16 Bull elk points what unit question

[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.