incentive permit

[Bigshooter]

It would be an easy choice for me.  I would take the deer tag and feel like I stole it.

[SkookumHntr]

I would pick the deer tag!

[ridgefire]

What are the best west side elk tags besides the nooksack? Looks like I may have to make a call to fish and game to see if muzzleloaders are ok.

[buckmaster_wa]

I don't know the west side at all so I would choose the deer tag. However, I think it's much more difficult to find and kill a 180" deer in North central Wa than people think it is. Don't get me wrong, they are around. But they are not everywhere. I have had the luxury of getting to assist guys the last 2 seasons on tags up north and both times it was a blast, tons of bucks spotted but very few that would even break the 160" mark.

 It would be a much easier choice if the Eastside elk tag were an option.

[MarkTrail]

No brainer is the elk. Granted as mentioned before there are other states that offer otc rut hunts but you better be prepared logistically. I have been there done that many many years. Nothing easy about it if you are chasing quality bulls. I am assuming you are using a rifle as well.
The mule deer hunt in November will be a lot of driving around the  winter range looking up the hill out your truck for that true 180+ buck. However,  it is attainable but not as thrilling as a big bull screening in your face.
  Good luck,  you will definitely have fun.

[Karl Blanchard]

I don't know the west side at all so I would choose the deer tag. However, I think it's much more difficult to find and kill a 180" deer in North central Wa than people think it is. Don't get me wrong, they are around. But they are not everywhere. I have had the luxury of getting to assist guys the last 2 seasons on tags up north and both times it was a blast, tons of bucks spotted but very few that would even break the 160" mark.

 It would be a much easier choice if the Eastside elk tag were an option.

Agreed.  Kind of like 400" bulls in the Colockum or the blues

[highside74]

What are the best west side elk tags besides the nooksack? Looks like I may have to make a call to fish and game to see if muzzleloaders are ok.

Nooksack should be your only choice. A chance for something real special up there.

That being said I would have chosen the deer tag for a chance to hunt a giant Eastside Muley over a westside elk.

[highside74]

That's what I get for skipping to the bottom and posting. No Nooksack is a bummer. I'd change to the deer tag.

[buckmaster_wa]

I honestly think you would have a better chance at a 380" bull on the Eastside than you would at a 180" buck.

[Caretaker]

Take the Elk !!! 

[kentrek]

For $3500 I can hunt muleys DIY on public land well into the 180"s range up to 200"+ with some luck. I don't know anywhere I can even hunt rooseys with a rifle during the rut, let alone in nearly every gmu.

  There's way more big muledeer hanging on walls then big rosies...easy decision....hands down go for the elk

[chester]

What are the best west side elk tags besides the nooksack? Looks like I may have to make a call to fish and game to see if muzzleloaders are ok.

Nooksack should be your only choice. A chance for something real special up there.

That being said I would have chosen the deer tag for a chance to hunt a giant Eastside Muley over a westside elk.

Every one seems to overlook that it would let him hunt the first week of November as well for a good chance at a book blacktail before he headed east. Moot point now.

Good luck on the elk tag.


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[Whitpirate]

I'd have to take the deer tag because BLRMan would hurt me if I didn't over a Westside elk tag.  If that's eastside elk I can handle BLRman's tears.

[dvolmer]

If they offered you the east side elk it would be a no brainer!!!  I would take the deer tag for sure!  The places for hunting big muleys in the rut are great!  A trophy mule deer is now more harder to get than a trophy elk.  If you do any homework and scouting you could end up easily with a 180 class muley or better.  You could hunt Desert or Entiat during the rut.  If you really do your homework you could kill even a bigger buck in areas outside of those but Im not willing to give up all of my secrets.  Im jealous to say the least!!!!  Good luck!!!!!

[huntnphool]

No brainer dude, take the deer tag and go chase down a giant mule deer!  Thats an opportunity most could only dream of!

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