Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Muzzleloader Hunting => Topic started by: WAnoob on October 14, 2018, 08:03:05 PM

Title: Late season muzzy 568/574?
Post by: WAnoob on October 14, 2018, 08:03:05 PM: Hey there, I live up in Bellingham and I have been interested in going elk hunting for the last 3 years since we moved here from Alaska. I found a good deal on a knight muzzy and I was wondering what the late season was like? Is access super hard and are the animals scarce or are they pushed down by the snow line? I have a break in nursing school that lines up with this time frame and I am hoping to go exploring. Would calling help at all post-rut as well?

I have the onyx hunt app but was just looking for a few pointers since I am 4 hours away, no honey hole info!

Randy
Title: Re: Late season muzzy 568/574?
Post by: bkaech on October 14, 2018, 10:39:52 PM: I've never tried to call in an elk in Late November, I don't think it would be too effective. I haven't hunted those units, but in general I've found the Late Muzzy season is crowded, as there are very few units open for the Late hunt. However, I've also only hunted units open to cows for the Late hunt, those units may be different.

In general I would say to find a branched bull in Late November you have to be diligent and have a little luck. Most branched bulls that time of year are all alone and finding one in the open during daylight hours is rare. I've had better luck finding them in the brush, but its tough to find/track/sneak up on a lone bull in the timber. It can happen but is very difficult. I'm not saying don't give it a try, I'm just saying have expectations and I'm trying to steer you in the direction that I think would work best in November.

Also, I love hunting with a muzzleloader, but keep in mind, its not a modern rifle and if its wet out, do everything you can to keep the thing dry. That is everything short of staying inside.
Title: Re: Late season muzzy 568/574?
Post by: floatinghat on October 14, 2018, 10:47:28 PM: BK pretty much nailed it. I think people tend to be a bit crankier late season.
Title: Re: Late season muzzy 568/574?
Post by: flyfishWA on October 15, 2018, 06:17:42 PM: 568 is junk for elk! besides, I'll be hunting there so you don't want to. :chuckle: :) :hello:
Title: Re: Late season muzzy 568/574?
Post by: WAnoob on October 15, 2018, 06:49:50 PM: Thanks!
Title: Re: Late season muzzy 568/574?
Post by: flyfishWA on October 16, 2018, 03:55:01 PM: seriously though, Bk is right. lots of hunters for a very limited amount of elk in 568