Work Cut Out For Elk Hunters

Thu., Sept. 24, 1998

Fenton Roskelley Correspondent

Washington Big Game

Elk numbers are up slightly in northeast Washington, the Blue Mountains and the Yakima region. However, serious hunters already know that, for the most part, they’ll have to work hard to tag bulls according to Washington Fish and Wildlife Department biologists.

For the first time, persons who hunt elk in northeast Washington will have to buy a special tag. In past years, holders of the Blue Mountains tag could hunt in southeast and northeast Washington.

Although there are good numbers of bulls in Pend Oreille and Stevens counties, hunting them can be difficult because of the dense forest and rugged terrain.

Those who buy the general ND tag can shoot any bull in units 101 through 124 and 133 through 142.

Biologists say the post-winter calf ratios were very high in northeast Washington “so there should be a good crop of yearlings.”

Modern firearm hunters may have a better chance to hunt in snow since the season opens seven days later than last year.

Elk hunting in units 124, 127 and 130 should be comparable to the 1997 season, when about 60 elk were harvested, according to Washington Fish and Wildlife Department forecast reports.

Although the Blue Mountains elk population has improved in most areas, the hunter success rate this fall isn’t expected to rise above 5 percent. However, hunters who have the three-point minimum permit should have little trouble taking home a bull.

George Tsukamoto, state game program manager, isn’t optimistic about hunting for spike bulls. Calf survival has been poor the last few years, he said.

Elk herds in the Yakima and Colockum areas remain stable. Adult bull ratios are continuing to improve as the result of spike-only bull elk general season hunting and branched-antlered bull by-permit-only management.

The Yakima herd ratios were near the 15 bulls to 100 cows goal after the 1997 season, biologists said. However, in the Colockum area the ratio was only 6.9 bulls to 100 cows.

“Hunter success in these elk units is largely dependent on weather conditions,” the biologists concluded. “With some luck, hunters should better their 5 percent success rate of last year.”

Poaching hotlines

Following are the official toll-free telephone numbers to report poaching or other game-law violations:

Washington: From within the state only, (800) 477-6224.

Idaho: From within the state only, (800) 632-5999.

Montana: From within the state, (800) 847-6668. From outside the state, (800) 327-3212.

ELK SEASONS Eastern Washington Archery: Sept. 1-14 and Nov. 25-Dec.15 Modern firearm: Oct. 31-Nov. 8 Muzzleloader: Oct. 10-16 and Nov. 25-15 (See rules for exceptions.)

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.