Elk hunting Washington

[Zachary Erickson]

looking to get into hunting elk in Washington i hunt Eastern Archery but for 3 years have yet to hear a bugle. im trying to learn what i need to change but i dont know. im teaching myself to hunt so that may be my demise also. if you have any tips on finding them like elevation or calling that would be awesome. also what gear im looking to keep it light since september is stupid hot here in WA. thanks again guys

 

[Justin Crossley]

We don't have any elk in Washington. ;p

 

[Zachary Erickson]

We don't have any elk in Washington. ;p

sorry Justin but i have friends in Buckley that say otherwise. but i know the secrecy side of hunting also.

 

[Brock A]

sorry Justin but i have friends in Buckley that say otherwise. but i know the secrecy side of hunting also.

I wouldn't trust anyone from Buckley. ;-)

Honestly though, I would try and find a hunting partner that knows what they are doing to help you cut that learning curve.

 

[Ross]

Wa is tough for bugling action due to the limited season....as noted find someone if possible for the area your looking to give some tips, otherwise it is ground and pound in Elk areas until you find a talker when your out. Remember much of an area can be void or limited in the actual elk usage. Look for old rubs and wallows to signify when elk may be there when you are.

 

[Mike7]

I think Ross is spot on. I have made the opposite mistake previously of hunting places in Muzzleloader and Rifle season in Washington that had previously used (i.e. not fresh) wallows and rubs that were from late August...but guess what, no elk were regularly using that specific area during the time of year that I was there in October/November.

 

[actionshooter]

Elk hunting in Washington is tough, during the Wa archery season, I am usually in Montana

 

[Zachary Erickson]

im thinking of hunting idaho or montana with family

 

[Forks]

Here is a late season muzzy bull from the coast to keep ya motivated.

 

[Ben]

Zachary, I'm in the same boat as you. I've been at it for 4 years and still nothing. I do have a few locations on the East side figured out. The thing is, I'm moving out of state. Send me a PM and I'll let you know everything I know.

 

[bowhuntersd]

Not sure how much time you have put in so far? There is an old saying 10% of the hunters, kill 90% of the animals. That can not be more true here in Washington. On average Wa. Archery success is 1 in every 5yrs. The best thing you can do is read, attend and watch everything you can about elk hunting. Put boots to the ground and FIND them early. Washington is crazy with people both East and West. Good luck and keep pushing.

 

[WRO]

I think REMF stated it best, go hunt other states for elk besides WA.. The seasons suck as far as timing and bag limits and in my limited experience, Every place we hunted that was OTC was extremely crowded.

 

[xXlojackXx]

I hunt an OTC Eastside unit and see elk every day of the season. I just bust my ass and get back into the backcountry where most people won't. And in WA it doesn't take 10-15 miles. More like 2-5. Last season I saw one other hunter in "my" area and he had no idea what he was tromping through in terms of elk country. Then I get home after September and read about how bad that unit is when people didn't see any elk. Bottom line is the elk are here. Just do your work and find them.

 

[muledhunter]

That's why I now buy idaho tags

 

[dreamingbig]

I love me some WA backcountry for elk but just started building points in WY and will be hunting ID, MT and WY in next five years. At least that is the plan.

 

[Elkoholic87]

I've been hunting elk in Eastern Washington for years. Some years I have been into the elk heavily and other years not so much. If you want to get into elk more consistently, you need to get off the beaten path and put some mileage on your boots. Elk tend to be where there aren't many people. That seems quite obvious, but it simply rings true. I currently live in AZ and I'm thinking I'll be going on my first out of state archery hunt in Utah this year. Good luck!

 

[ridgefire]

Build points and hunt idaho until you draw. If you are set on eastern elk i would look into the ne corner if you want to hunt any elk or anywhere around Yakima if you are looking for a cow or spike. Not sure if I'm supposed to say this but there is alot of info on hunting-washington.com.