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Author Topic: 16 Bull elk points what unit question  (Read 7230 times)

Offline 71Shovelhead

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16 Bull elk points what unit question
« on: December 17, 2017, 07:03:42 PM »
Last year I cashed in my quality bull points and killed a nice bull in Tucannon. I still have 16 Bull points and not sure what unit to put in for. looking for an area to have a fair chance at a mature bull. Now that Im retired and can travel and put boots on the ground to scout I can go most anywhere in the state. I want to burn my Washington points so I can start hunting out of state.

Thanks

PMs are welcome

Online MADMAX

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #1 on: December 17, 2017, 07:50:04 PM »
328
Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
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Offline 71Shovelhead

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2017, 08:16:29 PM »
Madmax,
you have a PM

Offline Mr Mykiss

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #3 on: December 17, 2017, 08:27:16 PM »
Congratulations!! In WA you don't "cash in" points...you just get extremely lucky!!
The BULL tags are just as hard to draw so don't plan on "cashing in" right away. I think that most of the central units will give you a shot at a great bull if you put in the effort.
It is hard to follow one great vision in a world of darkness and of many changing shadows. Among these shadows men get lost.
-Black Elk

Offline 71Shovelhead

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #4 on: December 17, 2017, 08:49:30 PM »
MrM
You are correct sir, that was poor choice of words on my part. I was lucky to draw that tag.  I hope to get lucky again and use the rest (or at least some) of my points in several catagories. it took 18 to draw Tucannon. I have nearly that many in anterless elk, moose, sheep, quality deer bla bla bla...
Im no stranger to putting in time, effort and money.

Thank You

Offline X-Force

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #5 on: December 17, 2017, 08:54:43 PM »
There aren’t any bull permits in 328.

If it were me an looking for a unique experience I would look at the 506* bull permits. Wilderness/monument areas. Mature but not giant bulls, awesome country.

Mid October hunts with rut activity. They would be fun.
People get offended at nothing at all. So, speak your mind and be unapologetic.

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #6 on: December 17, 2017, 09:03:51 PM »
My bad on 328
Quality vs Bull error
Thanks for clarifying
Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
Mark Twain


I Ain't Captain Walker.
I'm The Guy Who Carries Mr. Dead In His Pocket


What would life be without the thrill of the hunt ?

Offline 71Shovelhead

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #7 on: December 17, 2017, 09:08:14 PM »
506 willapa hills or 560 Lewis river? I have over 20 years in both units. 560 has some nice bulls few and far between but beautiful country. early 80 through mid 90s that was the tag to have.

Offline X-Force

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #8 on: December 17, 2017, 09:16:46 PM »
5064,5065,5066

They aren’t full GMU’s they are elk areas around St. Helens.
People get offended at nothing at all. So, speak your mind and be unapologetic.

Offline 71Shovelhead

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #9 on: December 17, 2017, 09:25:27 PM »
XF,
Got ya. That makes way more sense. Thanks for the clarification, love when I embarrass myself in public
« Last Edit: December 18, 2017, 06:25:17 AM by 71Shovelhead »

Offline emac

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #10 on: December 18, 2017, 08:27:12 AM »
You got a picture of your tucannon bull. And like said the central units are good ones

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk


Offline whacker1

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #11 on: December 18, 2017, 11:56:45 AM »
following along

Offline Rainier10

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #12 on: December 18, 2017, 12:52:33 PM »
There just aren't a bunch of bull elk units to choose from for archery. Looking like going to the wetside and maybe even changing up my weapon choice would be the way to go.
Pain is temporary, achieving the goal is worth it.

I didn't say it would be easy, I said it would be worth it.

Every father should remember that one day his children will follow his example instead of his advice.


The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HuntWa or the site owner.

Offline hunterofelk

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #13 on: December 18, 2017, 01:12:29 PM »
The Norse Peak area might be pretty good in the next few years. 

Offline trophyhunt

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #14 on: December 18, 2017, 01:32:41 PM »
346 bull rifle tag, good choice.
“In common with”..... not so much!!

Offline luvmystang67

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #15 on: December 19, 2017, 09:54:43 AM »
I had a great hunt in the St Helens units.  It was TOUGH and I didn't get an animal, but experience wise it was almost as cool as it gets.  I highly recommend.  There aren't really a ton of big bulls in the area, quite a few raghorns though.  If you're not feeling like a mountain climber its probably best to shy away as well.   :twocents:

Offline jstone

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #16 on: December 19, 2017, 12:03:24 PM »
Blues

Offline Skyvalhunter

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #17 on: December 19, 2017, 12:14:11 PM »
ID
The only man who never makes a mistake, is the man who never does anything!!
The further one goes into the wilderness, the greater the attraction of its lonely freedom.

Offline Rainier10

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #18 on: December 19, 2017, 12:15:31 PM »
ID
:yeah:
I'm in the same boat as the OP, drew a quality tag last year.  16 points for regular bull next year.  After that I am off to ID or maybe a run at the raffle tags.
Pain is temporary, achieving the goal is worth it.

I didn't say it would be easy, I said it would be worth it.

Every father should remember that one day his children will follow his example instead of his advice.


The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HuntWa or the site owner.

Offline 71Shovelhead

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #19 on: December 19, 2017, 06:55:33 PM »
Thanks for all the input both here and PMs. I will start checking out the Mt Saint Helens units as well as White River. The Blues would be great but thats Quality rather than Bull, still open to more ideas. 'Bout done with my home state after 48yrs of hunting and 60yrs of living.

Offline blackveltbowhunter

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #20 on: December 20, 2017, 11:56:43 AM »
It depends on the type of hunt your looking for and if "caliber" of bull is a factor.

IMO with your points I think your past the st helens tags. Unless you hunt westside every year and  that limits your hunt choices.  The pros: Decent elk herd. Especially bulls.  Not alot of company. It sounds like it might be close so scouting may be easier.
Cons: elk herd declining,  stock options and access limited depending on area, and possibly the biggest, bulls are stunted. From what i have seen a 260 ishbull is a high but realistic goal with good scouting and if all goes well on the hunt with weather etc. Anything bigger is a unicorn.

The White River is a decent option. With possibility for some dandy bulls. Downsides are tribal hunting and access has made the unit less desidesirable. I know guys that have killed some good bulls recently, as well as guys that have hunted it hard and have not. The reports seem to be the same, hunting is tough regardless.  Do alot of research and if it were me I would take the week before season to focus on locating a bull as they seem to move a bit after the rut.

I am in a similar boat with 14 points and zeroed out quality this year. I prefer archery and if i pick an OTC tag I am limited on choices here. I am fortunate to hunt multiple states however and am strongly considering going eastside rifle until i draw. Will be putting in for 300 series tags. I dont think you can go wrong with that option if its something that you could make work for you.

Offline kentrek

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #21 on: December 20, 2017, 12:06:40 PM »
Be careful about putting in for the st hellens tags....the last two years have not been kind up there....hoof rot is taking its toll.....a ton of winter kills up there....pretty sad




Offline blackveltbowhunter

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #22 on: December 20, 2017, 12:13:15 PM »
2 years? I would say the better part of the last 10 years :dunno:

Offline kentrek

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #23 on: December 20, 2017, 12:51:38 PM »
2 years? I would say the better part of the last 10 years :dunno:

Yes definitely....but im talking upper elk zones specifically, and esp in the last two years the hoof rot has gone further east into those areas

Offline blackveltbowhunter

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #24 on: December 20, 2017, 01:27:36 PM »
Gotcha. I agree. Used to be only saw  bad kill around the flow and rot on private timber.  Nothing safe the last few years for sure.

Offline backcountry55

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #25 on: December 22, 2017, 08:46:59 AM »
do not put in for around mt st helens! its a joke unless you want a possibility at a dink 5pt! with those points put in for mid 300 units!

Offline trophyhunt

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #26 on: December 22, 2017, 09:57:48 AM »
do not put in for around mt st helens! its a joke unless you want a possibility at a dink 5pt! with those points put in for mid 300 units!
:yeah:
“In common with”..... not so much!!

Offline 71Shovelhead

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #27 on: December 22, 2017, 08:25:20 PM »
I have killed lots of "Dinks" and one good bull. Would like a chance at another mature bull. Not looking for a monster (had my chance and Fu fu fu messed up) most likely will never have a chance like that again.
« Last Edit: December 23, 2017, 05:38:44 AM by 71Shovelhead »

Offline Mallardmasher

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Re: 16 Bull elk points what unit question
« Reply #28 on: January 04, 2018, 10:53:10 PM »
I keep trying for Dayton, but with 28 points, what else is there.
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