Wa archery elk hunters

[PlateauNDN]

Congrats on the draw, good luck and keep us posted.

[Todd_ID]

I voted for the first week because that's when I feel the biggest of the big bulls are vulnerable.  They don't have their cows yet, and they are talking to the other bulls getting their pecking order established in preparation for the cows choosing the bulls.  When they cut the ID Panhandle tag back to start on Sept 6 instead of Aug 30, then we pretty much lost the chance at the big boys.  The best time of the year for actually killing the monsters versus hearing them or chasing them around is the last couple days of Aug and the first 4 or 5 days of Sept, in my opinion.  If lots of action is what you want, then the last of the season is better because the rest of the bulls are going nuts trying to get the cows from the big boys.  But, if a big boy is what you want, then you need to kill him before or after he has cows, because he's good at staying away when he has them, plus he has that many more eyes to beat you with.

[MtnMuley]

I'd pick the 1st week also.  Todd nailed it in my opinion.  Get on the big bull early before everybody else.  As you've mentioned, if all else fails, you have the rifle rut (no-brainer, piece-of-cake) hunt.  Best of luck, and thanks for passing along our heritage to others.

[dreamingbig]

One thing that my be counter to the above points is that the big boys don't always have the cows.  Usually they do but not always.  I called one in last year on the 16th that was definitely looking to come in and steal a cow.  He was a big boy that was solo.

[D-Rock425]

I voted for the 2nd week but it was a hard choice.  I don't think I could handle missing opening day of elk season.

[KNOXY]

Deff. 1st week

[blackhorn]

That is a good point Todd.  Never thought of that. 

[colockumelk]

I agree with everything that Todd said. However, since you can hunt the rifle rut tag I would hunt the second weekwhere they are more vocal making it easier to find elk. Bugle/scout and find the big one with your bow. Then come back and find him with a gun. I wouldn't risk a OIL tag with a bow. Scout with a bow. Hunt with a rifle.

[Annette]

I voted for the first week because that's when I feel the biggest of the big bulls are vulnerable.  They don't have their cows yet, and they are talking to the other bulls getting their pecking order established in preparation for the cows choosing the bulls.  When they cut the ID Panhandle tag back to start on Sept 6 instead of Aug 30, then we pretty much lost the chance at the big boys.  The best time of the year for actually killing the monsters versus hearing them or chasing them around is the last couple days of Aug and the first 4 or 5 days of Sept, in my opinion.  If lots of action is what you want, then the last of the season is better because the rest of the bulls are going nuts trying to get the cows from the big boys.  But, if a big boy is what you want, then you need to kill him before or after he has cows, because he's good at staying away when he has them, plus he has that many more eyes to beat you with.
TODD Is right, all my bigest bulls came in before they had cows gathered up. ....but don't tell anyone...shhhhh

[Elkrunner]

1st week...I always like to catch them before has been too much pressure. 

[KNOXY]

first week!

[Crunchy]

Second week.  Bulls are much more vocal, and cows closer to or in esterous.

[muleracks2]

I would hunt the 2ND week but since my "any elk" tag if over the counter, it is important to hunt a pocket of elk that no one else hunts and that no M.F. High Hunters go into (pockets do exist).  Bulls are more callable.

Otherwise I would hunt the first week and hope for only a few stealthy archery hunters in the area.

[watrapper]

Congrats on a great tag. And thanks for being a hunter ed instructor. Good luck and keep us posted.

[akirkland]

First week!! Just because ive been waiting so long to get in the woods. But Honestly... I take off the whole early season... cause i can.