Colockum Quality Elk tag

[RJr]

Hey folks,

I didn't post anything earlier because I'm still in a state of disbelief.  My permit showed up in the mail today so it must be real.  Of course, this was after I repeatedly checked the WDFW website to see if there was some glitch or something.  I am never "that guy" who wins any raffles or drawings but apparently this year is different.

This year, with 14 points, I drew THE Colockum Quality Elk tag.  This is for any bull, Sept 24-28, with a rifle.  This is the one and only tag given out for GMU 328/329 where you can use a modern rifle during this time frame.  I will pause here so you can curse me and tell me to do things that are anatomically impossible to do...….

So anyway....I have hunted the area several times in the past, but it was always during the modern rifle season with the other several thousand hunters in search of the elusive true spike. 

If any of you can provide me with some pointers for hunting the area during that time frame, it would be appreciated beyond words.   For those that are thinking that I should know this area inside and out before even putting in for the tag, I offer no excuses except that I never thought I would be the person to draw the tag.

I'm usually pretty pretty reserved and don't put much out on social media but this is different.  This is bigger than me.  This is a once in a life-time opportunity.  So to my fellow hunters out there.....I would greatly appreciate any and all words of advice.  And yes, I will spend every available opportunity scouting out the area.  Thanks for your time!

[JWEBB]

Congrats! I have never hunted the area but I know the quality of elk those areas hold. Good luck and I’m sure you’ll get a dandy!

[cbond3318]

You dog! Congratulations! I’ve hunted 328 for 12 or so years and sadly , not sadly am an Idaho resident now and don’t see a return to 328. The area I hunted holds some nice bulls that get pushed high into the timber pockets by that time frame. 328 slope of Nanuem ridge , north beyond the chair lifts. There is a particularly special timbered bench up there that holds a screamer every year, dove in there once and saw the most beautiful 6 point, with the lightest antler color I’ve seen! Gorgeous!

Willing to share all I can in PM.

Again, congrats! It will be epic I’m sure!

[X-Force]

What’s your expectations? With a once in a lifetime opportunity there can be a lot of stress.

It’s an amazing permit.

There are a handful of guys on here that will reach out to you. They will probably have some great advice.

Good luck

[RJr]

Thanks guys.  My expectation is to have a memorable experience with my 15 yr old son and during that time I'm hoping to take an exceptional bull, if the opportunity presents itself.  I've seen a number of pretty good bulls up there over the years that are pushed around by the guys looking for spikes.
And yes, it has been a bit stressful in the fact that this is a BIG deal and I don't want to screw it up by not being fully prepared.

[bkaech]

Never hunted that area, but in general I could see some areas of potential stress. One being learning to call, I don't know if you have any elk calling experience as a modern rifle hunter, if not, keep it simple but DO practice some calling. Also, you mentioned hunting with your 15yo. Maybe he can learn to call quickly, kids can surprise us, if you are not too versed in calling. Also going to higher elevations is general good, but Bulls during the rut will likely be with the cows. If you do some early scouting, focus on where the cows are, the bulls will at times come to them. And for that short of a hunt I would plan on being there several days, if not a week early to scout and find a bull or 4 that you want to go after. 

[Joe Rothrock]

      Congrats on such a sweet tag! I got a good bull last year not far from there with my muzzy gun. Had a great time with great friends! I see there are 12 lucky archery tags in there Sept 8-20. Good luck to them as well. there will be 3 days between their hunt and yours. If there is a good bull that's being pressured, those 3 days may settle him down so he can focus on the girls. There should be plenty of screamers sounding off for you, and with a rifle it should be a slam dunk. We will look forward to seeing a good picture of you and a 15 year old holding a giant slob of a bull.  Good Luck!

[Duckhunter14]

Make sure your rifle is dialed in and don't shoot the first bull you see. Take someone with you who knows how to field judge and have them hold your shells!  Should be the hunt of a lifetime. I'm extremely jealous. You shouldn't need to call too much. The elk will be doing plenty of that for you, just have a cow call ready in case you need to stop a bull on the move. Be patient and be picky. As mentioned above. Id be over there early scouting and inventorying bulls. Feel free to PM me if you'd like. I have a cabin in the unit and look at a lot of big bulls every year.

[E35alex]

Pm sent


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[bowhunterforever]

Congrats on drawing a fantastic tag Good luck keep us posted

[KNOPHISH]

Nice! my bro had this tag. monster bulls behind every tree  1. call the bio 2. Learn cow calls 3. don't shoot the 1st bull 4. maybe your cameraman can keep his eye on the correct bull. lol 5. post pics 

[knophish2]

Maybe if you would have called this one in first I wouldn't be watching ole' broken horn.

[DOUBLELUNG]

Don't be pressured by score.  Have a great time with your son.  This is a good time to really get your rifle dialed in and refresh (or build) that muscle memory.  Practice shooting paper further than you are willing to risk wounding a bull.  Find a nice mature bull that you both will enjoy looking at on the wall and remembering the hunt.  Don't listen to anything that includes "doing that tag justice".  Lots of armchair bull hunters who would hold out for xxx", don't let the internet put added stress on.  Hunting shouldn't be a performance spectacle - that said, I hope you will share posts and pics and let us all live vicariously through your hunt.

[NOCK NOCK]

PM sent.

[Rainier10]

PM sent.

Well played.