Powers Elk Hunt - 226Y

IdahoBugler · Nov 7, 2017

Hello all.

Like always hunts, family and work have taken it's toll on time this year. Looking at the calendar and I have less than 2 weeks before my first Roosevelt Elk hunt. I drew this tag with 10 non-resident points so it's not a super easy tag to draw. Looking at harvest odds from the last 4 years success is fairly low from 31% to 46% on the best year. Phone calls to biologist's, wardens and from a few locals have all dried up or pending call backs. I currently have somewhat of a plan but nothing concrete yet more of spots that look promising.

If anyone has hunted or knows anything about this hunt I would be thankful for any info that you could provide.

Thanks and happy hunting to all.

IB

OchocoKid · Nov 7, 2017

Those are high success rates for Oregon elk hunts.

I've never hunted it but there are 2 things for sure you probably already know. brush and rain.

Stay Thirsty My Friends

Wanted · Nov 7, 2017

and Poison oak!

WapitiBob · Nov 7, 2017

Pm sent

IdahoBugler · Nov 8, 2017

Thanks for the info guys. Yes I have heard that it might rain and that it is pretty brushy.

I will definitely be stepping out of my comfort zone hunting the rosy's but super excited for the challenge.

I'm a bit concerned about fog and visibility hampering the hunt as well. Do you guys know if the elk will be responding to calls during this time of year? I've called in our rocky's up in Idaho into November and just curious is these coastal elk would be the same.

Thanks,
IB

OchocoKid · Nov 8, 2017

I don't think there's a chance they'll respond to a call. you could try it but I bet hunters is all you'd get.

Roosevelt's are a different animal than what you're used to. kind of big fat and lazy compared to a rocky. I like to say it's like a draft horse and a race horse thing. not that a Roosevelt can't run or go places you don't want to follow them they can. but they're just not as high strung as a rocky.

I'm not familiar with the area you're hunting but the few times I've hunted the west side fog wouldn't be a major factor because a long shot was 100 yards. it's like hunting the jungle . the only open areas were clear cuts and there were 10 guys watching those so we stayed away. I think where you're going is a bit more open and the tags may be fewer so you may have a better hunt.

It can surely get foggy but I don't think I'd worry about it being a major factor . who knows you may luck out and hit some decent weather it can happen.

Stay Thirsty My Friends

IdahoBugler · Nov 8, 2017

Thanks for the info OchocoKid. That's good stuff. I will be battling with 100 tag holders so doesn't seem to bad but typically how that goes they will all be hunting the same areas I will be. I guess one big concern with the fog will be getting turned around in that stuff with little to no visibility. Mountains causing the gps useless. I've been in those situations before and that's not fun.

thanks again.

OchocoKid · Nov 8, 2017

100 tags is nothing in an area that large. that should help a bunch.

I would think a GPS should work as long as you're in an opening. I'd sure use one as much as possible in unfamiliar country.

You should be able to find a bull if you have some time to figure it all out. are you going it alone or will you have someone with you ?

Stay Thirsty My Friends

IdahoBugler · Nov 8, 2017

More than likely going alone. Hard to find someone to go with over thanksgiving. I might have a local going with on opening day but that is still up in the air.

elkliver · Nov 14, 2017

Um.... success rates don't get much higher in oregon

Which is amazing considering the jungle in that area

ByeByeObamas · Dec 24, 2017

My uncle spent 10 pts and 4k on a guide. It was so foggy that he saw nothing other than a spike (only bull he found). I have been very reluctant to donthis hunt because it is so wet, foggy, etc.