New to Elk Hunting: Where to Start

[jgrimes]

Only my second post, but just looking for a place to start for scouting and hunting elk with archery gear. My goal is to do back country elk hunting. However, I'm positive that I'm not ready for that yet. I'm a hound when it comes to research, so even the smallest bit of advise would be great, cheers!

[Elkrunner]

Are you hunting by yourself?

[BOWHUNTER45]

Only my second post, but just looking for a place to start for scouting and hunting elk with archery gear. My goal is to do back country elk hunting. However, I'm positive that I'm not ready for that yet. I'm a hound when it comes to research, so even the smallest bit of advise would be great, cheers!

Let me tell ya a little story .. when I moved here from P.A in 86 I could not get anyone to tell me or show me sh$t but I took this personal because nothen is going to hide from me .. we had a neighbor who lived here his whole life and told me good luck with the elk because I never shot one yet .. well after 100s in gas and lots of time scouting My dad and I scored the first day ever elk hunting in Washington and we doubled up on 2 nice bulls .. well since then I have taken 11 elk and its all because of being persistant ... same with blacktail go and keep going and it will usually pay off everytime ...... good luck ...

[jgrimes]

At times I may be. Although, I know that it would make for a daunting pack out if I were to down one. Would you suggest hunting in pairs for a beginner?

[RClare1223]

I would suggest atleast having some buddies to call if you get one down.I killed my bull a mile and a half in last year and it took 7 of us 6 hours to get him out.what area do you live in?I ask because I take alot of first timers out and teach them what i can about elk.

[jgrimes]

Let me tell ya a little story .. when I moved here from P.A in 86 I could not get anyone to tell me or show me sh$t but I took this personal because nothen is going to hide from me .. we had a neighbor who lived here his whole life and told me good luck with the elk because I never shot one yet .. well after 100s in gas and lots of time scouting My dad and I scored the first day ever elk hunting in Washington and we doubled up on 2 nice bulls .. well since then I have taken 11 elk and its all because of being persistant ... same with blacktail go and keep going and it will usually pay off everytime ...... good luck ...

I really look forward to the challenge and know that I will learn a lot along the way. I will be persistent in my pursuit and let you know how I fair this season. Do you ever elk hunt solo and would you suggest it to a novice like myself?

[jgrimes]

I would suggest atleast having some buddies to call if you get one down.I killed my bull a mile and a half in last year and it took 7 of us 6 hours to get him out.what area do you live in?I ask because I take alot of first timers out and teach them what i can about elk.

I live in Otis Orchards near the ID state line, but I'm chompin' at the bit to learn what I can no matter the distance I gotta travel.

[rtspring]

I was brought into hunting the wrong way, I had an older great uncle that was unable to walk much so we drove alot of roads and wasted alot of gas. Yep you guessed it we rarely did any good. Like anything in life you have to work for something in order to get anything... 

The first elk you ever kill when you walk up to it you will be in awe, much bigger than a deer. But then you will be hooked for life.  You will get disgusted but once you get one you will reap the rewards. read lots of book and spend time in the woods with elk and learn how they act..

good luck and welcome to elk hunting...

[RClare1223]

well i cant help out too much there.I live on the westside and hunting them here is a lot different than hunting them on the east side.best thing i can say is start scouting now find a herd and try to keep track of them til the season comes.then go stick one.good luck.

[jgrimes]

well i cant help out too much there.I live on the westside and hunting them here is a lot different than hunting them on the east side.best thing i can say is start scouting now find a herd and try to keep track of them til the season comes.then go stick one.good luck.

Thanks for the advise and I'll let ya know how it goes.

[sebek556]

check your messages.

[jgrimes]

check your messages.

PM sent

[jgrimes]

Any good books out there on elk behavior?

[fair-chase]

Any good books out there on elk behavior?

See this thread.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,77731.msg956444.html#msg956444

You've got the right attitude. Be persistant with scouting, reading, and talking to experts. No doubt you'll be hooked for life.

[jgrimes]

Thanks fair-chase. GO COUGS!