"Take what you can get" or "Go big or go home"?

[Pete112288]

So I have started thinking more about my goals for putting in for tags, mainly the quality category.
Just looking for opinions because I know everyone could vary here.
So I had been putting in for probably some of the very top tags when it comes to competition for the draw. Some of the most put in for tags. The ones that produce most of the "once in a lifetime" animals that you hear about.
I figured I will take the animals I can get and wait to target a trophy for the "someday" when I draw a tag.
Well I began to think about it, it could be a long time if I ever draw one of those tags, I know its always possible but still.
The best two examples I can think of that I go back and fourth with is the Toutle and Nooksack.
I have been exclusively putting in for Nooksack. But I have began to think about how much more likely it may be for me to draw a Toutle tag. I know quality of Toutle bulls are not what they used to be, at least that's what I hear a lot of.
But for someone who has yet to get a branched bull it seems like something to go after.
So what would your opinion be?
Go big or go home and keep chasing that once in a lifetime even though it may never happen?
or
Take what you are more likely to get and go for the easier, closer to home, easier to scout, more probable to draw?
Oh and if it makes a difference with any of it, I am Muzzy, Westside

[coachcw]

Go big and work hard on general tags !

[haugenna]

Go big while you have points then once you draw that one go for the other easier units.

[huntnphool]

 You can hunt average critters during the general, "Go Big or Go Home"

[Mike450r]

go big

[MtnMuley]

It's all about how you handle the moment and what it means to you at the instant you pull the trigger. After all it is YOUR tag, and YOU set the perameters. Actually, "big" to some, is avg to others. This is a prime example of what "to each their own" means.

[jackelope]

It's all about how you handle the moment and what it means to you at the instant you pull the trigger. After all it is YOUR tag, and YOU set the perameters. Actually, "big" to some, is avg to others. This is a prime example of what "to each their own" means.

What this guy said.

With that said...its your hunt to hunt. Do what makes you happy.

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[nwhunter]

Keep building your points for a quality hunt like Nooksack. Westside elk muzzie hunts especially this year aren't far off of what a Toutle hunt would be like in a general hunt unit. Some giant Rosies will hit the ground this fall on the coast if fire season doesnt shut it down.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

You can hunt average critters during the general, "Go Big or Go Home"

 

[furbearer365]

Since you haven't even shot a branched bull yet, I would pour my heart and soul into tagging one in a general season with an OTC tag, then call the draw a bonus and GO BIG!!! The only thing in your control is general season and an OTC tag, that would be my focus, because at least you sort of control your own destiny.  Draw tags are no sure thing, by no means.  There are plenty of general units and elk to be had, start your homework, and don't wait for the WDFW to help fulfill your dreams..   

[Jonathan_S]

There are plenty of general units and elk to be had, start your homework, and don't wait for the WDFW to help fulfill your dreams..   

 

I mean ssshhhh.

[Ridgerunner]

I'm in the camp go big on a special permit and hunt hard during general.

[furbearer365]

There are plenty of general units and elk to be had, start your homework, and don't wait for the WDFW to help fulfill your dreams..   

 

I mean ssshhhh.

     Just don't hunt in the ones that I hunt...      Or Jonathan's

[xXLojackXx]

I made that decision this year. Continue to stack points for a coveted tag (370+ potential) or draw a tag with 5-7 points and have 300-360" potential. I decided I'd rather draw 3 tags and have chances at 300-360" bulls, 3-4 times before drawing a tag to have a chance at ONE 350+ bull.

Remember, drawing a Blues or Nook tag doesn't guarantee you'll fill it. I'd rather have 3 or 4 chances at a "good" unit and put 3-4 good bulls on my wall than to have one chance at a "great" unit and put 1 great bull on my wall. For me it's about being able to hunt. Not completely about the quality of bulls.

[Tbar]

When you say "go big" you need to define what big is to you. Trophy hunting is a different game in and of itself.  Because of the lack of choices on the Westside we are forced to look at draws like the Nooksack as OIL  opportunities.  Unfortunate!  With the pressure of oil tags you have to then start ranking what you personally consider success.  Is it all about big antlers?  Passing the biggest bull you've ever seen while hunting? Another often overlooked element is who is along for the ride?  The true go big or go home guys often come back empty, empty with some of the greatest hunts that ever happened.
On a side note, the Nooksack isn't what it used to be either!