New to elk hunting

[lilshootergirl]

I'm really frustrated!! :bash:I've tried Gmu 113, 328,329 I'm thinking of scouting 169 area. Should i go to Montana or Idaho? I really want to get my 1st elk. dosn't have to be a trophy I love elk meat! I've spent the last 4 years researching reloading shooting, Its time to put all the work to the test. I hunt alone not by shoice, but thats the way its been. My brother does archery. If you have some suggestions I'm wide open. thanks

[jackmaster]

the best advice i can give you is keep doing what your doing, and i am sure you have been but if not start putting in for permits in those areas that you have been scouting if they are available in those areas, all your hard work will pay off, just dont get dicouraged, elk hunting is just that, elk hunting can be one of the toughest animals to pursue, there alot of hunters out there that are in the same boat as you, just keep at and it will happen. on the other hand if money isnt an issue there are a couple giudes on here that will be happy to, help you out i am sure.. good luck to you

[PlateauNDN]

   X's 2

[Huntbear]

If you are just looking for your first elk.. I would suggest one of the units in SW Wash.  Especially if you are putting in for cow tags.  The Winston and Coweeman are great units and fairly easy to hunt if you do not mind putting up with Weyerhauser's BS.  That said, it is also a sea of orange opening weekend. 

[hunterofelk]

If you are closer to 169, start learning the geography now.  Try the Yakima units also.  Maybe apply for the multiple season permit
and get a muzzleloader if you are drawn.  I don't know much about Idaho, but there are some units in Montana where they offer
a lot of antlerless permits.  Pass the deadline, but check out the regulations for next year.  Scout this year.  There are a couple of
units where you can buy an over the counter tag for an antlerless elk, but the elk hang out on private sections and you have to
get lucky to find a place to hunt.

[ribka]

I would suggest spending time scouting.

Moved to Washington 6 years ago and managed to fill elk tag every  year and have taken elk in all three seasons archery, rifle and ml. I switch back and forth between seasons .


have yet to draw a big bull tag yet

Scouting is key.

I'm really frustrated!! :bash:I've tried Gmu 113, 328,329 I'm thinking of scouting 169 area. Should i go to Montana or Idaho? I really want to get my 1st elk. dosn't have to be a trophy I love elk meat! I've spent the last 4 years researching reloading shooting, Its time to put all the work to the test. I hunt alone not by shoice, but thats the way its been. My brother does archery. If you have some suggestions I'm wide open. thanks

[Holg3107]

Agree with Ribka on this one. There are elk in all of the units that you have mentioned sounds to me like you just need to pick one and turn it inside out. Learn the land and SCOUT SCOUT SCOUT!!!! Guys that kill elk every year dont do it by showing up on opening day. Good luck!!!

[Instinct]

This last year (2011) was my first year harvesting a elk. 3rd year archery and did 1 year modern. First 2 years i didnt know what i was doing and still figureing out what i liked the pros and cons. Once i made my decision what weapon i liked i stuck with that weapon. Then i started doing research of how/when to call, where elk like to hide, and started getting into shape (scouting). Once i started doing those things i started to get into the animals. Another thing too is look at maps figure out canyons/exit areas that when pressured that they might go to that way if the area ur in has too much or dont see any sign, the next day you can be luckey and cut them off hope this helps and good luck.

[ribka]

Great advice here

This last year (2011) was my first year harvesting a elk. 3rd year archery and did 1 year modern. First 2 years i didnt know what i was doing and still figureing out what i liked the pros and cons. Once i made my decision what weapon i liked i stuck with that weapon. Then i started doing research of how/when to call, where elk like to hide, and started getting into shape (scouting). Once i started doing those things i started to get into the animals. Another thing too is look at maps figure out canyons/exit areas that when pressured that they might go to that way if the area ur in has too much or dont see any sign, the next day you can be luckey and cut them off hope this helps and good luck.

[ribka]

I went out hiking shed hunting scouting today and got into a group of 40 or so elk. I sat watched them feed for a few hours. interesting to sit and watch them.  I try and stay at least a few hundreds away as to not spook them.

Never to early to get out in the woods and scout

[Instinct]

Thanks ribka, and very true about nvr too early to get out there. Because ur getting familure with the terrain and what your going up against.

[GoPlayOutside]

Try sticking to your favorite area, and staying with it.  Hunt after hunt, you will learn the area, learn the elk patterns, and learn how to hunt them.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Id go to idaho! Way more time in the field for any archery elk. Try the panhandle region. Go high away from the wolfs!

[cem3434]

Put in for a cow permit in Winston or Coweeman. Pretty easy hunts if you spend time in the woods. Like everyone else has said; scout, scout and scout some more. The better you know the area you are hunting and the the patterns of the elk, including where they go when they are pressured, the better your chances.
As far as going out of state, I wouldnt do it unless you are willing to pony up the cash for a guide because it sounds like you would be going blind. You have a better shot at harvesting an elk by wasting the money on gas for scouting and staying close to home.

[lilshootergirl]

Thanks so much for all your help! I've have done alot of mapping! The scouting is a must for me. I have put in to the draws i have 3 pts in several units. Love to watch the animals too! I've got a area for Deer now thats private, finally! I'll have to have the hubby spilt the fishing time with scouting when I'm on the east side. Love to fish too! You guys are really great to take the time to him other people! don't see that much. thanks again. and good luck to you all!!!

[Recurve-Elk]

Learn to call, get up early and into the bush well before light.  Hunt hard and long.  Be as stealthy as possible.  I feel like these tips are the most important.  Every year I hunt harder and harder.