collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: 16 Bull elk points what unit question  (Read 6252 times)

Offline luvmystang67

  • Past Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 2226
  • Location: Coeur d'Alene
Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #15 on: December 19, 2017, 09:54:43 AM »
I had a great hunt in the St Helens units.  It was TOUGH and I didn't get an animal, but experience wise it was almost as cool as it gets.  I highly recommend.  There aren't really a ton of big bulls in the area, quite a few raghorns though.  If you're not feeling like a mountain climber its probably best to shy away as well.   :twocents:

Offline jstone

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2009
  • Posts: 6273
Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #16 on: December 19, 2017, 12:03:24 PM »
Blues

Offline Skyvalhunter

  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2007
  • Posts: 15706
  • Location: Sky valley/Methow
Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #17 on: December 19, 2017, 12:14:11 PM »
ID
The only man who never makes a mistake, is the man who never does anything!!
The further one goes into the wilderness, the greater the attraction of its lonely freedom.

Offline Rainier10

  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Explorer
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2010
  • Posts: 14483
  • Location: Over the edge
Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #18 on: December 19, 2017, 12:15:31 PM »
ID
:yeah:
I'm in the same boat as the OP, drew a quality tag last year.  16 points for regular bull next year.  After that I am off to ID or maybe a run at the raffle tags.
Pain is temporary, achieving the goal is worth it.

I didn't say it would be easy, I said it would be worth it.

Every father should remember that one day his children will follow his example instead of his advice.


The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HuntWa or the site owner.

Offline 71Shovelhead

  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jun 2013
  • Posts: 168
  • Location: Vancouver WA
Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #19 on: December 19, 2017, 06:55:33 PM »
Thanks for all the input both here and PMs. I will start checking out the Mt Saint Helens units as well as White River. The Blues would be great but thats Quality rather than Bull, still open to more ideas. 'Bout done with my home state after 48yrs of hunting and 60yrs of living.

Offline blackveltbowhunter

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+8)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2009
  • Posts: 3935
  • BLAM
Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #20 on: December 20, 2017, 11:56:43 AM »
It depends on the type of hunt your looking for and if "caliber" of bull is a factor.

IMO with your points I think your past the st helens tags. Unless you hunt westside every year and  that limits your hunt choices.  The pros: Decent elk herd. Especially bulls.  Not alot of company. It sounds like it might be close so scouting may be easier.
Cons: elk herd declining,  stock options and access limited depending on area, and possibly the biggest, bulls are stunted. From what i have seen a 260 ishbull is a high but realistic goal with good scouting and if all goes well on the hunt with weather etc. Anything bigger is a unicorn.

The White River is a decent option. With possibility for some dandy bulls. Downsides are tribal hunting and access has made the unit less desidesirable. I know guys that have killed some good bulls recently, as well as guys that have hunted it hard and have not. The reports seem to be the same, hunting is tough regardless.  Do alot of research and if it were me I would take the week before season to focus on locating a bull as they seem to move a bit after the rut.

I am in a similar boat with 14 points and zeroed out quality this year. I prefer archery and if i pick an OTC tag I am limited on choices here. I am fortunate to hunt multiple states however and am strongly considering going eastside rifle until i draw. Will be putting in for 300 series tags. I dont think you can go wrong with that option if its something that you could make work for you.

Offline kentrek

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2012
  • Posts: 3379
  • Location: west coast
Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #21 on: December 20, 2017, 12:06:40 PM »
Be careful about putting in for the st hellens tags....the last two years have not been kind up there....hoof rot is taking its toll.....a ton of winter kills up there....pretty sad




Offline blackveltbowhunter

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+8)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2009
  • Posts: 3935
  • BLAM
Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #22 on: December 20, 2017, 12:13:15 PM »
2 years? I would say the better part of the last 10 years :dunno:

Offline kentrek

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2012
  • Posts: 3379
  • Location: west coast
Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #23 on: December 20, 2017, 12:51:38 PM »
2 years? I would say the better part of the last 10 years :dunno:

Yes definitely....but im talking upper elk zones specifically, and esp in the last two years the hoof rot has gone further east into those areas

Offline blackveltbowhunter

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+8)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2009
  • Posts: 3935
  • BLAM
Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #24 on: December 20, 2017, 01:27:36 PM »
Gotcha. I agree. Used to be only saw  bad kill around the flow and rot on private timber.  Nothing safe the last few years for sure.

Offline backcountry55

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jan 2009
  • Posts: 141
Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #25 on: December 22, 2017, 08:46:59 AM »
do not put in for around mt st helens! its a joke unless you want a possibility at a dink 5pt! with those points put in for mid 300 units!

Offline trophyhunt

  • Forum Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+11)
  • Explorer
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2008
  • Posts: 18678
  • Location: Wetside
  • Groups: Wa Wild Sheep Life Member
Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #26 on: December 22, 2017, 09:57:48 AM »
do not put in for around mt st helens! its a joke unless you want a possibility at a dink 5pt! with those points put in for mid 300 units!
:yeah:
“In common with”..... not so much!!

Offline 71Shovelhead

  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jun 2013
  • Posts: 168
  • Location: Vancouver WA
Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #27 on: December 22, 2017, 08:25:20 PM »
I have killed lots of "Dinks" and one good bull. Would like a chance at another mature bull. Not looking for a monster (had my chance and Fu fu fu messed up) most likely will never have a chance like that again.
« Last Edit: December 23, 2017, 05:38:44 AM by 71Shovelhead »

Offline Mallardmasher

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jan 2016
  • Posts: 394
  • Location: Port Orchard, Washington
  • IBEW LU 46
  • Groups: CCA WWA
Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #28 on: January 04, 2018, 10:53:10 PM »
I keep trying for Dayton, but with 28 points, what else is there.
USN 1985-94, IBEW Local 46 1994-Present
Matt

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Let’s see your best Washington buck by abhold87
[Today at 12:03:27 PM]


Springer Fishing Opportunity 3/29 & 3/30 by xXLojackXx
[Today at 11:47:13 AM]


Bearpaw Season - Spring 2024 by bearpaw
[Today at 11:45:41 AM]


Walked a cougar down by Rainier10
[Today at 11:17:49 AM]


SB 5444 signed by Inslee on 03/26 Takes Effect on 06/06/24 by hughjorgan
[Today at 09:03:26 AM]


Springer 2024 Columbia River by WSU
[Today at 08:31:10 AM]


Average by lhrbull
[Today at 07:31:56 AM]


CVA optima V2 LR tapped hole for front sight by Remdawg
[Today at 07:09:22 AM]


Which 12” boat trailer tires? by timberhunter
[Yesterday at 08:22:18 PM]


Lowest power 22 round? by JakeLand
[Yesterday at 08:06:13 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2024, SimplePortal