Post by: mendozer on December 07, 2022, 06:41:44 PM
Who here has gone out of state and what is your overall experience? I feel like with the tech we have in OnX, it's easier than ever to scout ahead. I figured take a week off, drive down to the state (or if it's colorado maybe fly and rent a truck there) and hit up public land. for what it's worth, I'd probably bring my rifle if I was going out of state just to really make my time worth it.
Post by: MADMAX on December 07, 2022, 06:50:26 PM
Not going to the grocery store
Out of state elk hunting is not cheap or guaranteed
Anywhere
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 07, 2022, 06:57:02 PM
Post by: Griiz on December 07, 2022, 07:05:50 PM
Hunting state land in WA will soon be outlawed. Pay to hunt private timberlands while you can.
Then there will probably be a lot of outlaws.
Post by: MADMAX on December 07, 2022, 07:09:08 PM
Elk make people crazy
https://nwsportsmanmag.com/two-cited-in-bull-elk-poaching-case-near-mt-st-helens/
Post by: mendozer on December 07, 2022, 07:19:30 PM
Since I go at it alone, I don't have a buddy on the next draw talking to me on my walkie, I'm fairly limited to the pure land area i can cover be it on foot or on bike. Not to sound too nerdy but I have to use math to my advantage. I switched from rifle to archery because I got sick of seeing so many people out there driving around back and forth while my buddy and I hiked in miles to separate ourselves from them, only to see the same damned truck coming down the next ridge. Archery is more peaceful to me and is a more pure form of hunting in this modern age. I'm not here to debate that heck I handloaded for my rifle so i can appreciate a good rifle experience.
And I would rather pay out of state fees than pay to access timber land that was leased from or purchases from the state. It's different than going on private property that is in a metropolitan area for instance. It's the freakin woods, or at least make it reasonable. It's not like they have to cover their costs of dealing with people on the roads that they rarely allow motorized access to nowadays. Last i checked walk in access was $400. F that
Post by: Ridgerunner on December 07, 2022, 07:24:06 PM
Post by: mendozer on December 07, 2022, 07:28:33 PM
If you are happy with a cow I hear that Utah has some good antlerless options.
I'll look into that thanks
Post by: Apples on December 07, 2022, 07:31:36 PM
Post by: hughjorgan on December 07, 2022, 07:58:21 PM
I’ve never hunted Colorado but have heard it can be crowded.
Post by: mendozer on December 07, 2022, 08:06:44 PM
This past weekend I was driving back frustrated as usual and i was talking to my parents on the drive and they were like "you shouldn't go hunting alone" and my reply was "well this isn't bowling league, you can't just go ask a stranger hey wanna go hunting with me?" that's even more sketch lol. hunters and anglers are the most secretive people I've met. I don't get it personally, there's no guarantee that sweet spot you found once will be ripe for the pickings again. When people ask me where I've seen game I share it down to the GPS i don't care. plenty of animals out there that we'll see or not see depending on many factors.
Post by: medic6 on December 07, 2022, 08:15:32 PM
I archery hunt the west side of the state. Walk in permit cost half a tank of gas, drive in tank and a half. Forest service pass or discover pass half that of a walk in permit. I tell my friends if you have gone 1-2 years without being at full draw you are absolutely 100 percent doing something wrong. I hope you go out of state and prove me wrong but statistically speaking you will have tag soup there too.
Post by: Platensek-po on December 07, 2022, 08:21:55 PM
non resident cow tags at 288 in wyoming, colorado is 526 (just checked, it was 300 a few years ago). unless i'm missing something that's what i see on their websites. But i easily spent 3-500/year on my Get Outdoors pass, the gas to and from the sites, and i even hunted the same area three years in a row to really know the land vs different spots. Problem is sometimes when i roll up all that work I did planning and finding a good spot back in September, whoops the gate's closed now. Nothing is guaranteed of course. But i'm trying to hedge my bets. Solo hunting is hard enough as it is especially since I wasn't taught by my father or friend so any advantage I'll take.
This past weekend I was driving back frustrated as usual and i was talking to my parents on the drive and they were like "you shouldn't go hunting alone" and my reply was "well this isn't bowling league, you can't just go ask a stranger hey wanna go hunting with me?" that's even more sketch lol. hunters and anglers are the most secretive people I've met. I don't get it personally, there's no guarantee that sweet spot you found once will be ripe for the pickings again. When people ask me where I've seen game I share it down to the GPS i don't care. plenty of animals out there that we'll see or not see depending on many factors.
Sorry man but I disagree. Some spots do produce year after year and if I tell you and you tell your brother and he tells…. Then that spot becomes worthless. It’s hard enough to find those spots and to keep them quiet. I will share my b and c spots but never my A spots. That said ek hunting is tough. With how much you are looking at spending in travel and extra tag costs maybe finding some new land that holds animals closer to home that you can learn and hunt isn’t so bad? I know what you are saying about timberlands but it does provide less people, especially non hunters. Some guys are successful year after year in low production units because they have spent the time to really scout and learn them. I enjoy hunting alone but now my hunting partner is my son and in enjoy that even more. How far do you go in WA? Do you think multiple units? I specifically hunt non motorized areas as I can’t the roads warriors. I’m out there to be in the woods not a traffic jam. Whatever you decide best of luck to you!
Post by: hughjorgan on December 07, 2022, 08:25:23 PM
non resident cow tags at 288 in wyoming, colorado is 526 (just checked, it was 300 a few years ago). unless i'm missing something that's what i see on their websites. But i easily spent 3-500/year on my Get Outdoors pass, the gas to and from the sites, and i even hunted the same area three years in a row to really know the land vs different spots. Problem is sometimes when i roll up all that work I did planning and finding a good spot back in September, whoops the gate's closed now. Nothing is guaranteed of course. But i'm trying to hedge my bets. Solo hunting is hard enough as it is especially since I wasn't taught by my father or friend so any advantage I'll take.
This past weekend I was driving back frustrated as usual and i was talking to my parents on the drive and they were like "you shouldn't go hunting alone" and my reply was "well this isn't bowling league, you can't just go ask a stranger hey wanna go hunting with me?" that's even more sketch lol. hunters and anglers are the most secretive people I've met. I don't get it personally, there's no guarantee that sweet spot you found once will be ripe for the pickings again. When people ask me where I've seen game I share it down to the GPS i don't care. plenty of animals out there that we'll see or not see depending on many factors.
I was mainly thinking of general season tags. Montanas b tags should be considered then too they will be comparable in price as well.
Post by: mendozer on December 07, 2022, 08:29:53 PM
Here is the reality of out of state hunting. I kill elk in wa. This year made my 11th or so +- elk for me. I started hunting mid late 20’s as my family didn’t hunt. First few years was a real struggle. yes right time, right placed will get u an elk but there is a secret to killing elk that u cannot read in a book. I wish I could just tell you how but it is complicated. I hunt out of state and kill elk. Those that struggle to kill elk in wa will struggle to kill elk anywhere. My suggestion is to figure out elk hunting before you give your money away to another state just to come up without an elk there too.
I archery hunt the west side of the state. Walk in permit cost half a tank of gas, drive in tank and a half. Forest service pass or discover pass half that of a walk in permit. I tell my friends if you have gone 1-2 years without being at full draw you are absolutely 100 percent doing something wrong. I hope you go out of state and prove me wrong but statistically speaking you will have tag soup there too.
i certainly believe you on this. Took me 3 years to get a deer, and i've been hunting 7 years total, 5 with bow. All the elk i've passed up have been "not legal" per my GMU. So I can find them and i can still definitely improve of course. I don't know how these creatures think. my suggestion was that a mediocre hunter such as myself would technically have better success in a more "rich state". And if that means throwing money at a state that actually manages game well and doesn't take away hunters rights, then totally. But yes...i need to improve and in due time i will
Post by: mendozer on December 07, 2022, 08:38:27 PM
Sorry man but I disagree. Some spots do produce year after year and if I tell you and you tell your brother and he tells…. Then that spot becomes worthless. It’s hard enough to find those spots and to keep them quiet. I will share my b and c spots but never my A spots. That said ek hunting is tough. With how much you are looking at spending in travel and extra tag costs maybe finding some new land that holds animals closer to home that you can learn and hunt isn’t so bad? I know what you are saying about timberlands but it does provide less people, especially non hunters. Some guys are successful year after year in low production units because they have spent the time to really scout and learn them. I enjoy hunting alone but now my hunting partner is my son and in enjoy that even more. How far do you go in WA? Do you think multiple units? I specifically hunt non motorized areas as I can’t the roads warriors. I’m out there to be in the woods not a traffic jam. Whatever you decide best of luck to you!
I've done several units over the years 328,329,672, 699, 506 and once in the blues but i forget the unit and that was my 2nd year. When I mentioned i passed on many that was 328 and 329 spike units. The last 3 i've stayed with 672 based on size, stats, and a fair mix of drive/walkability. I typically see anywhere between 2-5 deer when looking for elk during early archery season. they're legal at that time but I always tell myself I'm going for elk but on the last day of typically a 3 day outing, i'll shoot a deer. Then of course on day 3 it's crickets in the forest. I usually go out on the first two elk weekends so there's deer overlap to hedge that. I also live in maple valley and had three blacktail in my yard yesterday but my wife has forbade me from shooting one of those. if i truly wanted to i could but that just goes to show that elk is my real prize and not deer.
Post by: Chesapeake on December 07, 2022, 09:39:13 PM
But you should be able to find 20% success units in other states easy enough. That’s more than twice the rate of success most any Washington general tag unit has.
But if you can’t kill elk in Washington there is no way to measure where your at in skill set.
Would a 20% success unit even help you? Hard to say.
More “at batts” would likely help you though. So hunting other states may be what you need.
Post by: LDennis24 on December 07, 2022, 09:54:58 PM
You do not talk about honey holes! :dunno:
Post by: boneaddict on December 08, 2022, 05:26:58 AM
Post by: blackpowderhunter on December 08, 2022, 05:50:17 AM
i hunt wa and idaho every year. i'll tell you what, out of state has it's own challenges beyond what youd imagine for wa.
if you want to pay a guide to up your chances, im sure it would...but like anything else, itll cost ya.
Post by: fishngamereaper on December 08, 2022, 06:12:04 AM
Post by: Stein on December 08, 2022, 06:31:43 AM
For sure the cost is higher and the miles are greater. If you are looking at a cow tag, maybe that's $200-500 and you need $500 more for gas. That's $19.23 a week at most you need to pull out of your budget to open the door.
Post by: Caseknife on December 08, 2022, 06:39:40 AM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on December 08, 2022, 07:04:08 AM
Post by: GASoline71 on December 08, 2022, 08:12:04 AM
I used to slobber over stats, and rack my brain on what areas to hunt in this state. We'd move camp year after year, barely learning an area. It took all the fun out of it.
I don't hunt expecting to kill an elk or deer each year. If it was that easy, everyone would be doing it. I didn't kill my first elk until my 9th year of hunting them in WA State. That was back before all the Instagram warriors were posting up pics all over the place and making it seem like hunting elk and deer is like shooting fish in a barrel.
It's now been more than 10 years since I've killed an elk in this state. But... you couldn't drag me from the elk woods with a team of mules. I'm there, every year. Why? Because it's fun as all get out, and love to see my kids and grandkids enjoying it too.
So I guess I can't offer up any "real" advice to you, other than slow down and enjoy what you are doing. The killing part will happen. Just be ready when it does.
Gary
Post by: NorseNW on December 08, 2022, 08:27:22 AM
I got on the out of state train 4 years ago. Spent $1k on a tag didn't track fuel cost and time. My hunting rig is a truck camper and diesel dually that identifies as a hybrid but doesn't drink like one. Saw no animals, heard two bugles (maybe people maybe animal) and saw more freaking people and side by sides ripping around than I could believe.
I'm back to trying to put as much time in the field as possible in closer to home spots and LEARNING all I can. Someday maybe I will put all the complicated stuff - if not I'll die trying.
medic6 - you availabe as a tutor???????
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 08, 2022, 09:04:37 AM
Just remember its called huntingOut of state hunting
Not going to the grocery store
Out of state elk hunting is not cheap or guaranteed
Anywhere
Tags - $700+
Flights - $500+
4WD Rental for a week - $400-500
Or if you drive - $600
Lodging - $500-700+
Guide - $?????
Post by: bracer40 on December 08, 2022, 10:27:22 AM
Couple of things I noticed in your post. You mentioned going out on a couple of weekends. Weekends are great if that’s all you have. However most serious elk hunters give themselves a minimum of a week to 10 days to hunt. More is better. I’ve gone up to 5 days without encountering elk (moving 6-8 miles/day one year). And this was on several out of state trips! You mentioned hunting six different units. Don’t know over how many years you did this but there’s a lot of value in getting to know an area well. Tough to do that on a couple of weekends a year. I think it’s just as important to understand where NOT to find elk as it is WHERE to find them. If I pull up a 10 mile map on OnX in elk country, the majority of that area may not, or likely does not hold elk. It’s good to know where NOT to spend my precious elk hunting time.Sorry man but I disagree. Some spots do produce year after year and if I tell you and you tell your brother and he tells…. Then that spot becomes worthless. It’s hard enough to find those spots and to keep them quiet. I will share my b and c spots but never my A spots. That said ek hunting is tough. With how much you are looking at spending in travel and extra tag costs maybe finding some new land that holds animals closer to home that you can learn and hunt isn’t so bad? I know what you are saying about timberlands but it does provide less people, especially non hunters. Some guys are successful year after year in low production units because they have spent the time to really scout and learn them. I enjoy hunting alone but now my hunting partner is my son and in enjoy that even more. How far do you go in WA? Do you think multiple units? I specifically hunt non motorized areas as I can’t the roads warriors. I’m out there to be in the woods not a traffic jam. Whatever you decide best of luck to you!
I've done several units over the years 328,329,672, 699, 506 and once in the blues but i forget the unit and that was my 2nd year. When I mentioned i passed on many that was 328 and 329 spike units. The last 3 i've stayed with 672 based on size, stats, and a fair mix of drive/walkability. I typically see anywhere between 2-5 deer when looking for elk during early archery season. they're legal at that time but I always tell myself I'm going for elk but on the last day of typically a 3 day outing, i'll shoot a deer. Then of course on day 3 it's crickets in the forest. I usually go out on the first two elk weekends so there's deer overlap to hedge that. I also live in maple valley and had three blacktail in my yard yesterday but my wife has forbade me from shooting one of those. if i truly wanted to i could but that just goes to show that elk is my real prize and not deer.
I believe I read in an earlier post something about roads being closed and your frustration with that. I get that frustration for guys that want to ride their off road rigs or hunters have have physical limitations, but I got the sense from your posts that you might be a younger guy? (I’m 63 so many of you all are younger than me😜). If that’s the case, closed roads are your friend! I welcome them. Keeps the rigs out.
I think about elk hunting year round. But more importantly I plan and TAKE ACTION year round to improve my knowledge, fitness and skills. I only wish I had gotten this bug many more years ago. There are elk to be hunted in WA. Yes it’s challenging. The advantage one has in seeking elk here is time is on their side. Elk can be found within a three hour drive year round vs six, 10, or 18 hour drive along with $1k tags.
There’s a thread started sometime in the past six months by a member from the wet side that detailed his journey learning how to hunt Roosevelt elk. I’d highly recommend you search it out and see if there are any lessons you might consider.
Good luck in your journey!
Post by: bracer40 on December 08, 2022, 10:42:38 AM
I got my first Roosie (and animal) this year with a bow. I started last year and was pretty determined to figure them out this year. No expert by any means. Here is what I did:
1. I picked a unit that harvests a lot of elk. If I knew there were elk in there...and those elk were killed every year... it gave me hope. I understood that hunting pressure would be a challange, but my goal was to get as many elk encounters as possible. I knew that finding elk is half the battle, but you also have to call them in or sneak up on them and finally shoot them. I simply wanted more experience with these things. And, knowing that elk were in that unit gave me a mental safety net when things got tough. I lot of people pack up and leave after the first 3 or 4 days because they don't see or hear anything.
2. I spent 10-15 weekends in the same unit. Same general area. Walking around, setting up cameras, and hitting as many areas as possible. I looked for last years' rubs and sign. If I didn't find old rubs or sign I crossed that area off my list (they might actually move into these areas during hunting season, but I assumed that they would not be there) Generally, what I found is that the elk were making 2-3 day loops through the same general area. That's how I was seeing them on camera at least.
3. I set up a nice camp. It was nice to have a comfortable and dry bed to sleep in every night. Makes hunting all day a lot more feasible. Last year I was sleeping out of my car and I only lasted 5 days. I made sure I had good and healthy food so I would have energy to hunt all day.
4. I came up with a game plan for a 9 day hunt. I was going to spend the first 4 days hitting the same spot every day (it's about a 9-10 mile loop). I was bumping elk in there all summer. My thinking was that if the elk were making a loop they simply might not be in one area on one specific day. But, I want to emphasize that I was going to hit that area no matter what on all 4 days. I feel like I moved around too much last year. The next 3 days I would hit other areas I had scouted in the summer. Covering as much ground as possible. Finally, I left the last 2 days as wildcard days in case I had come up with a better plan.
5. I came up with a game plan on how I was going to hunt the elk. For the first 4 days I was going to alternate morning, afternoon, and evening strategies (calling, still hunt, ambush, etc.). For example, I would do a lot of bugling and calling morning 1. But, I would still hunt morning 2 while bugling and calling afternoon 2. I still don't really know how to hunt these elk. My thinking was to try a systematic approach and see what sticks.
6. Be flexible. I was very surprised when my super top secret spot that had zero bootprints all summer had 9 trucks parked at the gate on opening morning. I remember telling myself "it's a marathon not a sprint" over and over as I drove away to plan B (same general area just different access point). I walked into some dark timber in hopes of intercepting elk that would be pushed... 30 minutes into my hunt I had a bull bugling and killed him after 15 minutes. 95% luck for sure, but I still have meat in the freezer.
7. Be persistent. Stick to the plan. I went back into my area 3-4 days after opening morning to pick up my cameras. No pick ups at the gate. Not a soul out there. I had 2 bulls bugling their heads off right where I thought they would be.
My plan for next year is to figure out another unit closer to home. I was driving nearly 6 hours every scouting trip, so that takes a lot out boots on the ground time. I have an general understanding now of what the elk appear to like (timber, reprod, etc.), so I will escout places that appear similar to the ones I found this summer. I'm going to repeat the same process in the new unit and then decide which one I want to hunt next year. Worst case scenario I have more intel.
Hope this helps. If you need more insight reach out to me on instagram @Hunt_phd
M
Post by: zwickeyman on December 08, 2022, 11:32:16 AM
Post by: ljsommer on December 08, 2022, 01:00:03 PM
Post by: mendozer on December 08, 2022, 01:22:32 PM
1. i definitely don't put in the time i'd truly like to. If i didn't work long shifts in healthcare i'd take the whole damn 3 weeks out there!
2. I'm rather impatient by nature and you may not believe it from my posts but i love being out in the woods. Constantly being "on the hunt" is exciting. I just would, you know, like some elk haha. One year in my elk spot i ended gathering several pounds on Chanterelles because I had nothing else better to do.
3. Most of my prep is done with sat imagery and i know nothing beats getting eyes on the land, but honestly i don't even think i'd know the difference. To me it's all ridges, drainages, trees, clear cuts, rivers. I can't read an area like the real pros out there.
Maybe it's just impatient arrogance but I tend to excel at other hobbies and goals in life so I just expected the same LOL. I've been served up a big ole slice of humble pie from y'all. doesn't taste very good, but it'll do me some good i'm sure. I've got to start prepping earlier in the year. I usually do early season mainly but I took advantage of the long september days to paint my house section by section and it took me all month hence why I had to go last weekend. So it really was spur of the moment only going to the place I knew from last year
And actually i rushed out the saturday after black friday to Raging River Forest near where I live because I thought that's an opportunistic area of any elk/deer. Little did I know driving all over that all the gates were closed so i hiked in past the gate at 2:30, sun went down at 4:30. I rush out the house so didn't even have my nice canvas rain hat, toothbrush, or handgun. Ill-prepared. Then I said screw it and went home knowing it was all new area and I'd spend the rest of the 3 day weekend just learning stuff on foot. So all in all, I basically donated my license this year. I normally prep much more, just had too much going on around the house in summer and early fall
"play the violin" waaaa
Post by: buckfvr on December 08, 2022, 01:28:02 PM
Post by: blackpowderhunter on December 08, 2022, 01:52:12 PM
Lots of great input, thanks!elk hunting is SO SO much different than any other hobby, weather that is golf, snowboarding, crocheting, or whatever else floats your boat.
1. i definitely don't put in the time i'd truly like to. If i didn't work long shifts in healthcare i'd take the whole damn 3 weeks out there!
2. I'm rather impatient by nature and you may not believe it from my posts but i love being out in the woods. Constantly being "on the hunt" is exciting. I just would, you know, like some elk haha. One year in my elk spot i ended gathering several pounds on Chanterelles because I had nothing else better to do.
3. Most of my prep is done with sat imagery and i know nothing beats getting eyes on the land, but honestly i don't even think i'd know the difference. To me it's all ridges, drainages, trees, clear cuts, rivers. I can't read an area like the real pros out there.
Maybe it's just impatient arrogance but I tend to excel at other hobbies and goals in life so I just expected the same LOL. I've been served up a big ole slice of humble pie from y'all. doesn't taste very good, but it'll do me some good i'm sure. I've got to start prepping earlier in the year. I usually do early season mainly but I took advantage of the long september days to paint my house section by section and it took me all month hence why I had to go last weekend. So it really was spur of the moment only going to the place I knew from last year
And actually i rushed out the saturday after black friday to Raging River Forest near where I live because I thought that's an opportunistic area of any elk/deer. Little did I know driving all over that all the gates were closed so i hiked in past the gate at 2:30, sun went down at 4:30. I rush out the house so didn't even have my nice canvas rain hat, toothbrush, or handgun. Ill-prepared. Then I said screw it and went home knowing it was all new area and I'd spend the rest of the 3 day weekend just learning stuff on foot. So all in all, I basically donated my license this year. I normally prep much more, just had too much going on around the house in summer and early fall
"play the violin" waaaa
from your post ill give you a piece of advice.
PICK ONE AREA AND LEARN IT.
spend your summer camping trips with your family/friends out there, go over on a free weekend just to get a lay of the land.
mark things on your onx so when you are e scouting from home you can put 2 and 2 together to understand what it all means.
Find elk sign at different points in the year to understand patterns.
Elk hunting is a lot of work, extremely frustrating, very humbling, and then rewarding (maybe).
If you don't enjoy the process to get to the success, you arent going to enjoy elk hunting.
slow down and enjoy it.
Post by: medic6 on December 08, 2022, 01:54:30 PM
For a bit of insight I find I do things that most don’t. Example during the season I never drive to the end of a road or drive into a cut. If I hear a bugle it may take me 20 minutes to figure out where it is, where are they headed and where are they going to go when or if the wind changes. I tend to hunt areas where I know the answers before hand and will often hike 40 minutes around to make sure my approach is what it needs to be. I suspect that most hear a bugle and run right after it. It helps to slow down and ask yourself why are there elk there and where did they come from or where are they going. It really is difficult to hunt elk and be successful. Once u figure out the little things, they do something unexpected and you find yourself throwing your bow at them. I love it!
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on December 08, 2022, 01:59:26 PM
Post by: mendozer on December 08, 2022, 04:47:58 PM
I'll have to just learn more and be fine with mediocre 1 in every 7 yr success. :( I'll see what prep work I can do this next season. Meanwhile my buddy shows me his muzzy kills of blacktail up near bellingham which isn't even a good area. two years in a row. Shaking my head like "why do I make myself do the harder archery hunting?" lol
Post by: Maybach Outdoors on December 08, 2022, 06:22:38 PM
I wouldn't say its doing anything wrong. But sometimes it seems like alot of folks dont understand the actual sacrifice/commitment that goes into this consistent success. Its far from easy. It takes dedication, commitment and TIME. That cannot be stated enough. Stats are stats and if you want to be part of the stat line you can. Alot of hunters hunt weekends, or maybe one week. The guys that kill consistently, do whatever it takes. They will schedule the entire early season, then late season, they fight to get out in the woods every day possible. They have a life and responsibilities, but they MAKE time to hunt. I was fortunate to get in the game early enough to plan my career, wife choice, kid arrival, friends, around elk hunting. It seems crazy to some, but thats the reality of killing elk consistently, for sure in this state and arguably anywhere. If your not in that boat thats probably smart, :chuckle: just keep expectations realistic to the parameters.
This man spitting facts. A lot of people don't understand how obsessed and committed you have to become to get it done in WA. I've had to reschedule a lot of planned events with buddies because I needed to go scout in a unit. Waking up at 2-3 am for 4 or 5 weekends to scout because I had a busy school schedule during the week. MAKE TIME. Simple as that.
Post by: Falcon on December 08, 2022, 06:29:50 PM
I wouldn't say its doing anything wrong. But sometimes it seems like alot of folks dont understand the actual sacrifice/commitment that goes into this consistent success. Its far from easy. It takes dedication, commitment and TIME. That cannot be stated enough. Stats are stats and if you want to be part of the stat line you can. Alot of hunters hunt weekends, or maybe one week. The guys that kill consistently, do whatever it takes. They will schedule the entire early season, then late season, they fight to get out in the woods every day possible. They have a life and responsibilities, but they MAKE time to hunt. I was fortunate to get in the game early enough to plan my career, wife choice, kid arrival, friends, around elk hunting. It seems crazy to some, but thats the reality of killing elk consistently, for sure in this state and arguably anywhere. If your not in that boat thats probably smart, :chuckle: just keep expectations realistic to the parameters.p
:yeah:
BVH: I think you nailed that with your comments. I like to hunt elk elk, but have never considered myself to be a hardcore elk nut. I killed a really good Roosevelt bull last sep on a permit hunt. That doesn’t make me a great elk hunter. I am an average elk hunter who drew a super premium bull tag hunting bull elk the last 5 days in sep with a rifle. Pretty much an OIL tag. I will continue to hunt in my own state. At some point, and I think I’m there, I just want to spend time in the woods with my hunting partners and take it all in. :tup:
Post by: High Climber on December 08, 2022, 07:02:38 PM
Being extremely committed is true no matter what state you are hunting unless you are hunting a premium unit on a special draw or have some insider info. I 100 percent agree that success is proportional to time spent in the field! More time=more encounters=more opportunities. Even once you have intimate knowledge of a unit and a good hunting foundation because things change from year to year.. pressure, logging, gates etc
Post by: Skyvalhunter on December 08, 2022, 07:26:18 PM
Post by: jason stevens on December 08, 2022, 07:54:33 PM
Post by: kball4 on December 13, 2022, 06:29:27 AM
Post by: MeepDog on December 13, 2022, 08:20:29 AM
Post by: snake on December 13, 2022, 06:30:49 PM
Post by: cooltimber on December 13, 2022, 09:59:37 PM
Post by: dilleytech on December 15, 2022, 11:06:14 AM
Out of curiosity, how many people here agree that if you're going 1-2 years without being full draw on an elk that you're doing something wrong? From my limited understanding of elk in WA, (including the oft stated line of "it takes WA hunters 8 years on average to get their first elk") the vast majority of elk hunters do not harvest. I have a hard time believing that it's an easy adjustment to be full draw on elk year after year.
If you’re actually hunting hard say 3+ days you should at least be getting a chance at an elk. I think guys who hunt hard are more successful than people think. The harvest odds include the people who don’t get out of their truck or off their couch. My wife killed an elk in the first 10 minutes she ever elk hunted while solo. But she hunts harder than most people. But most people don’t hunt hard.
Personally I think the easiest way to kill elk is to find out how to hunt the elk that are closest to you. We kill our elk within 20 minutes of home.
Post by: snake on December 15, 2022, 06:50:26 PM
Post by: idaho guy on January 07, 2023, 07:02:12 PM
Post by: robescc on January 11, 2023, 10:52:01 PM
You can draw a tag with no points in a few units but it will take work. I have gotten spikes in the Walla Walla unit and a few cows in the Chesnimnus unit.
Elk hunting is a science. Once you learn how to hunt them, you will find them and be successful. Hunt where the elk are, not were you think they are.
Post by: KDB on March 05, 2023, 04:54:59 PM
Post by: lewy on March 05, 2023, 07:01:14 PM
Post by: highcountry_hunter on March 05, 2023, 08:38:24 PM
Hunting aint for everyone, maybe try golf
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Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 06, 2023, 05:58:06 AM
Post by: hunter399 on March 06, 2023, 06:20:09 AM
But I'll keep trying.
Seems like a game of chess.
Sometimes like chasing a ghost that leaves tracks.
Every time I think I know where there at,I show up to find another Elk hunter already there.
Every year I like to think I'm close,reality probably not.
Got them on game cam every year some where.
I'll just keep trying,gotta buy the tag anyway.
So might as well.
Post by: dilleytech on March 21, 2023, 09:50:38 AM
I've never shot an Elk.
But I'll keep trying.
Seems like a game of chess.
Sometimes like chasing a ghost that leaves tracks.
Every time I think I know where there at,I show up to find another Elk hunter already there.
Every year I like to think I'm close,reality probably not.
Got them on game cam every year some where.
I'll just keep trying,gotta buy the tag anyway.
So might as well.
Cool thing about elk is they are big… even if you kill one every 3 years you shouldn’t have a problem always having elk meat in the freezer. Deer you kinda have to kill ever year. I feel more pressure to kill deer.