philosophy on special draw elk tags

[Bob33]

I view them as "quality hunt" opportunities, not "quality animal" permits.

You get to consider what a quality hunt entails.

I had a quality elk permit that took many years to draw, and never fired a shot. I have no regrets, and wonderful memories.

The flip side is that at least in Washington, the opportunity to hunt for a quality animal may only occur a few times in a lifetime and you want to make sure that you don't shoot something that you'll later wish you'd passed on.

[Mfowl]

As stated, it's your tag, your hunt! Don't worry about others opinions of what you do with your tag. I took a spike on an any bull ML tag on day 5 of the hunt, no regrets! It was the first elk I've ever taken. Now that being said, since you are archery hunting and have a good late season meat opportunity in many units, I would focus on a trophy or atleast branch bull during the early season/special draw season. You never know when your next chance for a bull tag will be. Good luck! Have fun! Congrats on the draw!

[coachcw]

Have a realistic mindset going in and hunt with no regrets . If I had a peaches archery tag id aim for a mature heavy horned bull. but that's me . knowing chances of going home with a tag in my pocket are pretty good , one advantage is you still have late season. If you haven't killed many elk then a spike or rag might hit the spot all in all just have no regrets hunt hard and let the chips fall. good luck .

[Tbar]

Have a realistic mindset going in and hunt with no regrets . If I had a peaches archery tag id aim for a mature heavy horned bull. but that's me . knowing chances of going home with a tag in my pocket are pretty good , one advantage is you still have late season. If you haven't killed many elk then a spike or rag might hit the spot all in all just have no regrets hunt hard and let the chips fall. good luck .

I'm a big fan of setting a goal and sticking to it. I think many of the best hunts end with humble pie.  And that's a beautiful thing if that's how it's viewed.  I seldom gauge success of a hunt by if you harvest.  What ever you decide, enjoy the journey.  The coveted tags are getting harder and harder to draw, make it an adventure. 
 

[jrebel]

It has been covered pretty well and I agree with what everyone has said. 


For me personally.....a quality archery tag would mean I am hunting branched antler bulls.  This could be a 2x2 or bigger.....all depending on the year and activity in the elk heards.  I have hunted many years and seen many fluctuations in elk activity.  A couple years ago, I could have shot 3-4 bulls in a 7 day hunt.  Two years prior, never saw a bull.  I love to eat them....but with that tag, I personally would have a hard time shooting a cow early in the hunt....maybe after a few days if the hunting is bad overall.   

[huntnphool]

It's your tag. Shoot whatever you want that's legal.
If anyone has an issue with what you shoot with your tag they can pound sand.

+1

[huntnnw]

Up to you and what it means to you...for me it depends on the unit...If I draw a blues elk tag its a big bull or nothing....this year I drew a ID muzzy tag and its not a unit known for big bulls so the first elk I see will get shot.

[Naches Sportsman]

After seeing selected this year for goose prairie rifle bull, I immediately thought I am going to hold out for a 350 bull. Flash forward to today, my goal has changed. The faster I tag out, the better as I plan on being on the road in November looking for different areas I want to work at.

The first bull within a half mile of the road is going to get shot at. If I decide to go more than a mile in, I am holding out for a 6 or better.

By the way elkboy, saw three bulls today in the huckleerry fields in 346.

[Rainier10]

 

It's your tag. Shoot whatever you want that's legal.
If anyone has an issue with what you shoot with your tag they can pound sand.

[kentrek]

It's your tag. Shoot whatever you want that's legal.
If anyone has an issue with what you shoot with your tag they can pound sand.

+1

 

Don't let Facebook ruin "your hunt".....hunting is more then that

[400gross]

the tag is not a guarantee

[greenhead_killer]

I had the tag two years ago and passed a 280 5x6. I've never shot an elk but have passed up dozen shots under 20 yards the last few years. I set a goal of 300" or bust and I busted. Was a great learning exp and for the most part great hunt. Like stated, set a goal, and hit it hard. Worst case you come out with a great experience(hopefully) and an appreciation for how difficult killing wild animals really is haha. If you set first few days towards a branch bull then go 'if it's brown it's down' then I'd say you achieved what you set out. No regrets. And good luck

[Gringo31]

It's never a bad rule of thumb if you're into the size to hold off unless you've never killed anything bigger than whats in front of you.  I drew peaches 4 times and observatory twice before I killed my first elk.  BUT, it didn't bother me to pass on smaller bulls.  True, at times I've kicked myself as I still can see those opportunities walk.....but success is that much sweeter.  That bull last year, as goofy as he is, choked me up.

Its your tag, enjoy the opportunity! 

[MADMAX]

If its legal and good ethical shot
I'm killing it
I like to eat elk

[MADMAX]

the tag is not a guarantee

true enough there   

I had Peaches tag last year and spent 2 weeks on the little naches and never had a shot on a legal elk