Post by: SERE VG on September 20, 2013, 08:08:41 PM
Was scouting for deer and came through an area covered in elk sign. Followed it to a pretty epic wallow. A regular elk hot tub. ;)
A spring or seep in a cedar thicket that is absolutely tore up with tracks, and ankle deep in scat.
Only problem is the heat is on it's way out and I'm a rifle hunter. :(
Suggestions?
Bait it?
Bag it and learn to shoot a bow for next year?
Other?
I have never hunted elk, have a rifle tag.
I imagine the wallow will be next to useless after it gets cold enough to freeze up.
Hard to tell from the pic, but the water part is probably 15-20yds long. Clearing is 30yds across, by 50yds long. No other open water nearby.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi27.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc199%2Fserevince%2FIMG_20130919_115407_157_zpsf9a2cba5.jpg&hash=c29aafb1c0edc47533b6ff9e0830d2e8f2a685a5)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi27.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc199%2Fserevince%2FIMG_20130919_115337_759_zps1be7dd70.jpg&hash=c6068bb2d124cf2951c02c6248f86780c27a2b8d)
Thanks
Vince
Post by: rtspring on September 20, 2013, 08:11:18 PM
Post by: TheHunt on September 20, 2013, 08:14:04 PM
Post by: bobcat on September 20, 2013, 08:35:33 PM
Post by: SERE VG on September 21, 2013, 06:58:19 PM
Maybe it's time to get a bow.
Vince
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
Post by: bwhntr350 on September 21, 2013, 07:23:53 PM
I don't mean to be a debbie downer, but I don't think that I would gear up with a new bow just because you found a wallow. I mean, if you want to bow hunt, go for it, it is fun and, usually, great weather, but don't do it because you found a wallow.
Where I hunt there are around 20 wallows. I can go all season without seeing an elk, in fact, I just did it. Wallows can be a great place for elk to cool down and, usually, there is food around it because of the moisture, but it is not even close to a given that elk will be there when you want them to be, unless it is the only water hole for miles and miles.
Just my :twocents:
Post by: oldleclercrd on September 21, 2013, 07:34:18 PM
I don't mean to be a debbie downer, but I don't think that I would gear up with a new bow just because you found a wallow. I mean, if you want to bow hunt, go for it, it is fun and, usually, great weather, but don't do it because you found a wallow.
Where I hunt there are around 20 wallows. I can go all season without seeing an elk, in fact, I just did it. Wallows can be a great place for elk to cool down and, usually, there is food around it because of the moisture, but it is not even close to a given that elk will be there when you want them to be, unless it is the only water hole for miles and miles.
Just my :twocents:
He did say it was the only open water around. Maybe you got less visits because they had 20 to choose from. Most areas have a lot less to choose from.
Post by: furbearer365 on September 21, 2013, 08:05:20 PM
Post by: pd on September 21, 2013, 08:25:18 PM
However, it seems to me that this should be a great start to your elk hunting career. As others have said, first, hunt this area with your rifle this year. If you don't have an elk tag, get one ($50.40 extra). It is worthwhile hunting that general area, if only to understand the territory for next year. Next, put up a camera (I would do it after rifle season, but others might disagree), and check it every couple of months until June or so. The other important thing is to put in for a multiple season tag ($182 plus $7.10 for the application--spendy, I know). This will allow you to archery hunt the area in September, perhaps muzzleloader hunt (or even archery) in October, and then rifle hunt (or archery) in November of next year.
You said that you are not an elk hunter, but methinks you have just become one! Best of luck.
Post by: SERE VG on September 22, 2013, 01:23:45 PM
It's as good excuse as any to pick up a bow. :tup: Although, I'm not a big fan of hunting in the heat and bugs. It'll be a nice change to hunt in a t-shirt as opposed to freezing my bum off.
Another bonus of the multi-season tag is that it gives more flexibility around my work schedule.
I'll check back in with the pics or lack there of.
Vince
Post by: furbearer365 on September 22, 2013, 07:35:03 PM
Post by: bobcat on September 22, 2013, 07:41:34 PM
That's why I'm doing it. What other reason is there?
Post by: ellensburgpo on September 22, 2013, 07:45:17 PM
But wait... Don't most people take up bow hunting for elk because of the better seasons, and less hunters in the woods?
That's why I'm doing it. What other reason is there?
It's the only weapon they can legally use...or someone looking for more of challenge?
Post by: bobcat on September 22, 2013, 07:48:43 PM
But wait... Don't most people take up bow hunting for elk because of the better seasons, and less hunters in the woods?
That's why I'm doing it. What other reason is there?
It's the only weapon they can legally use...or someone looking for more of challenge?
Okay, but are those better reasons? I just wonder why it matters why someone decides to try bow hunting, and I certainly see no reason to try talk them out of it or ask them to justify their decision.
Post by: ellensburgpo on September 22, 2013, 07:50:19 PM
Post by: SERE VG on September 22, 2013, 09:21:45 PM
It's a tool folks. If it's some spiritual path for you, cool. Please take your sermon elsewhere.
Back to wallows.
Sent from my mind via apathy.
Post by: Labs07 on September 23, 2013, 02:45:39 PM
Post by: furbearer365 on September 23, 2013, 03:21:45 PM
Lol, I apologize I took the sacred stick and string lightly!
It's a tool folks. If it's some spiritual path for you, cool. Please take your sermon elsewhere.
Back to wallows.
Sent from my mind via apathy.
I wasn't at all giving a sermon but thanks for the sarcasm. I truly could care less why someone would take up bow hunting to be honest with you. I was just reading your post you sounded as though you weren't wanting to get into bow hunting but since you found a wallow you may give it a try. You are right it is a tool, but it is a tool that needs a little more attention and practice than the other two options for hunting. I was just making a generalization by the way your post read. I will stop now so you can get back to your wallows and good luck with whatever you choose
Post by: Happy2BHere on September 23, 2013, 07:00:27 PM
Did you scout around the area? If so did you find rubs? If so,were they fresh? Also, if it were me, I would look at the browse around the wallow- if the browse has been eaten, are the tips that were eaten Brown? If so, maybe widen your search (if you are uncertain which direction then maybe think wind strategy and elk feed. Elk feed-->Since there is cedar, do you see any blackberry bushes or shorter stands of devils club nearby? That's elk candy). If the tips of the eaten plants haven't turned brown yet, then the wallow is still probably active. If it is active, I wouldn't camp on it, I would move out about 100 yd.s or so, and keep quite and still and see what you see and hear. If you can nail down their travel routes and times to/from the wallow then maybe give some thought to setting up with the wind in your favor and good shooting lanes. Many gun hunters don't pay much attention to their scent. A wallow is a good place to be scent free (hunter's clothes wash & deodorant, etc.). Lastly, if you get a good day of rain, try to find stands of young pine with mushrooms near the wallow and don't be afraid to do some soft calls on a cow call. Softly and few would be better than many and loud. If you go that route, think soft and pleading. then put it away and don't touch it again unless you see one you are trying to stop for a shot. Good luck. You got this.
Rick
Post by: SERE VG on September 23, 2013, 10:04:27 PM
I wasn't at all giving a sermon but thanks for the sarcasm. I truly could care less why someone would take up bow hunting to be honest with you. I was just reading your post you sounded as though you weren't wanting to get into bow hunting but since you found a wallow you may give it a try. You are right it is a tool, but it is a tool that needs a little more attention and practice than the other two options for hunting. I was just making a generalization by the way your post read. I will stop now so you can get back to your wallows and good luck with whatever you choose
No problem, maybe I took it wrong. Personally I hope everyone devotes the proper time and respect to mastering whatever tool they choose to hunt with.Sere,
Did you scout around the area? If so did you find rubs? If so,were they fresh? Also, if it were me, I would look at the browse around the wallow- if the browse has been eaten, are the tips that were eaten Brown? If so, maybe widen your search (if you are uncertain which direction then maybe think wind strategy and elk feed. Elk feed-->Since there is cedar, do you see any blackberry bushes or shorter stands of devils club nearby? That's elk candy). If the tips of the eaten plants haven't turned brown yet, then the wallow is still probably active. If it is active, I wouldn't camp on it, I would move out about 100 yd.s or so, and keep quite and still and see what you see and hear. If you can nail down their travel routes and times to/from the wallow then maybe give some thought to setting up with the wind in your favor and good shooting lanes. Many gun hunters don't pay much attention to their scent. A wallow is a good place to be scent free (hunter's clothes wash & deodorant, etc.). Lastly, if you get a good day of rain, try to find stands of young pine with mushrooms near the wallow and don't be afraid to do some soft calls on a cow call. Softly and few would be better than many and loud. If you go that route, think soft and pleading. then put it away and don't touch it again unless you see one you are trying to stop for a shot. Good luck. You got this.
Rick
It was definitely active as of my visit. It was record high temps the week previous and plenty warm enough the week I was up there. Due to the terrain and nearby clear-cut they were primarily entering from two directions. Wind was perfect for working in on either approach. I'm headed back up Friday for a some more scouting. The cold temps should give me a better idea if they are in the area for more than the wallow.
Thanks
Vince
Sent from my mind via apathy.
Post by: SERE VG on September 27, 2013, 09:08:12 PM
Bull moose that is...
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi27.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc199%2Fserevince%2FMFDC0018_zps37afa1bd.jpg&hash=3f25264c0231afd55552c9d1a34044b7af0a2326)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi27.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc199%2Fserevince%2FMFDC0044_zps03dfb248.jpg&hash=8c0f48625964082289523a6228ff2960b657e92f)
And this guy. Cool to see him in here. Not sure if it means anything to me for late Oct. I'll be checking in on the cam until then just in case. ;)
Need to bone up on my plants Happy2Bhere, very diverse little area around the seep. Smelled wonderful today, the area was covered in mint. I've been speaking to two experienced elk hunters I work with and they both seem optimistic the area will hold elk until rifle season. We'll see. If nothing else I'll have some fun trail cam pics and a goal for next year.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi27.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc199%2Fserevince%2FMFDC0002_zps0e855ce5.jpg&hash=80d1be29338bec8fecff89fb58babdb0f9aae6c3)
Post by: oldleclercrd on September 28, 2013, 08:03:04 AM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on September 28, 2013, 08:12:53 AM
Post by: Alchase on September 28, 2013, 09:40:07 AM
A wallow to me means elk frequent the general area enough to create and maintain a wallow, meaning they use it regularly. When I find them and feel reassured there is a good chance elk could still be in the area, just like fresh poop.
Post by: ridgefire on September 28, 2013, 01:57:24 PM
Post by: SERE VG on September 28, 2013, 10:11:05 PM
Thanks
Vince
Sent from my mind via apathy.