Post by: Dhoey07 on February 17, 2016, 11:50:07 AM
So, I went to put in for a spring bear a few days ago and starting clicking on all the tags and licenses for this year and when it was all tallied up, I couldn't quite press the submit button. A little voice inside of me was saying "why not double down this year and go all in on elk", among other things like "how the hell did that total get so high"......
Why don't I cut the Washington deer, bear, multi season, second deer draw, blah, blah, blah, out and just but an elk tag for both Washington and Idaho? I live close enough to Idaho to scout/hunt and I feel like I'm damn close on getting a Washington bull. So am I crazy? Should I go all in on elk this year?
For what it's worth, I would be getting the Eastern Wa archery tag and the Panhandle B tag. A solid 2 months of chasing elk in hopes of finally popping my Wapiti cherry.
Thoughts?
Post by: Henrydog on February 17, 2016, 12:04:42 PM
Post by: bobcat on February 17, 2016, 12:10:27 PM
Post by: kentrek on February 17, 2016, 12:14:32 PM
Post by: Dhoey07 on February 17, 2016, 12:18:39 PM
If you're close to Idaho I'd hunt elk there for sure. I think I'd even consider dropping out of Washington entirely. If you're going to spend the money on the non-resident elk tag, you might as well focus on it. And least for your first time hunting Idaho.
I can't drop Washington all together, I have a bird dog that needs to hunt
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on February 17, 2016, 12:19:28 PM
Post by: coachcw on February 17, 2016, 12:23:43 PM
Post by: BIGDOG253 on February 17, 2016, 12:23:55 PM
If you're close to Idaho I'd hunt elk there for sure. I think I'd even consider dropping out of Washington entirely. If you're going to spend the money on the non-resident elk tag, you might as well focus on Idaho. At least for your first time hunting there. Any time you spend hunting in Washington could have been spent in Idaho instead, as the season will be open at the same time.That's my plan this year. I wont be hunting elk in Washington this next year, instead I will be spending most of my time getting familiar with new areas in Idaho.
And hopefully get my first elk :archery_smiley:
Post by: Eli346 on February 17, 2016, 01:07:57 PM
Post by: buglebrush on February 17, 2016, 01:48:57 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on February 17, 2016, 01:51:01 PM
Post by: Dhoey07 on February 17, 2016, 01:53:14 PM
If you're close to Idaho I'd hunt elk there for sure. I think I'd even consider dropping out of Washington entirely. If you're going to spend the money on the non-resident elk tag, you might as well focus on Idaho. At least for your first time hunting there. Any time you spend hunting in Washington could have been spent in Idaho instead, as the season will be open at the same time.
If I don't deer hunt then I would be able to hunt Idaho elk from sept 6-12, then Wa elk directly following, and then back to Idaho Oct 10-24 with a rifle, then dec 2nd-9th for Idaho Muzzy if needed.
Post by: buglebrush on February 17, 2016, 02:10:33 PM
Post by: idaho guy on February 17, 2016, 03:01:23 PM
Post by: pd on February 17, 2016, 04:01:39 PM
I-90 is just too convenient, access to Unit 4 is going to kill it some day.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on February 17, 2016, 04:28:54 PM
Post by: buglebrush on February 17, 2016, 05:02:51 PM
IdahoGuy is correct. Unit 4 (Coeur d'Alene river drainage, mostly) is just slammed during the "B" tag (rifle) season. Depending on where you live, go north to Units 1 or 2, perhaps 4A. Or, south to 6 or 9. Much less pressure.
I-90 is just too convenient, access to Unit 4 is going to kill it some day.
There is a reason why more people go to Unit 4. :drool:
Post by: Dhoey07 on February 18, 2016, 06:38:35 AM
Either way make sure you apply for some controlled hunts in Idaho also. Either sex or bull. Great opportunity there.
There is an either sex controlled hunt down in 5 that I have some access to, that looks like a good draw.
Post by: buckandbullminingco on February 22, 2016, 07:26:16 PM
I am in the same boat. Lots of deer over the years, never an elk. I always see them, but something always happens. I have always done EWa Muzzleloader and I think I am done. I spend a lot of time fishing the panhandle, and I cut a coupe of cords of wood each fall on the northside 4th of July pass, I can tell you the Cd'A Drainage get hammered with hunters, (but I have the river all to myself). I read an article last spring in the Cd'a press that the St Joe herds are finally recovering. I would go Idaho in a heartbeat. Last time I checked it was something like $750 bucks for a tag and license
154 license 401 elk tag
Post by: bearpaw on February 22, 2016, 07:29:56 PM
416.75 elk tag
301.75 deer tag
Post by: Dhoey07 on February 22, 2016, 09:57:40 PM
Post by: LeviD1 on February 23, 2016, 06:44:51 PM
never elk hunted in Washington but seems like you guys are selling the hunt a little short. As mentioned, if its your first elk you have the opportunity to shoot a cow and put some meat in the freezer. Idaho otc panhandle does not offer any cow opportunity. I take my son deer hunting in Washington on the eastside and we run into elk all the time. The panhandle is good elk hunting with tons of opportunity with multiple weapons but the cda river and others are turning into a zoo with a ton of hunters. I would definitely do both if I were you and I am considering taking my son elk hunting in Washington! as well as Idaho just because we bump a fair number of elk and the units we hunt for deer are either sex elk in Washington. Do both and kill two elk!
I would love any pointers on where you find all these elk. I have been after them for 6 years now and have not had a shot opportunity. :tup:
Post by: idaho guy on February 24, 2016, 08:47:05 AM
never elk hunted in Washington but seems like you guys are selling the hunt a little short. As mentioned, if its your first elk you have the opportunity to shoot a cow and put some meat in the freezer. Idaho otc panhandle does not offer any cow opportunity. I take my son deer hunting in Washington on the eastside and we run into elk all the time. The panhandle is good elk hunting with tons of opportunity with multiple weapons but the cda river and others are turning into a zoo with a ton of hunters. I would definitely do both if I were you and I am considering taking my son elk hunting in Washington! as well as Idaho just because we bump a fair number of elk and the units we hunt for deer are either sex elk in Washington. Do both and kill two elk!
I would love any pointers on where you find all these elk. I have been after them for 6 years now and have not had a shot opportunity. :tup:
*****************
I need to think about that one! :chuckle:Lets see if my boy gets one on that side this year and then Ill share some intel!
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on February 24, 2016, 09:19:49 AM
Send me a pm, you should have gotten one by now.never elk hunted in Washington but seems like you guys are selling the hunt a little short. As mentioned, if its your first elk you have the opportunity to shoot a cow and put some meat in the freezer. Idaho otc panhandle does not offer any cow opportunity. I take my son deer hunting in Washington on the eastside and we run into elk all the time. The panhandle is good elk hunting with tons of opportunity with multiple weapons but the cda river and others are turning into a zoo with a ton of hunters. I would definitely do both if I were you and I am considering taking my son elk hunting in Washington! as well as Idaho just because we bump a fair number of elk and the units we hunt for deer are either sex elk in Washington. Do both and kill two elk!
I would love any pointers on where you find all these elk. I have been after them for 6 years now and have not had a shot opportunity. :tup:
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Post by: buglebrush on February 24, 2016, 09:35:16 AM
Send me a pm, you should have gotten one by now.never elk hunted in Washington but seems like you guys are selling the hunt a little short. As mentioned, if its your first elk you have the opportunity to shoot a cow and put some meat in the freezer. Idaho otc panhandle does not offer any cow opportunity. I take my son deer hunting in Washington on the eastside and we run into elk all the time. The panhandle is good elk hunting with tons of opportunity with multiple weapons but the cda river and others are turning into a zoo with a ton of hunters. I would definitely do both if I were you and I am considering taking my son elk hunting in Washington! as well as Idaho just because we bump a fair number of elk and the units we hunt for deer are either sex elk in Washington. Do both and kill two elk!
I would love any pointers on where you find all these elk. I have been after them for 6 years now and have not had a shot opportunity. :tup:
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
As long as you aren't sending him my hunting spot! :bdid: :sry:
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on February 24, 2016, 09:36:38 AM
No no spots, just figure out where he is and why no shots.Send me a pm, you should have gotten one by now.never elk hunted in Washington but seems like you guys are selling the hunt a little short. As mentioned, if its your first elk you have the opportunity to shoot a cow and put some meat in the freezer. Idaho otc panhandle does not offer any cow opportunity. I take my son deer hunting in Washington on the eastside and we run into elk all the time. The panhandle is good elk hunting with tons of opportunity with multiple weapons but the cda river and others are turning into a zoo with a ton of hunters. I would definitely do both if I were you and I am considering taking my son elk hunting in Washington! as well as Idaho just because we bump a fair number of elk and the units we hunt for deer are either sex elk in Washington. Do both and kill two elk!
I would love any pointers on where you find all these elk. I have been after them for 6 years now and have not had a shot opportunity. :tup:
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
As long as you aren't sending him my hunting spot! :bdid: :sry:
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on February 24, 2016, 09:37:20 AM
But to be safe, let me know where that is so I can make sure not to mention it 8)Send me a pm, you should have gotten one by now.never elk hunted in Washington but seems like you guys are selling the hunt a little short. As mentioned, if its your first elk you have the opportunity to shoot a cow and put some meat in the freezer. Idaho otc panhandle does not offer any cow opportunity. I take my son deer hunting in Washington on the eastside and we run into elk all the time. The panhandle is good elk hunting with tons of opportunity with multiple weapons but the cda river and others are turning into a zoo with a ton of hunters. I would definitely do both if I were you and I am considering taking my son elk hunting in Washington! as well as Idaho just because we bump a fair number of elk and the units we hunt for deer are either sex elk in Washington. Do both and kill two elk!
I would love any pointers on where you find all these elk. I have been after them for 6 years now and have not had a shot opportunity. :tup:
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
As long as you aren't sending him my hunting spot! :bdid: :sry:
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk