16 Bull elk points what unit question

[71Shovelhead]

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

[MADMAX]

328

[71Shovelhead]

Madmax,
you have a PM

[Mr Mykiss]

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.

[71Shovelhead]

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

[X-Force]

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.

[MADMAX]

My bad on 328
Quality vs Bull error
Thanks for clarifying

[71Shovelhead]

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.

[X-Force]

5064,5065,5066

They aren’t full GMU’s they are elk areas around St. Helens.

[71Shovelhead]

XF,
Got ya. That makes way more sense. Thanks for the clarification, love when I embarrass myself in public

[emac]

You got a picture of your tucannon bull. And like said the central units are good ones

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[whacker1]

following along

[Rainier10]

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.

[hunterofelk]

The Norse Peak area might be pretty good in the next few years. 

[trophyhunt]

346 bull rifle tag, good choice.

[luvmystang67]

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.   

[jstone]

Blues

[Skyvalhunter]

ID

[Rainier10]

ID

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.

[71Shovelhead]

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.

[blackveltbowhunter]

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.

[kentrek]

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

[blackveltbowhunter]

2 years? I would say the better part of the last 10 years

[kentrek]

2 years? I would say the better part of the last 10 years

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

[blackveltbowhunter]

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.

[backcountry55]

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!

[trophyhunt]

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!

[71Shovelhead]

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.

[Mallardmasher]

I keep trying for Dayton, but with 28 points, what else is there.