New Elk Hunter (WA) Looking for a little advice.

[JosefAbrams]

Hi everyone.

I've got some pretty big first times coming up (hopefully) next season. First archery season. First year hunting elk. First hunt in something like 8 years.
I'm a Washington native, and very used to being in the outdoors in both parts of the state. For monetary reasons hunting out of state is not an option for me, as many have suggested.

Essentially I'm looking for a little advice on an area to start scouting. I'm not looking for your honey hole; I'll find my own eventually. I'm planning on doing spot and stalk, I'm in good shape, and am used to extreme weather. Say that because some of the "advice" I have gotten has been things like, "put on your rain gear and go stand in a car wash. If you survive you can hunt elk in W. Washington."

Any advise on units, or general areas to start late spring/early summer scouting, for early (and possibly late) archery season, would be greatly appreciated.

[WapitiTalk1]

Hey Josef, welcome to the WT campfire! First of all, dive into the WDFW webpage. There is a lot of information there that will help you become educated on harvest statistics and GMU by GMU allowable animal (either sex, bull only, etc.). I'd recommend you target one of the units that allow either sex (cow or 3PT bull) in the early season in 2016. Why? Putting that first archery elk down can be very tough and having the option to down a cow can really be a confidence booster going forward. You mentioned spot and stalk? That's 100% fine sir and is really how many folks get it done in Washington, but, since this state is finally allowing a decent portion of the rut for early archery, I'd "highly" recommend you start working on elk language interpretation, and, some basic calls yourself. The elk will be vocal when you head out to the elk woods in early/mid September 2016 and understanding their vocalizations and mannerisms will stand with you in elk battle. There's some really good information in the Elknut's Tips and Clips above. If you haven't already, print out the WT Calling Card and study that... it's a very good basic primer for cats heading out into the elk woods. Based on your WDFW website analysis, whittle your target GMU(s) down to a couple, start pouring over Caltopo or Acme maps (links are on the right side of this page), and identify some areas a bit back off the beaten path to make some scouting trips to. You "probably" won't be able to get to many spots above 5K until after the middle of July due to the snow. I like to scout my WA area(s) in early to mid August and I find where the cows are hanging. That's where the fellas will be hanging come early/mid September. The Washington weather in early-mid September can range from moderate to extremely hot. Tune up your big game dressing skills before you venture out and have everything you need in your kill kit on each hunt. If you can swing it, an "all in one" hunting pack is highly recommended. These types of packs work great as a day pack and will expand out to pack out large chunks of elk, or, pack your back country camp in/out. Just a few thoughts for you buddy. Good luck on your preparation journey; it's half the fun! RJ

[JosefAbrams]

Thanks! It's great to hear from someone that a lot of the leg work I'm already doing is the right leg work.

I'm perfectly fine taking a cow. I'm not after a trophy, but I sure wouldn't pass one up.