What to put in for?

[Harborhunter]

OK, so I have 19 points going into the draw and am trying to decide what two choices I should put in for in the quality bull tag.  I have been doing a lot of research and have some ideas, I am just looking to get a few more opinions.  I am going to be putting in for rifle tags in the Blues and have the choices narrowed down to the Wenahas, Tucannon and Dayton.  I am aware of  private land issues, the ruggedness of the ground and I am considering a drop camp if I draw a unit other than Dayton.  I live out on the coast, so I have not spent much time in the Blues.   I have bear hunted East Wenaha a few years ago and will be back there bear hunting in a few weeks.  I am not looking for any kind of free info or people's honey holes, i am just having a tough time trying to pick two out of those four units and just want to throw a question out there to the forum in order to get some more opinions. If you want to respond by PM, that would be great.  Thanks for your time.

[Woodchuck]

There are no elk in the Blues   

[Harborhunter]

Yeah that's what I have heard!

[vandeman17]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of those units. With some work and a little bit of luck, you should be able to pull a nice bull out of all of those. If it were me, I would go Dayton then Tucannon.

[Woodchuck]

That's enough out of you. I thought we were friends.     

[vandeman17]

Me? 

[Woodchuck]

Yes you 

[Harborhunter]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of those units. With some work and a little bit of luck, you should be able to pull a nice bull out of all of those. If it were me, I would go Dayton then Tucannon.

That is kind of where I am at right now.  I don't think one can go wrong with any of them either.  Just hoping to get a few more opinions to aide my decision.  Even with a lot of points I know drawing isn't a sure thing, but I just want to try and make the best choices I can. 

[vandeman17]

Yes you 

Well shoot. Then I change my vote to there are no elk in the blues! That better? 

[270Flat]

None!

[Woodchuck]

Yes you 

Well shoot. Then I change my vote to there are no elk in the blues! That better? 

perfect. 

[Roperfive88]

The really big bules were all killed in the wenaha and the tucannon last year. The big double drop tine was killed in the wenaha.

Here is the Thread for that bull.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,110311.msg1448054.html#msg1448054

[Harborhunter]

Yeah i would be happy with a bull like that!

[trophyhunt]

I have 18 points and know exactly how you feel. I've been putting in for the tucannon and wenaha muzzy for years but now they only are giving out 2 tags. 5 days to go and I'm not sure anymore what to put in for. They number of bulls killed last year was down, that's part of the reason for the drop in tags. A drop camp would be a great adventure, good luck with what your choose. You must have caught a poacher, I've been waiting a long 18 years for a blues tag, again good luck in the draw.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Watershed or mountain view, there are no elk in the other units : )

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

I have 18 points and know exactly how you feel. I've been putting in for the tucannon and wenaha muzzy for years but now they only are giving out 2 tags. 5 days to go and I'm not sure anymore what to put in for. They number of bulls killed last year was down, that's part of the reason for the drop in tags. A drop camp would be a great adventure, good luck with what your choose. You must have caught a poacher, I've been waiting a long 18 years for a blues tag, again good luck in the draw.

That's not why the tag  numbers are down, it's wolves. There is not enough tags given to deplete the elk and warrant a reduction in tags.

[trophyhunt]

It is just part of the reason, the wolves are definitely gonna have a big impact in the next few years.

[get one leakin]

watershed is not even close to cracking the top two with 18 points

[trophyhunt]

watershed is not even close to cracking the top two with 18 points

Agreed. I think that shed hunt is bad azz, but I wouldn't put more than 10 points on that tag. It's pretty dang cool ground and you can kill nice bulls but it's a tough hunt. I wish I could split my 18 points in half and apply for the shed two years in a row.

[huntnphool]

The really big bules were all killed in the wenaha and the tucannon last year. The big double drop tine was killed in the wenaha.

Here is the Thread for that bull.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,110311.msg1448054.html#msg1448054

Thats a great bull but its not the same double drop tine bull that was being discussed on here the year before.

[jackelope]

It is just part of the reason, the wolves are definitely the biggest reason but you won't hear that from the local bio who loves wolves.

The local bio in the Blues is not a wolf lover. He's an elk and deer hunter like us. I think the permit numbers are down for muzz and rifle guys because of the high success rates the last couple years in those 2 categories.

[huntnphool]

It is just part of the reason, the wolves are definitely the biggest reason but you won't hear that from the local bio who loves wolves.

The local bio in the Blues is not a wolf lover. He's an elk and deer hunter like us. I think the permit numbers are down for muzz and rifle guys because of the high success rates the last couple years in those 2 categories.

+1

[jackelope]

Me neither.

[huntnphool]

Me neither

[Harborhunter]

I noticed that the tag numbers dropped off from last year.  It's a bummer for the fact that it will make the tags harder to draw.  But I assume a few less hunters/spotters will be in the woods also.  I know what you mean trophyhunt, but I am hoping it will make the tag that much sweeter when and if I draw. 

[jackelope]

Rifle and muzz permits dropped. Archery permits were almost unaffected. Some permit numbers rose(Lick creek).

[trophyhunt]

How come we never hear too much about lick creek? Is it mostly private?

[jackelope]

It's mostly public I think. There might be some private ground down on the Asotin Creek side I guess. Not sure. There's some good bulls in there for sure.

[jackelope]

I guess if it was up to me, I'd tell you if you had the ability to hunt the Wenaha East I'd put in for that and the Tucannon. I'd rather do that sort of backcountry type hunt. As far as drop camps, I'd get hold of Dave Waldron, mtncook on here, from Western Life Outfitters out of Pomeroy. Maybe talk to him before you apply just to see what he's got to say.
 
Depends on what your preferred style of hunting is.

[Harborhunter]

Jackelope,

I have messaged back and forth with Dave asking him some questions.  Great guy.  I would definitely be willing to use his services if need be.  I would also prefer a pack in hunt.  I have been in the East some, but only for spring bear.  We saw a good number of elk in there.  I have heard a lot about the Tucannon, I just unfortunately have never been in the unit before.  Harvest numbers were pretty good last year though. 

[trophyhunt]

Jackelope,

I have messaged back and forth with Dave asking him some questions.  Great guy.  I would definitely be willing to use his services if need be.  I would also prefer a pack in hunt.  I have been in the East some, but only for spring bear.  We saw a good number of elk in there.  I have heard a lot about the Tucannon, I just unfortunately have never been in the unit before.  Harvest numbers were pretty good last year though.

I also have never been in the tucannon but it has always been my first choice, I've been in the same boat as you for a while, also plan on using Dave for a pack in drop camp. I'm not sure what I'll do this year but if we draw the same tag maby we can go fully guided with Dave as partners? It's 2,500 a piece or 5,000 by yourself, that's if he doesn't raise his prices.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Jackelope,

I have messaged back and forth with Dave asking him some questions.  Great guy.  I would definitely be willing to use his services if need be.  I would also prefer a pack in hunt.  I have been in the East some, but only for spring bear.  We saw a good number of elk in there.  I have heard a lot about the Tucannon, I just unfortunately have never been in the unit before.  Harvest numbers were pretty good last year though.

I also have never been in the tucannon but it has always been my first choice, I've been in the same boat as you for a while, also plan on using Dave for a pack in drop camp. I'm not sure what I'll do this year but if we draw the same tag maby we can go fully guided with Dave as partners? It's 2,500 a piece or 5,000 by yourself, that's if he doesn't raise his prices.

Tell you what, since you have never been to the tucannon, Ill set you up with a fully guided hunt/camp for $1750 each.  That's a great deal and I guarantee you will find trophy bulls within walking distance of your camp. Hit me up if you get drawn.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Or $3000 by yourself.  and I will do all the packing.

[jackelope]

Or $3000 by yourself.  and I will do all the packing.

Are you licensed to guide in there too?

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Don't need a guide license in wa do you? Hey if someone needs a guide to hunt the tucannon, ill cash in! 

[jackelope]

Don't need a guide license in wa do you? Hey if someone needs a guide to hunt the tucannon, ill cash in!

Federal land I'm pretty sure you do...As in national forest. You could guide on state land without a license.

[trophyhunt]

Jackelope,

I have messaged back and forth with Dave asking him some questions.  Great guy.  I would definitely be willing to use his services if need be.  I would also prefer a pack in hunt.  I have been in the East some, but only for spring bear.  We saw a good number of elk in there.  I have heard a lot about the Tucannon, I just unfortunately have never been in the unit before.  Harvest numbers were pretty good last year though.

I also have never been in the tucannon but it has always been my first choice, I've been in the same boat as you for a while, also plan on using Dave for a pack in drop camp. I'm not sure what I'll do this year but if we draw the same tag maby we can go fully guided with Dave as partners? It's 2,500 a piece or 5,000 by yourself, that's if he doesn't raise his prices.

Tell you what, since you have never been to the tucannon, Ill set you up with a fully guided hunt/camp for $1750 each.  That's a great deal and I guarantee you will find trophy bulls within walking distance of your camp. Hit me up if you get drawn.

Now this is very interesting. I didn't know there was any other guides besides Dave in that unit.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Ill be his entertainment specialist.

[trophyhunt]

Ill be his entertainment specialist.

I've only had a couple drinks but.... I'm confused??

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

It a way to get around being a guide. Seriously guys!? If anyone has hunted the tucannon they willl understand, you shouldn't need a drop camp or guide to find elk. Save your money for scouting trips.

[trophyhunt]

Oh, I'm a bit slow right now.

[nwhunter]

Well at least it wont be hard to gather evidence for the Forest Service when we see you with clients in a unit that absolutely requires an outfitter permit!! Its not uncommon to run into someone who is more than likely guiding under the table every few years but to have someone post online they will do it for money is a new one!  It takes a lot of time and money and insurance to be a permitted outfitter/guide so you can  legally take peoples money for your service, better do your research a little better before incriminating yourself online.  nwhunter

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Well at least it wont be hard to gather evidence for the Forest Service when we see you with clients in a unit that absolutely requires an outfitter permit!! Its not uncommon to run into someone who is more than likely guiding under the table every few years but to have someone post online they will do it for money is a new one!  It takes a lot of time and money and insurance to be a permitted outfitter/guide so you can  legally take peoples money for your service, better do your research a little better before incriminating yourself online.  nwhunter

I was being a smart ass. 

[jackelope]

Don't need a guide license in wa do you? Hey if someone needs a guide to hunt the tucannon, ill cash in!

 

You had me too, if that's what being a smart-azz is.
I edited your last post. No need for that.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

It a way to get around being a guide. Seriously guys!? If anyone has hunted the tucannon they willl understand, you shouldn't need a drop camp or guide to find elk. Save your money for scouting trips.

[Harborhunter]

It wouldn't be a hunting-washington thread without a little debate, haha.....I appreciate the input.  Trophyhunt, that is a cool offer, but didn't you say you usually put in for muzzleloader permits?  I am probably going to put in for a rifle tag so I get a little more time to hunt.  What are some thoughts on the Wenaha West?