Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: aorams on November 09, 2014, 08:37:39 PM

Title: ROOSEVELT elk a'la Boyd Iverson
Post by: aorams on November 09, 2014, 08:37:39 PM: Hi Forum,

I'm looking for a book on ROOSEVELT elk hunting in Western Washington. Is there a go to text for these elk?

Thank you!
Title: Re: ROOSEVELT elk a'la Boyd Iverson
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on November 09, 2014, 08:43:27 PM: Burn some boot leather book... OJT elk book...
Title: Re: ROOSEVELT elk a'la Boyd Iverson
Post by: aorams on November 09, 2014, 09:54:16 PM: Any other suggestions?
Title: Re: ROOSEVELT elk a'la Boyd Iverson
Post by: Eli346 on November 10, 2014, 07:08:24 AM: The reference to Boyd Iverson is a good start. His book is a great way to figure out how to work the woods on any animal. I haven't found any western WA books on hunting elk as they all seem to be putting out info on the elk of the Rockies (or at least east of the Cascades) more than anything. Most good western Wa elk country is thick and brushy. I get most of my elk in the timber or the timber edges in the morning. My favorite saying for elk is 'steep and deep' as they have a tendency to bed down on little benches in the timber on side hills above a drainage. The big bulls like to lay up against stumps or downed trees with their backs uphill watching the downhill escape routes. The even bigger bulls will crawl into the nastiest stuff they can find and stay there during daylight; only moving around at night.
When you get close they may try to sneak out but on several occasions I've had them bust out on a run as close as 15 yds away so be ready at all times. The elk I got this year was still asleep in his bed when I got him but I always have my rifle ready in the timber. I also carry a cow call around my neck so I can try to stop them if I don't get an initial shot when they head out. I've literally chased them through the woods letting out a cow call now and then to get them to stop for a split second. Sometimes it's the only shot you've got..
If there are elk in the area you'll see the sign; large rubs, tracks everywhere, and game trails that look like someone put them in with a rototiller. If it looks 'elky' it usually is. Always keep the wind in your face or quartering to you as elk will not stick around if they catch any scent of you. They can see you and hear you and maybe hang around for a shot but if they scent you they will be gone before you even know they are there.
Keep the wind in your face and 'steep and deep' and you'll run into elk eventually. Good luck.
Title: Re: ROOSEVELT elk a'la Boyd Iverson
Post by: cem3434 on November 10, 2014, 07:36:36 AM: :yeah: That is good advice right there and should get you going in the right direction.
Title: Re: ROOSEVELT elk a'la Boyd Iverson
Post by: ELKBURGER on November 10, 2014, 07:43:50 AM: There is a book put out by the North American Hunting Club called 'All about elk'. It had contributions from some great elk hunters, like Jim Zumbo, Wayne Van Zwoll and Larry Jones. It has ben many years since I read it (over 20), but I still find myself remembering things to do from reading that book. I'm sure theres a copy floating around on amazon somewhere. I still have mine and wouldnt want to part with. In fact, I may have to dig it up and re-read it. Good luck! :tup:
Title: Re: ROOSEVELT elk a'la Boyd Iverson
Post by: Birdguy on November 10, 2014, 02:51:40 PM: Quote from: ELKBURGER on November 10, 2014, 07:43:50 AM
There is a book put out by the North American Hunting Club called 'All about elk'. It had contributions from some great elk hunters, like Jim Zumbo, Wayne Van Zwoll and Larry Jones. It has ben many years since I read it (over 20), but I still find myself remembering things to do from reading that book. I'm sure theres a copy floating around on amazon somewhere. I still have mine and wouldnt want to part with. In fact, I may have to dig it up and re-read it. Good luck! :tup:

:yeah: Look on ebay as well type in "NAHC elk" or north american hunting club you should be able o find it pretty cheap too. Good luck.
Title: Re: ROOSEVELT elk a'la Boyd Iverson
Post by: aorams on November 10, 2014, 05:20:13 PM: Thanks for the suggestions! I'll be making s purchase soon. Do elk feed and bed with the wind at their backs like blacktails do?
Title: Re: ROOSEVELT elk a'la Boyd Iverson
Post by: Eli346 on November 10, 2014, 06:57:07 PM: If they do I haven't noticed it. They seem to meander more without any destination in mind, or so it seems. Just keep the wind in your favor and you'll run into one eventually. Don't get disappointed as you won't see a lot of elk on public hunting grounds in most cases. I usually run into only two or three during a full season but end up shooting one of them.