Tough Decision

[RadSav]

Buy both tags and go for elk. If you're elk hunting without a deer tag, you will see the deer of a lifetime, I guarantee it.

I agree with this.  In most areas you can hunt both at the same time.  And if time is what limits you just wait until elk season starts and then begin your hunt.  My biggest muledeer, my biggest blacktail and my biggest bear were all killed while I was trying to tag an elk.  That doesn't necessarily mean I haven't missed on a stalk at bigger ones while just hunting the one species.  But the opportunities where I made the right choices at the right time were during serious elk hunting.  The bear was actually bugled in and shot not two minutes before we killed the bull   Did make for a long day of skinning and packing meat.  But it was worth it!

[kisfish]

I would go for elk. I am all about putting more meat in the freezer. Just my 

[elk247]

Deer season runs through elk season so you will have a shot at both. The real decision is east or west. Bumping nile cow or spike and nice deer is a great choice. There are a few cow oppertunities on the west as well. A kowpowsin permit is alot of money for a deer. But its a beautiful unit and you might see bears and cougar too. I always have all 4 tags when the laws allow. Good luck with your elk!

[washelkhunter]

Those antlerless opportunities in nile and bumping are not a sure deal yet....just proposals.

The archery season for cow or spike are a done deal for the Nile and bumping.

No its not. But i wont be surprised its adopted. Hopefully ML's will get the same deal or better.

[hughjorgan]

Those antlerless opportunities in nile and bumping are not a sure deal yet....just proposals.

The archery season for cow or spike are a done deal for the Nile and bumping.

No its not. But i wont be surprised its adopted. Hopefully ML's will get the same deal or better.

Yes it is sir, it was already in the works before last season and muzzleloader will be spike only in those units with draws for cow permits.

Now as far as the original posters question, I would choose to buy the deer and elk combo. Concentrate on hunting elk but have a tag in case you have an oppurtunity at a deer.