Planning a Roosevelt elk hunt

[Smasher]

I am planning a Roosevelt elk hunt on the Olympic Peninsula and looking for any advice. I've heard the terrain is brutal and the rain is constant but the bulls are massive, has anyone hunted there recently?

 

[Light_burn]

I hunted the Peninsula a couple years back and you’re right, the country is thick, steep, and wet enough to soak you to the bone if you’re not ready. Good rain gear isn’t optional, it’s your best friend out there. Be prepared for slow going through jungle-like timber but that’s part of the fun, those bulls are huge when you finally get into them

 

[VancMike]

Some years ago, I participated in the Roosevelt muzzleloader hunt (aka "shoot and release") in Wahkiakum County. While not so wet...but close...as the Peninsula, it's challenging and those younger bulls are very adept at walking quietly through the pucker brush. Our biggest challenge was avoiding the local mushroom pickers who strolled blithely through the woods, most wearing outerwear the same colors and tints as elk.

 

[Karate_kid]

I am planning a Roosevelt elk hunt on the Olympic Peninsula and looking for any advice. I've heard the terrain is brutal and the rain is constant but the bulls are massive, has anyone hunted there recently?

Hey, that’s a tough but rewarding region, I hunted there two years ago just have a waterproof pack, wool base layers, and lightweight rain suit, also train your cardio, you’ll earn every step.

 

[Renton Indian]

I go to the high country, Raymond and that area are way to nasty for this ole man.

 

[gunrack]

That's a wild story, @VancMike I think the Wahkiakum County Roosevelt elk hunt is seriously challenging. Dealing with those mushroom pickers in elk colors is a next-level hunting obstacle, for real amd you wouldn't want to get into any accidents or trouble. Did you guys have any luck with a muzzleloader setup?

 

[Karl]

Hey @Smasher , planning a Roosevelt elk hunt on the Olympic Peninsula is awesome, but you heard right, that terrain is absolutely brutal. You'll be dealing with rainforest conditions, meaning steep hills, dense alders and constant moisture, so focus your prep on extreme wet weather gear and building good hiking endurance. Concentrate your scouting on the boundaries of timber cuts and natural funnels to intercept those massive, secretive bulls...good luck with the hunt

 

[Smasher]

I hunted the Peninsula a couple years back and you’re right, the country is thick, steep, and wet enough to soak you to the bone if you’re not ready. Good rain gear isn’t optional, it’s your best friend out there. Be prepared for slow going through jungle-like timber but that’s part of the fun, those bulls are huge when you finally get into them

Appreciate that, man, sounds like a real grind but worth it when you finally spot one. I’ll definitely invest in solid rain gear, thanks for the heads-up about the terrain

 

[Smasher]

Hey @Smasher , planning a Roosevelt elk hunt on the Olympic Peninsula is awesome, but you heard right, that terrain is absolutely brutal. You'll be dealing with rainforest conditions, meaning steep hills, dense alders and constant moisture, so focus your prep on extreme wet weather gear and building good hiking endurance. Concentrate your scouting on the boundaries of timber cuts and natural funnels to intercept those massive, secretive bulls...good luck with the hunt

When you hunted the Peninsula, did you find mornings or evenings better for catching movement around those timber cuts?

 

[VancMike]

That's a wild story, @VancMike I think the Wahkiakum County Roosevelt elk hunt is seriously challenging. Dealing with those mushroom pickers in elk colors is a next-level hunting obstacle, for real amd you wouldn't want to get into any accidents or trouble. Did you guys have any luck with a muzzleloader setup?

Nope. That's why we called it shoot and release. There were a few successful hunts. Locals would perch just outside the JBH game reserve and shoot any younger bulls chased away by the seniors. Those particular hunting spots were "reserved" and out-of-towners shooed away.