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Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: dkecoleman on April 04, 2013, 01:24:18 PM


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Title: Tough Decision
Post by: dkecoleman on April 04, 2013, 01:24:18 PM
So what do you guys think, I'm trying to decided between Deer or Elk hunting this year. I know most people on here are going to say do both but, I'm not going to have time to put into both, and have a chance at being sucessful. don't really care about killing a trophy of either one, just a good hunting experience. Heck, a cow or doe either would be fine with me, but if I eat tag soup, I just want to know I put forth all the effort I could and seen some nice country.

If I deer hunt, I'm going to buy one of the 3 remaining passes and hunt Kapowsin for the 3rd year, just this time with a bow. I feel like I'm starting to know the area pretty good.

If I Elk hunt I'm pretty much starting from scratch. I don't really know much about hunting Elk but I have been reading alot, studing WDFW website, and browsing google earth quite a bit. I have seen all the harvest reports and have a few units in mind but thats it. 

I'm Military and have one more hunting season in Washington, moving to Missouri next Feb. Just want to make the most of it.
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: washelkhunter on April 04, 2013, 01:27:02 PM
Go for the elk. You can hunt deer just about anywhere. What season are you choosing?
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: dkecoleman on April 04, 2013, 01:30:31 PM
The thought that keeps coming to my mind is, " theres no elk in Missouri ". I'm going Archery, either way.
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 04, 2013, 01:32:03 PM
Buy both tags and go for elk. If you're elk hunting without a deer tag, you will see the deer of a lifetime, I guarantee it.
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on April 04, 2013, 01:33:04 PM
Go Elk for sure! So much more rewarding IMO. Plus you will have ggreat deer hunting were you are going.

Hunt Cows in Bumping or Nile this Sept. Thats were Ill be!
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: WSU on April 04, 2013, 01:36:09 PM
There are plenty of places that are open to both at the same time for archery.  That's what I would do.
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: dkecoleman on April 04, 2013, 02:32:40 PM
Thanks for the replies fellas, the bumping and nile are a few of the areas I was looking at. I would like to find an area thats open to cows as well, seems that your odds would be a little better that way, If I'm hunting and deer season is open I will have a tag. I guess my descision is to buy the Kapowsin permit or not, If I buy it, I probably won't spend the money or have the time to drive and do the scouting it's going to take to get to know an area.
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: grundy53 on April 04, 2013, 02:37:03 PM
Kapowsin will probably be closed during the early season due to fire danger. Either way my vote is elk.

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Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: JLS on April 04, 2013, 02:38:47 PM
Hunt elk.  Then, when you move to Missouri you will be hopelessly addicted to elk hunting and will continue to hunt elk somewhere like Colorado or Wyoming.  Sound good? 8)
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on April 04, 2013, 02:40:54 PM
I believe if you get into the Nile or Bumping you will get into Elk! If you do a bit o scouting it could be better.

But man just get in the woods, be quiet, and the Elk will come.
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: dkecoleman on April 04, 2013, 02:44:05 PM
Yeah I know, I do really want to hunt Elk (I guess I'm answering my own post huh) but I'm just a little worried about being able to find a area where I'll have somewhat of a chance, Having enough time to learn the area and enough about hunting them to maybe stumble upon a few.

Yeah grundy, if it's like last year it will be huh.
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: washelkhunter on April 04, 2013, 02:46:42 PM
Those antlerless opportunities in nile and bumping are not a sure deal yet....just proposals.
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: dkecoleman on April 04, 2013, 02:52:14 PM
Yeah, I have been waiting for the regs, hopefully they are out before to long, should be in a week or so I would think.
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: hughjorgan on April 04, 2013, 02:53:07 PM
Those antlerless opportunities in nile and bumping are not a sure deal yet....just proposals.

The archery season for cow or spike are a done deal for the Nile and bumping.
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: Stick em on April 04, 2013, 03:00:57 PM
There are plenty of places that are open to both at the same time for archery.  That's what I would do.
The best thing about archery is that you can get a deer while going for elk. Trust me, deer in this state are not tough to find. Your in a great area for both. The upper part of the 667 unit holds everything. I have seen tons of big deer and small pockets of Elk within a mile of the road. Aim for a Bull and maybe get a Doe  :tup:
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: RadSav on April 04, 2013, 03:51:36 PM
Buy both tags and go for elk. If you're elk hunting without a deer tag, you will see the deer of a lifetime, I guarantee it.

I agree with this.  In most areas you can hunt both at the same time.  And if time is what limits you just wait until elk season starts and then begin your hunt.  My biggest muledeer, my biggest blacktail and my biggest bear were all killed while I was trying to tag an elk.  That doesn't necessarily mean I haven't missed on a stalk at bigger ones while just hunting the one species.  But the opportunities where I made the right choices at the right time were during serious elk hunting.  The bear was actually bugled in and shot not two minutes before we killed the bull :IBCOOL:  Did make for a long day of skinning and packing meat.  But it was worth it!
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: kisfish on April 04, 2013, 03:56:23 PM
I would go for elk. I am all about putting more meat in the freezer. Just my  :twocents:
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: elk247 on April 04, 2013, 04:08:35 PM
Deer season runs through elk season so you will have a shot at both. The real decision is east or west. Bumping nile cow or spike and nice deer is a great choice. There are a few cow oppertunities on the west as well. A kowpowsin permit is alot of money for a deer. But its a beautiful unit and you might see bears and cougar too. I always have all 4 tags when the laws allow. Good luck with your elk!
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: washelkhunter on April 04, 2013, 04:18:00 PM
Those antlerless opportunities in nile and bumping are not a sure deal yet....just proposals.

The archery season for cow or spike are a done deal for the Nile and bumping.


No its not. But i wont be surprised its adopted. Hopefully ML's will get the same deal or better.
Title: Re: Tough Decision
Post by: hughjorgan on April 04, 2013, 04:22:15 PM
Those antlerless opportunities in nile and bumping are not a sure deal yet....just proposals.

The archery season for cow or spike are a done deal for the Nile and bumping.


No its not. But i wont be surprised its adopted. Hopefully ML's will get the same deal or better.

Yes it is sir, it was already in the works before last season and muzzleloader will be spike only in those units with draws for cow permits.

Now as far as the original posters question, I would choose to buy the deer and elk combo. Concentrate on hunting elk but have a tag in case you have an oppurtunity at a deer.
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