WASHINGTON GENERAL-SEASON FORECAST
With an estimated population of more than 60,000, Washington State has one of the highest elk populations in the country. Elk numbers are fairly stable throughout the state, which has vast opportunities for general-season hunts.

Unlike many Western states, Washington has a generous amount of over-the-counter tags for elk.

"We have good opportunities in that regard," says Jerry Nelson, Washington's elk and deer program manager for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

For most general-season hunts, Washington hunters are limited to spikes on only the eastern half of the state and three points or better in the western hunting units. "Most of our GMUs that have elk have some sort of general season," Nelson says of over-the-counter tags.

While November was cold in Washington with snow and freezing weather, the winter was mild overall, which allowed many bulls to carry over. Harvest was about average in 2006 in Washington.

General-season elk hunters generally target the Willapa Hills, Mount St. Helens and Yakima herds, Nelson says. All have healthy elk populations and big bulls, as well as plenty of spikes for eastside hunters hunting the Yakima herd's general-season GMUs.

The Willapa Hills herd occupies hunting units in the southwestern portion of the state between Interstate 5 and the coast. Much of the herd lives on state forestland and private timberland where hunters are often allowed to hunt during elk season.

"Most private timber companies allow some sort of public access," Nelson says, although hunters must obey no trespassing signs.

In the past years, increased timber harvest has allowed hunter-harvest rates to increase in southwestern Washington, although the Willapa Herd remains stable and provides some of the best opportunities at big bucks for general-season hunters in the Evergreen State.

The Mount St. Helens herd has been growing, but suffered a setback two winters ago when dozens of bulls were trapped by heavy snow and starved. But the herd continues to produce large bulls.

The Yakima Herd of nearly 10,000 elk appears to be increasing after the harvest of antlerless elk was reduced a few years ago. Access is good on Forest Service and BLM lands.

The western Washington general elk rifle season runs from Nov. 3 through 12 in units 407, 448, 460, 466, 503 through 520, 530, 550, 560, 572, 601 through 618, 624, 627 through 633, 638 through 652, and 654 through 684. GMU 501 is open Nov. 3 through 12, as are units 564, 568, 574, 578, 666 and 454.

Seasons can vary by game management unit, so check the regulations carefully before hunting.

Find more about Washington-Oregon fishing and hunting at WOgameandfish.com