.

This would be the main influence on decision.
Idaho and Oregon are cheaper licence/Tags +/- $500, Montana runs a little higher, $800+, Wa is in between.
So figure if it is an Elk only hunt, close to half your budget is going to tags and licence,
transportation is another factor, how are you getting to/from the hunting area ?
Are your friends in WA or Oregon hunters ?, where do they live ? are they near a decent unit ?
Are there still tags available (in whatever state) ? when is the application deadline ? what is the quota ?
Have you considered the additional costs of Trophy/meat-care ?
An Elk will take time (hope you have help) and money to process and ship, are your friends able to be of assistance ?

I think the decision should be based on what information you can get from your friends, I would go with the one who shows the most interest in having you along, the quality of the trip will be more a factor in how well you get along with your fellow hunter, than on actual success in the field.
Even a great trip can be ruined by hunting with someone who is not willing to make allowances for limitations placed on their own trip due to another hunting partner.
If you have problems or attitude, even a successful trip can be a nightmare, especially if that person, or persons feel like they have to sacrifice their plans to help you get one out, or you end up spending a couple days of your trip helping them.
The right partner (to me) is more important than what state or unit I will hunt, 

[piledup]

The friends that I talk about are all hunters and will be hunting elk too. If I'm going to hunt in WA, MT, or ID, I have a truck that I can use for the whole season which is in WA where I have family members. I like to drive to my hunting spot and camp out for as long as I don't need any more supplies. Getting an elk out is not a problem for me. For meat care it's already planned out.

If I pick WA, I'll be buying my tag when I can put in for special draw permits and no later than that.

If I pick ID, the Panhandle's tag quota doesn't seem to run out at all so I guess I can buy that anytime.

For MT, the date to buy the license is this April 18 so I need to decide by then if I want to hunt in MT.
So a MT license and tag is only good for certain units like ID?

[bobcat]

I think the Montana tag is good in the entire state, with the exception of just a few units which are by permit only.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Might want to check that availability again, http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/availableLicenses.html
AS far as I could tell, MT is done...... March 15th.... 

[piledup]

Might want to check that availability again, http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/availableLicenses.html
AS far as I could tell, MT is done...... March 15th.... 

This is where I got the date for MT.

http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/headlines/nr_3944.html

[bobcat]

Might want to check that availability again, http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/availableLicenses.html
AS far as I could tell, MT is done...... March 15th.... 

But remember, they had less applicants than permits, so there are hundreds of leftovers.

[piledup]

I think the Montana tag is good in the entire state, with the exception of just a few units which are by permit only.

Yea that's kind of what I thought too.

Might want to check that availability again, http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/availableLicenses.html
AS far as I could tell, MT is done...... March 15th.... 

But remember, they had less applicants than permits, so there are hundreds of leftovers.

Yea. There's 1200 leftover licenses. So from what I read on that headline is that its going to be a first come first serve thing right? So as long as I buy it right when it turns the 18 I'm good?

[bobcat]

Yeah that's what I heard too. But I'm not really staying on top of the issue because Montana elk is too much money for me.

[Bob33]

"So from what I read on that headline is that its going to be a first come first serve thing right? So as long as I buy it right when it turns the 18 I'm good?"

If you plan to buy online, you need to find out when MT's online system will start accepting transactions on the 18th. It's typically around 5:00 or 6:00 a.m. Mountain time.

[boneaddict]

Hard to say Piledup.   I drew (or bought) all three year before last.  I was bowhunting for the most part as well.  Lets just say September was a busy time. LOL   I had great experiences in ALL THREE.  I saw more bulls in Washington, had more bugling in Idaho and saw the biggest in Montana.  I saw more people in Idaho, second most in Montana and finally the least amount in Washington. 

[piledup]

"So from what I read on that headline is that its going to be a first come first serve thing right? So as long as I buy it right when it turns the 18 I'm good?"

If you plan to buy online, you need to find out when MT's online system will start accepting transactions on the 18th. It's typically around 5:00 or 6:00 a.m. Mountain time.

Yea the sales are only online and if I decide to buy MT, I'll figure out when I can buy it.
But for now, I'm still deciding which state to hunt though. 

Hard to say Piledup.   I drew (or bought) all three year before last.  I was bowhunting for the most part as well.  Lets just say September was a busy time. LOL   I had great experiences in ALL THREE.  I saw more bulls in Washington, had more bugling in Idaho and saw the biggest in Montana.  I saw more people in Idaho, second most in Montana and finally the least amount in Washington. 

For the bulls in WA, were they the ones you could shoot or were they just the ones that you could only admire? If I pick WA, I'm going to be limited to hunting the NE.

I kind of want to hunt where there is bugling once in awhile too to know that the animals are actually there.

[257 Wby Mag]

Montucky for sure. You can hunt bulls, both archery and rifle, in general units, on general tags that most folks don't connect on in our "premier" units.

[RClare1223]

why would you be limited to NE WA?

[piledup]

Well where else is there to hunt in WA that would give me a better chance? If I put in for WA, I'll be choosing eastside archery. Most of the eastside is spike only with a few cow units. Other than that it's special permits only. For the NE, it is any elk which would provide me with a better chance I think.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Well where else is there to hunt in WA that would give me a better chance? If I put in for WA, I'll be choosing eastside archery. Most of the eastside is spike only with a few cow units. Other than that it's special permits only. For the NE, it is any elk which would provide me with a better chance I think.

Unfortunately, most areas that are "any Elk" have very few elk in them.
not saying there are not any, but harvest is mostly from locals that already know where there are some, and/or have access to private property.
Again, the decision should be on who you are hunting with, and where you would be staying/hunting.
You chances of harvesting an Elk are pretty slim if you are coming from out of state, and just planning on hunting... somewhere.
How many Elk have your friends harvested ? are they hunting an area they are familiar with ? do they get opportunities to harvest ?
Check the WDFW website and Harvest Reports, look at hunter numbers and success %,  days to kill, etc. NE Wa has some pretty low numbers, Cheney actually gives up the most but Selkirk and 49 degrees put out more Bulls, if your friends have a good area and access to it, then by all means hunt with them.
As I said before, the decision should be more on who you will be hunting with, than on where.
The right partner can make an unsuccessful trip great, the wrong partner can ruin a trip, no matter what you harvest.

[piledup]

I've hunted WA NE all of my life until this year I just moved out of state and still want to hunt elk. But since I'm paying nonresident tags, I was just wondering what you guys think would be a better suggestion. For WA NE, I know the area well enough to hunt alone and just get help from friends IF I actually get one.

Thanks for all your inputs though.