Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: TC_outdoorsman on July 14, 2016, 08:30:58 PM

Title: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: TC_outdoorsman on July 14, 2016, 08:30:58 PM: I drew an Archery Bull tag for Rimrock GMU this year and am getting excited about the hunt. It is hard to focus on anything else, of course I dream of a nice bull but I will likely shoot any elk as I have never got one. This is my second year doing archery and I have been hitting the range. It is easy to want to buy more gear and better stuff but I keep having to restrain myself. I am headed up to put out some trail cams this Saturday and will check them in a couple of weeks. I will keep you posted as things evolve.

I have reached out to some people that have posted about hunting Rimrock in the past and I really appreciate all the responses I have got. I am always looking for more advice so if anybody has any I am all ears.

I posted some pics I got from another GMU a couple years back for viewing pleasure.
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: Dan-o on July 14, 2016, 09:08:53 PM: Congrats. I love Rimrock.

PM sent.
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: bowhunterforever on July 15, 2016, 12:18:56 AM: Congrats, good luck on your hunt :tup:
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: demontang on July 17, 2016, 09:23:14 AM: I want that tag so bad. Know where some stub Bulls are. Good luck :tup:
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: Mudman on July 17, 2016, 10:35:19 AM: Don't know much as I just recently began exploring that area. Never hunted it. Camped it and wheeled up there this year. I can tell you the south/east area we didn't see many elk but a lot of cattle... North/west area towards cascades we saw many elk. Closer to goat rocks the better was what I learned from the area. Love the country, good luck.
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: TC_outdoorsman on July 26, 2016, 04:02:15 PM: I went and checked all three trail cameras after they had soaked for a week. One didn't have anything (changed the location of that camera), one of them had a group of cows come in one night, and the last had a cow one night and a small bull the next night.

I was a little disappointed, I was hoping I would have elk coming in more often. I will let them soak a couple of more weeks. Now I will have to decide if I completely change my hunting area and the trail cam locations next time I go check them. I guess a lot can still change by September.

Advice is always appreciated :)
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: baker5150 on July 26, 2016, 04:48:58 PM: pm sent
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: PlateauNDN on July 26, 2016, 05:49:56 PM: Keep tabs on the cows and let the bulls come to you :tup:
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: Quackwhacker on July 26, 2016, 07:21:06 PM: Find some well traveled trails and go for a walk. Look for some intersections between a bedding area and food or water. Your pics will increase. Deep and dark. Good luck!

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Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: TC_outdoorsman on July 26, 2016, 11:41:50 PM: Thanks for the advice everyone, I appreciate your help! I am going to check out some more areas. 2 of the 3 cams are about 3 miles from any roads. But aren't too far from some hiking trails. I think I need to go steeper and deeper :)
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: gasman on July 27, 2016, 12:18:55 PM: Don't over think it, there are elk all over that unit.
Keep it simple, the bulls will be there when the cows go in to rut.
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: TC_outdoorsman on August 14, 2016, 11:50:03 AM: Trail cams soaked for another three weeks. My buddy went and checked them, I havent heard from him but he did text me this picture. Not a huge bull but I would be happy to take him during the season.
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: beaslayer6 on August 14, 2016, 12:11:49 PM: Don't pass any bulls there. It's steep and thick sometimes you only see one or two. But u can hear a ton of them running around.
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: huntandjeep on August 14, 2016, 07:52:07 PM: Quote from: beaslayer6 on August 14, 2016, 12:11:49 PM
Don't pass any bulls there. It's steep and thick sometimes you only see one or two. But u can hear a ton of them running around.
:yeah: I had Rimrock modern a few years back. Found alot of bulls while scouting so I figured I could be a little picky :bash:. Passed up a 5x5 on day one and a small 6x6 on day 3. Never could find another bull
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: TC_outdoorsman on August 15, 2016, 10:04:51 PM: Yeah, I dont plan to pass on any bulls. In fact it would be hard for me to not take the shot on a cow within range.
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: elkboy on August 15, 2016, 10:48:40 PM: That's a really tough question for the tag holder! On the one hand, it is a sign of respect to all those who are still waiting to draw to try for a good bull. On the other hand... "Any elk is a trophy elk." Especially in the freezer. I drew Peaches archery this year, and I am really wrestling with the issue. I guess where I have come down is to hunt 2-3 days for a bull, and then turn it to an "any elk" quest after that.
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: TC_outdoorsman on August 16, 2016, 11:58:58 AM: I am sure future tag holders will have no problem with letting the big boys live another year :) I think I will end up going the same strategy, 2-3 days for a bull and any elk after that. Now the question is does a spike qualify as a bull to shoot in the first 3 days :bash:
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: Mudman on August 16, 2016, 12:37:32 PM: I believe a person should take the first almost always. Take what the good Lord gives you. Except if you are prepared and ready to take nothing or only focused on one type of animal, then hold out for that and don't settle for less period. I take whats offered but have never been a trophy hunter-yet... Passed early many times in my past and been skunked. So if its a meat thing 1st come 1st serve.
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: dunejunkie on August 26, 2016, 05:43:35 PM: I recognize this spot. Come opening morning trucks and campers will be lined up all the way to Section 3 Lake. Gets packed up high. Had a few cameras up there last year. Bulls, cows, bear, etc.
Good luck.

Quote from: TC_outdoorsman on July 26, 2016, 04:02:15 PM
I went and checked all three trail cameras after they had soaked for a week. One didn't have anything (changed the location of that camera), one of them had a group of cows come in one night, and the last had a cow one night and a small bull the next night.

I was a little disappointed, I was hoping I would have elk coming in more often. I will let them soak a couple of more weeks. Now I will have to decide if I completely change my hunting area and the trail cam locations next time I go check them. I guess a lot can still change by September.

Advice is always appreciated :)
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: TC_outdoorsman on August 28, 2016, 04:31:19 PM: My wife is starting to ask questions about the packages showing up at the house. Bought a backpacking tent for going steep and deep and staying a few days, rain cover for my pack, water purifier tablets, game cart, compression sack, tree stand as a back up plan. That being said I think I am about set for the season to come and have plans A, B, & C ready.

Got a couple more bulls on camera. I have mostly been getting cows.
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: beaslayer6 on August 28, 2016, 08:24:48 PM: looking good man. two more weeks and you'll be on them.
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: pd on August 28, 2016, 09:32:37 PM: Quote from: TC_outdoorsman on August 28, 2016, 04:31:19 PM
My wife is starting to ask questions about the packages showing up at the house.

That is super-funny. I can only imagine the look on her face when the brown truck shows up for the third time in a week.

Keep at it!
Title: Re: Rimrock GMU Archery Bull Tag
Post by: vdemacon on August 29, 2016, 06:01:47 PM: Good luck on your hunt! I drew a Mt. View Archery bull tag that starts on the 5th. My wife is not happy with the deliveries that are showing up on the front porch. I just have to be ready to go down in the steep stuff.