Ready to throw in the towel on elk hunting

[Kc_Kracker]

I started hunting elk 10 years ago. Ive hunted almost every year. Not once have I even seen an elk except in people's yards. Not once have I even heard a bugle. Not once. Obviously I suck at the "finding" part 

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I started hunting elk 10 years ago. Ive hunted almost every year. Not once have I even seen an elk except in people's yards. Not once have I even heard a bugle. Not once. Obviously I suck at the "finding" part 

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Sounds like your just hunting the wrong unit.
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If your not even seeing elk, something is not right.
I could understand not killing an elk in 10 years, but not seeing any?
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Although, I must admit I went from seeing 50+ a season to only seeing around a dozen in my area (during season) but that is just because I only get 7 days now.
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Usually the south end of a northbound cow, and hopefully a few calves to give me hope for next year....
Finding a bull on the west side is as tough as finding a spike on the east side..

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Didn't ask, just assumed you are archery hunting.
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I am going back to the bow next year, unless I kill a bull muzzleloader this year.
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As much as I hate the Wdfw and herd reduction, I still want meat.
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It is a lot more difficult than it was in the 80's.
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Honestly, if my "formative" years bowhunting during a 2 week season where anything with hooves (deer also) I probably would have been frustrated also.
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But, if you only hunt for the trophy, your missing the whole point.
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If you want to hear one bugle, go scouting in August and watch the Perseids meteor shower around midnight.
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Or, go out now that season is closed and listen at night.
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[Mudman]

Hope you not hunting capitol forest??

[ThurstonCokid]

Western wa has been a tough one to tackle for me. Finally started figuring it out the last few years but man, lots of fuel burned and lots of boot leather. Killed a few now and it’s still the hardest critter to punch a tag on for me.

Not seeing any elk, sounds like the wrong unit. I look at total harvest #’s pick a few units then look over maps and pick terrain you prefer to hunt in. Good luck! I wouldnt throw in the towel, but id rather be in the woods not seeing anything than anything else..


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[Kc_Kracker]

t. I look at total harvest #’s pick a few units then look over maps and pick terrain you prefer to hunt in


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How do I look that up?

[Kc_Kracker]

I started hunting elk 10 years ago. Ive hunted almost every year. Not once have I even seen an elk except in people's yards. Not once have I even heard a bugle. Not once. Obviously I suck at the "finding" part 

.
Sounds like your just hunting the wrong unit.
.
If your not even seeing elk, something is not right.
I could understand not killing an elk in 10 years, but not seeing any?
.
Although, I must admit I went from seeing 50+ a season to only seeing around a dozen in my area (during season) but that is just because I only get 7 days now.
.
Usually the south end of a northbound cow, and hopefully a few calves to give me hope for next year....
Finding a bull on the west side is as tough as finding a spike on the east side..

I've gone back n forth, currently modern. I try a different area every year

[ThurstonCokid]

t. I look at total harvest #’s pick a few units then look over maps and pick terrain you prefer to hunt in


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How do I look that up?

https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/management/game-harvest/2021/elk-general

Let me know if you need any other help..


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[Kc_Kracker]

Hope you not hunting capitol forest??

I have before, no luck

[gee_unit360]

I started hunting elk 10 years ago. Ive hunted almost every year. Not once have I even seen an elk except in people's yards. Not once have I even heard a bugle. Not once. Obviously I suck at the "finding" part 

Sounds like your just hunting the wrong unit.
.
If your not even seeing elk, something is not right.
I could understand not killing an elk in 10 years, but not seeing any?
.
Although, I must admit I went from seeing 50+ a season to only seeing around a dozen in my area (during season) but that is just because I only get 7 days now.
.
Usually the south end of a northbound cow, and hopefully a few calves to give me hope for next year....
Finding a bull on the west side is as tough as finding a spike on the east side..

I've gone back n forth, currently modern. I try a different area every year

That might be the issue. Takes more than a year to figure out an area. Scout the area before the season for sign: tracks, 💩, rubs, wallows, etc. E scout for areas far from roads, deep n steep, put out cameras and feed.  It’s all about hours in the woods.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I've gone back n forth, currently modern. I try a different area every year

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That's probably your issue.
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Scouting and learning a unit is probably the single most important thing in Washington State.
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I find the same herds somewhere in the same general area every year.
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I have my favorite spots, and pretty much spend my season checking those spots.
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If there is no fresh sign,  I go to another spot.
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Eventually you find them...
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Then you have a new spot.
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Depends on how many trucks are at the gate
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[Houndhunter]

I'd go east my friend . WA sucks for elk hunting and general tags in other states compare to hunting special permits in WA.

[snake]

The best unit is the one you know.

[blackveltbowhunter]

 
Pretty much all units have bulls. Often the  better bulls are killed in units with lower elk populations.

If hunting areas with higher populations..... learn to enjoy burning gas, boot leather and bicycle tires. Get your moneys worth of high ridge sunrises and sets. Meaning move in the dark and be glassing at first light. Go in june or july, the elk are relaxed and will be way more visible at least you will know they are around. Figure out how to hunt it based on weapon type, terrain and pressure. If in an unit known for elk just plan for pressure no matter what weapon.

If looking in less popular areas, trail cams are your friend. Get a bunch out in any area that could possibly hold elk. Find any old or fresh sign you can, Once you find that you can begin using the  cams to find elk and hopefully get a pattern together. Hopefully you will have them to yourself,  or less pressure.

[Stein]

I hear you, I  have a habit of changing weapon types and states every year.  I have upped my game to the point of being very capable of finding elk just on the other side of the magic line separating me from an area I can legally shoot.