white river elk

[notellumcreek]

Oh I'm old, 45 in a month.  I remember being 25 and hiking all over that unit, especially the back country.  At 25 do everything you can. It goes fast


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If only I had the same hunting regulations to follow up here as you did when you were 25  I would be all over the place!

[daybreak]

Hey guys I am new to this forum and this is my first post. Myself and a buddy drew this unit for quality archery this year, I have hunted for deer on the crest focusing mainly on the little naches side. So most of my experience in and around this unit has been on the far eastern border any info or help that anybody would be willing to give on this unit would be great. Thanks

[Tbar]

Sweet offer Ross.

[YoterHunter]

I've hunted and still run around in that unit for over30 plus years. Pm me if you want some information or would like to be shown a lot of it. I'm avalable most week ends unless I'm fishing the ocean. Dale

[brianmtsinc]

Question for you guys:

I think I mentioned before that I am an archery hunter by heart.  In fact, I have not ever even shot a muzzy.  I am curious what you guys think about me just using my bow?  I am solid at 60yrds or less and try to shoot at least 3-4 days a week, so my confidence level with my bow is high.  Having the muzzy tag now opens up other options, but also brings about potential hurdles - mostly, how long will it take me to be confident shooting it and once I am, what will be my effective range? 80 yards ??  100 yards ??     Additionally, I want to spend my time focused on scouting the area and continuing to get in shape.   
So, is the additional time and effort worth the additional 20 - 40 yard increase in range? 

Last question (for now    ), I will have two great callers / helpers with me.  Will the bulls come into archery range Oct 4-10 like they do during the archery season? 

Thanks for your input! 
Brian C.

[Harbor_hunter]

You could hunt it with a bow and yes, you should be able to call bulls and possibly get into bow range.  I would buy a muzzleloader if it was me, but you have to buy it soon and get practicing.  They are not too tough to get used to, but like anything you have to practice.  I would feel really bad I had bulls hang up out of my bow range, say 80-100 yards and couldn't get a shot.  With a smokepole you have that range, as long as the elk gives you a clean shot opportunity.   It gives you the chance to increase your range and with an awesome tag like that, I would want every advantage I could get. 

[tgray]

I was told by WDFW that you can not use a bow with a muzzle loader special permit, general season is ok to do so. Don't understand why it would be like this but it's what they said. If I was you I would call to make sure.

[rosscrazyelk]

I was told by WDFW that you can not use a bow with a muzzle loader special permit, general season is ok to do so. Don't understand why it would be like this but it's what they said. If I was you I would call to make sure.

I would call too because to my knowledge you can use a lesser weapon per said season.  Archery for muzzy and modern and archery and muzzy in a modern . If that makes sense

[trophyhunt]

Just talked to enforcement, using lesser weapons is only legal if you have a modern firearm tag.  It does not apply to muzzy tags!!

[Tbar]

I thought the commission approved that change (allowing archery) in 2012.  It seems to be common sense but not surprised if it didn't get changed.

[brianmtsinc]

Just talked to enforcement, using lesser weapons is only legal if you have a modern firearm tag.  It does not apply to muzzy tags!!

 

Well, I guess that settles it ... time to start working on the Muzzy!!   

[bobcat]

Just talked to enforcement, using lesser weapons is only legal if you have a modern firearm tag.  It does not apply to muzzy tags!!

I'm 99% sure that is wrong. Look in the reg's, page 48, upper left. It's in blue. You can't always believe law enforcement. They often don't know the laws they are supposed to enforce.

I would use a bow if you want. Without even asking anybody else. It's plainly spelled out in the law that you can do so.

[trophyhunt]

I will have to read that when I get home, he seemed pretty sure about it?  Wonder what bigtex thinks?

[deltaops]

GENERAL SEASON Tag Holders

Hunting Method:
Muzzleloader tag holders can hunt only
during the muzzleloader seasons and
must hunt with muzzleloader or archery
equipment. Hunting equipment must
meet regulations on page 78-79.

ELK SPECIAL PERMITS:

Notes: You may hunt only with the hunting method in compliance with your tag. Hunters can expect lower than average hunter densities, greater potential for success, or good hunt timing during these hunts.

[bobcat]

Yep, there it is, plain as day. I don't see how it could be interpreted to mean you can't use archery equipment if it's a special permit muzzleloader hunt. 

It's 100% clear what it means, luckily. Often that's not the case, but this time, there should be no doubt about it.