Washington Elk questions

[Kylenautique]

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...

 

[wcasey755]

Are you from Washington or doing non resident? I haven’t killed one yet but it’s tough, and hoofrot is a bugger. I don’t believe the elk in the places you mentioned have been hit by it though. I think the biggest thing is to get off the roads. Which was my issue the last five years. Just sticking to logging roads. You gotta get in the thick, had ten times the elk interaction when I did.

Also food for thought, I think in SW Washington. Muzzleloader might be the best season IMO. I just have no desire to hunt muzzie. Rifle is also a zoo.

 

[Kylenautique]

Are you from Washington or doing non resident? I haven’t killed one yet but it’s tough, and hoofrot is a bugger. I don’t believe the elk in the places you mentioned have been hit by it though. I think the biggest thing is to get off the roads. Which was my issue the last five years. Just sticking to logging roads. You gotta get in the thick, had ten times the elk interaction when I did.

Also food for thought, I think in SW Washington. Muzzleloader might be the best season IMO. I just have no desire to hunt muzzie. Rifle is also a zoo.

Yeah I'm a Washington resident. I live in Washougal and I've got a family cabin up in Northwoods up by Swift Reservoir, so the GP around Mt. St. Helens is where I've been hunting. I've been contemplating muzzleloader, but I'm in the same boat as you. I really prefer my Tikka 30-06 I've invested time and money in. I agree with the comment about the roads. I had what I thought was a decent place until someone tore the gate open...

Even though I haven't been successful yet, its still a lot of fun. This is the guy I came across during deer season. Less than 50 yards. He was chasing some cows. And there was another bull bugling somewhere in the woods. It was pretty exciting! He was a morale booster