Hunting GMU 117 & 113

[jaredpilot]

Hey guys,

First time elk hunter and I'm trying to gain as much info and knowledge as possible for the upcoming modern firearm season.  I would really like to get a bull and I don't have a raffle tag, so I was looking at the regulations and it appears that GMU 117 and 113 allow any bull.  I'm not to fond of getting a spike, I would rather get a bull or nothing at all.

Curious if any of you guys had any advice for hunting in these areas?  Is there very many Elk in this region?  Suggestion for places to hunt and where not to?  I'm not real familiar with the Northeast section of our state but I'm looking forward to the opportunity and the challenge! 

Thanks for all of your input and info!

[elkaholic]

Welcome to the site....

I would highly suggest buying a topo map/gazateer and just getting out. Tough country and some of the favored spots are extremly populated durting rifle season with limited success. Once you see some of the country you would be happy with a spike.......

[Skillet]

The commonly held wisdom is that they are there, but thin and scattered.  You're a lot closer to 3pt & better bull hunting on the west side that trekking over to NE Washington.  Not that I want more company over here, but I suspect you aren't going to get much info on NE Washington elk off this forum with an approach like this.  I grew up hunting over there, and them boys is pretty particular about who they give their elk info to - and rightfully so.  Probably should go spend the time and money on some scouting over there if you're serious about it.  Then if you have questions, you might get some info. 

If you just want a big bull, join the crowd.  Don't know that there's many elk hunters on here who would complain that a big herd bull just wouldn't get out of the way of their shot at a spike if they had an "any bull" tag in their pocket.

[jaredpilot]

I'm surely not asking for anyone's hunting spot, just looking for some insight on whether or not I should be hunting elsewhere.  I'm an avid hiker, been hiking the Cascades my whole life but I have little hunting experience.  Looking forward to taking a few friends along for the hunt and it looks like 117 and 113 are the only GMU's that allow "any bull."

[Skillet]

Fair enough.  Like I said, based on what you're after I'd suggest you hunt elsewhere. Good luck.

[Heredoggydoggy]

Based on my limited experience Elk hunting 113 in the early muzzleloader season, if the leaves are still on the trees and brush, it's a lost cause.  You'll hear them, but never see them.  Good luck, but I don't think you'll do well in 113 or 117.  There's a reason it's "Any Bull".

[bobcat]

There's more elk in some units on the westside, and it's 3 point minimum for bulls. If you just want to go camping and hiking, then go to the NE. If you want to see elk, hunt the westside.

[ribka]

There's more elk in some units on the westside, and it's 3 point minimum for bulls. If you just want to go camping and hiking, then go to the NE. If you want to see elk, hunt the westside.

[turkeyfeather]

I have been hunting that area for several years now. There is a reason it is "any bull", cause you are not likely to see one. In the three years I have been up there (deer hunting) I've only ever gotten a couple cows on camera and have not seen one while out yet. If I was going to go elk hunting I would go to the SE corner of the state. A guy I work with has gotten his elk 3 of the last 4 years.

[runningboard]

there's been more areas gated & since you said you hike I would be checking into those areas of 113. be forewarned however, I live in 113 & go to Idaho every year. like already been said they're here but good luck finding 'em, 2 ridges over next day, thick brush-choked, etc. etc. not impossible but bring extra socks & prepare to burn some boot leather

[buglebrush]

Stick with 117 

[jaredpilot]

Great info guys, I appreciate all of you taking the time to give some of your thoughts.  Is there a lot of public hunting areas in 117?  Anywhere you would start scouting?

[jaredpilot]

Found a spot I'm interested in learning a bit more about.  Its located in GMU 113, just east of Metaline fall.  Driving  down Sullivan lake rd and then onto RD 2212 which is just prior to Sullivan Lake.  It appears to be a vast amount of logging trails and roads that may lead to potentially some good elk hunting.  Curious if anyone knows if the roads are open? Gated? and or any other general access to the area out there?

[10thmountainarcher]

Grew up in 113, lived there for...21 years.  It's tough country man, you're going to run into a *censored* ton of people, the area around Sullivan can be decieving.  Stay away from locals haha, we don't take to out of towners running around our stomping grounds too well.  With good reason as a lot of idiots have blown set ups so yea.  Strap up some boots, get you some mole skin and move out if u want a chance at a bull.  They are unpredictable as hell because of the pressure they recieve.

[jaredpilot]

Grew up in 113, lived there for...21 years.  It's tough country man, you're going to run into a *censored* ton of people, the area around Sullivan can be decieving.  Stay away from locals haha, we don't take to out of towners running around our stomping grounds too well.  With good reason as a lot of idiots have blown set ups so yea.  Strap up some boots, get you some mole skin and move out if u want a chance at a bull.  They are unpredictable as hell because of the pressure they recieve.

Thanks for the input!  I completely understand that outsiders are frowned upon.  Nobody wants more competition and I can appreciate that.  I just didn't want to drive 7 hours out there to find out I can't drive down the roads because they are gated etc..I'm not affaid to do some hiking as long as I know there's a chance at finding a bull.

[10thmountainarcher]

Yea if you put on miles you definitely won't be promised a bull, hell I'll be generious.. I'm in the Army and in Afghanistan.. I'll PM you with a better direction to head bud.

[Tallan1976]

I live in the Spokane area and plan on doing a lot of scouting next summer and fall up there, possibly setting up a spike camp somewhere to hunt out of.  I lived in Western WA and hunted Yakima area for years as a teen with my dad.  We did fairly well, getting 5 or 6 spikes in the late 90's.  None of us have ever been drawn for branched antler before.  This year, the 1501 Rd was washed out and you can't get to our spot unless you drive around the backside but that road is VERY scary and narrow and can be impossible to get out of if it snows so without being able to hunt there I figured it would be worth the trip to do some scouting up north.  Everyone says the same things....Sullivan, steep, thick, wet.  I don't expect to see anything but then again, I have seen a 6-point and a cow in the Twisp River Valley, as well as 2 bull moose and they are supposed to be very scarce there so maybe I have the luck

I am also planning on checking out the hollows SW of Loon Lake. Whitetail and elk overlap for 2 days (5th & 6th) so If nothing else, I may shoot a whitey while I am scouting.  Not that I expect it really but if any of the NE hunters are willing to share, I am willing to listen!  

[bigpaw 77]

Good luck, we have deer and elk hunted 113 in the past and went up there this year for muzzy elk. Hiked a lot of miles and did not see one single elk. It was a nice camping trip tho. Really steep nasty thick brushy up there. We were staying on some private land that boarders national forest land and only seen where the elk were about 2 weeks prior to us getting there. Oh and you can count on most of the roads being closed with 2-3 trucks parked at the gates. My best advice to you is don't waist your money and time on the N.E. corner. but if you do go I would park at a gated road and walk in a few miles looking for fresh sign on the road and maybe you can catch up to them, but seeing one is a diffrent story.

[Nape.257]

What the other guys have seed is spot on. Your only chance of finding elk in 113 with out having been there is snow drive the roads looking for tracks. Good luck to you I will be up there to.

[boneaddict]

I mentioned my thoughts on this one in another thread asking the same question.   Its one of the best kept secrets in this state.  Those that know, don't share.   It took them alot of leather, fuel, blood and tears to find it.  Generally those that do share probably don't know.   Essentially you could find elk in any given spot in the unit.  Its a matter of when and where.  Goodluck!   Its no disrespect that you won't get information handed to you.   You are going to have to earn this one.