Getting frustrated with Elk hunting in WA

[wsucouga]

I've been hunting elk in WA since 1995. (modern firearm, Eastern WA)  I've taken 3 Elk during that time - my fathers gotten 2.  So we've had a little success - but I'm overwhelmed by the amount of hunting pressure in this state.  I'm originally from Alaska and still hunt there occassionally - the sea of 'orange' one experiences hunting in WA is unreal.  I'm worried I might get shot most times I step in the woods.  I haven't drawn a Big bull tag since 2001 -and have only gotten 2 cow tags.   I guess I'm just looking for advice on how to make WA elk hunting more enjoyable.  I've thought about going archery or maybe trying the westside -but I imagine the hunting pressure is close to the same.  I almost feel like it would be worth skipping WA hunting and taking a guided trip to Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, or New Mexico every few years instead......  Any tips on how to make elk hunting more enjoyable?  Maybe a new area??  I've hunted the Bumping, Cowiche, Manashtash, and Clockum mainly over the years.  I didn't draw this year so I'm left with spike only.......wondering if its worth the effort.  Any tips would be appreciated!

Sincerely,

'Whiny Elk Hunter'

[colockumelk]

I wouldn't go straight to Archery from a rifle.  It takes about 10x more work and dedication to be good with a bow compared to a rifle.  However....  if I was you I would buy a Muzzle Loader and hunt with that.  Muzzle Loader hunting is AWSOME!!! and extremely fun.  There are fewer Muzzle Loader hunters than any other group.  But it can still get crowded due to the small amount of GMU's that are open.  If you don't like crowding then I would definately stay away from the Cowiche, Manastash and the Umptanum.  However,  I have noticed that the Bethel, Bumping and Nile GMU's typically have very little pressure during the Muzzle Loader season.  That would be a good place to start if I was you.  Good luck and hope you find something that works for you. 

[MtnMuley]

Be thankful you're hunting and not working.

[bloodhound]

do what i do and buy a logger a bottle of crown and a log of cope and he will tell you where to go or set you up on private property. loggers have more and better info then any biologist.

[bobcat]

Do archery if you want to hunt with less company in the woods. Muzzleloader seasons are crowded, believe me. Very few units are open and most of the ones that are open, are only mediocre areas. Archery has all the best areas and the best seasons. But, I do agree that you might be better off skipping Washington and spending your time and money on out of state hunts instead. That's what I would do but I just can't afford it right now.

[Raul Duke]

be happy you have taken 3. Some of us are still after are 1st.

Hunting is Hunting

[piledup]

 

If I had the money though, I'd go out of state

[Bob33]

Wilderness areas get significantly less pressure.  Hike in a mile, get off the trails and you'll most likely be alone.

[piledup]

Also "(modern firearm, Eastern WA)"

That's the problem right there.

[Recurve-Elk]

How I see it, here is your options.

Get deep in the woods.  Try a gmu where there is large plots of land with out roads.  Pack in.  You could switch to archery or muzzy but like said archery will take you awhile to get comfortable with and a heck of a lot more practice.  Or you could just enjoy it for what it is, washington is nowhere near a premium elk hunting state.  Personally, I love the trip as a whole not the success.  I love our big ole gatherings in the early mornings/late evenings in the ripped up old GI tent.

[vandeman17]

I feel your frustrations and that is one of the reasons I went to archery and now I love it! The few years I hunted with a rifle, I was shocked at the pumpkin patch out in the mountains. One thing about going to archery is that you can hunt during the rut which is great. Even if you can only shoot a spike, it is still cool to be out and about when they are bugling and the weather is good. 

[Elkaholic daWg]

How I see it, here is your options.

Get deep in the woods.  Try a gmu where there is large plots of land with out roads.  Pack in.  You could switch to archery or muzzy but like said archery will take you awhile to get comfortable with and a heck of a lot more practice.  Or you could just enjoy it for what it is, washington is nowhere near a premium elk hunting state.




 Personally, I love the trip as a whole not the success.  I love our big ole gatherings in the early mornings/late evenings in the ripped up old GI tent.

 I'd have given up a LONG time ago if not for that

[NWBREW]

Also "(modern firearm, Eastern WA)"

That's the problem right there.

I disagree. It all depends on how hard you are willing to go and work at it. It's not easy but I hunt with a rifle and I saw two people in 5 days. If you want to know where I go..........you have to try and find me. 

[jason4429]

Also "(modern firearm, Eastern WA)"

That's the problem right there.

I hunt modern firearm,Eastern WA. I've went a whole season without running across another hunter in the woods,but i do see plenty driving the roads.

[BOWHUNTER45]

IF you choose to hunt where the majority of the hunters go to hunt then yes you will have this problem ...I can always find places to avoid other hunters ...just look at the land ..washington has opportunity as long as your willing to put in the time and efford to succeed...this is why I get so peed off when they say we have to many hunters and thats why we do not have seasons like Montana & Idaho ....we have plenty of land to hunt but the state would rather keep us out so that leaves only the easy access areas open to everyone to pile into ..like where I live its nothen but steel gates trying to keep people out and only the ones who are REALLY SERIOUS about filling there tags will walk behind those gates ....and I am now included in the group of lazy ones    THANKS TO THE STATE OF WASHINGTON