December elk hunts.

[briancorneal]

So I didn't get a toutle bull just yet, and now I'm preparing for December.  I'm assuming that since it's the west side that they don't transition very much to their wintering grounds, if at all.  I'm also assuming that since the rut will be over, my calls will be useless and that it will be more of a spot and stalk hunt.  5 years and nothing killed yet is not giving the family much confidence come the end of the world in 2012....lol.  Any advice will be appreciated!

[MADMAX]

Hunt the timber and reprod areas and use a cow call only
shoot the first legal bull you have a good shot on
I liked the 2700 series myself

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I was just having that conversation with a friend.
I told him that some calling can still work.
lost cow/calf...
regathering call....(especially if you "bust" a herd)
If spot and stalk is not working, what can it hurt to try something different...
maybe a small squeal, or "round up" bugle ?
 
just because it is not early season is no reason to think that calling will not work.
I have heard bugles at the strangest times, and elk talk to each other year round. 

[buckhorn2]

It will be harder to find any bull after the muzzle loader and rifle seasons the picky time is over in december it;s harvest time then.

[throttlejocky20]

I have had elk come to calls in the late season but it dosent work more than it does work. I agree with the guy that said hunt the timber and the reprod. I drew a late season bull tag for the Souixen and thats what I will be doing. There is a lot of elk in the Toutle just bput the miles on and run them bulls down. The harder you work the more the bull will mean toyou no matter the size.

[Trailstrider]

Think Snow! The more Snow up high the better the chances down in the lower part of the unit. I have seen Bulls stay untell its belly deep other years they move lower early especialy on the Kalama and Coweeman dranage. I always carry a cow call, like above it works less in December but could give you the opportunity to stop one for a shot. Good luck and have fun!

[briancorneal]

Cool.  So the dark timber is where I'll be headed.  Will they still be hanging close to water in the toutle unit?  Will they be on north facing timber?  In my experience, that hasn't been the case.  I wonder if the gates will be open.

[Trailstrider]

South facing slopes, they get the sun, what little there is, and the gates Should still be open, call the hotline first!

[JPhelps]

I would not touch an elk call, unless it is needed to stop an elk for a shot.  It might work every once in a while but if your goal is to be successful, I would say you will be way better off without it in the late season.

Depending on the amount of snow I would glass clearcuts with feed in the mornings and at nght.  If there is to much snow to feed out in the openings, I would drive the roads and look for fresh tracks crossing the road, if the wind is right, I would then begin trailing them.

[briancorneal]

JPhelps, sounds like a plan.  I just want to show something for all the money and time spent in the woods....or is that what the girlfriend wants...lol. I enjoy it either way.  With la nina going on, I might have to get some snowshoes for this winter.  Thanks for all the advice!  You guys are awesome!

[briancorneal]

South facing slopes, they get the sun, what little there is, and the gates Should still be open, call the hotline first!

Wish you told me that about 10 days ago.  Lol.