Help planning for next year?

[Maverick26]

I dont post on here much but I do lots or research and am up in the woods a good bit. I have always hunted east side MF for elk every year since my dad let me go and my normal stomping grounds is 346. A really good friend of mine got drawn this year for Peaches Ridge archery and I told him I would go along with him and help and hunt and guide since I know the area well. Opening day we happened on to 3 folks that had arrowed and killed a cow (in 346).  Long story short, game dept sorted it all out and I hope the guys didnt get too baddly busted being that it seemed they just didnt realize what unit they were in. Live and learn for those guys. WDFW awords 10 bonus points per animal killed in a pouching event, and being my friend is a cool cat, he gave the points to me.

Here is my deal, I have 9 regular bull points and 8 quality bull points. I would like these 10 points to not be waisted so I am asking the HW crew, what would HW do? I am thinking for sure have the points put into my quality bull account but I am unsure what I want to put in for now. I want a chance on a great bull. I have never shot a branched bull in my life, only was able to get 2 spikes under my belt. I am 26 years old and dont have the vast depth of info some on here have. Ill be hunting with my Dad and I hope my Grandpa will make it up with me one more year... if not, this hunt will mean a lot for sure.

Thanks guys, and I wish everyone goodluck out there!

[bobcat]

I would definitely put in for permits in the unit you know best- 346. I wouldn't even have to think twice about it. Good luck, you should have a good chance with 18 points, especially if you put in for archery or muzzleloader.

[Maverick26]

Yes that is what I am thinking also. I have dont lots of exploring in the Colockum area, spacificly 229, and have seen tons of elk on dirt bike rides. Impressive area but I have never hunted it. I dont have plans to hunt archery or muzz since I have no experiance with either. Slim chances for a Colockum tag thats for sure. I have hunted 342 in the past and hiked a bit in 340. These are just my areas of experiance... If I get drawn the rubber will really meet the road and ill have to do some deep scouting. Its exciting to think about thats for sure.

[bobcat]

If you're only applying for rifle permits, don't count on drawing with 18 points. Lots of people have that many points so your odds are still really low. I guess you might consider taking those 10 points in the "bull" category and apply for Peaches Ridge. At least there are 120 permits and your odds will be much better. Just saying that since it sounds like you're wanting to draw right away so you can hunt with your dad and your grandpa.

[Maverick26]

Good point man, I had not thought about that yet. Ill put some thought into that for sure. Ya I know 18 is not a sure thing but it is a boost from what I have now. Thanks a lot for the input, Ill look fwd to checking in on this.