Post by: cardinalguns on March 30, 2015, 02:55:45 PM
I'm not an expert in the WA regulations and difficulties in drawing various licenses. I also know that no one wants to give up their secrets. I am not asking for GPS coordinates for your honey hole. There are no aspirations for big bulls, cows and spikes are good enough. I have the summer to get the young man shooting straight and outfitted for a hunt. Daughter is good to go except for some target practice.
With all that being said- is there a simple answer to the question: Where should I take a rookie and two nimrods elk hunting in WA state?
Any tips or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Post by: Skillet on March 30, 2015, 03:04:06 PM
Here's the reason for my suggestion:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/harvest/2013/elk_general.html (http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/harvest/2013/elk_general.html)
Over the counter Modern Firearm tags here had a 10.4% overall success ratio, a 4.6% ratio for the East Slopes of the Cascades, a 4.3% success ratio for the Blues, and a 4.2% ratio for the NE corner. There is just not enough elk to go around and there is a lot of pumpkins in the field during Modern. It would be a tough way to get some young folks into elk hunting, in my opinion. Not saying it can't be done, but dang.
The main reason why a lot of us don't run to Colorado every year is costs, of course, but also lack of knowledge of the area. You obviously know the area and could likely put them in a decent position to get an animal. I don't know what Colorado's elk success ratios are like, but I'd imagine they have to be better than here.
Post by: bobcat on March 30, 2015, 03:10:51 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on March 30, 2015, 03:16:01 PM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on March 30, 2015, 03:33:20 PM
Post by: buglebrush on March 30, 2015, 03:51:28 PM
Post by: ridgefire on March 30, 2015, 06:07:37 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on March 30, 2015, 06:16:33 PM
After hunting idaho the last 8-9 years i hardly waste my time hunting elk in wa anymore. I put in for the draw and will draw a tag one of these years but until then i will gladly pay to hunt out of state. I would suggest paying the money and heading to Colorado.I think that for WA and OR, there is enough of a terrain/weather difference that coastal elk might be an experience he can't really get out of state. But for just wanting any kind of elk, seems the rocky mtn states have better elk management and seasons more friendly/conducive to hunters and their success.
Post by: coachcw on March 30, 2015, 07:21:40 PM
Post by: cardinalguns on March 30, 2015, 08:03:33 PM
Post by: coachcw on March 31, 2015, 12:56:36 PM
I should also add that we are rifle hunters.tough sledding i'd spend some boot leather hiking in ....
Post by: MADMAX on March 31, 2015, 01:05:18 PM
Washington elk hunters , especially with a rifle, dont IMO get the best of anything, spikes in the east, true spikes above I-90 and below Wenatchee, Timber company permits or being locked out in the westside, unless you do the peninsula and stay on state or Federal or draw a good permit.
You could try any elk in the NE .
:twocents:
Post by: Special T on March 31, 2015, 01:14:09 PM
Post by: Taco280AI on March 31, 2015, 01:15:18 PM
Post by: cardinalguns on March 31, 2015, 08:38:08 PM
You fellas are not painting a pretty picture. I do like to stalk the timber and bedding areas, I find it more challenging and exciting. From what I am hearing, our chances won't be improved hunting in less populated areas. I have considered the peninsula, but had no recommendations to go on till now.
I will start researching some areas and corresponding tag possibilities. Thank you again!
Post by: JimmyHoffa on March 31, 2015, 08:52:14 PM
Post by: Taco280AI on April 10, 2015, 09:03:49 AM
Post by: cardinalguns on April 10, 2015, 11:03:03 AM
FWIW, my brother lives in Kiowa, not a horrible drive from Ft. Carson- you can find space to roam and shoot out in Elbert County.
Post by: BGLEMIN on April 10, 2015, 11:29:39 AM
I use the same tactics as I did in CO. We hunt steep, dark timber away from the roads. I look for areas that are north or east facing, has water within 2 miles, and has clear cuts or meadows for grass...also within 2 miles. You don't have to hear an elk to call an elk, but you should hold your position for up to an hour after calling, and yes you can call in elk in any season! I suggest listening to audio clips of herd talk...forget the bugling and estrus whines. You want to sound like a couple cows and calves chatting with each other, and call softly. Have at least three different sounding cow calls.
Bottom line...there are great elk hunting opportunities in WA from what I've discovered. You have to get in the woods though. Think outside the box and hunt in those spots no one else is because they don't look like "good" elk spots. You'll find elk there because they've been pushed out of the "good" spots. Best of luck!!
Post by: Taco280AI on April 11, 2015, 01:01:43 PM
Post by: cryder on April 12, 2015, 11:50:18 AM
Post by: bowhuntersd on April 15, 2015, 10:06:12 PM
Post by: cem3434 on April 15, 2015, 11:04:26 PM
I too am a recent transplant from CO. Been in WA for two years now. Got an archery bull my first weekend out in 2013! My fiance nearly sealed the deal last season on a beautiful 6x6 at 16yds, but elected to pass as she was concerned the arrow might deflect off a branch. I commend her for having the intestinal fortitude to pass rather than wound. I had a botched opportunity at a 5x4 during early muzzy, came in silent to a call session I had and caught me munching my lunch :chuckle: We have only hunted thus far in SW WA. We have been in elk and at least seen them on every adventure out. How??
I use the same tactics as I did in CO. We hunt steep, dark timber away from the roads. I look for areas that are north or east facing, has water within 2 miles, and has clear cuts or meadows for grass...also within 2 miles. You don't have to hear an elk to call an elk, but you should hold your position for up to an hour after calling, and yes you can call in elk in any season! I suggest listening to audio clips of herd talk...forget the bugling and estrus whines. You want to sound like a couple cows and calves chatting with each other, and call softly. Have at least three different sounding cow calls.
Bottom line...there are great elk hunting opportunities in WA from what I've discovered. You have to get in the woods though. Think outside the box and hunt in those spots no one else is because they don't look like "good" elk spots. You'll find elk there because they've been pushed out of the "good" spots. Best of luck!!
:yeah: Very sound advice, which has worked for my wife and myself several times. PM me and maybe we can share some information with one another.
Post by: Humptulips on April 15, 2015, 11:29:11 PM
Personally I rifle hunt the Penninsula because it's close to home and I know the area. I seldom see another hunter except when driving to and from. Things have went down hill as far as elk hunting in recent years but I think it is not unrealistic to expect to kill a bull every three years or so. I used to think I was a cinch every year but that is history. You can hunt the timber company land and that will be mostly looking at clearcuts and trying to guess from sign where the elk will show up. Or you can go Public Land and get into some timber. One thing for sure pre-season scouting and just familiarizing yourself with an area is what will get you an elk. One other thing, IMO if you can drive to the place your chances are poor. I hunt off a bicycle mostly. Well, really not hunt off it but it gets me in past the gate a ways.
Post by: cryder on April 19, 2015, 07:12:14 PM