Post by: Muleyman27 on July 13, 2015, 06:51:05 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on July 13, 2015, 07:18:28 AM
Good luck out there and be aware elk hunting is super addictive.
Post by: bobcat on July 13, 2015, 08:14:24 AM
That sounds like too much driving and not enough sleep to me. If you hunt the early archery season the weather won't be too extreme.
Sleep in the back of your truck if you have to but don't drive home every night. Bring a small cooler with pre-made sandwiches, etc.
You might try the Cowiche unit, since that's about the closest to you that has good elk numbers.
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on July 13, 2015, 08:55:44 AM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on July 13, 2015, 11:50:39 AM
Post by: Muleyman27 on July 14, 2015, 08:00:51 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on July 14, 2015, 08:26:24 AM
Going with somebody knowledgeable would speed up this curve but again, your understanding of elk means more than being in the best spot in the world. Also most knowledgeable and successful elk hunters are going to play their cards close to the chest because they've spent thousands of hours and dollars to their success.
Time in the woods...time in the woods...time in the woods. Best to get experiences and think, "what the heck happened there?" or "why did this happen?" Then come on here and ask these specific questions.
As far as areas closest to you...not Hanford :chuckle: go to the Blues or the East Cascades and don't be afraid to burn through some expensive boots.
Post by: Ridgeratt on July 14, 2015, 08:49:22 AM
Think of it like this. You have to put in years of time understanding elk before you'll be in a position to expect to harvest one. That is unless you have no job and plenty of gas money!
I think you left out this scenario!! Never hunted them before drives into the woods get's out slams truck door. Wanders off couple of 100 yards , plunks down on a log 30 minutes later has a elk on the lawn. Now the question is "What do I do with this" :chuckle:
Then they will say there is nothing to Elk hunting.
Post by: Jonathan_S on July 14, 2015, 09:10:05 AM
Think of it like this. You have to put in years of time understanding elk before you'll be in a position to expect to harvest one. That is unless you have no job and plenty of gas money!
I think you left out this scenario!! Never hunted them before drives into the woods get's out slams truck door. Wanders off couple of 100 yards , plunks down on a log 30 minutes later has a elk on the lawn. Now the question is "What do I do with this" :chuckle:
Then they will say there is nothing to Elk hunting.
I have met people who have done this. Usually it is the only elk they have ever killed in 20+ years ;)
Post by: msg on July 14, 2015, 09:22:36 AM
Post by: Curly on July 14, 2015, 09:36:37 AM
a cow or spike is a good idea I just want meat for the freezer and the experience.
Sounds like a spike is the only thing you'll be able to hunt for since it sounds like you will only have time to elk hunt during rifle season and you need to draw a special permit to hunt the big bulls. :twocents:
Post by: coachcw on July 14, 2015, 07:52:58 PM
Post by: Muleyman27 on July 19, 2015, 05:49:19 PM
Post by: BNAElkhntr on July 19, 2015, 06:54:45 PM
Think of it like this. You have to put in years of time understanding elk before you'll be in a position to expect to harvest one. That is unless you have no job and plenty of gas money!
I think you left out this scenario!! Never hunted them before drives into the woods get's out slams truck door. Wanders off couple of 100 yards , plunks down on a log 30 minutes later has a elk on the lawn. Now the question is "What do I do with this" :chuckle:
Then they will say there is nothing to Elk hunting.
Hey That's The Pat McManus Time Tested Way to get Elk Don't Let that get out :chuckle:
Post by: elk247 on July 19, 2015, 07:01:36 PM
Post by: Muleyman27 on July 19, 2015, 08:18:05 PM
Honestly, without having time to scout due to work. And due to the fact that you will be after post rut elk, after they have been pressured by two prior general seasons, and countless special permits, my best advice would be to study this forum. You can't compare the knowledge in one 'new guy' thread, to a hundered past threads. Use the search function to pull up old threads on the unit/ units you will hunt. Learn how weather and hunting pressure effect elk behavior. Learn the mirgriation route to the refuge. Learn the thermals of your area throughout the day. Pay attention to other hunters and use them to your advantage to push elk your way. Don't hunt alone. Elk are hard work to pack and modern hunters have been known to "steal" others hunters game. Learn the escape routes, feeding and beding areas. Elk need water and food. Know where the old burns are in your unit and the ones to the west. Study maps, google earth, know where fs roads and private property are. Know if there are active burns, and how they effect behavior and cover scent. If we have a mild winter be prepared to go higher in elevation including changeing units to locate elk. Dont let the rain stop you from hunting. It makes the woods quiet. Know when to find shelter if a lightening or snow storm catch you off gaurd. KNOW the rez boundaries. Most of all, have fun and hunt hard. You will never have a chance to have a 'do over' for a missed season. Good luck.
yes I have deffinetly been checking past posts on the cowiche unit writing down road names, patterns the elk take when snow or mild weather hits where they might go ect. lots of info to take in!! and there are deffinetly a lot of posts on watching out for other hunters!! unfortuanetly I don't have a hunting partner. I usually hunt with my dad but not this time. I am planning on going on a scouting trip within a couple weeks to try and find somewhere I can hunt and what to expect. I plan on going by the local wdfw office to ask some questions on which areas are closed or open. online it said they had a map there I could get too.
Post by: White Pass Outfitters on July 31, 2015, 09:04:50 AM
White Pass Outfitters
KD
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on July 31, 2015, 02:07:27 PM
Think of it like this. You have to put in years of time understanding elk before you'll be in a position to expect to harvest one. That is unless you have no job and plenty of gas money!
I think you left out this scenario!! Never hunted them before drives into the woods get's out slams truck door. Wanders off couple of 100 yards , plunks down on a log 30 minutes later has a elk on the lawn. Now the question is "What do I do with this" :chuckle:
Then they will say there is nothing to Elk hunting.
Hey That's The Pat McManus Time Tested Way to get Elk Don't Let that get out :chuckle:
Even though it works, I took the point at "What do I do with this"
I have met a lot of elk hunters, first timers and several year veterans.
Idiots that followed the advice of veterans and walked miles in behind a gate, went where nobody else wanted to go, and killed an animal...
And really had no idea what to do next.
Sure, they had watched the Youtube videos, read all the advice, even been carrying a 50# backpack all summer to get in shape...
A dead elk that is laying on its stomach in a small depression, because that is how it died, is an astronomical task for a first timer.
Someone really should be there to film it when reality sets in...
All those daydreams are turned into a circus act of desperation...
When I usually am dumb enough to quit laughing and offer to help.
Killing an elk is not the hard part.. :twocents:
Post by: rtspring on July 31, 2015, 02:22:04 PM
Failure is part of the learning curve.
I would also say a elk on thd ground is nothing like a deer when you are alone.
Best of luck..
Post by: nastybynature on July 31, 2015, 03:39:24 PM
Think of it like this. You have to put in years of time understanding elk before you'll be in a position to expect to harvest one. That is unless you have no job and plenty of gas money!
I think you left out this scenario!! Never hunted them before drives into the woods get's out slams truck door. Wanders off couple of 100 yards , plunks down on a log 30 minutes later has a elk on the lawn. Now the question is "What do I do with this" :chuckle:
Then they will say there is nothing to Elk hunting.
Hey That's The Pat McManus Time Tested Way to get Elk Don't Let that get out :chuckle:
Even though it works, I took the point at "What do I do with this"
I have met a lot of elk hunters, first timers and several year veterans.
Idiots that followed the advice of veterans and walked miles in behind a gate, went where nobody else wanted to go, and killed an animal...
And really had no idea what to do next.
Sure, they had watched the Youtube videos, read all the advice, even been carrying a 50# backpack all summer to get in shape...
A dead elk that is laying on its stomach in a small depression, because that is how it died, is an astronomical task for a first timer.
Someone really should be there to film it when reality sets in...
All those daydreams are turned into a circus act of desperation...
When I usually am dumb enough to quit laughing and offer to help.
Killing an elk is not the hard part.. :twocents:
This is the part that actually scares the heck out of me. My 9 year old and me having to deal with the harvesting alone.
I watched lots of youtube videos about quartering and getting the back strap and tenderloins and have butchered my share of fish, rabbits, chickens from being on grandpa's farm when i was a kid. But that is not a half ton elk.... :yike:
I know I am going to have to leave the proof of sex and also bring out the antlers/head/skullcap. I have plans on getting an outdoor edge pro razor knife and a Mora carbon blade. I always carry my kershaw blur as well. Have heard mixed stories about needing a saw or not and the conclusion i came to was only need a saw for the skull cap. Any help advice here is appreciated!!
Post by: CAMPMEAT on July 31, 2015, 03:45:31 PM