New Archery Season

[Fullabull]

It's killing me waiting to see what the new early archery season dates are going to be. I'm hoping for the Saturday after Labor Day

[bobcat]

We've received enough credible inside info on the archery season being the 12th to the 24th, that I'd bet money on it being just that.

All I'm really trying to decide is if I should try the new later archery season, or skip elk hunting entirely this year, save my money, and hunt elk out of state next year.

With the hoof rot and the majority of private timberland requiring an access permit, I'm having a hard time getting excited about elk hunting in this state anymore.

[jrebel]

That would be fantastic.  Can't wait to see. 

[Bean Counter]

With the hoof rot and the majority of private timberland requiring an access permit, I'm having a hard time getting excited about elk hunting in this state anymore.

But... you can do it every year 

[Fullabull]

I did Idaho last year because the season was so bad for dates here. I had a blast, was talking to elk every day from the 16h on. I think there are enough places to go on National Forest land here on the west side that will get you away from the hoof rot thing. That mostly seems to be concentrated where cattle are more prevalent. If they make the 12th the opener, I will be staying here to hunt for sure.

[Todd_ID]

As far as we know it's in the Proposed Regulations to start the Saturday after Labor Day and run 13 days for the next 3 years.  That'd be the 12th-24th this year, 10th to 22nd next year, and 9th to 21st in 2017.  It'll push muzzy season back a few days because the WDFW likes to have 14 days between general seasons.  It'll likely be debated in the March Commission meeting for those who want their voice to be heard.

[kentrek]

With the hoof rot and the majority of private timberland requiring an access permit, I'm having a hard time getting excited about elk hunting in this state anymore.

But... you can do it every year 

And kill nice bulls every year too , don't give up bob ! Next year could be your perfect season 

[bobcat]

You guys are right, you just talked be into buying an archery tag. Guess I better start practicing!

[kentrek]

It's a once in a life time season 

[JimmyHoffa]

You guys are right, you just talked be into buying an archery tag. Guess I better start practicing!

Yeah, if I don't get a multi tag I'm thinking about getting the archery tag.  I do modern because of camp/cool weather/special permits....but if the dates are 12-24 that is like a special permit anyways.  Special permit odds are so low anyways.  Can always hunt bear and cat during elk camp.

[stw]

I was told by a game warden it will be the 7th this year he said there pushing for it to go back to the 8th same date every year. So who knows
i brought up the proposal about the 12th he said that was funny and thats just a proposal thats all he said. But im with all of you the 12th would be sweet.

[Nice Racks]

I was told by a game warden it will be the 7th this year he said there pushing for it to go back to the 8th same date every year. So who knows
i brought up the proposal about the 12th he said that was funny and thats just a proposal thats all he said. But im with all of you the 12th would be sweet.

I was actually told the samething from a game warden who came in to where I work at.  I told him that the rumor on "Hunt Washington" is saying a later start date. He just started smiling.  I'm also wondering how many more archery tags will be sold this year compared to last year if the dates are the 12th-24th.  Should be a zoo out there if those are the dates.

[TheHunt]

Interesting... I personally like the early season we have today because it makes it better to hunt multiple states and you get to hunt Washington. 

[Rainier10]

I would actually prefer a set date of the 8th-20th or 21st.  The area I hunt really turns on around the 14th but I like the week before that when things are starting to heat up on the vocals.  Soon after the 14th they are herded up and not wanting to come in to the calls as much as take the ladies and run.  If it does start on the 12th then the 10th and then the 9th that will work too.  The 12th is a little close to the "lock down" time in my neck of the woods but it is still better than the 2nd or 3rd, that was way to early.

[washelkhunter]

ill bet it will be the 7-19th.