when would be a good time to start scouting for elk? i never really get into elk hunting that much, but would like to this year. i have hunted them before but i just went out for the weekend. so this year i'd like to actually gte out and scout them and find them before hand.

i'm gonna be hunting the westside, if that helps any, for the time of the year that i should be scouting. greenwater mainly, and maybe around northbend

The areas I hunt are non-migratory, as is most of the westside, unless possibly the Olympics if it's a severe weather situation during hunting season, might kick some herds down out of the high country or the Mt. Adams area. Anyway, when I took elk hunting seriously I would scout year round. The herds I kept tabs on year round stayed in the same general area when hunting season started. If you have the time, I would scout year round. I have areas I've hunted for years and still run into elk in the same areas, even with all the changes, new clearcuts, loss of big timber, new reprod, etc. Go out when you can and take notes, date, area, what and where you saw elk, etc. Good luck!!!!!!

"The Pile"

thanks, i'm gonna try to scout from now till opening day. i have a couple spots in green water where i've seen really big bulls while hunting for deer.

run_a_bait,
That's the spirit! Good additude! Get out there when ever you can. I have an idea about the area you are talking. PM me if you like. Good luck!!!!!

"Pile'O'Guts"

Hey Guys,

I am sort of new to Elk Hunting and hunting in Washington. Spent some time on the Kaibab in Az. with family hunting as a kid. I always had sports in school on through college that prevented me from getting too serious about it. So I would tag around elk camp for a few days and then head back to school. Now that I am done with school I am looking to get into it more. Been heading over to Idaho to hunt with my brother due to my lack of knowledge about areas in Washington. So I would like to learn about some places I can head out on the weekend and scout and start learning the land. I live in Monroe now and know there has to be some good areas around. The goal is to take a few years to learn the lay of the land, and then get my dad and brother up here to hunt with me.

Any info would be greatly appreciated....

Gary

My favorite time to scout elk is February and March. The animals settle down, the leaves are off the trees and brush, and the bulls will be stressed for good feed on the westside so they will be in pastures and meadows. You can see them driving around or with a little walking. They don't shed there antlers until mid March or so.

In the summer you can find where there at and learn the country a bit, but don't scout hard because they will figure you out and be gone. Especially don't scout shortly before the season- you will put the elk on guard.