I drew Margaret archery Bull!!

[blackveltbowhunter]

   I agree with sirmiss, that big bull live in the western portion of the unit. With alot of it being thicker in the west end, and the eastern portion more open elk are simply more visible. But I am not convinced there will be that much more pressure in the east end than any other year, at least, I think it will still be weather dependendent.

  I will keep my opinion of the permits to myself at this time, but suffice it to say if drawn I would buy the permit. For a "nice" bull, The late season in the margaret IMO is just as good if not better than the early season. Although if scouting turns up a stud best to get first crack at him. Good luck!

[Meat Truck]

It's a bummer that someone can't come with someone with a permit, or help with the pack out.  I'm the lone tagholder, and don't really want to do all the work myself.  Plus the main reason I go, is to hang with the guys, or my old man.  I think if I only needed one permit I'd do it, but I'm not so sure I wanna pony up for a buddy.

For me, it's a tough call.  I guess I need to get out scouting, and see what I can find on the east side, and if I don't like it, suck it up.  I think I still drew a nice tag, and intend on murdering something.  I knew it when I put in for it, I'd have a tough call if I got lucky.

[sirmissalot]

I'm mostly basing my guess that there will be more people on the east end this year due to the amount of PMs I have received from people planning on hunting it. When I had the permit weyco shut down for the second weekend due to fire danger and I was still alone up on the east end, it surprised the heck out of me.

Like blackvelvet said that country is open and I think many of the better bulls get shot up especially by the rifle guys. That area is relatively small as far as huntable ground goes as well. Not trying to be negative about the high country side, I love that country up there and spend a good amount of time there.

[Meat Truck]

I hear you, I'm just thinking I can do a spike camp at one of the little camp spots on the east side and get away from the people, and save the $.  I guess I should keep an open mind about the permits.  It might be worth it.

[bobcat]

I agree it's kinda tough when you need to buy a permit for yourself plus a permit for all the people you bring along to help. That is why I didn't put my uncle in for Toutle or Margaret this year. He probably had a pretty good chance of drawing one of the muzzleloader permits with his 13 points. But I didn't want to spend $150 just to be a helper on his hunt.

[gotcha]

Better get your camp spot. I know of a few that are already taken for whole season. And sir miss you were not alone. Lol

[Meat Truck]

I got one. If I decide to go west, I'm out $6. Put it on my tab.

[gotcha]

I'm talking on east end. Can only stay in certain camp spots on monument. If you don't and get caught big ticket.

[Meat Truck]

I know, I reserved one. $6, non refundable. I figured I better do it now, and if I cancel, no biggie

[TMortensen]

I had the Archery tag last year and ended up taking a 6x5 on the west end. I suggest taking a boat up coldwater lake and spike camping at the end of the lake and hunt from there. This will give you access to the east half away from all the others coming in from Norway pass or up the hunters trail. If the west side stays open I have a few spots That are right off 504 that were awesome last year. Don't expect to much rut action though. the elk were very call shy last year. We di see quite a few bull that were 6pts but not big. PM me if you have any questions

[eldplanko]

I know, I reserved one. $6, non refundable. I figured I better do it now, and if I cancel, no biggie

I nabbed one for two weeks during general rifle... Just in case winter comes late this year. $6 is easy insurance.

[judojudd]

The bulls were call shy, TMortensen? Man, I was hoping that this draw would get me into some rut-crazed bugling action!

[Bullkllr]

The bulls were call shy, TMortensen? Man, I was hoping that this draw would get me into some rut-crazed bugling action!

That's what I thought when I had the tag last year. In 6 days in September I heard exactly 2 bugles. And they shut-up when I called back.

[Labredog]

This is typical of what you will find on the Eastside of unit 524, 220-250 class. This is my 2013 Margaret archery bull.

[Labredog]

And this is what it looks like in my office.