You won multi-season, now send us money

[konradcountry]

I normally do archery but this year I put in for multi-season deer and won. At first I was excited but then I read the details.

The multi-season deer tag is 139.10 and there is no discount for the big game package.

The bag limit is still one.

This means that if I get a deer in early archery I'm done for the year and it was an expensive deer. So any deer I come across in early season I will have to decide if it is worth blowing my multi-season tag. I'm not looking for trophy bucks so it could mean an empty freezer if I pass on one in early.

I also have to make a decision before July 31. Well I don't start planning the fall until August because of work/family.

I don't think I will put in next year and will do an out of state hunt instead. I just don't see a good value for my situation when the 140 could be applied to an out of state hunt that increases my bag limit.

I'm guessing that the multi-season works better if you don't do archery or are only looking for decent bucks. Thoughts?

[opdinkslayer]

Obviously you didnt research that before hand? IMO it only makes sense if you do archery hunt and if your confident in a successful archery hunt then there is no need to purchase it. No harm no foul?

Personally Elk is worth having but the deer is a waste of money. Good luck to ya this season.

[Mfowl]

If you purchase it before the special permit deadline you can  apply for hunts in any weapon category. I did that this year and applied for hard to get coveted tags. My thoughts being if I get one it will be worth holding off on other seasons for one of those tags. If not I can still be a weekend warrior all fall while committing my vacation to archery elk season. If your selective in the what you want to take you can really get a lot of days in the field with the MS tag. I have felt that it would not be worth it if you end up taking a buck in early archery season but if your looking at a great buck, why hold off. I'm mainly a ML hunter, except this year I am an archery elk hunter, but with the MS tag I can pair up deer hunting with my elk scouting and get more bang for my buck (no pun intended.)

[Blacktail Sniper]

 

That is the biggest benefit, more opportunity, more options. 

I can understand not knowing what the permit was all about, it isn't like they printed an entire page in the regs explaining it!

Ohhhh....wait, they did!!!

[Blacktail Sniper]

In the end, you have to decide if the opporunity to hunt from September through December is worth it. 

Can really increase your chances at getting a great buck just because of the length of time available to pursue one.

But as a strictly meat hunt opporunity, then it is really not that great a value.

[lamrith]

Guys,
MFowl touches on a good point and one of main reasons to grab a MS and that is opening up draw opportunities.  But it goes beyond that.

EVERY year there are plenty of left over tags for MS deer.  Even if you are not DRAWN for it, as long as you apply, traditionally they make the MS tags available after Aug 1 for anyone that applied on a 1st come 1st served basis.  The elk left overs sell within a minute, but typically there are still MS deer tags available all the way into December.  So go hunt your early archery season, if you do not tag out then you can decide if it is worth the $ to you to buy the MS and keep hunting the muzzy, modern and then late archery season.

For MS Deer you do not have to purchase by the July deadline.  Put in for it, it is $7 of insurance in case you have a bad archery year, illness, injury etc.

[bobcat]

It's a good deal if you're looking for a trophy buck. Multi season gives you a lot more time and opportunity to find the right buck. But if you're not willing to pass up smaller bucks earlier in the season, I don't think it's worth the extra $140.

[jackelope]

In the end, you have to decide if the opporunity to hunt from September through December is worth it. 

Can really increase your chances at getting a great buck just because of the length of time available to pursue one.

But as a strictly meat hunt opporunity, then it is really not that great a value.

While I don't agree with you flipping the guy crap like you did, I agree with what you say here. If you're in it for a trophy type buck, it makes sense. If you're in it for the meat, you'd be better off and cheaper applying for 2nd deer tags. They seem to be almost a guarantee in a lot of the areas and are a great way to fill the freezer. If you're a guy like me who doesn't have weeks at a time to go hunting, it works out great and in terms of a cost per day to hunt, it's super cheap entertainment.  You just have to read the information so you know what you're getting into ahead of time so as to eliminate surprises like this.

[pope]

I'm a busy guy with a career and family, and I do lots of side jobs so we can survive on one income (we home school our kids). I hunt alone and go for only one animal, blacktail deer, in a GMU closed to home, with terrible deer stats and lots of pressure from a truly privileged group. And I can't take vacation time during hunting season. I used to hunt modern only, but for me, that means a few weekends in October....if my obligations don't get in the way. Sure, $140 is a lot of money for a deer (isn't it more like $185?), but it buys me more time, more fun, more adventure. For the first time, I did not draw the MS deer tag this year. Hopefully they're available August 1st.

[j_h_nimrod]

I like it for extended time in the field.  It is a bit spendy but I like that I can head out almost whenever I have time.  I have had hectic seasons the last few years and, though a modern rifle preference, have harvested deer in archery season in 2015 and 2016.  In 2015 I got a nice mulie the 4th day of season and in 2016 a black tail last day of the late season.

[jrebel]

I like it for extended time in the field and for options if I don't go out of state.  If I end up drawing out of state I have no problem stabbing a doe durring early season archery.  I know it is pricey but it is worth every penny to me as it gives me options and days afield.  I also go into it knowing the cost.....always surprising to know how many people put in for stuff with out educating themselves on price and / or obligation. 

[greenhead_killer]

I do it strictly for draw options. I still only hunt archery regardless if I draw or not.

[konradcountry]

That is the biggest benefit, more opportunity, more options. 

I can understand not knowing what the permit was all about, it isn't like they printed an entire page in the regs explaining it!

Ohhhh....wait, they did!!!

Well of course the details are posted but the cost of applying is practically nil so I didn't care enough to read them.

I'm not upset over applying and I don't feel like I have lost anything since I don't have to buy it. I just don't see overall good value and am commenting on this.

Taking the extra time to actually post the rules as an image to be that much of a prick...I bet you are a hit at parties.

[CarbonHunter]

The tag is only good for spending more time in the woods. I drew it and bought it, like many years before. If you think it will give you better opertunities than going out of state you are mistaken.

I have been fortunate enough to hunt Alaska, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. I have also been lucky enough to draw the Entiat rifle tag for deer. Having hunted all these hunts, yes you are better off to put the money towards out of state but you have to realize there are far more costs than just the tag to hunt out of state. You will need to have the ability to spend time learning a new area, traveling, and come to the realization that hunting the states that hold big deer is a lot harder than the cake walk that Washington is.

Most hunters in Washington have been aware that the multi season deer tag is not a way to kill big bucks for some time now. That is part of the reason the wdfw lowered the cost of the tag a few years ago. It is simply an option for allowing hunters to spend more time hunting deer ever year.

[jackelope]

Given that it is easy to blow 75% of the cost of the permit on a night out on the town, the price to time spent hunting ratio seems like cheap entertainment to  me.

[Lucky1]

The tag is only good for spending more time in the woods.

Most hunters in Washington have been aware that the multi season deer tag is not a way to kill big bucks for some time now. That is part of the reason the wdfw lowered the cost of the tag a few years ago. It is simply an option for allowing hunters to spend more time hunting deer ever year.

It does also increase your odds of just getting a deer, any deer, which is the reason I buy it.

[blackveltbowhunter]

That is the biggest benefit, more opportunity, more options. 

I can understand not knowing what the permit was all about, it isn't like they printed an entire page in the regs explaining it!

Ohhhh....wait, they did!

Well of course the details are posted but the cost of applying is practically nil so I didn't care enough to read them.

I'm not upset over applying and I don't feel like I have lost anything since I don't have to buy it. I just don't see overall good value and am commenting on this.

Taking the extra time to actually post the rules as an image to be that much of a prick...I bet you are a hit at parties.

Which is why the cost should be upfront for this application. The applications have risen steadily, while sales have remained the same. Or have a first come first serve for a period before a draw for the leftovers. That way anyone who is sure they will purchase has an opportunity rather than someone who is drawn over top of them and never purchases.

[konradcountry]

Having hunted all these hunts, yes you are better off to put the money towards out of state but you have to realize there are far more costs than just the tag to hunt out of state. You will need to have the ability to spend time learning a new area, traveling, and come to the realization that hunting the states that hold big deer is a lot harder than the cake walk that Washington is.

I wouldn't call Washington a cake walk unless you have private land in the right spot. Too many of the public areas are overhunted and the black tail bucks are considered the toughest deer to hunt in the US.

Anyways I will probably apply it to Texas hog which doesn't require a tag. I know Texas pretty well and the flights can be cheap if you keep an eye them.

[konradcountry]

The tag is only good for spending more time in the woods.

Most hunters in Washington have been aware that the multi season deer tag is not a way to kill big bucks for some time now. That is part of the reason the wdfw lowered the cost of the tag a few years ago. It is simply an option for allowing hunters to spend more time hunting deer ever year.

It does also increase your odds of just getting a deer, any deer, which is the reason I buy it.

But what if you already have good odds of taking a doe? See this is where the value drops. If you already have good doe access in early archery then your odds aren't improved for that season. You have to gamble passing on a doe to increase your odds of a buck. It's a trade off that favors buck hunting.

[Mfowl]

The tag is only good for spending more time in the woods.

Most hunters in Washington have been aware that the multi season deer tag is not a way to kill big bucks for some time now. That is part of the reason the wdfw lowered the cost of the tag a few years ago. It is simply an option for allowing hunters to spend more time hunting deer ever year.

It does also increase your odds of just getting a deer, any deer, which is the reason I buy it.

But what if you already have good odds of taking a doe? See this is where the value drops. If you already have good doe access in early archery then your odds aren't improved for that season. You have to gamble passing on a doe to increase your odds of a buck. It's a trade off that favors buck hunting.

If all you want is a doe, its not at all worth it. But consider that you could hunt all general seasons in pursuit of a buck and then still take a doe in the late archery season if you haven't filled your tag yet. As I and others previously stated,the value is in the added opportunities for draw tags and a continuing season if your chosen general season doesn't go according to plan.

[konradcountry]

The tag is only good for spending more time in the woods.

Most hunters in Washington have been aware that the multi season deer tag is not a way to kill big bucks for some time now. That is part of the reason the wdfw lowered the cost of the tag a few years ago. It is simply an option for allowing hunters to spend more time hunting deer ever year.

It does also increase your odds of just getting a deer, any deer, which is the reason I buy it.

But what if you already have good odds of taking a doe? See this is where the value drops. If you already have good doe access in early archery then your odds aren't improved for that season. You have to gamble passing on a doe to increase your odds of a buck. It's a trade off that favors buck hunting.

If all you want is a doe, its not at all worth it. But consider that you could hunt all general seasons in pursuit of a buck and then still take a doe in the late archery season if you haven't filled your tag yet. As I and others previously stated,the value is in the added opportunities for draw tags and a continuing season if your chosen general season doesn't go according to plan.

Sure there is late season but as you probably know there aren't as many areas open.

I didn't apply for the purpose of getting a doe but I think it should be re-worked so there is more value for meat hunters. I think a second doe tag makes sense here.

But I think you make some good points about using it for other draws or as an insurance plan.

[fish vacuum]

I suppose that with archery having a pretty long season, the added seasons with a MS tag aren't as beneficial to an archery guy.
Know what you're applying for and accept the terms. I'm not going to complain about getting my hunting season extended for a price I can afford. I didn't get drawn this year. If I don't get drawn for a special permit, then I'll be shopping for a leftover MS tag.

[Rainier10]

I was just getting to the point of having enough points to draw good permit.  Then my kids started hunting.  I am an archery guy and I put in for MS deer every year.  When I draw I use it to put in for quality rifle hunts with my kids that year to increase their odds of drawing.  Who better to spend a OIL permit hunt with than your kids?

The MS permits can be used in a ton of different.  It's not for everyone but it has benefits for a lot of people.

[bhawley76]

Can't win if you don't play, sucks for the guy that has to burn up all his vacation for a chance at that WASHINGTON buck of a lifetime. 

[SteelheadTed]

The cost of the tag was pretty well known, it is listed in the front of the regulations.  The new regulations weren't out at the time of the MS tag draw but we know the cost from last year and it doesn't vary much year to year.

[JDHasty]

I'm a busy guy with a career and family, and I do lots of side jobs so we can survive on one income (we home school our kids). I hunt alone and go for only one animal, blacktail deer, in a GMU closed to home, with terrible deer stats and lots of pressure from a truly privileged group. And I can't take vacation time during hunting season. I used to hunt modern only, but for me, that means a few weekends in October....if my obligations don't get in the way. Sure, $140 is a lot of money for a deer (isn't it more like $185?), but it buys me more time, more fun, more adventure. For the first time, I did not draw the MS deer tag this year. Hopefully they're available August 1st.

I just want to hunt at my own pace and pick and choose when I go out.  $140 is well worth it for being able to hunt deer pretty much when I feel like it. 

[ctwiggs1]

My hunting season to comprise of a few day trips on a Saturday or two up to the NF about 90 minutes away to walk around and see deer poop, and a Leave-Friday-Come-Home-Sunday elk trip that I put way too much money into and saw nothing.

I am at a point now where I am able to afford a little more time and money because my family is a hunting family.  Spending the extra cash to ethically harvest the meat that my family eats is well worth the money to me.  I love archery hunting but if I can't close the deal in Sept, it sure is nice to know that ML and modern are just around the corner.

Because of the special permits and Multi Season, my hunting season begins early August and goes until end of January, picks back up in April/May for Turkey/Spring Bear then starts up again after summer salmon/steelhead season.

I'm not wild about the amount of money I put into tags and licenses, but it's the cost I legally need to pay for my family to have the experiences we desire.

Curtis

[CarbonHunter]

Having hunted all these hunts, yes you are better off to put the money towards out of state but you have to realize there are far more costs than just the tag to hunt out of state. You will need to have the ability to spend time learning a new area, traveling, and come to the realization that hunting the states that hold big deer is a lot harder than the cake walk that Washington is.

I wouldn't call Washington a cake walk unless you have private land in the right spot. Too many of the public areas are overhunted and the black tail bucks are considered the toughest deer to hunt in the US.

Anyways I will probably apply it to Texas hog which doesn't require a tag. I know Texas pretty well and the flights can be cheap if you keep an eye them.

I was referring to the terrain of most of Washington compared to going to another state in the Rockies. Blacktails are very difficult to hunt due to the cover they live in.

I seen a person last year in Idaho at about 7000 feet driving with a quad in the back looking for elk. He was there with his wife and both of them were in their 70's at least maybe even 80's. there was no way they would have been able to get an elk out of the terrain they were in but they bought the tag and drove in from California to kill an elk.

Lots of people head out of state without realizing there is a lot more to these hunts than just the cost of the tags.

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Out of state is a lot more than 140. Takes a few years to even learn the country. Having a family that has hunted deer for 20+ years in Idaho made that easier. Finding elk with the bow with no direction, except for research done by me online was a lot more difficult and expensive.

[JDHasty]

I like to go out with friends, but I also like my time alone in the woods.  It is worth the buck and a half to enjoy both.  Even if I fill my buck tag before Modern Season I still have reason to go out with friends.   

[OutHouse]

I agree with everyone who talked about increased time in the field and flexibility around work schedules etc... Imagine something happens to you and you all of a sudden need extra time during a different season. I hunted archery with this injury and ended up getting it done during muzzy only because of the MS tag. Definitely worth the money for someone like me who doesn't play the points game.