Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: syoungs on January 28, 2014, 11:38:52 PM

Title: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: syoungs on January 28, 2014, 11:38:52 PM: So I am thinking pretty heavily of putting down the rifle and going to a bow to hunt elk this year, most the guys I was hunting with have quit or moved away for various reasons, and the short season ater the elk have been scatterd makes for a pretty tough spike hunt.

I usually hunt rimrock, and have been into bulls and cows many times, have even taken some spikes from there when everything lined up ok, but overall have experienced a pretty low success rate.

Can anyone tell me what its like as far as animals and other hunters in the unit during early and late archery?
the unit allows for cows or spikes to be taken during the late hunt, I know during modern season, I have been within 50 yds of a cow more times then I care to count, and it seems like it would very sucesfull hunting in the late season up there, but I have never set foot in the unit after the modern season, maybe the animals move on, I dont know.

my plan of attack would be to spend 3-4 days during the early season, mostly just to get out and scout, would have the family with me at that point, maybe take the ol lady with a bear tag so shes hunting to.

the late season it would be me and maybe 1-2 other hunters, I would camp out of milk creek rd and hope to still get up to louie way gap to catch them on the move over.....

am I crazy for thinking I can go stick a cow, or is it somewhat succesfull?
:dunno:
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: bobcat on January 28, 2014, 11:52:55 PM: If you're already getting within 50 yards you should be fine, I would think. Just another 10 yards for a forty yard shot, which for someone new to bow hunting may be about as far as you're going to want to shoot.

You might consider putting a little more time into the early season since they'll be bugling at that time, especially the 2nd week of the season.

Also look into hunting Cowiche in the late season, since if the snow does push them down that's where they'll be. I believe only a portion of 368 is open for late archery.

One thing about archery season is you will at least be much more likely to see elk than during the rifle season. Killing one is another story, but it's nice hunting elk that are still somewhat following their normal routines.
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: dreamunelk on January 29, 2014, 06:19:42 AM: Just remember that just because you can get with range of a cow during modern season when you do not have permit does not mean you can do so during archery. I Swear they know. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: jackelope on January 29, 2014, 07:06:54 AM: There's no shortage of hunters, especially in units where antlerless can be taken.
I just think a lot of guys that decide to switch to archery think they'll see a lot less people...I know I did. You probably do see less people, but you're far from alone out there.
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: boneaddict on January 29, 2014, 07:12:12 AM: Maybe a little less traffic on the road, but plenty of folks still in the woods, and all of them are blowing on their new calls. Weather is usually a little warmer, and it frees up photography in early November late October. Recently smoke and fire was an issue. It may be so again this year.
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: et1702 on January 29, 2014, 07:23:07 AM: The RR unit is very busy during early archery season, especially the first week of the season. I've been there for the past several years. During late season, most of the elk have already moved down or through the RR unit into Bethel or Cowichee. As others have indicated, you'd do better trying to spend more time getting one down during the early season in this unit.

FYI, I put down the rifle almost 35 years ago and switched to archery gear and have never regretted it. Also, I have never shot anything at greater than 40 yards to date and most of my Elk and deer have been shot between 20 and 30 yards. I do practice at 40, 50 and 60 yards, which makes the close shots a chip shot. Practice, Practice, Practice and Get close!

ET
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: D-Rock425 on January 29, 2014, 07:29:20 AM: To easy during archery season. I'm batting like 80% in the last 10 years on cows and spikes. Its so easy I'm thinking about putting down the compound and going traditional this year just to challenge myself a little.
OK maybe I'm kidding it's not easy some guys seem to elk almost every year some guys hunt 10 years and never kill one. I read once that 10% of the elk hunters kill 90% of the elk I think that is a very true statement. It all starts with your preparation. I've never hunted the rimrock so I can't comment on that but for what it's worth I have killed all my elk in early season. :twocents:
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: akirkland on January 29, 2014, 08:58:53 AM: Early season. Early season. Early season. Take as much time off as you can and hunt the early season. And no offense, leave the wife at home or at least camp. She will hinder you...trust me. And broaden your horizons. There is more than just Rimrock.
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: Broken Arrow on January 29, 2014, 09:55:40 AM: I think you will love archery hunting. Here is one bit of advise i can share. Start off with the mindset that it is NOT going to be easy and in all reality its probably going to be the hardest hunting you have ever done, both from a physical standpoint and psychological. Less people pushing elk around, usually equate to more ground in your going to need to cover to find them. Its hot as hell, tons of bugs, but for many highly rewarding.
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 29, 2014, 10:34:10 AM: Quote from: Broken Arrow on January 29, 2014, 09:55:40 AM
Its hot as hell, tons of bugs, but for many highly rewarding.

:yeah: I 100% agree with this. I killed two deer this year but just getting within bow range of a nice bull was my biggest accomplishment this year and it feels rewarding even though it didn't pan out.
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: The scout on January 29, 2014, 10:52:55 AM: the elk are a lot more spread out during archery in the rr. I archery hunted there for many years. almost always backpacked in, but between it being so hot risking meat loss and the packer in the area putting drop camps all over up there I just hunt the late hunt now. I no a number of hunters who have gone back to rifle or muzzle for one reason or another. one thing guys I no have struggled with is, you are in more animals but you need a lot more to go right to actually get a shot witch can be very discouraging. there's only one way to figure out if it's for you, it's not for everyone. good luck
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: WSU on January 29, 2014, 11:11:44 AM: Quote from: The scout on January 29, 2014, 10:52:55 AM
one thing guys I no have struggled with is, you are in more animals but you need a lot more to go right to actually get a shot witch can be very discouraging. there's only one way to figure out if it's for you, it's not for everyone. good luck

This is spot on. Just getting within 50 yards is the easy part. Getting a good shot is much tougher. It seems like a fairly low percentage of the times I get within range result in a shot (like 10 percent?). With a rifle, you almost always get a good shot. With a bow, the elk is usually moving, behind a bush, facing you, facing away from you, etc., etc. Just keep in mind it won't be nearly as easy as you are thinking.
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: Fl0und3rz on January 29, 2014, 11:21:02 AM: Quote from: WSU on January 29, 2014, 11:11:44 AM
Quote from: The scout on January 29, 2014, 10:52:55 AM
one thing guys I no have struggled with is, you are in more animals but you need a lot more to go right to actually get a shot witch can be very discouraging. there's only one way to figure out if it's for you, it's not for everyone. good luck

This is spot on. Just getting within 50 yards is the easy part. Getting a good shot is much tougher. It seems like a fairly low percentage of the times I get within range result in a shot (like 10 percent?). With a rifle, you almost always get a good shot. With a bow, the elk is usually moving, behind a bush, facing you, facing away from you, etc., etc. Just keep in mind it won't be nearly as easy as you are thinking.

That sounds like rifle hunting (public land, spike), but without the ease of getting within 50 yards.
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: syoungs on January 29, 2014, 10:53:30 PM: Thanks for the advice so far, been pouring over harvest rates and different gmus that past couple days, im not stuck on hunting that area, I may even look into hunting the blues.

and hopefully I didnt come off like it would be a gimmie hunt, still lots of homework and boot leather to burn up before getting close to animals, I just figure with the low percentage of spikes compared to cows, it may be slightly more succesfull.

:tup:
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: deerslyr on January 30, 2014, 04:08:10 AM: Quote from: Sundance on January 30, 2014, 12:15:23 AM
I can't speak of the area that you mentioned but my reasons for switching were similar, for a better season and more time. BE CAREFUL!!! Switching changed my outlook on hunting and how I viewed it as a whole. I used to hunt big game on weekends and claim marginal success. Bowhunting has consumed me and now its all that I think about. Since switching my success rates are at 100% for deer and 50% for branch antlered bulls and 100% for cows on the wetside. I now spend close to 120 days a year scouting for deer and elk and am truly afflicted by the pursuit. It really gave me a new outlook on hunting and a reverence for the animals I hunt. Bowhunting for me is an addiction that has taken me on new adventures, to other states, and introduced me to other junkies who can't escape the high we get from flinging sticks. Best of luck and if you do decide to follow this route I hope it changes your life like it has mine.

No truer words ever spoken. My entire world revolves around September. That is no understatement.
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: REHJWA on January 30, 2014, 06:51:14 PM: In the words of Russell Wilson "separation is in the preparation". Start scouting and shooting now and get into judging distances under real conditions. Good Luck!
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: C17loadclear on January 31, 2014, 08:40:52 AM: Here is something else to consider with getting ready for bow season. Practice shooting in awkward positions like from your knees or around a tree. Also consider the flight of the arrow as you would be surprised how many times you hit a limb because of the arc. Ok so that was two things...I stopped gun hunting 5 years ago and have never looked back...Old saying...If you want to kill something use a gun...If you want to hunt use a bow.
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on January 31, 2014, 08:49:45 AM: Great learning curve from rifle to archery... Everybody should experience it once in there life....
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: Grizzly95 on January 31, 2014, 09:18:19 AM: If you do decide on the switch let me know, wouldn't mind finding someone to shoot with. Haven't had any shooting buddies since I moved back. And a plus is you can practice on the thousands of sage rats here at my place.
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: troyspinetar on January 31, 2014, 10:31:06 AM: I plan to head out in Sep this year for my first Archery hunt. It's definitely much more exciting so far. I'm already planning, getting equipment ready and getting myself physically conditioned.
I know I will have a blast tag soup or not.
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: dfresh96 on February 04, 2014, 09:14:38 AM: Ive been archery hunting for a few years now like said above, practice & practice some more...

RR is a good unit I hunted off the 1000rd in past, seen a ton just couldn't get shot off, actually had a cow walk rite up to me my 1st yr elk hunting but spooked her when I drew (rookie mistake)...

suggestions I have is find area not pressured by labor day campers & usually its all about water early season....
Title: Re: Thinking of putting down the rifle and going to a bow. few questions.
Post by: hornlvr on February 04, 2014, 09:29:54 AM: I have been hunting for 54 years, the 1st 20 with the gun. There is nothing like getting close to game, this is really the name of bow hunting. To me, it is a totally different sport. Unless you are content to go without the kill, this is not for you. Since moving to WA 6 years ago, I have not been able to close the distance, it's discouraging, but not overwhelming. This is the longest dry spell that I have ever had, and my hunting days are numbered, but the thrill of the bow hunt is still there. This is not for everyone, but if it is for you, you will never look back.
Best of luck, enjoy.