Coastal Roosevelts - November Rifle

[Flat Range]

Curious on some feedback or insight on a November rifle hunt in Western Oregon for Roosevelt Elk. Not my first time out west, not my first time to this specific area (brother lives in Seaside, OR), but the terrain here is often described as tough, which I can attest to from a leisure/work perspective. So there's some intimidation there. Because of that, I want to see if there are some things that maybe I am not thinking about when determining if this is the hunt I want to go on this year.

As stated, my brother lives in Seaside, so the place to stay would be a huge benefit. With this, comes the assistance for any pack out needs I may have or need - as well as the storage of meat/etc... So these things are things I generally have to consider when going on other hunts I've been on. So that is a huge positive.

It doesn't sound like movement is the easiest and is generally kept to the skid row/logging trails with minimal off-trail adventures. As far as access, there is plenty of public land in the unit I am looking at as well as access to private timber parcels via permitting. The volume of land to hunt is there. With this being in November, talking with my brother, looking at historical weather data, and having been there at this time, I am assuming rain will be a constant. The gear and precautions to take with that is not in question, but my question is more about the elk movement in this type of ecosystem.

These elk don't migrate (right?!), so when it comes to elk movement, is there anything that does get them moving from maybe a Spot A to a Spot B? Can I expect anything different in varying rain conditions? I suspect they're pretty used to the rain, but perhaps it still dictates their movement? Do they just loaf about with no real destination outside of bed to food to bed? Any insight to coastal elk movement and behaviors is welcomed! Thank you!

Note- My brother does not hunt. Like, whatsoever. So he unfortunately is of no help here.

 

[NWBLKTAIL]

I grew up there you can PM me, I’ll help you with what I know

 

[StupidLightweight]

I grew up in WA about an hour from Seaside. Pursuing Roosevelt elk in November is one of the most challenging hunts in the country, perhaps second only to chasing blacktail deer in October. It's tough because you're in a jungle, visibility is low, the weather is horrible, and bull density is low. Truthfully, it's not very enjoyable.

Hunter pressure is high, you can go days and days without seeing an animal, and your odds for success will be abysmal, certainly less than 10 percent. If you're still interested, understand that bulls will be solitary at this time, so don't chase herds. The bulls will move from feeding areas (clearcuts largely) to thick brush and timber for bedding. I think the best bet is to glass openings in the AM and then still-hunt timber and hell holes during the day, using your binoculars so much that you'll be cross-eyed by dark.

If you're really lucky, you'll glimpse a patch of hide, antler tine, or an ear twitch before the bull sees you. If you can get a quick shot off before he winds/sees/or senses your presence, you'll have quite the accomplishment.

According to some, the best hunters on earth come from the Pacific Northwest. I didn't believe this until I got older and moved away. Having now hunted a bunch of states and four countries for a variety of big-game, I believe it's true. If you can consistently kill Roosies or blacktails on the West Coast, other game animals are not challenging.

There are two types of people who hunt Roosevelt elk in western OR/WA: those that live nearby, and those who are chasing their Super Slam of big-game species. It's not accidental that tags are over the counter. If there was a realistic chance for success, people would flock here from all over the country. They don't because killing a legal bull is a tiny bit easier than finding Sasquatch.

If you're hoping to kill an elk, spend the next 3 or 4 seasons hunting cows in Colorado/Montana/Wyoming/Idaho while you build points to draw a bull tag. When you do, you'll have a realistic change at taking antlers home.

 

[Flat Range]

I grew up in WA about an hour from Seaside. Pursuing Roosevelt elk in November is one of the most challenging hunts in the country, perhaps second only to chasing blacktail deer in October. It's tough because you're in a jungle, visibility is low, the weather is horrible, and bull density is low. Truthfully, it's not very enjoyable.

Hunter pressure is high, you can go days and days without seeing an animal, and your odds for success will be abysmal, certainly less than 10 percent. If you're still interested, understand that bulls will be solitary at this time, so don't chase herds. The bulls will move from feeding areas (clearcuts largely) to thick brush and timber for bedding. I think the best bet is to glass openings in the AM and then still-hunt timber and hell holes during the day, using your binoculars so much that you'll be cross-eyed by dark.

If you're really lucky, you'll glimpse a patch of hide, antler tine, or an ear twitch before the bull sees you. If you can get a quick shot off before he winds/sees/or senses your presence, you'll have quite the accomplishment.

According to some, the best hunters on earth come from the Pacific Northwest. I didn't believe this until I got older and moved away. Having now hunted a bunch of states and four countries for a variety of big-game, I believe it's true. If you can consistently kill Roosies or blacktails on the West Coast, other game animals are not challenging.

There are two types of people who hunt Roosevelt elk in western OR/WA: those that live nearby, and those who are chasing their Super Slam of big-game species. It's not accidental that tags are over the counter. If there was a realistic chance for success, people would flock here from all over the country. They don't because killing a legal bull is a tiny bit easier than finding Sasquatch.

If you're hoping to kill an elk, spend the next 3 or 4 seasons hunting cows in Colorado/Montana/Wyoming/Idaho while you build points to draw a bull tag. When you do, you'll have a realistic change at taking antlers home.

Very solid talking points. Pretty on-par with everything I've been reading, watching, listening to for the last few years. With these things in mind, would an archery early season tag be any better? Or about the same with just different challenges? Not counting the challenges that come with getting within bow range of an elk lol

I don't fall into those two categories of hunter, so I must be the 3rd type (got more coin than brain)