Post by: Optimusprime on April 25, 2020, 08:03:45 AM
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Post by: hogslayer on April 25, 2020, 01:18:26 PM
Post by: Jpmiller on April 25, 2020, 01:59:59 PM
You’ll be there with about 743 other people.
I tried scouting it out one summer and after about 830 in the morning I couldn't get away from anyone. Talked to some folks and seems that's the norm so I abandoned the thought and looked elsewhere. Beautiful country, saw some sign and a lion but haven't thought about going back since.
Post by: Jpmiller on April 25, 2020, 02:01:22 PM
Post by: nwwanderer on April 25, 2020, 04:12:58 PM
Post by: jackelope on April 25, 2020, 04:32:03 PM
Post by: elkrack on April 25, 2020, 07:57:14 PM
Post by: cem3434 on April 25, 2020, 08:46:39 PM
Post by: Alchase on April 25, 2020, 08:58:06 PM
Post by: elkrack on April 25, 2020, 09:09:20 PM
Who in their right mind would spend the money to buy an out of state tag in WA and then pay a scout to find animals for them? Lets face it, WA isn't known for its overwhelming opportunity or quality of animals and every western state would be a better option if you're looking for an out of state adventure. It sounds like those Virginia boys had more money than brains. :chuckle:
That was exactly my thought as well :dunno:
Post by: Tbob on April 25, 2020, 09:57:51 PM
Beautiful country though.. we didn’t see any hikers and only a few other hunters on our hike out. The other hunters had also not seen a single elk.
Post by: bornhunter on April 25, 2020, 10:07:17 PM
Post by: 444Marlin on April 26, 2020, 12:10:23 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on April 26, 2020, 12:55:19 PM
Also got a couple hostile comments from hikers, the last trip was during bear in August so I had a rifle and binos and was sitting about 100 yards up the hill from a trail while a lady shouted at the top of her lungs that she could see me for about fifteen minutes.
Had a very similar experience up there on a August bear hunt in the mid 1990 's. Never went back.
Post by: Jpmiller on April 26, 2020, 04:08:54 PM
Who in their right mind would spend the money to buy an out of state tag in WA and then pay a scout to find animals for them? Lets face it, WA isn't known for its overwhelming opportunity or quality of animals and every western state would be a better option if you're looking for an out of state adventure. It sounds like those Virginia boys had more money than brains. :chuckle:
Sounds like the kind of tall tales I've heard from other folks scouting or hunting. Spread some obviously made up bunk so they don't give away any real info. I wasn't there to hear the story so I can't make a final judgement but my gut reaction says its a fabricated story by the "scouts"
Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on May 06, 2020, 07:44:06 AM
Post by: Halo on May 06, 2020, 08:56:06 AM
Post by: Optimusprime on May 06, 2020, 09:01:35 PM
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Post by: jackelope on May 06, 2020, 10:09:25 PM
Post by: Jayfire83 on May 07, 2020, 09:06:02 AM
2). The GRW has been published in many hiking mags as a top 5 destination in the US (Loads of hikers)
3). Loads of hunters looking for that 300+ bull of a life time (Especially now that everyone wants to be a backcountry Hunter)
I have spent many summers up in the GRW and crossed just about every trail off the list. Years ago this place use to be an Elk paradise. This is one of the most amazing wilderness areas you could ever spend time in, but looking for seclusion is not going to be easy. There is still that chance of crossing a nice bull, but if you get one to respond then you'd better be well prepared to play off of all the other hunters that will be calling their brains out.
I know I sound negative but there is a chance. It's a great area for Bear and there are some stud Blacktails up there, but I would focus somewhere with less pressure for Elk
If you're still interested you can pm me and we can chat.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on May 07, 2020, 09:30:29 AM
1). You're about 15yrs behind the ball
2). The GRW has been published in many hiking mags as a top 5 destination in the US (Loads of hikers)
3). Loads of hunters looking for that 300+ bull of a life time (Especially now that everyone wants to be a backcountry Hunter)
I have spent many summers up in the GRW and crossed just about every trail off the list. Years ago this place use to be an Elk paradise. This is one of the most amazing wilderness areas you could ever spend time in, but looking for seclusion is not going to be easy. There is still that chance of crossing a nice bull, but if you get one to respond then you'd better be well prepared to play off of all the other hunters that will be calling their brains out.
I know I sound negative but there is a chance. It's a great area for Bear and there are some stud Blacktails up there, but I would focus somewhere with less pressure for Elk
If you're still interested you can pm me and we can chat.
Do you think the elk moved on by hiking pressure, or habit change?
Post by: Jayfire83 on May 07, 2020, 10:42:18 AM
I cant pretend to be the expert on the matter. All I know is that in late August on the PCT you can easily count 30+ Hikers in a very small segment of the GRW. I have seen a couple of decently strong herds in the recent years, but I also know that the hunting pressure has grown extremely high. That being said, if a guy really did his homework he could have a decent chance the opening day or so. From what I've seen though, those Elk are high balling out of there the minute guys start diving into each drainage and bugling from the ridge lines. There are just so many people up there all the way until the weather turns.1). You're about 15yrs behind the ball
2). The GRW has been published in many hiking mags as a top 5 destination in the US (Loads of hikers)
3). Loads of hunters looking for that 300+ bull of a life time (Especially now that everyone wants to be a backcountry Hunter)
I have spent many summers up in the GRW and crossed just about every trail off the list. Years ago this place use to be an Elk paradise. This is one of the most amazing wilderness areas you could ever spend time in, but looking for seclusion is not going to be easy. There is still that chance of crossing a nice bull, but if you get one to respond then you'd better be well prepared to play off of all the other hunters that will be calling their brains out.
I know I sound negative but there is a chance. It's a great area for Bear and there are some stud Blacktails up there, but I would focus somewhere with less pressure for Elk
If you're still interested you can pm me and we can chat.
Do you think the elk moved on by hiking pressure, or habit change?
Post by: jackelope on May 07, 2020, 10:51:25 AM
Post by: cb1989 on May 07, 2020, 11:04:49 AM
1). You're about 15yrs behind the ball
Can say that about any place in the west these days.
Post by: Optimusprime on May 07, 2020, 11:23:00 AM
1). You're about 15yrs behind the ballSent you a message.
2). The GRW has been published in many hiking mags as a top 5 destination in the US (Loads of hikers)
3). Loads of hunters looking for that 300+ bull of a life time (Especially now that everyone wants to be a backcountry Hunter)
I have spent many summers up in the GRW and crossed just about every trail off the list. Years ago this place use to be an Elk paradise. This is one of the most amazing wilderness areas you could ever spend time in, but looking for seclusion is not going to be easy. There is still that chance of crossing a nice bull, but if you get one to respond then you'd better be well prepared to play off of all the other hunters that will be calling their brains out.
I know I sound negative but there is a chance. It's a great area for Bear and there are some stud Blacktails up there, but I would focus somewhere with less pressure for Elk
If you're still interested you can pm me and we can chat.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: bornhunter on May 07, 2020, 11:40:25 AM
I cant pretend to be the expert on the matter. All I know is that in late August on the PCT you can easily count 30+ Hikers in a very small segment of the GRW. I have seen a couple of decently strong herds in the recent years, but I also know that the hunting pressure has grown extremely high. That being said, if a guy really did his homework he could have a decent chance the opening day or so. From what I've seen though, those Elk are high balling out of there the minute guys start diving into each drainage and bugling from the ridge lines. There are just so many people up there all the way until the weather turns.1). You're about 15yrs behind the ball
2). The GRW has been published in many hiking mags as a top 5 destination in the US (Loads of hikers)
3). Loads of hunters looking for that 300+ bull of a life time (Especially now that everyone wants to be a backcountry Hunter)
I have spent many summers up in the GRW and crossed just about every trail off the list. Years ago this place use to be an Elk paradise. This is one of the most amazing wilderness areas you could ever spend time in, but looking for seclusion is not going to be easy. There is still that chance of crossing a nice bull, but if you get one to respond then you'd better be well prepared to play off of all the other hunters that will be calling their brains out.
I know I sound negative but there is a chance. It's a great area for Bear and there are some stud Blacktails up there, but I would focus somewhere with less pressure for Elk
If you're still interested you can pm me and we can chat.
Do you think the elk moved on by hiking pressure, or habit change?
This is very accurate.