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)

 

[slm9s]

Weather can really affect how you hunt, specifically wind. If its not raining or only misting, you can find them in open loggings, hayfields, etc. If its raining sideways in 25mph wind, you're going to have to go into shyt-holes after them, and success will be VERY difficult. Gore-tex, or even Grundens raingear; illuminated reticle helps in DARK timber, dress in layers as you can be freezing your butt off, then have to chase elk up a STEEP ridge fast as you can go, sweat your balls off, then lose them and freeze again trying to find their trail again. I've shot bulls at daylight in snow, twilight in a monsoon, and 1pm lounging in the sun. They can be ANYWHERE AT ANYTIME.

 

[Flat Range]

Weather can really affect how you hunt, specifically wind. If its not raining or only misting, you can find them in open loggings, hayfields, etc. If its raining sideways in 25mph wind, you're going to have to go into shyt-holes after them, and success will be VERY difficult. Gore-tex, or even Grundens raingear; illuminated reticle helps in DARK timber, dress in layers as you can be freezing your butt off, then have to chase elk up a STEEP ridge fast as you can go, sweat your balls off, then lose them and freeze again trying to find their trail again. I've shot bulls at daylight in snow, twilight in a monsoon, and 1pm lounging in the sun. They can be ANYWHERE AT ANYTIME.

I appreciate the reply! The illuminated reticle is a good nugget! You wouldn't think about it but being in that country before, it can get real dark down in some of those bottoms - on a full sun day to boot.

 

[Fred@Exterra]

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)

There is a third category… those that only go once

I lived there for five years when I worked for Bowtech… so I had the advantage of hunting with a bunch of hardcore hunters that grew up on the coast range. Most went east, but a few guys killed elk every year. I killed a few with a bow, and a handful off private land (Land owner permit).

It isn’t impossible, but it’s tough. The elk do not need to move. They have water, food and security everywhere. Plan on still hunting and suddenly having them appear in the mist, or catching them on the edge of a clear cut at first light.

The brush and foliage is incredibly thick. You’ll be wading through ferns and devils claw all day long. It’s always wet. Constant rain & mist. Buy a set of expensive goretex rain gear for the nice day… and a set of Grundens rubber rain gear for the rest.

Did I mention it’s steep & slick.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Flat Range]

The elk do not need to move. They have water, food and security everywhere.

That was exactly what I was starting to put together! Which makes sense when you think about it.

I certainly appreciate the insight.

 

[Dark timber]

General rifle elk season is extremely competitive. Get a mountain bike (with disk brakes and front shocks only) and hunt behind locked timber co gates. Do all your hunting in the week or more leading up to season (I can’t stress the importance of this enough) and once you kinda figure out what they do, be in position opening morning WELL before daylight. This is by far your best opportunity. Because once the shooting starts, everything changes. But also make sure you dont put all your eggs in one basket. Having a plan A, B, C, D is imperative. You can have elk all to yourself right before season and opening morning locals who know where they always are will show up and throw a wrench in your hunt. Midday when lots of people give up, focus on glassing tall reprod. They can live in it and feel safe but can be seen from across canyons.
I spent 40 years in SW WA, which is essentially the same as NW Oregon…but with less elk. We still kill bulls consistently but there is definitely a learning curve. Idaho is definitely much easier! Lol

 

[DawnPatrol]

I grew up there. is the truth about general season rifle hunting for elk in industrial timberland.

 

[Flat Range]

General rifle elk season is extremely competitive. Get a mountain bike (with disk brakes and front shocks only) and hunt behind locked timber co gates. Do all your hunting in the week or more leading up to season (I can’t stress the importance of this enough) and once you kinda figure out what they do, be in position opening morning WELL before daylight. This is by far your best opportunity. Because once the shooting starts, everything changes. But also make sure you dont put all your eggs in one basket. Having a plan A, B, C, D is imperative. You can have elk all to yourself right before season and opening morning locals who know where they always are will show up and throw a wrench in your hunt. Midday when lots of people give up, focus on glassing tall reprod. They can live in it and feel safe but can be seen from across canyons.
I spent 40 years in SW WA, which is essentially the same as NW Oregon…but with less elk. We still kill bulls consistently but there is definitely a learning curve. Idaho is definitely much easier! Lol

Very insightful! Thank you so much.

 

[Flat Range]

Hey guys. I certainly appreciate the advice and insight. With the things being said about rifle, how different of a type of hunt would it be for early season archery? Obviously archery hunting elk comes with it's own unique challenges, but in terms of hunter pressure, coastal elk behavior/movement, etc.. during this early season time.