Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: woodrat on November 08, 2010, 02:16:03 PM

Title: any tips for hunting during a coastal rain and wind storm?
Post by: woodrat on November 08, 2010, 02:16:03 PM: Or should I just take a day off and sleep in?

So far, I spent the weekend hunting an area that had held a lot of elk earlier in the summer, but now has no fresh sign. Today changed the game up and went to a totally new area, more recent sign, but it looks like the elk left the area on exactly the same trail they used to leave last year at the beginning of the season. I know what general direction they moved in, and was thinking about heading that way tomorrow until I came home and saw the forecast, for rain and winds gusting to 30 MPH. What do the elk do during that kind of weather? Assuming that it matters, I'm in GMU 506. I hate to lose a weekday of hunting, when there might be a few less truck hunters all over the place, but if there's no good way to hunt that kind of weather, it wouldn't kill me to take a day off.

Of course, they have been in my own pasture a few times in the last couple of weeks, but only at night. Go figure.
Title: Re: any tips for hunting during a coastal rain and wind storm?
Post by: steen on November 08, 2010, 02:38:14 PM: River's West, stay warm and find them holed up, but they still gotta eat.
Title: Re: any tips for hunting during a coastal rain and wind storm?
Post by: billythekidrock on November 08, 2010, 04:50:13 PM: That is the best time to hunt. Lots of noise and wind to cover your scent and noise and best of all most hunters call it a day after an hour or so.

Get the old rain slicker out and still hunt real slow through the thick stuff, preferable with iron sites or see through mounts.
Title: Re: any tips for hunting during a coastal rain and wind storm?
Post by: Bigshooter on November 08, 2010, 04:57:43 PM: This is what i call prime weather to hunt elk and blacktail in. If those elk got pushed out of there they are most likely in a nasty patch of brush or timber. Hunt slow and watch for movement. You won't be able to hear anything but they won't be able to hear you. Oh yeah make sure the wind is in your face.
Title: Re: any tips for hunting during a coastal rain and wind storm?
Post by: coachcw on November 08, 2010, 05:29:37 PM: I've found that they like to be in the open areas where they can see predators , away from those falling trees . my best hunts have been in nastsy rain I love it , still hunt to the animals they wont move much so you need to. good luck
Title: Re: any tips for hunting during a coastal rain and wind storm?
Post by: Snapshot on November 08, 2010, 05:41:09 PM: They may well hunker down out of the wind and rain, just like you would. Once you locate a target sneak in very close and aim for the heart so you have low entry & exit holes. If it is raining and you have to trail one that is hit but didn't tip over within sight, you'll have to rely on hoof prints, bent foliage and checking the underside of leaves for blood. It helps to scan ahead of you for the easiest path of travel for they will often do the same. Good luck.
Title: Re: any tips for hunting during a coastal rain and wind storm?
Post by: WDFW Hates ME!!! on November 08, 2010, 06:59:57 PM: Been as close as you can get to an elk in the wind and rain... It sucks to be so wet under your rain gear but it is worth it to me...
Title: Re: any tips for hunting during a coastal rain and wind storm?
Post by: mrgoodwrench on November 13, 2010, 09:54:29 AM: Thats when you are supposed to hunt....the sissies go home, and you have the noise cover to slip in close......man up and hunt the brush....
Title: Re: any tips for hunting during a coastal rain and wind storm?
Post by: woodrat on November 13, 2010, 05:38:31 PM: that's what I did today, and actually got onto my first elk ever. Never got to shoot, but followed them for a LONG time. All the trucks with the "elk hunter" graphics in the back windows were long gone by the time I gave up and got back to my truck... ;)
Title: Re: any tips for hunting during a coastal rain and wind storm?
Post by: PolarBear on November 13, 2010, 06:13:28 PM: Quote from: billythekidrock on November 08, 2010, 04:50:13 PM
That is the best time to hunt. Lots of noise and wind to cover your scent and noise and best of all most hunters call it a day after an hour or so.

Get the old rain slicker out and still hunt real slow through the thick stuff, preferable with iron sites or see through mounts.
:yeah:
Title: Re: any tips for hunting during a coastal rain and wind storm?
Post by: RuttinWapati on November 13, 2010, 09:26:13 PM: No doubt - it's the best time to hunt!!!! ;) ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: any tips for hunting during a coastal rain and wind storm?
Post by: Humptulips on November 13, 2010, 10:09:01 PM: Best time to deer hunt, yes. Not the best for elk. We need good tracking weather but the season is short and I'll not waste a day because of a little rain. Elk are like gold, where you find them so put some miles on your shoes and hope for a little luck. Can't get lucky at home or maybe you can but save that 'till after the hunting season. :chuckle:
Title: Re: any tips for hunting during a coastal rain and wind storm?
Post by: halflife65 on November 13, 2010, 10:10:20 PM: Late buck. It's perfect, get out there. Keep the wind in your face if you can.