Kylenautique
FNG
Just looking for some advice and pointers. This was my 3rd season hunting elk in SW Washington modern rifle. I did some scouting over the summer and found a decent area. A closed road behind a gate somewhat deep in the Siouxon on the south side of Swift Reservoir. I even came across a bull bugling at some cows in October towards the end of deer season. That was a really cool experience! During elk season, I came across a small herd, but they disappeared and I couldn't find where they went. Unfortunately, my hunt got ruined because someone decided to tear open the gate to drive into the area. I didn't see anything after that.
I know the lewis river and siouxon units arent the elk producers they once were. I hear that from people that have been hunting there since the 1980s and 1990s.. I'm trying to come up with a different strategy. I want to get away from roads and gates. I have a dirt bike, although I'm a pretty intermediate trail rider... Would I maybe have more secucess in places like the dark divide? Should I consider muzzleloader over modern rifle? Mount Adams/Trout Lake? Or is it truly just dumb luck?
I'm not asking for honey hole locations. Really more strategy. I'm going to scout a ton this late summer. Maybe 2026 will be my year. That first elk will be the ultimate victory...
I know the lewis river and siouxon units arent the elk producers they once were. I hear that from people that have been hunting there since the 1980s and 1990s.. I'm trying to come up with a different strategy. I want to get away from roads and gates. I have a dirt bike, although I'm a pretty intermediate trail rider... Would I maybe have more secucess in places like the dark divide? Should I consider muzzleloader over modern rifle? Mount Adams/Trout Lake? Or is it truly just dumb luck?
I'm not asking for honey hole locations. Really more strategy. I'm going to scout a ton this late summer. Maybe 2026 will be my year. That first elk will be the ultimate victory...
