65+ muzzy elk

[splitshot]

    i switched to muzzy elk this year and found out the 65 plus elk permit draw was  non existent on the eastside.   did anyone else experience this.  why dont they have all permit hunts labeled any weapon and we wear orange.  when you draw a permit very few other hunters are in the field.    mike w

[Jburke]

Thats not always the case, at least as far as not always being many others in the field.  A lot of the permit hunts take place during the general seasons. 

[splitshot]

you are correct.  i should say most of the permits we have drawn we have not seen one other hunter.  mike w

[Jburke]

Ive noticed that as well, at least in general during the ML hunts.  But I also have typically hunted the NE corner and elk hunting is about as hard as you will find in WA

[splitshot]

jburke,  we hunted up there as well but got nothing.  did see a few roadhunters.  hope to change my luck next year.  you are right about it being rough.  mike w

[Jburke]

Been going up that way for 5 years or so.  Last year was the only year we didn't spot a single elk.  Shot a cow the year before though.

[HoofsandWings]

I brought it up with the state last May/June. They said it was an error and in 2013 there will be a 65+ elk permit in eastern wa.
I did add that our age group can not wait forever like a 20 something can to get a 65+ permit.

[splitshot]

hoof,  were you talking about muzzy  65 elk?  it did seem strange as there were no selections about that.  i did not notice it till i switched to muzzy.  mike w

[HoofsandWings]

Yes, the 65+ muzzy elk. I was putting in for all of the permit draws when I noticed this.
I had a  Eastern Washington Muzzleloader elk tag.

[Jonathan_S]

Eastern muzzy elk hunters don't exactly get catered to. 

[washelkhunter]

Aint that the truth. Its not much better on the westside. We ml elk hunters need to band together and start pressuring Wdfw. We should be having the same opportunities now that the archers enjoy, esp now since archery gear has evolved to the point where hunters are shooting out to 100 yds and harvesting/wounding elk. I want back in to 346, 3pt or antlerless in 560, 550, 530 etc. We need start making our voices heard loud and clear. Afterall dont we pay the same bill?

[Longbowz]

 
Very true.  The game dept. doesn't hand out seasons and tags because your nice people - you must work for them.  Email, show up at both season setting and commission meetings and make your feelings known.  The best way is get organized and set priorities for areas where it's possible to get better opportunities and most of all never relent.  Hunting is a privilege not a right so you have to fight for it.