Elk tag

[Westsideelkchaser]

So for a birthday present I got put in for the M&R pysht elk tag. I was not going to put in for it this year due to lack of animals I saw last two seasons in there but I know there is always elk around. Anyways got lucky and drew it and paid a ridiculous price for the access fee but hopefully pays off with a nice bull and I now have a fun hunt to look forward to since I didnt draw Montana. 

[optic2]

So for a birthday present I got put in for the M&R pysht elk tag. I was not going to put in for it this year due to lack of animals I saw last two seasons in there but I know there is always elk around. Anyways got lucky and drew it and paid a ridiculous price for the access fee but hopefully pays off with a nice bull and I now have a fun hunt to look forward to since I didnt draw Montana. 

What is M&R? Are you referring to the RD Merill timberlands? There's about 104,000 acres of public land in that unit.

[cohocrazy]

He's referring to the Merril Ring tree farm on the Olympic Peninsula. You have to buy a permit to access the property. Some very nice bulls come out of there.

[elkchaser54]

Can somebody call the Waaaaambulance?? I am sure there are few people in this state who would be quite ecstatic for a branched bull tag ANYWHERE!

[bobcat]

Can somebody call the Waaaaambulance?? I am sure there are few people in this state who would be quite ecstatic for a branched bull tag ANYWHERE!

I didn't see anyone complaining about anything here.   

[Westsideelkchaser]

Lol def not complaining one bit it will make my 2018 hunting season for sure!

[EyeTooth]

Congrats to you Westsideelkchaser!
How does that system work up there now?
By the looks of your post it sounds like it may be a raffle, and then, if you draw, you purchase an access permit?

[Westsideelkchaser]

They changed it up this year and a lot of people didn't put in for it. The whole tree farm is just elk only and you put in for one of four tags for 50$ then if you draw one of the four tags you have to buy an access permit for an additional 450$ which seemed ridiculous at first until you think about the money you would save compared to the multiple other access permits you would have to buy to hunt rayioner land and other properties sad its really coming to be a money game to enjoy the outdoors but understandable at the same time.

[dscubame]

Percent of successful tags filled under this program?  I suspect horrible success but am I mistaken?

[JimmyHoffa]

I think the numbers are actually good.  In the past it was only a handful of tags to state hunters, an equal amount of tags to a local tribe and then a couple of family members that have hunted the property for a number of years.  So, a low number allowed to be taken each year.  The guys I know that have got those tags have told me it was nice because the herds have mature bulls.  Anything else in the neighboring units the mature bulls are in stealth mode and you're lucky to find a barely legal 3 pt.

[EyeTooth]

Thanks for the info
Under normal circumstances that raffle is going to be extremely hard to draw! It probably was this year too, even if there weren't as many tickets sold?
You probably already know what you are in for and how very lucky you are! I may be just a little biased because Rosie's are my favorite, but I think that hunt is far better than any in Montana!
If someone has the money to spend on a good hunt, spend it now. Next year doesn't count.
I wish you the best of luck and hope you have the best hunt of your life!!!!!!!!!!!

[Westsideelkchaser]

It’s a tough one to get and if lucky enough to do so you got a chance at some nice bulls. I’ve gotten lucky in the past and drew it a couple times years ago. Hardest part was holding out for the giant and ended up tagging out opening day both times with mature bulls. As long as you know the area most people do well.