Any reports from the Margaret?

[jadeball1]

Just curious if anyone had some luck in the Margaret. With 36 rifle tags, I imagine that someone has had some success. Early archery was tough with access and weather. With both of those not issues, would like to hear what the hunting is like later in the year. I think there are like 8 more archery tag holders that will be down there on dec. 1st thru 15th trying to tag out.(hope there is a few left!) Im sure the toutle guys would be interested too, sounded like it was tough hunting on that side early also. 

[CJ-5]

Hopefully it has been better that in the toutle! we havent seen much of anything.  spikes, few branch bulls, but nothing spectacular. very little sign too.  kind of disappointed with the tag.

[TONTO]

Had a Margaret tag last year,although I did put meat in the freezer it was not what I had hoped for.I scouted the unit earlier and was getting into some nice bulls.Then the opener came .Every tag holder there must have brought atleast four of their buddies with em,the Schultz Creek area was a mad house more people there than I'ld seen in many general hunt units with all the spotters and what not.On top of that there were bow cutters everywhere and helocopters flying making all kinds of racket.So I was forced to hunt lower elevations,all timber younger than the 1980 eruption without any clear cut.
Opening weekend I turned down shots on two different 3point bulls holding out for something bigger.
I was camped in Kidd Valley asuming I would have acces through the 1900 or 2500 gates,monday morning I was turned around and told the only acces allowed would be through the 2900 gate,10 miles up the hyw from camp.I was also informed by the volunteers maning the gate that I would have to be back out by 5pm each night considering where I was hunting in there that ment I had to end my hunt by 3-3:30 each evening in order to make it back out.I would get on some nice big lone bull tracks but couldn't afford the time to pursue them untill dark,then having to haul ass back the gate to keep from being locked in where I wasn't suposed to be.
Aside from all that,my lifelong hunting partner,my father,passed away the previous summer,so camping all alone sorta put a damper on my mood and depresion was sinking in.
Thursday morning I made the decision that the next legal bull I had a shot at was filling my freezer and I was going home even though I still had 4 more days in my hunt.
Thursday afternoon I ended up taking a measly spike since my tag did read "any bull" and I already convinced myself I was going home.
Although it was "ONLY" a spike it was still one of my most memorable kills and will live in my memory for many years.

Thursday afternoon I decided to get onto a herd that had busted me the day before,knowing there was atleast one bull in the herd, I had heard his antlers ticking the limbs the day before.I started out through the young timber and headed uphill in the direction they had gone on wedsnesday.As I got further up the hill I could hear the cow/calf talk going on so I went into sneak mode,hitting all fours and crawling the last hundred yards or so up hill to keep from being busted again.I crawled over the berm of an old skid road and rolled against an old red rot log.I had a cow grazing infront of me about 30yards out,so I laid in wait as I could hear the rest of the herd just above the skid road in the timber.Wind in my face all conditions perfect,there I lay clad in blaze orange,as more cows/calves moved out to the road to eat.Then I heard the antlers ticking again and thought to myself this is it.After what seemed like an hour,actualy only about 20min,out stepped my monster freezer filler.The source of all the antler noise was a measly 16inch spike.
I laid there and watched as the cows fed towards me getting closer and closer,all the time keeping my eye on the spike,who at this moment I had no plans of taking.The spike wandered about the heard prodding all the cows in the butt with that trophy rack of his,quite the ladies man.The lead cow was in my face by now and looking me in the eye 3ft away.She knew something wasn't right but couldn't figure it out,she would stare me down then go back to munching,I could hear her breath she was so damn close,I could have reached out and slapped her on the nose.All this time the ladies man kept getting closer as well,untill he walked up and around to the other side of the lead cow.At this point he was less than 8ft away and I try'd to keep my rifle pointed at him without alarming the den mother who was breathing in my face.The spike was about to step behind the berm to my left and would have been safe from the big bad hunter.Thats when it happened,I honestly don't even realy remember squeezing it off,the 7mag let out a powerful roar.The lead cow in my face jumped atleast 6ft in the air straight up and managed to do a 180 turn in mid flight,she had no idea what the hell just happened.The herd was gone,all but that spike,he just stood there dumbfounded not knowing what happened.He took one staggered step forward laid down,and drew his last gurgling breath.
He hit the ground precisely at 3:30pm,my designated hang it up and haul ass to the gate time.By the time I had him quarted packed laoded etc. I managed to hit the gate at 8pm all the while thinking oh great now I'm gonna get locked in.I get to the gate and the damn thing is wide open without a soul around .
I broke camp the next morning and was heading home when Mr Foster our local hard assed WDFW officer pulled me over to see what I had in back.His coment "couldn't you find anything bigger ?" kinda pissed me off to say the least.Sure I killed a spike with what should have been a trophy tag,but that little spike euro mounted above my fire place will always be a trophy in my mind.

To top things off as well as holding a Margaret rifle bull tag last year,I also had a multiple season elk tag,I notched the whole damn season on that lil spike.Late muzzle loader season rolls around,last day,and who shows up in my back yard but a nice 4point bull I had been watching early muzzle season,but passed on because I had a margaret tag burning a hole in my pocket.

[TheHunt]

Was the Fish and Game agent name Sean?  If it is this is his second year on the job.

[Jeremiah P]

A buddy of mine had a muzzleloader tag and shot a nice 6x6 3rd day, he had scouted and found 3 bulls over 300 he says. He's an accomplished hunter so I believe him but with the crappy weather during his season wasn't able to do a lot of glassing. His bull ended up scoring 297 and he said the others were much bigger, and he also said he never saw another hunter.

[jadeball1]

wow, good for him! That gives me some hope and a little inspiration. I have a feeling I know where he was finding those bulls and no hunters. I saw some good bulls in there early, but I think they are kinda shy. Thanks for the report.

[goodtime]

I still have my archery Margaret tag.  We spent a lot of time in there during the early season.  Yea it was hot but it was nice having the entire unit to our selves.  We saw a ton of elk and four bulls that I would concider hogs for the area.

[julzzz]

I have put in for a rifle tag for 10 years, that was my only elk choice, and once again a no draw

[julzzz]

My question is, does the toutle and margarat unit have the same quality of bulls that they use to?  I heard these units are very grown up, almost all reprod.  You have to do a lot of hiking for a decent bull.  Should I be putting in for a different unit

[finnman]

YES!

[fc2038]

YUP, seen um 

[Screaminreelz]

My wife's grandfather dropped a bull up there big bodied but a small 4x4. Meat in the freezer is all that matters.

[bucklucky]

A buddy of mine had a muzzleloader tag and shot a nice 6x6 3rd day, he had scouted and found 3 bulls over 300 he says. He's an accomplished hunter so I believe him but with the crappy weather during his season wasn't able to do a lot of glassing. His bull ended up scoring 297 and he said the others were much bigger, and he also said he never saw another hunter.

Got any pics of that bull Jeramiah? Id like to see it 

[bowsandhose]

Got any pics of that bull Jeramiah? Id like to see it 

[Jeremiah P]

I'll give him a call and see if I can get a few.

[Huntbear]

Tonto,

According to the regulations, I believe you are allowed 1 non hunter with every tag in the Margaret.  So if guys had 4 buddies in there with them, they were breaking rules, and should have been reported. 

I can not stress enough, read the rules, all of them.  I turned 4 guys in to Weyerhauser for tresspassing during elk season.   Driving on roads that were closed during the week.  I know at least 2 got trespass tickets from the gameys.  I watched them written thru the binos. 

[wapitislayer]

I have never read this about 1 nonhunter for every Margaret tag

[Goldeneye]

Here's a picture of my bull from the Margaret Modern permit hunt (If I attached the picture correctly).  It's not a wall hanger, but it is better than tag soup.  I did not hear of too many bulls being taken while I was in the unit.  I suppose that could've changed towards the end of the season.  The bulls I do know of that were taken were not big ones.  I did see some better than average bulls up there during my preseason scouts.  When the opener came so did a good number of the permit holders.  Guys were coming from a lot of directions.  The Elk got twitchy real fast.  The bigger bulls in the area I was in seemed to have went back into the dog hair timber and were staying put.  I had heard that they were pushed pretty hard the week before the season by guys scouting as the gates were open all week.  I ended up finding this guy and decided he would do.  Beautiful country up there.

[HntnFsh]

Tonto,

According to the regulations, I believe you are allowed 1 non hunter with every tag in the Margaret.  So if guys had 4 buddies in there with them, they were breaking rules, and should have been reported. 

I can not stress enough, read the rules, all of them.  I turned 4 guys in to Weyerhauser for tresspassing during elk season.   Driving on roads that were closed during the week.  I know at least 2 got trespass tickets from the gameys.  I watched them written thru the binos. 

I think your mistaken.I have never seen that reg.Could you please put up a link.

There is supposed to be another unit up that way that has that reg.But not the Margaret.
The Margaret is also open to general deer season.So why would they put that limit on during elk season?

[fc2038]

Agreed I do not think that is the case. Never seen that one

[hornhunter]

STAY in Georgia!

[tntklundt]

Here's a picture of my bull from the Margaret Modern permit hunt (If I attached the picture correctly).  It's not a wall hanger, but it is better than tag soup.  I did not hear of too many bulls being taken while I was in the unit.  I suppose that could've changed towards the end of the season.  The bulls I do know of that were taken were not big ones.  I did see some better than average bulls up there during my preseason scouts.  When the opener came so did a good number of the permit holders.  Guys were coming from a lot of directions.  The Elk got twitchy real fast.  The bigger bulls in the area I was in seemed to have went back into the dog hair timber and were staying put.  I had heard that they were pushed pretty hard the week before the season by guys scouting as the gates were open all week.  I ended up finding this guy and decided he would do.  Beautiful country up there.

Goldeneye,
I think your Elk looks great. I would hang it on my wall. Actually I will probably be hanging it's brother up. 

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

Anybody can go into the margaret unit... There is no reg on how many people you can have with you...

[Opportunist]

Pumice Plain, Mount Whittier, and Upper Smith Creek Special Permit Hunts

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) have worked cooperatively to develop the Pumice Plain, Mount Whittier, and Upper Smith Creek elk areas and corresponding special permit hunts. These hunts are part of the implementation of the Mount St. Helens Elk Herd Plan, which calls for a general reduction in elk numbers.

Please be advised that these hunts will be very strenuous and only hunters prepared for such a challenge should apply. You are strongly encouraged to scout options for accessing the areas before the hunts begin.

Restrictions:

All hunters must wear hunter orange, regardless of weapon type.
In all three Elk Areas, permit holders will be required to hunt and remove their kill by non-motorized, non-hoofstock means. In addition, no wheeled vehicles (carts, bicycles, etc.) will be allowed.
Camping on the National Volcanic Monument will only be allowed in designated areas.
Permit holders can have up to 3 helpers assist them in removing their kill. Helpers can be present during the hunt and must wear hunter orange.
Hunters may only use existing trails while scouting the Pumice Plain Elk Area prior to the hunt.
Hunters and helpers participating in the Pumice Plain hunt will be required to carry an off-trail permit issued by the Forest Service while hunting, and abide by restrictions for entry into the area. Successful special permit applicants will receive a letter from the USFS describing the restrictions for entry onto the Pumice Plain. You must sign and return the letter to receive your off-trail permit.

I new I had read something about the number of helpers on some new washington elk hunt. This is the only hunt I know of with these kinds of restrictions in the state.

[shag]

Congrats!  And I agree.  Much better than tag soup!   The Margret and the toutle aren't the units they once were as far as "Trophy Bulls" goes.  Good job.  Tell us about the shot and rifle!   Details man!

[.54 THUNDERHAWK]

I thought this thread was about the margaret unit and not other off base/task units

[jadeball1]

has anyone hunted the margaret during a late season? just wondering what to expect. the snow should help a little, and being a winter feeding area should start to see some animals in larger groups or more spread out?

[Charlie]

Tonto, repeat after me; Spikes eat better then those big wall hangers..Spikes eat better then those big wall hangers..Spikes eat better then those big wall hangers..Take a deep breath. Now repeat it on your own several times.

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

Charlie the thing that sucks is that you can shoot a 3 or 4 point that eats just as good in a general season. It sucks to waste a ton of points on a spike...

[Goldeneye]

Goldeneye,
I think your Elk looks great. I would hang it on my wall. Actually I will probably be hanging it's brother up. 
[/quote]


tntklundt,

  Thanks, I did rethink things a bit on him.  I don't currently have a European mount in the house.  He will be my first. 

[Goldeneye]

Congrats!  And I agree.  Much better than tag soup!   The Margret and the toutle aren't the units they once were as far as "Trophy Bulls" goes.  Good job.  Tell us about the shot and rifle!   Details man!

Shag,

  Thanks!

  Here's the details you were asking for.  The shot was a steep down angle, quartering slightly to the left.  Rangefinder had the distance at 384 yards.  What you see in the picture is the entry hole.  It exited through the lower front of the chest.  Blew the bottom 3rd of the heart away.  The hit was about a fists width lower than I would have liked.  It did the job nicely though.  It was instantly obvious that a 2nd shot was not needed.  The rifle used was a Rem 700 XCR in .300 WM with a 180 grain Barnes X bullet.  These hand loads have always performed well for me.  The animals definitely know they've been punched hard when hit.

  Sorry for the late response, I've been down on the southern Oregon coast trying to get my 82 year father on a bull.  He busted a nice 5x5 on Friday.  Made more work for me, but worth every bit.  It'll probably be his last bull as he's getting to the point physically he won't be able to get out on much more than flat ground any more.

   

   

[chad s.]

I drew a margeret archery cow tag this year. I hunted about 9 total days between the early and late seasons. The early season I was into more bulls than cows. They were bugling like crazy, but the only ones I could get in were bulls without cows. All the bulls that had cows wouldn't budge, and were to far away to stalk. The late season I was into elk the whole time. I could have shot 13 different bulls all better than 4pts. I saw tons of elk, but the closest I could get to a cow was 80 yards. I'm an ethical hunter, and fairly new to archery, and I wasn't about to fling an arrow any further than 50yards. Two weekends ago I wen't home 100% confident I could bag one. Heck I was even into deer "rare for margeret", and saw two cougars. As luck would hold, last weekend, with all the snow, you couldn't get any further up than the runaway truck ramp. I was into elk, but not as many, and it was imposible to get close enough. I had a great season, learned ALOT, and was fortunate enough to have friends/wife with me every time out. The only thing that threw me for a loop, was the fact that I must of seen 50+ bulls this season, and every single one was at least a 3pt. Maybe had something to do with the harsh winter last year? As far as the quality bulls that people think are lacking in this unit. I would say of all the bulls I saw three would have been true trophies to just about anyone. Two big 6's with ivory tips, and one mamoth 8x8 I saw in the early season.

[backwoods_boy]

can you replace your elk with this one...
:-)

[Charlie]

Charlie the thing that sucks is that you can shoot a 3 or 4 point that eats just as good in a general season. It sucks to waste a ton of points on a spike...

True! I was running late a few years ago and I didn't double check the hunt numbers from the previous year. I just thought the numbers would be the same and plugged them into my application and submitted it online. That worked for all of the areas but one  . Ya, you guessed it, that number changed to a cow only permit. That cost me 10 points. 

[BENCHLEG]

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS CKECK THE HUNT NUMBERS EVERY-YEAR 

[chad s.]

some kid that works at the bar in castle rock was telling me about your mishap. sorry, that sucks!

[Roger]

Something just doesn't look right about this latest picture. Maybe someone has been messing with it. Can't believe anything you see anymore.

[Goldeneye]

Something just doesn't look right about this latest picture. Maybe someone has been messing with it. Can't believe anything you see anymore.

  It's a picture of my bull used by another poster.  The poster tried to cover up the blood from the entry shot.  If you would like to see it as originally shown see the previous page.  Sorry if it concerned you.

[Roger]

Just having fun.    Other threads have a lot of comments about those kinds of pictures.