Mt. St Helens Elk Paradise

[SeanLoganP]

Had the chance to spot and stalk elk out in the Mt St. Helens area just off the mud flows this weekend.
The mud flow and tidal basin is closed to the public (even though quite a few people where jumping the fence to hunt down sheds). I staid in the tree line and on the legal side of the waterway boundaries. The forests were absolutely filled with beds, skat, and sign.


I was able to spot a couple cows and get within 50 meters or so. This was a first of any kind of animal. With the fresh snow the forest was filled with track including what I'm guessing was fox as I don't think any coyote would be up there.


I wasn't able to find any shed but I did find elk skulls.
I've felt like I was LARP'ing as a hunter for the last 6 months as I wandered around the forests of Washington. I felt different after I came out of the woods this weekend.

 

[cohunter14]

Sounds like an awesome experience Sean! The fact you were able to stalk that close to them is outstanding and makes for some good practice for hunting season  :upthumb:

 

[Jmscon]

I had the privilege of hunting on the pumice plans a few years back. It was a special draw which included a off trail permit for the national monument. Let?s of elk and lots of fun!

Just watch out in that area, lots of private timberlands that require an annual permit to even walk a road!

Thanks for posting the pic, gets the excitement flowing every time!