Margaret vs. Toutle

[Ridgerunner]

What one is the better tag and why? 

[Bigshooter]

Both are far from great.  But if you made me chose I would go with the Margret, only because they give out fewer tags.

[RPM]

marget also, animals get less pressure through out the year

[bucklucky]

Neither, hunt a general tag and save your points. 

[jmx369]

I agree. Save your points.

[funkster]

I guess the real question's are, what weapon are you using and what are you looking to get out of the tag? If it is sure number of bulls and bull encounters both units are some of the best in the state for that. If you are looking to harvest that "bull of a lifetime" there are better units and you would be better off saving your points.

[bucklucky]

I guess the real question's are, what weapon are you using and what are you looking to get out of the tag? If it is sure number of bulls and bull encounters both units are some of the best in the state for that. If you are looking to harvest that "bull of a lifetime" there are better units and you would be better off saving your points.

You sure about that. The Bull numbers arent even that great.

[funkster]

Yes, I am! I have been on a toutle hunt and I have scouted Margret pretty heavy. If you are hunting archery in Sept bulging them in ,it is not uncommon to get on 7-8 bulls a day and if you are looking for sure excitement, it is a fun hunt.  You will not go days without seeing elk (a good motivator for a new elk hunter).But like I said, if you are after that pig (like the one you shot) you and I know there are much better units.

[jadeball1]

I agree. Lots of elk, just not alot of big ones. Fun hunt, I would do it again.

[ihunt]

tough choice they both suck

[Ridgerunner]

I was considering it for rifle.  I'm well aware they aren't in the top units in the state for a big bull, but this would be my first elk, just looking to get a raghorn 5 or 6.  From what I've seen come out of these units, that is pretty standard.  I don't have many points so I wouldn't be burning many. 

[Alan K]

My old man found out the hard way the year before last that Toutle is more of a guaranteed bull tag rather than a trophy bull tag.  Tons of elk, tons of rag horns.  He had a rifle tag, so the big boys that are there had broken off from the herds. 

Judging from what you are looking for from your hunt Ridgerunner, I'd say Toutle would be a great hunt for you. A 5 pt. rag horn should be pretty well guarenteed.  A 6 pt. plus on the other hand, you'll have to work pretty hard for.

[Alan K]

Also, you should be able to afford to hold out for a nicer one for a few days.  We saw rag horn 4 pts everyday, and 5 pts every other day on average.

[O_mykiss]

Either of these units are much better than most westside general seasons....but they are certainly not a guarantee. There are enough bull and antlerless tags in either one now that you will not be hunting alone if you don't get away from the roads, which is do-able. There are certain areas of the Toutle that hold 280+ bulls every year, but those areas seem to be few and far between anymore. I have had the Toutle modern tag twice in the last 5 years and passed up smaller bulls looking for the bigger ones i saw scouting, but never found one during the season. On the other hand, its easy to get into several herds a day. Can't speak to the muzzle or archery seasons in either unit.

[BULLBLASTER]

I had the toutle rifle tag last year, and shot a 2x3. not my bigggest bull but i could only hunt a few days so i took what i could get. definitely saw some bigger ones after i shot mine . but the first day we only saw 4 elk so i shot the first branch bull i saw. never did see a real mature big bull though. a fun hunt and would be good for a first elk!!!!!
i will put in for it again!!