Post by: Fullabull on February 02, 2015, 08:25:56 PM
Post by: bobcat on February 02, 2015, 08:45:06 PM
All I'm really trying to decide is if I should try the new later archery season, or skip elk hunting entirely this year, save my money, and hunt elk out of state next year.
With the hoof rot and the majority of private timberland requiring an access permit, I'm having a hard time getting excited about elk hunting in this state anymore.
Post by: jrebel on February 02, 2015, 08:49:08 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on February 02, 2015, 09:15:32 PM
With the hoof rot and the majority of private timberland requiring an access permit, I'm having a hard time getting excited about elk hunting in this state anymore.
But... you can do it every year :chuckle: :sas:
Post by: Fullabull on February 03, 2015, 08:01:15 AM
Post by: Todd_ID on February 03, 2015, 08:08:01 AM
Post by: kentrek on February 03, 2015, 08:13:32 AM
With the hoof rot and the majority of private timberland requiring an access permit, I'm having a hard time getting excited about elk hunting in this state anymore.
But... you can do it every year :chuckle: :sas:
And kill nice bulls every year too , don't give up bob ! Next year could be your perfect season :tup:
Post by: bobcat on February 03, 2015, 08:24:27 AM
Post by: kentrek on February 03, 2015, 09:23:31 AM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on February 03, 2015, 09:36:04 AM
You guys are right, you just talked be into buying an archery tag. Guess I better start practicing!Yeah, if I don't get a multi tag I'm thinking about getting the archery tag. I do modern because of camp/cool weather/special permits....but if the dates are 12-24 that is like a special permit anyways. Special permit odds are so low anyways. Can always hunt bear and cat during elk camp.
Post by: stw on February 03, 2015, 10:21:09 AM
i brought up the proposal about the 12th he said that was funny and thats just a proposal thats all he said. But im with all of you the 12th would be sweet.
Post by: Nice Racks on February 03, 2015, 11:06:59 AM
I was told by a game warden it will be the 7th this year he said there pushing for it to go back to the 8th same date every year. So who knows
i brought up the proposal about the 12th he said that was funny and thats just a proposal thats all he said. But im with all of you the 12th would be sweet.
I was actually told the samething from a game warden who came in to where I work at. I told him that the rumor on "Hunt Washington" is saying a later start date. He just started smiling. I'm also wondering how many more archery tags will be sold this year compared to last year if the dates are the 12th-24th. Should be a zoo out there if those are the dates.
Post by: TheHunt on February 03, 2015, 11:36:14 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on February 03, 2015, 12:27:48 PM
Post by: washelkhunter on February 03, 2015, 12:39:11 PM
Post by: D-Rock425 on February 03, 2015, 12:45:06 PM
Post by: Roosevelt on February 03, 2015, 01:11:44 PM
Post by: elkoholic on February 03, 2015, 02:04:15 PM
Post by: Roosevelt on February 03, 2015, 02:20:56 PM
Post by: cryder on February 03, 2015, 07:08:37 PM
Post by: dreamingbig on February 04, 2015, 06:45:57 PM
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Post by: jackelope on February 04, 2015, 07:26:30 PM
Why should game wardens have inside information on the seasons? Starting on Labor Day would be another slap in the face. I doubt that happens.
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Agreed. I wouldn't rely on anything game wardens say. They've got no idea at this point. I'm sticking with Todd's info.
Post by: kodiak 907 on February 04, 2015, 08:49:02 PM
Post by: Nice Racks on February 05, 2015, 07:48:26 AM
Why should game wardens have inside information on the seasons? Starting on Labor Day would be another slap in the face. I doubt that happens.
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Agreed. I wouldn't rely on anything game wardens say. They've got no idea at this point. I'm sticking with Todd's info.
Hey my game warden doesn't lie! He's a Steelers fan. :chuckle: :chuckle: I did make a mistake in my post above though. The game warden I spoke to said it was opening the day after Labor Day. :dunno: He also said that mineral salt seems to help with hoof rot, so he doesn't expect salt to be banned for baiting (if anything is).
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on February 05, 2015, 09:32:11 AM
As long as I get to hunt for no less than 13 days during early archery, I really dont care when it is, but would really like 12-24th
Post by: dreamingbig on February 05, 2015, 10:05:43 AM
Archery elk late season for an early season Sep 1st to Sept 25th.
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Post by: D-Rock425 on February 05, 2015, 10:09:34 AM
Post by: longwalker on February 05, 2015, 10:14:11 AM
Im fine with the amount of days we have in the seasons seasons. Who needs more than 4 days anyway :dunno:
It's not about needing more days to kill a bull it's about spreading out the hunters and the pressure over a longer period of time. Once you get the ego stuff out of the way you can objectively look at what makes for an all around better hunting season
Post by: D-Rock425 on February 05, 2015, 10:19:21 AM
maybe i was being a little bit of a wise guy but in all reality no way would i want to give up a entire late season for a few more early season days.Im fine with the amount of days we have in the seasons seasons. Who needs more than 4 days anyway :dunno:
It's not about needing more days to kill a bull it's about spreading out the hunters and the pressure over a longer period of time. Once you get the ego stuff out of the way you can objectively look at what makes for an all around better hunting season
Post by: JimmyHoffa on February 05, 2015, 10:21:17 AM
You could spread hunters out by opening up more units, too.Im fine with the amount of days we have in the seasons seasons. Who needs more than 4 days anyway :dunno:
It's not about needing more days to kill a bull it's about spreading out the hunters and the pressure over a longer period of time. Once you get the ego stuff out of the way you can objectively look at what makes for an all around better hunting season
Post by: longwalker on February 05, 2015, 10:41:51 AM
Post by: bobcat on February 05, 2015, 10:48:18 AM
There damn near all open for early archery
Yeah, that's what I was going to say. Muzzleloader is the season that's lacking in GMU's open to hunt.
Post by: D-Rock425 on February 05, 2015, 10:48:21 AM
Post by: D-Rock425 on February 05, 2015, 10:50:22 AM
Post by: D-Rock425 on February 05, 2015, 10:52:01 AM
i will agree that muzzy guys should get some more units.There damn near all open for early archery
Yeah, that's what I was going to say. Muzzleloader is the season that's lacking in GMU's open to hunt.
Post by: bobcat on February 05, 2015, 10:53:17 AM
I lied 4 dont have early seasons.
I can only think of three- Cowiche, Umtanum, Little Naches. What's the other?
Post by: D-Rock425 on February 05, 2015, 10:56:07 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on February 05, 2015, 11:31:45 AM
Post by: dreamingbig on February 05, 2015, 06:56:31 PM
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Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on February 05, 2015, 07:05:36 PM
Post by: Todd_ID on February 05, 2015, 07:25:34 PM
If we had all of September like the rest of the states, then we'd simply have more hunters in archery because of the "better" season. The allocation formula harvest rates would not change much, if any. The 10% who are going to kill animals with a bow are already doing it, and the newcomers would start out as part of the 90% who get the 10% of the harvest. We'd harvest more animals total, but it would be fine as far as equitable allocation because we'd have more available to harvest because we have more hunters in our user group.
Post by: elk247 on February 05, 2015, 07:30:23 PM
Post by: BABackcountryBwhntr on February 05, 2015, 07:32:03 PM
I did Idaho last year because the season was so bad for dates here. I had a blast, was talking to elk every day from the 16h on. I think there are enough places to go on National Forest land here on the west side that will get you away from the hoof rot thing. That mostly seems to be concentrated where cattle are more prevalent. If they make the 12th the opener, I will be staying here to hunt for sure.
our season dates were fine, we killed 2 bulls opening morning.
Post by: BABackcountryBwhntr on February 05, 2015, 07:33:12 PM
Im fine with the amount of days we have in the seasons seasons. Who needs more than 4 days anyway :dunno:
It's not about needing more days to kill a bull it's about spreading out the hunters and the pressure over a longer period of time. Once you get the ego stuff out of the way you can objectively look at what makes for an all around better hunting season
just hunt more remote areas.. I have seen 3 hunters the last 5 years combined... killed bulls every year in our group.
Post by: elk247 on February 05, 2015, 07:37:44 PM
Post by: bobcat on February 05, 2015, 07:46:48 PM
It does surprise me that the muzzy guys think they might have their season moved up to Oct. 3rd. I thought Oct 6th last year was about as early as it was going to get for the muzzy folks.
It will be October 3rd if they keep it the same-the first Saturday in October.
If they decide to move it a week later then it will be October 10th. It was October 3rd in 2009.
I don't think it's ever been as late as October 10th before.
Post by: Todd_ID on February 05, 2015, 07:55:22 PM
Muzzy starts AT LEAST 14 days after end of general archery (24th this year). The state loves to have a 14 day minimum rest period for the elk. Plus, you'll love the new unit list you get to choose from. ;)It does surprise me that the muzzy guys think they might have their season moved up to Oct. 3rd. I thought Oct 6th last year was about as early as it was going to get for the muzzy folks.
It will be October 3rd if they keep it the same-the first Saturday in October.
If they decide to move it a week later then it will be October 10th. It was October 3rd in 2009.
I don't think it's ever been as late as October 10th before.
Post by: elk247 on February 05, 2015, 08:12:12 PM
Right, I was assuming there would be two weeks between archery and muzzy. Can't wait to see the units and dates for archery and muzzy. When do the regs get posted online?Muzzy starts AT LEAST 14 days after end of general archery (24th this year). The state loves to have a 14 day minimum rest period for the elk. Plus, you'll love the new unit list you get to choose from. ;)It does surprise me that the muzzy guys think they might have their season moved up to Oct. 3rd. I thought Oct 6th last year was about as early as it was going to get for the muzzy folks.
It will be October 3rd if they keep it the same-the first Saturday in October.
If they decide to move it a week later then it will be October 10th. It was October 3rd in 2009.
I don't think it's ever been as late as October 10th before.
Post by: bobcat on February 05, 2015, 08:19:48 PM
Post by: elk247 on February 05, 2015, 08:23:35 PM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on February 05, 2015, 08:24:21 PM
Have the east side general season guys noticed an increase in hunter pressure/numbers in the last 5 years?
In my opinion....Yes
Post by: Fullabull on February 05, 2015, 08:37:43 PM
It's easy to say that if you are able to hunt the back country, but there are many who are not able to but are just as good a hunter as those who can. If a hunter is good at calling, locating and able to pull in bulls that are in more pressured areas because it's later in September when elk are more vocal, then why shouldn't they be given that opportunity?I did Idaho last year because the season was so bad for dates here. I had a blast, was talking to elk every day from the 16h on. I think there are enough places to go on National Forest land here on the west side that will get you away from the hoof rot thing. That mostly seems to be concentrated where cattle are more prevalent. If they make the 12th the opener, I will be staying here to hunt for sure.
our season dates were fine, we killed 2 bulls opening morning.
Not everyone can still hunt the back country :)
Post by: elk247 on February 05, 2015, 08:58:59 PM
I would guess that's accurate. When the hunter report numbers come out we can do the math and know for sure. Its hard to accurately say on the westside because guys are so spread out. I thought the numbers have been down during the early season on the westside the last few years. I attributed that to less access, early seasons and unusually high temps.Have the east side general season guys noticed an increase in hunter pressure/numbers in the last 5 years?
In my opinion....Yes
Post by: ELKBURGER on February 06, 2015, 07:45:45 AM
Theres your 10%..........Im fine with the amount of days we have in the seasons seasons. Who needs more than 4 days anyway :dunno:
It's not about needing more days to kill a bull it's about spreading out the hunters and the pressure over a longer period of time. Once you get the ego stuff out of the way you can objectively look at what makes for an all around better hunting season
just hunt more remote areas.. I have seen 3 hunters the last 5 years combined... killed bulls every year in our group.
Post by: BABackcountryBwhntr on February 06, 2015, 08:08:52 AM
It's easy to say that if you are able to hunt the back country, but there are many who are not able to but are just as good a hunter as those who can. If a hunter is good at calling, locating and able to pull in bulls that are in more pressured areas because it's later in September when elk are more vocal, then why shouldn't they be given that opportunity?I did Idaho last year because the season was so bad for dates here. I had a blast, was talking to elk every day from the 16h on. I think there are enough places to go on National Forest land here on the west side that will get you away from the hoof rot thing. That mostly seems to be concentrated where cattle are more prevalent. If they make the 12th the opener, I will be staying here to hunt for sure.
our season dates were fine, we killed 2 bulls opening morning.
Not everyone can still hunt the back country :)
I would have to ask what your definition of back country is? I biked in 25 miles 2 years ago.. but the year before that and last year it was a 6 mile bike ride to camp.. my first bull was a 5 mile hike in and out. Only the one bull I killed I would consider back country.
Post by: Fullabull on February 06, 2015, 02:44:08 PM
Was going by your Avatar name that you must hunt further back where other hunters refuse to go. I can still do that and hope to when my son finishes college but for now I hunt with my 75 year old father who cannot go more than a 1/2 mile or so on a good trail before we need to find a place to set up and call. When the season goes later into Sept. we are able to pull in elk even though it's very pressured by other hunters. When the seasons are so early like they have been, it's much more difficult for hunters stuck close to roads to have much success. Later when they are vocal, it's much better for these types of hunters. I will not road hunt so we do the best we can to make it happen within our limitations.It's easy to say that if you are able to hunt the back country, but there are many who are not able to but are just as good a hunter as those who can. If a hunter is good at calling, locating and able to pull in bulls that are in more pressured areas because it's later in September when elk are more vocal, then why shouldn't they be given that opportunity?I did Idaho last year because the season was so bad for dates here. I had a blast, was talking to elk every day from the 16h on. I think there are enough places to go on National Forest land here on the west side that will get you away from the hoof rot thing. That mostly seems to be concentrated where cattle are more prevalent. If they make the 12th the opener, I will be staying here to hunt for sure.
our season dates were fine, we killed 2 bulls opening morning.
Not everyone can still hunt the back country :)
I would have to ask what your definition of back country is? I biked in 25 miles 2 years ago.. but the year before that and last year it was a 6 mile bike ride to camp.. my first bull was a 5 mile hike in and out. Only the one bull I killed I would consider back country.
Post by: BABackcountryBwhntr on February 06, 2015, 03:55:44 PM
Was going by your Avatar name that you must hunt further back where other hunters refuse to go. I can still do that and hope to when my son finishes college but for now I hunt with my 75 year old father who cannot go more than a 1/2 mile or so on a good trail before we need to find a place to set up and call. When the season goes later into Sept. we are able to pull in elk even though it's very pressured by other hunters. When the seasons are so early like they have been, it's much more difficult for hunters stuck close to roads to have much success. Later when they are vocal, it's much better for these types of hunters. I will not road hunt so we do the best we can to make it happen within our limitations.It's easy to say that if you are able to hunt the back country, but there are many who are not able to but are just as good a hunter as those who can. If a hunter is good at calling, locating and able to pull in bulls that are in more pressured areas because it's later in September when elk are more vocal, then why shouldn't they be given that opportunity?I did Idaho last year because the season was so bad for dates here. I had a blast, was talking to elk every day from the 16h on. I think there are enough places to go on National Forest land here on the west side that will get you away from the hoof rot thing. That mostly seems to be concentrated where cattle are more prevalent. If they make the 12th the opener, I will be staying here to hunt for sure.
our season dates were fine, we killed 2 bulls opening morning.
Not everyone can still hunt the back country :)
I would have to ask what your definition of back country is? I biked in 25 miles 2 years ago.. but the year before that and last year it was a 6 mile bike ride to camp.. my first bull was a 5 mile hike in and out. Only the one bull I killed I would consider back country.
I would question the way you are calling then? they do not have to be buggling like mad to call elk in.... every bull I have killed has been when they are "quiet"and not talking much.. I worked 4 bulls that screamed last year.... killed none of them.. we killed 2 bulls opening morning... neither made a sound .... but we called them in.. you have to adjust what and how you call depending on time of year and mood of the elk in that area.
Post by: bigbeamhunter on February 06, 2015, 05:25:49 PM
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on February 06, 2015, 05:34:05 PM
Post by: bigbeamhunter on February 06, 2015, 06:03:27 PM
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on February 06, 2015, 07:41:35 PM
Every hunt is different.
I have seen 90 degree weather, and hail, snow, thunder and lightning.
The timing of the rut is dependant on photoperiod, but the elks vocalization has more to do with weather and pressure than anything else.
It is an established fact that most cows become impregnated during the last week of September and the first week of October, dependent on the maturity of mature breeding age males.
The more mature Bulls are ready to breed in August, yet this is during the "display" period, most vocalization is meant to advertize and establish territory.
The bulls that come in early are cautious and curious.
Pre-rut (late August and early September) dictates more patience and less agression.
During the middle to late September it might be easier to find elk, but actually getting them to commit is more problematic.
Most hunters dont understand elk behavior well enough to find them without the benefit of vocal animals, why late September and early October is when they want to hunt them.
They live in the woods 24/7/365 and if it was easy everyone could fill a tag.
I just dont want to lose the number of days I get to hunt them.
As soon as "the little green army" starts chasing them they head for their core areas, mature animals are conditioned to migrate to these areas.
Sure, these spots are sometimes far away from roads, yet there are always a few that find little pockets to hide in.
Check the harvest statistics, SOMEONE always fills their tags, season timing has very little effect on total harvest.
What is DOES affect is the age class of those animals harvested.
The WDFW has the unpopular job of making it as easy to harvest an animal as they can while allowing a cross section of age classes to survive for the good of the whole herd.
Having a later season will not change my chances of harvesting an elk, it will increase my chances of harvesting a mature elk.
Balancing total harvest while maintaining mixed genetics is why "the rut" is so variable, the young bulls are more accessable during the pre-rut, while the older bulls are more accessable during the peak.
Archery seasons have been cut back because of this phenomenon, Modern seasons have been moved back for the same reason, Muzzleloder units have been restricted to balance escapement.
I hope for a later season because I want a fair chance at a mature bull, but do not want to lose days afield.
As long as it remains no fewer than 13 days, I will be grateful to hunt with a bow.
If I lose any of those season days, I will hunt elswhere because it is the days of Elk Camp that are precious to me, the animals are there, you just need to be able to adapt to the changing circumstances.
Post by: bigbeamhunter on February 06, 2015, 08:01:40 PM
Post by: Jonathan_S on February 07, 2015, 07:20:39 AM
Yeah the late season is for guys who can't shoot.
:dunno: I don't get it.
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on February 07, 2015, 12:25:25 PM
well said as I have got older I turned 50 last year the same day I shot my bull last year. 30 something years ago when i started bow hunting it started august 1 I loved it then to.maybe I just like being in the woods. I find it fun to watch my 22 year old son and his buddies doing the same thing I use to do. An example Dad where you going i'm going down in the hole. He says there not bugling I say do you think aliens picked em up up and moved em. They are there just don't like what we are saying . I just go for a walk and do my sequences and go for a walk in the woods until dark or I shoot something. They are always looking for the sound of the bugleWhat gets me, is as I slowly sneak up game trails along the creek bottoms I hear guys bugling from roads and ridges, I just ignore them also.
Then I use soft cow calls and low volume chuckles, maybe rake some brush and have a bull literally go nuts near me in the bottom.
They (the bulls) have been listening to bugles all morning long, and not responding.
On an average season I hear plenty of bulls bugle, yet most hunters I talk to say that they are not hearing any.
It helps to get off the road, away from your truck, and into areas that hold elk.
Waiting for more than a few minutes helps also, I have been surprised lots of times after more than half an hour after ending a sequence.
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on February 07, 2015, 05:35:05 PM
Yeah the late season is for guys who can't shoot.
:dunno: I don't get it.
Meaning they missed their elk in the early season and have to hunt the late season.
Post by: longwalker on February 07, 2015, 05:48:16 PM
Im fine with the amount of days we have in the seasons seasons. Who needs more than 4 days anyway :dunno:
It's not about needing more days to kill a bull it's about spreading out the hunters and the pressure over a longer period of time. Once you get the ego stuff out of the way you can objectively look at what makes for an all around better hunting season
just hunt more remote areas.. I have seen 3 hunters the last 5 years combined... killed bulls every year in our group.
And I've seen none and killed bulls every year, I hunt plenty remote areas.Again it's not about my ego it's about managing hunting seasons properly and effectively for the user. It is our game after all
Post by: krapmit on February 09, 2015, 12:02:08 PM
Post by: bobcat on February 09, 2015, 12:08:07 PM
Post by: krapmit on February 09, 2015, 01:56:42 PM