Time to start hunting

[steelhead_fishn]

Well, I just finally purchased myself some hunting equipment, and I'm finishing up my hunter's education. For birds I went with the remington 870 12 gauge with synthetic stock, and for big game I purchased the cabela's .54 hawken traditional black powder rifle.

This year I'm hoping to take some birds( I will be hunting with experienced bird hunters) however big game will be the kicker. I will probally be hunting the Battle Ground unit this year because I happen to live in Battle Ground. I really want to take an elk this year, but I figure I have some time to put in before I can get rewarded.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a new big game hunter in this area? I will be learning how to hunt completly from scratch, barring the hours of watching ranch hunts on TNN How long did it take to get your first animal? Today I'm swinging by Alfred's maps to pick up a GMU 564 map and a topo to go with it.

Jeff

PS - Capn Dan please email your address again because I misplaced it and I still have your crate and some food. (jhulse@dslnorthwest.net) Sorry I havent gotten back to you, we've been swamped. Cole is doing great. He filled out into quite a big boy. He will be hunting with us this year. I will post some pictures soon.

[troutguy04]

Check out the Hagen and Jones Creeks area for elk in the late season. I have seen some nice looking animals in there, but you definatly have to work for them.