Application process east vs west side

[BigTines]

New to WA and was wondering if there is anything preventing me from applying to east side quality tags but then hunting general season west side if I don't draw? Or is this something I can't do?

[hughjorgan]

For deer you can do this but not for elk. With elk you have to choose east or west and can't change it after the draw has run.

[BigTines]

You have to select east or west prior to submitting special permits?

Also why the difference between deer and elk?

Does getting the multi season tag have an affect on this?

Also where does it talk about this in the regs??

[bobcat]

Look at page 8 in your pamphlet.

[Mfowl]

You have to select east or west prior to submitting special permits?

Also why the difference between deer and elk?

Does getting the multi season tag have an affect on this?

Also where does it talk about this in the regs??

You must purchase your tag(s) prior to purchasing/submitting special hunt apps. If elk hunting you must select east or west when you purchase the tag. There are less elk available to hunt than deer thus the east/west designation. A multi season elk tag is good for both east/west gmu's and special permit apps in any weapon category. With no MS tag you may only apply for elk hunts on the same side of the state your tag is good for and only in the weapon category your tag is good for. Welcome to Washington, you may want to consult attorney if you decide to start fishing. 

[BigTines]

You have to select east or west prior to submitting special permits?

Also why the difference between deer and elk?

Does getting the multi season tag have an affect on this?

Also where does it talk about this in the regs??

You must purchase your tag(s) prior to purchasing/submitting special hunt apps. If elk hunting you must select east or west when you purchase the tag. There are less elk available to hunt than deer thus the east/west designation. A multi season elk tag is good for both east/west gmu's and special permit apps in any weapon category. With no MS tag you may only apply for elk hunts on the same side of the state your tag is good for and only in the weapon category your tag is good for. Welcome to Washington, you may want to consult attorney if you decide to start fishing. 

Very helpful!! Thanks! So for deer does your transport tag just not specify weapon or east vs west? Or can you apply for special permits prior to purchasing your tag?

[Bullkllr]

Deer is basically the same as elk except there is no east/west choice to make.

For deer you still need to purchase a weapon-specific tag prior to applying for any special permits. Special hunts you apply for have to fit your weapon choice. The only exception regarding weapon choice is if you were selected for a multi-season tag; then you can apply for special hunts in any weapon category.

[BigTines]

Thanks for all the info.

Does anyone else struggle with this system?? It's terrible!

I have units on the eastside I would love to apply for quality hunts but don't want to deal with shooting a spike/true spike for the next 15 years until I finally draw.

I would rather have a chance at a branch bull every year for the next 15 years hunting the general season. What a crock to deal with this! WA needs a new system ...

[theleo]

Does anyone else struggle with this system?? It's terrible!

That's why there's a few of us on here that don't even bother with Washington and pay to play in different states.

[bobcat]

Well, they could eliminate all general elk seasons entirely, which is pretty much the only other option for those who don't like choosing between east and west.

[theleo]

Well, they could eliminate all general elk seasons entirely, which is pretty much the only other option for those who don't like choosing between east and west.

Or could have a draw only season before the general seasons and not require you to buy a tag before you know the results of the draw. Apply for branch bull or cow in a specific unit with a specific weapon (a specific hunt number in other states) and if you don't draw buy a general east/ west tag for your chosen weapon. Get rid of the "Special" and "Quality" designations, put them into one draw only season. If you're going to wait for years to get a tag there's no reason you should have to deal with all the general season guys.

[BigTines]

Well, they could eliminate all general elk seasons entirely, which is pretty much the only other option for those who don't like choosing between east and west.

Or be like Oregon and have controlled hunts and general hunts completely separate. Therefore it doesn't matter where you apply for controlled hunts it has no bearing on where U hunt general. Virtually everyone in Oregon applies controlled eastern and does general western if not drawn.

[Bob33]

Thanks for all the info.

Does anyone else struggle with this system?? It's terrible!

I have units on the eastside I would love to apply for quality hunts but don't want to deal with shooting a spike/true spike for the next 15 years until I finally draw.

I would rather have a chance at a branch bull every year for the next 15 years hunting the general season. What a crock to deal with this! WA needs a new system ...

I don't struggle with it; it's not too difficult to understand. Sure, I'd like to shoot a branch antlered bull every year, but that's not going to happen.

The bottom line is there are too many hunters for too few animals, on less and less huntable property. If the hunting of spike only elk were so horrible, the number of hunters afield on public land in Eastern Washington wouldn't be as bad as it is.

If you can draw a special permit, get a multi-season permit, or get access to private land then your hunt options will definitely improve. If not, consider other states as alternatives.

[kentrek]

Sure, I'd like to shoot a branch antlered bull every year, but that's not going to happen.

Why isn't that going to happen ?

I think the biggest problem is people look to the draws for there only chance at shooting a mature bull...people get desperate and when they don't draw they just watched there golden ticket to a big bull get washed down the drain....

Stop waiting for a once every ten year tag to chase big bulls !! Start working harder, scoute more, read more and get after it !! There's people that shoot branch bulls every year....every year there's a 350 otc bull killed on the west side and a 400 otc bull killed on the east side...that's pretty dang good !! if you want it go get it ! They are there....waiting for the draws is just an excuse

 the draw system isn't perfect but good luck finding one that is !

And puting in for the east side while hunting the west side is like having your cake and eating it too.....just get over it...it sucks but that's how we manage people on this state...if you want a big East side bull go to idaho or NE corner

Good luck 

[Bob33]

Sure, I'd like to shoot a branch antlered bull every year, but that's not going to happen.

Why isn't that going to happen ?

I think the biggest problem is people look to the draws for there only chance at shooting a mature bull...people get desperate and when they don't draw they just watched there golden ticket to a big bull get washed down the drain....

Stop waiting for a once every ten year tag to chase big bulls !! Start working harder, scoute more, read more and get after it !! There's people that shoot branch bulls every year....every year there's a 350 otc bull killed on the west side and a 400 otc bull killed on the east side...that's pretty dang good !! if you want it go get it ! They are there....waiting for the draws is just an excuse

 the draw system isn't perfect but good luck finding one that is !

And puting in for the east side while hunting the west side is like having your cake and eating it too.....just get over it...it sucks but that's how we manage people on this state...if you want a big East side bull go to idaho or NE corner

Good luck 

If you're able to kill a branch antlered bull in Eastern Washington every year with an OTC tag (since most of the better GMUs are spike only), you're doing very well.