Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: jk78 on June 12, 2020, 08:00:34 PM
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Seems many believe this to be a oil tag in a way. First quality elk tag and asking for some advise. Honestly I haven't been to the unit. Hunting elk with a bow is a yearly event with many tags filled over the years. More than willing to burn the boot leather and scout. It seems that this forum has a wealth of knowledge of the area. Very leery of joining this site and asking for help in the unit.I see the effect social media has on hunting areas and realize members are very reluctant share info but feel that is why this forum shines. Members may share being special draw and a 17 year wait. I live on the west side but several hours away and will dedicate the whole season to this tag and score not a concern more a mature bull. The mountains call!
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Tribe was given keys to the mainline. They put a big dent into the bulls in this unit. I hope you can locate a nice one. An acquaintance ate his QB rifle tag last year. Only saw 1 bull for 10 trips.
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I had a friends friend with the archery tag last year. It was off the charts good hunting. He ended up killing a giant, honestly a dream bull. They go deep though and scouted hard. :twocents:
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Sounds like I need to find a remote trailhead and get away from the crowd.
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Use the search function here, should get you started. Congrats on your draw and enjoy the ride!
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Any past nook hunters still on this site? Just interested on there opinion of the hunt and possible success stories and access they decided on or what they would do different if given the chance?
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I sent you a pm
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some good folks on this site thanks I cant wait
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With a start date of aug 24 what are your tactics for early season elk? Bedding -wallows- glassing from above- maybe light cow calling?
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Contact the tree farm get a key. Lots of area. Good luck
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They use to, and I assume still do, give you a key to the gate for the tree farm with some state land behind the gate too. There is lots of land and logging roads behind the gate that can be hit and miss if you stay near the road, but it you get away a bit you can find a giant/cool looking heavy bulls. The odd thing about this unit is there is a ton of good elk habitat but not all good habitat, whether close or far from roads, holds elk. You will just have to check a lot of country for elk sign. If it was me I would start in July and keep at it. If you can find elk sign (who cares if you spot elk) then there is likely a good bull around, bull to cow ratio is high, even if the big bulls hang back a bit they will be around come September.
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Are walk in timerland permits worth looking into for this hunt?
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I am pretty sure the main section of timberland that holds elk you will get a key for. But I haven't looked into timberland permits in that area before. I would get a hold of the WDFW biologist for that area. He will give you good info.
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Are walk in timerland permits worth looking into for this hunt?
If I had the tag I would get a Werehaeuser walk in permit if they had any available. I get the key every year just incase I get lucky and draw the Nook.
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Have to be very lucky :chuckle:
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JK, they will send you a letter ( I dont remember if it came with the permit or not) that will have info for a meeting with the bios, wardens, and SPI head. They give you a packet with information along with a key to SPI. It is also a good opportunity to network with other tag holders and get some information from those who work around and with the herds in the unit.
If you have a chance to get a walk in, it wont hurt.
I hunted there with my hunting partner in 2015 and I drew myself in 2017. Both hunts had similarities, but we hunted differently. His hunt we saw more elk consistently, It seemed more like your typical elk hunt. Calling in bulls and passing on several and he arrowed a nice 6x6 towards the end of the hunt. During my hunt action was more sporadic until the last week of the season and elk encounters seemed slow, however, I was able to get on some truly giant bulls.
A couple of challenges. Elk are very scattered it seems and its very thick. So you really need vocal elk for this hunt to be a win for archery guys. The upside is high Bull to Cow ratios make elk talk, but keeping tabs on them during the hunt was frustrating at times. There is TONS of prime habitat, but the actual spots that have elk in them are fewer. The unit is HUGE and there is not real direct access anywhere, no camping on SPI so most of the time there is significant travel everyday unless hunting the National Forest.
On a personal not and one I haven't shared before, try to enjoy the experience and not the outcome. Due to having high points, my first ever draw permit, and my prior experience in the unit I had very high expectations of myself for this hunt. My scouting had turned up a couple really good bulls, One disappeared on me 3 days before the opener, ( it was killed in 2018 by the governor tag) another taken by a tribal hunter. Seeing bulls like those and late in the hunt, even bigger, messed with my brain in a way I wasn't prepared for. I hunted harder than I ever have, lost 18 lbs, spent days cutting trails into remote canyons, passed on bulls I never believed I would, helped two fellow tag holders pack out very nice bulls, I was in tight to truly world class bulls on one two occasions and they slipped through my fingers. On the last day I dropped the string on the fourth bull called in that morning and walked up in disgust to the 5x5 smaller than several I have tagged on OTC tags in Washington. I'm ashamed of my attitude. It should have been a thrill like every other time, but I wouldn't let it be. Its taken me a couple years to forgive myself for the way I acted in that moment, I lost sight of WHY elk hunting means so much to me, and it truly became about proving I was an elk hunting god. I'm not. Its taken some time to accept, but I think that permit made me OK with that.
There are great bulls in the unit, they are tough to find. And there is very good opportunity at nice bulls enjoy the ride!!
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That is some incredible advice on the unit and how to feel while hunting on a great permit. I’ve yet to draw a big tag like that but I’ll be sure to re-read this when I do draw.
In like 15 years :chuckle:
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Thanks for you reply. I can see your frustration and pressure of high points and the chance at a once in a lifetime bull. Killing an elk with a bow Is a trophy no matter the size. Like you I also don't want to rush this time looking back at past hunts I regret not taking the time to live in the moment often chasing the end goal of a filled tag instead rushing all the events that lead up to it I have seen many of your posts over the years and your drive is inspiring. I do believe you and I have crossed paths in our travels and also share a common hobby. I find myself rushing hunts to get to hunts or states always wondering what is over that next ridge. I have found my extensive preparation for hunts and strong will have been a key for filling my tags as well with hunting partners. The idea of being a select few of archers to have this tag is making for restless nights dreaming of that rut crazed beast and hoping I don't blow my chance. MY bow is already feeling the abuse of repeated shots and new string is on order. Looking to get scouting and look forward to a bit more snow melt. I have many NIGHTMARES of failed shots on trophy class animals and also some great memories of shots that I relive by looking at antlers on the wall. My goal enjoy every second chances of drawing another quality elk tag in this state just got a lot more difficult.I would enjoy seeing pics of both your bulls. The pressure I have building I sure you can relate. I both quality elk and blacktail archery this year going to be a ride. Pms welcome if you have time to share more. thanks
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It seems we as hunters not just archery, dream to find a trophy on these dream big bull tags. Very often with the let down, no matter the tag its still hunting and truly giant critters get big for a reasons. The ability to target these certain age class animals and pass many chances to notch a tag is something myself am not familiar with. I have always taken the first legal bull hunting OTC units with very high pressure. Many measure there success on antler points or even score. Hunting in general isn't easy yes some of us have more luck than others and a select few put the work in and truly live the lifestyle dedicated to the outdoors. I think you put a good perspective on the kind of hunter you are. I have a mentor that instilled that ( NEVER SURRENDER MENTALITY} in nature the weak never survive. That advise has been etched inside my head go harder and farther,got me up earlier and kept me out later and truly a big key to me finding my place as a hunter. I meant that killing any elk with a bow is a trophy. Many hunters idea of a trophy is different and change as you grow. Myself remembering the thrill of my first bow kill button buck xmas day so long ago the people I shared that with and how we all have progressed as hunters and one in a better place. The size of animals I chase have grown and the joy of taking smaller animals isn't what it once was. Spending time in the woods no matter the time of year is still where I find peace. I can see how you felt walking up to a bull under your expectation messed with your head. Seems it took some time but you found a way to get past it and more than likely are a better hunter because of it. Missing opportunity at dream bulls has a way of eating at you and can truly change us all ask me how I know. Still that overwhelming desire to hunt drives me to answer that call of the mountains. Just because you didn't kill the biggest bull on that mnt in my opinion doesn't mean you still aren't one of the best elk hunters around! Thanks for helping me realize even more what I want from this hunt and the kind of hunter I strive to become.
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Good luck on your hunt!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Just sitting around fletching some arrows wondering if anyone else has pics of success for this archery tag? I have been trying the search function here but am lacking the tech skills or computer to find them. I realize the quality of bulls has been on the decline and many of the big mature bulls harvest. With just over 2 months to go time!
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Lot people in that unit think you need to go step and deep. Lots of great bulls hanging low.
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Lot people in that unit think you need to go step and deep. Lots of great bulls hanging low.
I hope so. I drew the next best thing. Skagit river bull archery tag. Been wanting Nooksack but getting excited for this tag now. Got the line on a couple places. Got to get some cameras out shortly to see whats there.
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Got this bull in 18 out of there with the muzzleloader tag. Found most of the elk I saw and heard away from seirra land and the never ending logging operations and rifle toting natives. Weyerhaeuser came in clutch with zero other pressure and talkative elk.
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Nice bull! Congrats on filling your tag on a great looking bull. Seems like many members are tight lipped on there success and I can see why. Many of you here look at post count and see me coming on the forum like all the other post of I just drew a tag help. I have met many members on this forum and most encouraged me to join over the years, several of you know me just not by my forum name. Thanks for giving me more hope for this season. Seems some hunters regardless of weapon choice still look out for others. Looking back on past post here many frown upon hunters putting in for units they don't have boot on the ground knowledge for an area and I can see that view. It seems for me that exploration or that feeling of finding that new so called honey hole has always drove me to search out new zones, hunts, states or just places I would have never seen. This tag is in a part of Washington I haven't put boots on the ground yet but will be changing that this weekend with a scouting trip and camera dump for some animals inventory! MY e scouting of the unit has me a little overwhelmed with the amount of places to check out. I have some good intel on where to start and I also want to shout out to all the members here who sent private messages and were willing to help out a fellow hunter that came on this forum for help dreaming of filling a bull tag. Hope I am lucky enough to find a mature bull along the way. The terrain just looks tough and I cant wait. Aug 24 cant come soon enough.
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Got this bull in 18 out of there with the muzzleloader tag. Found most of the elk I saw and heard away from seirra land and the never ending logging operations and rifle toting natives. Weyerhaeuser came in clutch with zero other pressure and talkative elk.
[ Curios if you had a walk in or drive permit?/quote]
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Got this bull in 18 out of there with the muzzleloader tag. Found most of the elk I saw and heard away from seirra land and the never ending logging operations and rifle toting natives. Weyerhaeuser came in clutch with zero other pressure and talkative elk.
[ Curios if you had a walk in or drive permit?/quote]
I had the drive in permit for Weyerhaeuser. Sometimes you can sweet talk a permit out of Weyerhaeuser even though motorized permits are sold out. I had spent a few trips in the unit bear hunting but after drawing the tag I made 19 different trips in there looking for elk and running cams and just exploring the unit. Out of all of those trips I only saw elk in a clear cut twice, just cows. It’s a thick place to hunt but there is elk. Sounds obvious but when you find where the elk are up there, it’s very obvious. They definitely have pockets they hang in and they really make it obvious. So concentrate on fresh sign. Most spots I went that that a previous tag holder took me to were void of elk and sign but you could still see that the year prior they were hot spots.
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Thank you for sharing seems like solid info and a good place where to look for a spot to get away from rifle shy elk. I don't know how others feel but a quality archery tag having to compete with rifles seems to cause a little conflict of interest. I realize this tag is about quality time frame and lack bull hunting pressure . I will try to work a little harder than the boom stick hunters in the archery season. Sounds like you put the work in scouting and it payed off best of luck this season!
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Tried for one of the 4 drive in permits that were left over and ended not being fast enough. Decided to pick up a walk in. The race to get a timberland permit in this state is a joke. On a positive note I have no problem walking in just limited on distance do to the 1 hour before or after sunset rule they have in place and no camping. Some of the worst pack outs over the years are now some of my best memories. If any members on here have the wco permit and happen to find where mr. big is hanging out and don't have a tag be great if you would pass it on. thanks
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Well said black velvet I always enjoy your perspective good luck this fall
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I had the muzzleloader tag last year. I will say this about it. It realy sucks trying to hunt it when the tribe is driving around with rifles. Ibwould stay off of the spi and timber companie grounds. Pm if you wanna chat about it
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It was a good weekend for some gear test and scout of the unit. Found a few items that need to be replaced. Great country all kinds of weather and some steep terrain! Hiked up hill a lot and reached several possible hunting locations far from a road and did I say steep. The views in between clouds were worth the hike. Early blackberries are ripe and saw bear sign often and a nice color phase bear at 40 yards eating away every so often sniffing the air smelling for my sweat soaked gear I had the wind and just enjoyed watching. Saw elk in the lowlands and some behind gates even several mountain goats in different locations. I hiked in longer than I planned but made it work out. Looking forward to spending more time in the unit and hoping for some better picture weather next time and a few more gear mods. Big country and google doesn't give the area any justice. The valley is vast and the snow topped peaks plentiful. Ready to continue the search and find the rut grounds.
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I would expect that many members enjoy summer scouting and bear hunting this unit I can only imagine the amount of time in hours many have spent learning the terrain. Seems that many hours will be spent behind glass and hiking into remote locations way more than my boots and glass can get done before the aug opener. I am willing to hike, bike, or drive to check out possible leads on solid bulls and am asking for members to keep a eye out for the elk that live in those remote places this year . I have located several spots and some elk and will keep putting the work in. Good luck out there the bears need to be thinned out.
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Hot couple days in the unit. Very little animal movement except for the few golden hours of the days. Spent more time checking spots and looking over area and camera locations. Good luck bear hunters they are out eating grass and berries! Look over those shady creek spots well lots of sign and tracks with bears still standing in them if your able to find the right creek/ drainage! The elk seemed to hide out in the endless thick and bed very early. Looks like a few wallows are starting to get worked over also. Life is returning to the higher country and berries are ripe down low also seemed to be a bumper crop with size being way above average. 3000 /3500 The search continues.
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Good thread so far. Excited to follow along on the hunt. Throw a rifle on your back next scouting trip and thin the bears out a bit to help the elk herd out. Those berry bears are delicious!
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Got out again for a few weekdays to see if the lack of people would increase animal movement. Wanting to look over a new basin but also checking camera cards in many other locations. Decided to hike in to check an area that had peaked some interest. The hike in took a few hours with my pack and gear light and slimline for a overnight trip. With high hopes of adding another spot to my list. The terrain proving to be a major challenge and elevation change plus big rock bluffs that would make packing elk a nightmare! I enjoyed the view saw goats and even a stud buck. The evening brought rain and clouds. I decided to push deeper back just to ease my mind that the herd wasnt 1 ridge over. The wet ground proved to be an issue as I tested my pack integrity while sliding down the hill 200 yards grabbing anything around. What a ride and pack held up great along with 3 other rides down hill. Thinking of some micro spikes the wet weather really changed the traction in steep terrain. Luckily no elk were seen or any sign. I had a short window of dry weather and packed up and headed out to check cameras. I made it to one and found someone had been in the area cutting trail and littering not sure if they were planning on getting it later but it left in my pack. I am not having good luck with cameras this year or really ever with elk I get cards full on blacktail in other areas. I saw 2 more bears and one smaller than my dog that must have been lost. Seems there are many undercover hunters driving subaru or not enough of us in the hills they drive those things everywhere amazing. Been hoping to find a pocket of elk that are often overlooked and receive less pressure. Been fun spending time in the unit and hope to turn up a few solid bulls soon. Have the meeting to get the seirra key next weekend.
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Got out again for a few weekdays to see if the lack of people would increase animal movement. Wanting to look over a new basin but also checking camera cards in many other locations. Decided to hike in to check an area that had peaked some interest. The hike in took a few hours with my pack and gear light and slimline for a overnight trip. With high hopes of adding another spot to my list. The terrain proving to be a major challenge and elevation change plus big rock bluffs that would make packing elk a nightmare! I enjoyed the view saw goats and even a stud buck. The evening brought rain and clouds. I decided to push deeper back just to ease my mind that the herd wasnt 1 ridge over. The wet ground proved to be an issue as I tested my pack integrity while sliding down the hill 200 yards grabbing anything around. What a ride and pack held up great along with 3 other rides down hill. Thinking of some micro spikes the wet weather really changed the traction in steep terrain. Luckily no elk were seen or any sign. I had a short window of dry weather and packed up and headed out to check cameras. I made it to one and found someone had been in the area cutting trail and littering not sure if they were planning on getting it later but it left in my pack. I am not having good luck with cameras this year or really ever with elk I get cards full on blacktail in other areas. I saw 2 more bears and one smaller than my dog that must have been lost. Seems there are many undercover hunters driving subaru or not enough of us in the hills they drive those things everywhere amazing. Been hoping to find a pocket of elk that are often overlooked and receive less pressure. Been fun spending time in the unit and hope to turn up a few solid bulls soon. Have the meeting to get the seirra key next weekend.
Atleast you get your meeting. Probly just to your key. The Skagit river tag meeting was canceled. So far all i got is cows on my camera and deer and some racoon.
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I was up high in Weyerhauser this weekend looking Blacktail and stumbled across the elk herd. 40 + cows/ calf's, several spike bulls and a 5x5 bull. Looks like they're feeding on fireweed, definitely glassable in the clear-cuts in the early morning/ evening if you get the right vantage point.
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Spin 05 hope you find a decent bull down low this year. I have noticed a trend over the years of posters not following up on the forum. I will do my best to take everyone along on this hunt. I am a novice at best with the tech side of life. Out of respect for the people who have shared locations I will not include the areas but try to share the journey and hopefully success of a lifelong dream. I have come in contact with fellow hunters from this forum that share common interest and hunting areas. In a world fool of craziness meeting hunters who have shared spots, willingness to take time out of hunting or just there daily lives, even to help me pack a bull is truly humbling, I always thought like minded people were a dying breed. When were out hunting getting to know hunters doesnt always work out when trying to avoid each other. Thank you to all who have helped and continue to help and to the forum for giving the resource! 12 days to opener and I feel like this is a dream and am going to wake up. jk
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Thanks for the updates. Pulling for you!
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Got the key to spi and getting ready to spend the next few days looking for a good bull. Looking forward to this hunt and hunting the unit. I expect the first part of the season to be slow but welcome the mountain air. My list of things to do are all checked off and time to load up the gear and move to the 418. Good luck to the other 7 hunters!
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Finding shooter is one thing getting a shot another! Seen over 20 bulls and 1 shooter lots of eyes and noses cows coming within 5 yards and bull in the middle. Rut activity is slow so far but have heard Some bugles and herd talk. Should get better as the days to September are getting close. The view is great and haven't seen another elk hunter yet. The bear's in an area I can't hunt them seem to be plentiful and big. I have been eating berries in the shade and so have they. I have found solo hunting can be great except for spending time with friends on these long days. Jk
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Great update :tup:
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tag
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Good luck jk.
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Good luck!! Sounds like it's going well!!
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Doug flutty hunts these hills also. Total driving around stopping at every pull out with the worst bugle out there and chuckle weak at best. They do sell production bugle tubes that sound much better. Lost track of the nice bull I had found amazing how they disappear. Found a different small herd with a borderline shooter and more rags may just have to make a play this evening. Getting to hunt on my bday is a treat and if that bull wants some he just might get it. Bugling is slow and big bulls or elk even aren't everywhere. small pockets hold elk similar to otc units. For those of you considering this unit get in shape,have a good rig with new brakes,tires and realize this is still hunting. I also noticed those old cows have been alive long enough that they are super aware and avoid the spots from past hunting pressure even in a special draw unit. They are keeping big bulls alive!
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What did i tell ya. Good,luck man you'll find one
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Good luck. I spent alot of time there and it is hard to hunt but can be super rewarding when you find them. I saw a couple nice bills above the hatchery last year.
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The miles grow and still the elk don't show. They party all night bugling and drinking that tonic creek water. Crazy the sounds they make when they cut loose. Seen 5 big game species met some great fellow hunters of both sexes and just working my but off. Bivy camp to early morning grinds. Soaked from water and sweat you have to love the grind. Hard to target select bull's and not just run in and get it done. These hills still hide a few big elk but they hide very well unless in a pasture. Plenty of time and work to do.
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Pulling for you! I have a rifle tag starting in October. Would love to see pics when you bag one!
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Keep at it..... I heard no bugles on my hunt in the valley.
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Keep at it..... I heard no bugles on my hunt in the valley.
Did you get him?
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Got in on a small herd last night he was locating so I slipped into that 100 yd zone. After a few minutes of cow chatter had him answering and moving in he makes his way down to meet the challenge but held just out of my effective range. This lasted for 30 min before he gained 2000 ft elevation. I relocated him on the other side soaking wet from sweat. I met 2 rifle hunter's on the first day of the hunt. They passed him and I watched the herd slip back into cover. E bikes have changed hunting with people in many remote locations. My shooter bull count still at 2 with 1 borderline. Had several bears in bow range including 1 with 3 paws this morning. Hard to have to pass. Glad I have been able to take a few bears over the years. Hope I find a good bull before this hunt is over. Going to keep putting in the work.
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Tagging, Thanks for taking us along.
You have put in the time :tup:Hope to see a nice bull pic soon
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Keep at it..... I heard no bugles on my hunt in the valley.
Did you get him?
Yea i got a 5x4 on day 4.
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Locked out for the last few days of season tough hunt.
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Locked out for the last few days of season tough hunt.
That’s a real bummer. That hunt is not as easy as a lot of people make it out to be. Tough country for sure.
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There’s still federal land......
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That freakin sucks man. I would spend your time knocking on doors trying to find land to hunt your later seasons
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My quality nooksack tag went unfilled. I hunted everyday of the season and had the best action the last day. In a way I feel this would have been the hunt of my dreams with a season that allowed for better rut timing. Hard to kill elk that hide and wont call except for at night. I had opportunity to fill my tag several times on bulls smaller than i have taken on otc hunts I chose to pass because that just wasnt my dream. I put the work in and just did not make it happen covering more miles than ever in remote areas and overnight bivwack trips to early morning grinds uphill for miles pushing a bike. I ended up passing bears unable to hunt them on spi land and my bear total at 29 1 of those a harvested bear from another hunter. I called a cougar to 10 yards and made the hair on my neck stand straight up. 3 cougars total and enjoyed watching 2 play thru glass. First cats I have seen alive in the wild. The best part of this hunt by far was the people I met along the way some in very remote locations and some on this forum. Thank you for the support and chance to hunt those places that I never would have found. I hope to build those friendships in the future. I am humbled by the effort that several hunters did on this hunt and saw them taking time out of hunting to help guide me in the unit. Truly selfless people who were gaining nothing in return. I was able to get in tight to several shooters and 1 nice bull just got out smarted or winded by those smart old bulls. I know of 1 bull taken and I chose not make a play on him hoping to meet my goal of a mature bull. Those of you considering this hunt think hard with limited knowledge of the unit and poor hunting dates and those that have only a week to hunt think hard. I HAVE MORE ACTION IN MY GENERAL ELK UNIT! I just wasnt looking for any elk after 17 years. I am deflated and that hunt took away some of my drive but the general season is here and I still have my tag and work to do I like eating elk. The fires limited my hunt area and made breathing tough. In a way I feel I failed myself but realize you cant get big bulls shooting little ones. Trophy hunting is tough and bow hunting is tough. The last night of my hunt I had a bull at 60 yards 10 min before dark just didnt send it. Tag soup sure sits hard on the mind but that is hunting not just the kill. I wanted that up close action that you only find in sept with a bow and never got until the last day. I would have traded the 19 days for a week of the prime and as another member put trade 2 weeks for the last day. HE WAS RIGHT! Hard to believe its over. I gave it everything I had and came up short. I spent time in places most wont ever see and learned even more about myself and why I love elk hunting with a bow that up close interaction seeing and smelling the sounds elk make when in close that you would never here otherwise. Bow hunting is a true challenge with no sure thing. Good luck to all you hunters this season and may you find the bull or buck of your dreams. Mine is still out there waiting for me to find him and maybe someday I will. JK
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Good job ! You set a standard and stuck to it that’s a hunter !
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God bless Washington :brew:
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Sorry to hear that but that was my experience as well when I drew the tag a couple of years ago. Having rifle hunters out there during bow season and just the dates in general have made it tougher and tougher to hunt that unit.
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You gave it your all, sorry you didn't get a big bull. Definitely not an easy archery hunt. Now go fill the freezer!
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A truly great effort given and memories that will last a lifetime. I enjoyed your hunt and following along 👍
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Boy what a hunt! :tup:
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You still have your week in novemeber dont you ?
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Several members have reached out for a little advise on the unit for up coming rifle hunts. I was given most of my info from the spi meeting by bio, game wardens, fellow archers and so much of help from this forum many of those asked that I do not share those spots as they read my struggle and gave me hope. My advise is the elk live away from cuts and in the thick jungle. The elk are hunted by man and predator and have found the thick home. Finding a place to get away that have elk is harder than you think. Post your story try to meet locals but most of the people I met were from out of town. Like most towns a few locals may be willing to share. get off the road like anywhere with road access the animals learn to stay away use that to your advantage try and hunt escape routes. spi allowed e bikes might help you in your hunt depending were you choose to hunt. I found the elk to move often and remember did not harvest and honestly just an average hunter who works hard. I do have a second season but that just sounds like a gamble. Calling in bulls is why elk hunting is such a thrill. but if i cant find an elk I may just try. Big bulls are more rare than you may think and most of those truly big bulls may die of old age. Share the hunt the adventure with us and you may find some top notch help.
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You still have over two weeks worth of hunting in January. I wouldn’t be giving up on you’re tag yet and letting that time go to waste. It will look a lot different up there once the leaves fall and everything goes dormant for the winter. :twocents:
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You still have over two weeks worth of hunting in January. I wouldn’t be giving up on you’re tag yet and letting that time go to waste. It will look a lot different up there once the leaves fall and everything goes dormant for the winter. :twocents:
Archery only gets a week. but he always has a chance
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My quality nooksack tag went unfilled. I hunted everyday of the season and had the best action the last day. In a way I feel this would have been the hunt of my dreams with a season that allowed for better rut timing. Hard to kill elk that hide and wont call except for at night. I had opportunity to fill my tag several times on bulls smaller than i have taken on otc hunts I chose to pass because that just wasnt my dream. I put the work in and just did not make it happen covering more miles than ever in remote areas and overnight bivwack trips to early morning grinds uphill for miles pushing a bike. I ended up passing bears unable to hunt them on spi land and my bear total at 29 1 of those a harvested bear from another hunter. I called a cougar to 10 yards and made the hair on my neck stand straight up. 3 cougars total and enjoyed watching 2 play thru glass. First cats I have seen alive in the wild. The best part of this hunt by far was the people I met along the way some in very remote locations and some on this forum. Thank you for the support and chance to hunt those places that I never would have found. I hope to build those friendships in the future. I am humbled by the effort that several hunters did on this hunt and saw them taking time out of hunting to help guide me in the unit. Truly selfless people who were gaining nothing in return. I was able to get in tight to several shooters and 1 nice bull just got out smarted or winded by those smart old bulls. I know of 1 bull taken and I chose not make a play on him hoping to meet my goal of a mature bull. Those of you considering this hunt think hard with limited knowledge of the unit and poor hunting dates and those that have only a week to hunt think hard. I HAVE MORE ACTION IN MY GENERAL ELK UNIT! I just wasnt looking for any elk after 17 years. I am deflated and that hunt took away some of my drive but the general season is here and I still have my tag and work to do I like eating elk. The fires limited my hunt area and made breathing tough. In a way I feel I failed myself but realize you cant get big bulls shooting little ones. Trophy hunting is tough and bow hunting is tough. The last night of my hunt I had a bull at 60 yards 10 min before dark just didnt send it. Tag soup sure sits hard on the mind but that is hunting not just the kill. I wanted that up close action that you only find in sept with a bow and never got until the last day. I would have traded the 19 days for a week of the prime and as another member put trade 2 weeks for the last day. HE WAS RIGHT! Hard to believe its over. I gave it everything I had and came up short. I spent time in places most wont ever see and learned even more about myself and why I love elk hunting with a bow that up close interaction seeing and smelling the sounds elk make when in close that you would never here otherwise. Bow hunting is a true challenge with no sure thing. Good luck to all you hunters this season and may you find the bull or buck of your dreams. Mine is still out there waiting for me to find him and maybe someday I will. JK
Sometimes the hunt itself is the dream not the harvest. Sounds like you had fun anyway and stuck to your goals. Thats hard to do sometimes with elk in front of you. Despite your trials i still cant wait till my son and i draw.
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you have another 2 weeks + in January, it's not over for you.
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Thank you spin and congrats on your bull my late season is another 19 days jan 1-19 This was a first for me setting a standard on elk and tested me as a hunter like never before. On this hunt realizing I have more willpower than I knew and was looking to set the bar higher than general hunts. I have been lucky enough to harvest handfuls of elk and just felt I could find a mature bull. Score was never a concern because honestly I could care less. I did want to find a old bull hopefully a 6 point but a big old stinky warrior would have been more than welcome. I try not to judge a bull by points however a washington 6 is still one of my goals. I hunted hard solo and was hunting elk farther than i could recover them big giant bodies and realized losing meat could happen. I have packed bulls myself often and have learned what it takes to get them out and to the freezer and that is the main goal. Anyone who has worked over a elk solo and packed all night can understand. I did make memories that will last and spent over a month in the unit seeing all the wildlife it has to offer. Goals are different for each of us as we progress in stages or success what we search for often changes. I am growing older and have seen sweet september come and go and find myself wandering how many seasons do I have left to chase elk . I also wont ever get my dream bull shooting the first little one to run in. Let me be clear I have never passed a legal bull before this hunt. You cant eat the antlers but I sure do enjoy looking at them on the wall. I did my best and and if your just looking for any elk get to know a otc well. Waiting for a draw tag to kill a nice bull may never happen even if you do draw.I wont quit on this tag but also wont wait for late season to fill it. Now is the easiest time of year to kill a bull with a bow and nothing as exciting to have screaming bulls working toward your set up. To me that is what elk hunting is about.
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Thank you spin and congrats on your bull my late season is another 19 days jan 1-19 This was a first for me setting a standard on elk and tested me as a hunter like never before. On this hunt realizing I have more willpower than I knew and was looking to set the bar higher than general hunts. I have been lucky enough to harvest handfuls of elk and just felt I could find a mature bull. Score was never a concern because honestly I could care less. I did want to find a old bull hopefully a 6 point but a big old stinky warrior would have been more than welcome. I try not to judge a bull by points however a washington 6 is still one of my goals. I hunted hard solo and was hunting elk farther than i could recover them big giant bodies and realized losing meat could happen. I have packed bulls myself often and have learned what it takes to get them out and to the freezer and that is the main goal. Anyone who has worked over a elk solo and packed all night can understand. I did make memories that will last and spent over a month in the unit seeing all the wildlife it has to offer. Goals are different for each of us as we progress in stages or success what we search for often changes. I am growing older and have seen sweet september come and go and find myself wandering how many seasons do I have left to chase elk . I also wont ever get my dream bull shooting the first little one to run in. Let me be clear I have never passed a legal bull before this hunt. You cant eat the antlers but I sure do enjoy looking at them on the wall. I did my best and and if your just looking for any elk get to know a otc well. Waiting for a draw tag to kill a nice bull may never happen even if you do draw.I wont quit on this tag but also wont wait for late season to fill it. Now is the easiest time of year to kill a bull with a bow and nothing as exciting to have screaming bulls working toward your set up. To me that is what elk hunting is about.
right on ! That’s good stuff
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Thank you spin and congrats on your bull my late season is another 19 days jan 1-19 This was a first for me setting a standard on elk and tested me as a hunter like never before. On this hunt realizing I have more willpower than I knew and was looking to set the bar higher than general hunts. I have been lucky enough to harvest handfuls of elk and just felt I could find a mature bull. Score was never a concern because honestly I could care less. I did want to find a old bull hopefully a 6 point but a big old stinky warrior would have been more than welcome. I try not to judge a bull by points however a washington 6 is still one of my goals. I hunted hard solo and was hunting elk farther than i could recover them big giant bodies and realized losing meat could happen. I have packed bulls myself often and have learned what it takes to get them out and to the freezer and that is the main goal. Anyone who has worked over a elk solo and packed all night can understand. I did make memories that will last and spent over a month in the unit seeing all the wildlife it has to offer. Goals are different for each of us as we progress in stages or success what we search for often changes. I am growing older and have seen sweet september come and go and find myself wandering how many seasons do I have left to chase elk . I also wont ever get my dream bull shooting the first little one to run in. Let me be clear I have never passed a legal bull before this hunt. You cant eat the antlers but I sure do enjoy looking at them on the wall. I did my best and and if your just looking for any elk get to know a otc well. Waiting for a draw tag to kill a nice bull may never happen even if you do draw.I wont quit on this tag but also wont wait for late season to fill it. Now is the easiest time of year to kill a bull with a bow and nothing as exciting to have screaming bulls working toward your set up. To me that is what elk hunting is about.
oh thats right the Skagit permit is only a week in Jan, I was thinking they where the same. I have no clue what its like in there in january
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I have no clue what its like in there in january
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Colder, wet, and a lot less leaves so seeing in the thick stuff is a lot easier. But no bugles, so.....???
