Eastsider sitting on 12 bull elk points, thinking about applying in western WA

[C-Money]

I would like to draw a bull tag. I would also like to be young enough when I draw to possible get another bull tag in the future. I want a branch bull. Don't have to be a 300+ incher, I just want to have a branch bull. Should a eastern WA hunter apply for a bull tag on the westside? Are the odds any better? What are your thoughts?

[idahohuntr]

Depends on which Eastside tag you are after and which Westside tag as to whether you have significantly better odds...there are plenty of westside units with same/worse odds than many Eastern hunts.

[bobcat]

You could apply for Toutle. It's one of the easiest draws in the state. Not as many elk as there used to be but if you just want to draw a bull permit that would be the one to apply for. You can also try for the Margaret which is in the "bull" category and not "quality" like the Toutle.

Of course if you have a westside tag you can try the general season for branch antler bulls as well.

[Woodchuck]

You can hunt branched bulls wetside with out a draw permit. Put in ghost points while you hunt over there, When you whack one you still have your points to chase a masher on this side. 

[jackelope]

I wouldn't.
 

[RB]

I wouldn't.
 

X2

[boneaddict]

You should be able to draw any of the Yak tags with that many points or have a dang good shot at it.   Avoid the Clock and the Blues....or do what they are saying, ghost points and OTC a branched bull.

[kentrek]

You could apply for Toutle. It's one of the easiest draws in the state. Not as many elk as there used to be but if you just want to draw a bull permit that would be the one an also try for the Margaret which is in the "bull" category and not "quality" like the Toutle.

Of course if you have a westside tag you can try the general season for branch antler bulls as well.

No offense bobcat but the toutle is a joke, I wouldn't even hunt there if it was a general unit... Margaret would be fine for your reg bull but def dont waste your 12 quality points on the toutle

[Slimdog350]

You could apply for Toutle. It's one of the easiest draws in the state. Not as many elk as there used to be but if you just want to draw a bull permit that would be the one an also try for the Margaret which is in the "bull" category and not "quality" like the Toutle.

Of course if you have a westside tag you can try the general season for branch antler bulls as well.

No offense bobcat but the toutle is a joke, I wouldn't even hunt there if it was a general unit... Margaret would be fine for your reg bull but def dont waste your 12 quality points on the toutle

I agree with kentrek. The toutle is not what it used to be. I've been all over that unit and I've seen the number of quality bulls go way down. I wouldn't spend 12 points on that unit either. Although if you do end up putting in and drawing it I can pm you a few spots to check out.

[bobcat]

You could apply for Toutle. It's one of the easiest draws in the state. Not as many elk as there used to be but if you just want to draw a bull permit that would be the one an also try for the Margaret which is in the "bull" category and not "quality" like the Toutle.

Of course if you have a westside tag you can try the general season for branch antler bulls as well.

No offense bobcat but the toutle is a joke, I wouldn't even hunt there if it was a general unit... Margaret would be fine for your reg bull but def dont waste your 12 quality points on the toutle

I don't necessarily disagree with that but he was looking for options. It's at least a way to do a relatively "easy" elk hunt, due to the extensive road system, and have a limited number of hunters in the unit.

If he simply wants to draw a permit, THIS YEAR, that would still be my recommendation. I'll tell you what IS a joke- the general season in the Winston unit.  Now that is total chaos and would not be a fun experience for someone not familiar with the unit.

There are some good opportunities for the general season if you have access to horses or are able and willing to hike in 5 or 6 miles.

[BULLBLASTER]

The toutle would be a good option if the person is only concerned about a branched bull. I have had the tag and kills a bull on it. My bull wasn't Amy bigger than what I normally kill in the Coweman but the hunt was fun and u npressured. I let bulls bigger than mine go in hopes of bigger but on my past day I shot mine.
I will not be putting in for toutle again except for possibly the sept rifle tag.
If I am going to burn my quality points I want a big bull now.

[bullcanyon]

I wouldn't put in for the toutle with 5 points.  You should be able to get a quality bull tag over on the east side.  12 years is a long time.  Don't quit now.  You'll regret it.

[kentrek]

Pending where your at, with the amount of bull tags & cow tags gave out in the toutle your going to be far from alone in the toutle...an yes the winston is a joke as well...theres more turkeys than elk in the winston

Not to get off topic but id hate to see him use up a dozen points just to find out what I already know

Just my 

[bowman31]

Don't waste 12 points on any unit on the west side put in for east and take your chances or IMO u will be very disappointed at losing points over here

[snowpack]

If you were to use those bull points on westside, I'd suggest using them for an area that doesn't have a general season.  Some of the smaller herds are draw only.