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Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: GregE on December 24, 2014, 11:08:42 AM


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Title: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: GregE on December 24, 2014, 11:08:42 AM
Looking thru this years regs -  can't find the forecast dates for next year.  Trying to schedule hunt/ fish dates for September- always a conflict challenge.   :dunno:


Dec this year

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv367%2FKodak45%2Fhunting%2FP1080664_zps053b395b.jpg&hash=efead461b4b329e8c695c477349b996eca106675)
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: Nice Racks on December 24, 2014, 12:18:25 PM
Dates won't be posted for a couple months yet from what I understand.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: D-Rock425 on December 24, 2014, 12:34:50 PM
I'd put my money on a 13 day season starting September 12th next year.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: bobcat on December 24, 2014, 12:40:40 PM

I'd put my money on a 13 day season starting September 12th next year.

:yeah:   


We've already got info from a member of this forum who is on the game management advisory council, and apparently the early archery elk season has already been decided. I wouldn't say it's 100% going to be that way though. But for now that's the best information we have.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: MLHSN on December 24, 2014, 12:55:34 PM
I sure hope it changes.  I cannot take time off before Sept 15. because of work deadlines so the last two years involved getting off at 5 on Friday, hiking 7 mi. in the dark.  Hunting like crazy for two days and hiking out in the dark on sunday.  Man that would be awesome to finally take a whole week off for elk season.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: Torrent50 on December 24, 2014, 09:06:41 PM
Well, damn.  If that's true then I guessed wrong and just might have to add a week to my vacation.  An extra week off is going to be pretty tough to suffer thru....... ;)
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: chucker on December 24, 2014, 10:00:03 PM
Seems like the westside has been starting the day after labor day and goes thru two weekends. Don't know about the dryside. So I would guess sept 8th - 20th...
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: jstone on December 26, 2014, 11:50:11 AM
The last time i had the special permit for elk it started on the 8th ended on the 20th of September. This year it should be the same, so clockum here i come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: bobcat on December 26, 2014, 11:57:14 AM
Or September 12-24.  :dunno:
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: JimmyHoffa on December 26, 2014, 12:00:30 PM
Or September 12-24.  :dunno:
If those are the dates, no need for quality bull permits.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: theshade on December 26, 2014, 03:05:21 PM
I'm thinking the 5th, 6th or 7th for opening day.   :dunno: 
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: bobcat on December 26, 2014, 03:14:34 PM

I'm thinking the 5th, 6th or 7th for opening day.   :dunno:

They won't open the season on Labor Day weekend, so those dates are out. If they kept it the same as it has been, opening the day after Labor Day, then it would open on the 8th.

But it sounds to me like they're finally giving in to the people whining for a later season, and I'm betting on a September 12th opening day.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: floatinghat on December 26, 2014, 06:14:15 PM
sure hope they move muzzy earlier and open a some additional units. The archery guys have done a great job at presenting a unified front and it sounds like they will benefit.  Might just consider making the change.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: GregE on December 27, 2014, 09:38:36 AM
Wow, lots of input and wide variety of thoughts....    :tup: 

This state doesn't seem to get that we need to plan and schedule ahead.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: lokidog on December 27, 2014, 10:43:53 AM
Wow, lots of input and wide variety of thoughts....    :tup: 

This state doesn't seem to get that we need to plan and schedule ahead.

In their defense, which I rarely do, they will be set for the next three years once they decide this winter.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: GregE on December 27, 2014, 11:23:34 AM
Loki, good reminder -  that would be the forecast I'm seeking.  Forgot it rolls over this year
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on December 27, 2014, 11:41:24 AM
I expect the 8th-20th will be the season, really doubt they would allow Archery to hunt any portion of the last week of September.
Special permit, maybe...
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: trophyhunt on December 27, 2014, 12:05:32 PM
If it's sept 12 thru 24, I would expect a lot more westside archery hunters in the woods.  And mabey better odds on quality tags with different weapons, you can't beat those dates for an over the counter tag.  IF I don't draw muti elk and those dates are true, I will be ghost pointing my permits to hunt archery!! 
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on December 27, 2014, 02:13:57 PM
If it's sept 12 thru 24, I would expect a lot more westside archery hunters in the woods.  And mabey better odds on quality tags with different weapons, you can't beat those dates for an over the counter tag.  IF I don't draw muti elk and those dates are true, I will be ghost pointing my permits to hunt archery!!

If you can't find and kill elk in early September (current dates) the the later hunt isn't going to be some guaranteed tag.  Id say it wouldn't increase your chances at all.  Not starting the season after Labor Day might help with non hunting pressure.  But if sept 2nd this year you weren't in elk, the 12 th or the 8th aren't gonna help. 
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: bowhiker on December 27, 2014, 06:09:21 PM
The later in sept it opens the better chance of a weather front moving in to cool things off. This past season was a perfect example. Temps in the 90's are tough to hunt in. Regardless though, I'll still be out there.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: dr.derek on December 27, 2014, 06:17:38 PM
If it's sept 12 thru 24, I would expect a lot more westside archery hunters in the woods.  And mabey better odds on quality tags with different weapons, you can't beat those dates for an over the counter tag.  IF I don't draw muti elk and those dates are true, I will be ghost pointing my permits to hunt archery!!

If you can't find and kill elk in early September (current dates) the the later hunt isn't going to be some guaranteed tag.  Id say it wouldn't increase your chances at all.  Not starting the season after Labor Day might help with non hunting pressure.  But if sept 2nd this year you weren't in elk, the 12 th or the 8th aren't gonna help.

couldnt of said it better. i have been in elk in 90' weather, But the later season sure will make me less nervous about getting one down miles behind a locked gate.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: erk444 on December 27, 2014, 06:26:57 PM
Is there an elk behind you in that pic?
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: bowhiker on December 27, 2014, 09:39:46 PM
I agree it's not about finding elk when it's hot, but more about less people in the woods, caring for game in extreme temps. However, I have noticed elk being more active in cooler weather. For me it's more of a like to have not a need to have the season later. I'll be there sweatin or sniveling cold, it's elk season!
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: Nice Racks on December 28, 2014, 12:24:26 PM
I for one would love to hunt the prime time rut, but think that's what a special permit is for. The 8 September opening date is OK for me. I dont mind sharing the woods with other hunters; afterall it is public land where I hunt, but if the season doesn't start untill the 12th, I'm afraid there will be just way too many archers out. This thread is proof of that.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: trophyhunt on December 28, 2014, 12:39:28 PM
 :yeah:
I for one would love to hunt the prime time rut, but think that's what a special permit is for. The 8 September opening date is OK for me. I dont mind sharing the woods with other hunters; afterall it is public land where I hunt, but if the season doesn't start untill the 12th, I'm afraid there will be just way too many archers out. This thread is proof of that.
:yeah: 
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: Fullabull on December 28, 2014, 09:56:35 PM
I for one would love to see the season start the first Saturday after labor day. There are lots of hunters out there that are not able to scout, hike back in for miles, stay out for more than a weekend but can call and get elk to respond in heavy hunted areas, call in elk that others can't and are willing to stay out all day. But these hunters require elk to be in a slightly more vulnerable state. I understand that many younger hunters are very capable and willing to go where many will not but there are many who would love to do the same but just can't. Keeping the season as it is only benefits those hunters capable of going above and beyond what the majority of hunters cannot. Changing the season will not hurt the young hard hunters chances, in fact it will probably increase their opportunity by driving more elk further back where they hunt. But it will also allow better opportunity for good hunters to use their skills to be more successful in pressured areas.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: BABackcountryBwhntr on December 30, 2014, 12:35:33 PM
sure hope they move muzzy earlier and open a some additional units. The archery guys have done a great job at presenting a unified front and it sounds like they will benefit.  Might just consider making the change.


earlier? you guys get the rut almost every year.. the first week of oct is awesome hunting for elk...
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: D-Rock425 on December 30, 2014, 12:56:09 PM

I'm thinking the 5th, 6th or 7th for opening day.   :dunno:

They won't open the season on Labor Day weekend, so those dates arue out. If they kept it the same as it has been, opening the day after Labor Day, then it would open on the 8th.

But it sounds to me like they're finally giving in to the people whining for a later season, and I'm betting on a September 12th opening day.
whining huh?
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: tonymiller7 on December 31, 2014, 10:57:40 AM
I thought I had heard they were going back to a set season of the 8th through the 20th.   :dunno:
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: bigbeamhunter on December 31, 2014, 11:02:03 PM
The only reason they should change dates is because of the heat and fire danger. Not to make it easier I've never had a problem with the season. If it's hard hunt harder call better. Although I like elk screamin all around me.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: huntnnw on January 01, 2015, 12:32:50 AM
Bought my last WA archery elk tag in this state in 2014....Ill hunt the muzzy season from now on
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: JimmyHoffa on January 01, 2015, 09:58:11 AM
The only reason they should change dates is because of the heat and fire danger. Not to make it easier I've never had a problem with the season. If it's hard hunt harder call better. Although I like elk screamin all around me.
Bowhunters have five seasons to choose from.  If the risk of heat and fire is too much they could always opt for muzzy or modern tags (though the orange would keep most from that one).  And those concerns vanish during late seasons. 
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: Crunchy on January 01, 2015, 10:10:27 AM
Not sure why we can learn from Oregon elk management.  I think this year like last archery season will be from Aug 29 to Sept 29.  I will be hunting Oregon from Sept 19-29.  Should be full on rut.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: floatinghat on January 02, 2015, 04:42:24 PM
sure hope they move muzzy earlier and open a some additional units. The archery guys have done a great job at presenting a unified front and it sounds like they will benefit.  Might just consider making the change.


earlier? you guys get the rut almost every year.. the first week of oct is awesome hunting for elk...

Might need you to point me where the rut is active because it's not where I hunt the west side. 
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on January 02, 2015, 06:31:24 PM
Until this state gives "archery" elk hunters the last two weeks of September, I'll continue to spend the bulk of my hunting dollars in a state that does.  If WA would do this, their OOS tags would skyrocket as a ton of OOS elk hunters have a Roosey on their bucket list. This is what they don't get for some reason. Just because you have the rut for archery season doesn't necessarily mean the success rate will increase; it's just a matter of being able to locate them when they're vocal and try to get close with stick and string.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on January 02, 2015, 09:03:04 PM
Not sure why the comments about " no need for quality permits".... Thats laughable. With a couple exceptions the Westside "QUALITY" bull tags are really "BULL" tags. The open units are not given a preferential season only the opportunity to hunt that unit during your general season. I will not deny this may help to improve the "quality" of those hunts.

 
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: tonymiller7 on January 06, 2015, 11:35:03 AM
Called WDFW today as I am trying to request my time off for the year.  Their reply was look at the 2009 regulations, although they wouldn't guarantee the dates would be the same, they said that it is what they are recommending people use as a guideline.
Title: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: bobcat on January 06, 2015, 11:57:32 AM
It does make sense to look at the 2009 dates, since that year the calendar is the same as the 2015 calendar.

The exception would be early archery elk. The rumor is it will be moved back a little. So don't rely on 2009 season dates for that.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: stackemup on January 06, 2015, 12:26:57 PM
It will be a September 12th opener.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on January 07, 2015, 04:03:51 PM
 :dunno:
I honestly would be VERY surprised if it opened the 12, and we were allowed any more than the 23rd to hunt.
I once was told that the only way that anyone would be allowed to hunt the last week of September, would be a special permit.
We used to have the first week of October.
Now the ML get that.
One reason why switching the seasons was an option on the survey..  :o
The question, as I understood it, was to either continue opening the Tuesday after Labor Day, the *th of Sptember (no matter what day) , or swapping with the ML...

Did I fill out a different questionairre than you?

How did the 12th of September come into this discussion?

I could only hope...

No question of getting into animals, but getting into them when they are "hot" is why I do it.

I love the rut, but would rather pack an elk out in the late season.
September is all about the fun of calling to me, and I hear more bugling happening by real elk in August than I hear from anybody (hunters and elk combined) during the first 2 weeks of September.
Not saying they dont come in, just more often than not it is silence broken by a twig instaed of a full on bushwack.
So, the late the better...
Big bull at close range screaming and rearranging the scenery...

Or Satelite bull sneaking in on you downwind side...

The rut might not guarrantee an animal, but studies have shown that most breeding occurs on or before Oct 1st, and cows are only in estrus for a 12 hour period beginning in August then a 3 week cycle, until bred.  They really are not all ready during the first phase, the bulls are still in the advertisement mode and only a few cows get bred, so the last week of September is like spring break.
The ability to find and harvest an animal is less influenced by when, compared to how long it takes to find them.
It is easier to find them when thet are more vocal..
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: bobcat on January 07, 2015, 04:17:38 PM
The 12th would be the first Saturday after Labor Day, which was one of the options on the survey. Was it not?

That still would have the season ending before the last week of September.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 07, 2015, 04:19:13 PM

I'm thinking the 5th, 6th or 7th for opening day.   :dunno:

They won't open the season on Labor Day weekend, so those dates arue out. If they kept it the same as it has been, opening the day after Labor Day, then it would open on the 8th.

But it sounds to me like they're finally giving in to the people whining for a later season, and I'm betting on a September 12th opening day.
whining huh?

Color me a whiner   :chuckle:
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: bobcat on January 07, 2015, 04:23:04 PM

I'm thinking the 5th, 6th or 7th for opening day.   :dunno:

They won't open the season on Labor Day weekend, so those dates arue out. If they kept it the same as it has been, opening the day after Labor Day, then it would open on the 8th.

But it sounds to me like they're finally giving in to the people whining for a later season, and I'm betting on a September 12th opening day.
whining huh?

Color me a whiner   :chuckle:

Well if the rumor is true, the whining worked for ya, so good job!
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: stackemup on January 07, 2015, 05:57:32 PM
Its more then less set in stone for the 12th. Muzzy guys also gained a lot of ground this year for elk.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: go4steelhd on January 07, 2015, 07:01:50 PM
What units are they adding for muzzy elk?
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: bobcat on January 07, 2015, 07:05:52 PM
What units are the adding for muzzy elk?

That's what I'm anxiously waiting to find out!
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: JimmyHoffa on January 07, 2015, 07:11:04 PM
What units are the adding for muzzy elk?

That's what I'm anxiously waiting to find out!
I'll stick to my guess that any unit with or strongly suspected as having hoof rot.

Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: longwalker on January 07, 2015, 07:32:56 PM
I've been sending the email every year for the archery season to open the 12th. So.....you guys are welcome
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: Nice Racks on January 07, 2015, 07:51:24 PM
How about this. Open hunting for the areas suspected of having hoof rot during the rut for archery and ML in the hope of taking a lot diseased animals. Give the modern hunters extra tags for hoof rot animals. Once the "rot" is gone for the most part; make the west side permit only with "some" of the permits the last two weeks of Sept, and give me a permit every year for coming up with this great idear.  T :chuckle: :IBCOOL: :yike: 
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: stackemup on January 08, 2015, 09:47:40 AM
Muzzy guys gained around 11 new GMU's don't know which ones.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: bobcat on January 08, 2015, 10:31:13 AM
Muzzy guys gained around 11 new GMU's don't know which ones.

Only 11? Someone else posted a couple weeks ago that 24 units were being added to the early muzzleloader elk season.   :dunno:
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on January 08, 2015, 12:45:28 PM
All the speculation is funny.  Almost gets me excited to see the results like the permits.  A friend of a friend told me there mom worked ther and there adding 47 new muzzy units and making archery elk 45 days long.   :tup:
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: longwalker on January 09, 2015, 06:22:00 PM
well archery elk should just be the entire month of September. the fact that its only a few days longer than the rifle season is a joke
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on January 09, 2015, 06:39:02 PM
well archery elk should just be the entire month of September. the fact that its only a few days longer than the rifle season is a joke

Yes sir!  If WA would adopt similar seasons to ID or MT, I'd stay here for the bulk of my fall elk hunt and pump my dinero into the WA pot..
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: dr.derek on January 09, 2015, 06:51:18 PM
hanford is open for rifle this year...
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on January 10, 2015, 11:00:31 AM
Its more then less set in stone for the 12th. Muzzy guys also gained a lot of ground this year for elk.

Where is this information coming from ?

Or even the proposal...

I search the website, read the "plan", sent e-mails, made phone calls...  :dunno:
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: hughjorgan on January 10, 2015, 11:23:07 AM
Its more then less set in stone for the 12th. Muzzy guys also gained a lot of ground this year for elk.

Where is this information coming from ?

Or even the proposal...

I search the website, read the "plan", sent e-mails, made phone calls...  :dunno:

The 12th is the date that is mentioned this year from a member of this forum that is on the GMAC who took notes and made a thread explaining what was happening. The proposal for archery according to him was to move the starting date from the day after Labor Day to the first Saturday after Labor Day. This year that date would be the 12 of September.


Here is the thread in case you missed it...

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,166539.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,166539.0.html)
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: Yankee on January 26, 2015, 09:05:29 PM
For what it's worth, I stopped by the WADFW booth at the Sportsmans show this weekend and they told me the recommended dates for early elk archery in eastern Wa is going to be Sept. 12-24th.

 :dunno:
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: bobcat on January 26, 2015, 09:10:36 PM
For what it's worth, I stopped by the WADFW booth at the Sportsmans show this weekend and they told me the recommended dates for early elk archery in eastern Wa is going to be Sept. 12-24th.

 :dunno:

Yes, and that would also be true for western Washington as well.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: pc on January 27, 2015, 08:22:02 AM
I also went to the Sportsmen show and spoke to WDFW. What they told me was the decision was to be made March 15th - since this is a Sunday, I wouldn't expect to hear the official word until Monday the 16th   :tup:
**Stay the same or go to the 2009 schedule is what I've heard.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on January 27, 2015, 08:48:55 AM
Long wait..... :'(
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: D-Rock425 on January 27, 2015, 08:55:40 AM
I'm really hoping the start date goes to the Saturday after labor day.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on January 27, 2015, 09:23:29 AM
Me and you both d rock.  I could actually hunt with my brother then cause we can never both get the opener off.  So we go every other year.  But the twelve would have the woods cleared out from Labor Day and the elk would have less recreational pressure on them.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 28, 2015, 10:12:06 PM
12th would be cool.  Doesn't much matter to me though, I'll be in MT.  Just about completely done with Washington's BS.  If I could produce another week of vacation or comp time I would be.
Title: Re: ELK Bowhunting Dates 2015??
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on January 29, 2015, 06:30:53 AM
I can take all the time I want I work for myself.  Just need my bros help if Im gone which means he cant hunt with me.  I have a few friends I hunt with during that time and my brother hunts w them if im working.  But this year I could hunt with him if its the twelve. I'd like to go to other stats aswell but the work issue I just mentioned and the fact that the other guys I hunt with have other constraints that wont let them.  I went out of state last year for deer but it was to an established camp lots of family and friends.  little different Than finding elk by myself in Idaho, Oregon or Montana.  Seems this is the year WDFW have tried to appease the hunters and get the hunter retention numbers up.  Adding things we've asked for and such.  The next three year plan probably wont be as hunter friendly.  The fact that we are being taxed to access roads that were paid for by the people, years ago in taxes with the understanding that we the public would be able to access that land and use those roads.  The few public land spots are packed with guys.   So yeah few more years till I don't even buy a tag.  Ill hunt out of state.
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