elk & deer combo muzzleloader hunts/permit ideas

[jollyskwala]

Hi folks,

I'm trying to put together a hunt where I can have a chance of harvesting an elk and/or a deer. Based on the crazy regs.............it seems like the season only overlaps for 2 days on the Eastside. Based on that and the possible permits that can be applied for, can anyone recommend a GMU where I might have a chance at both? I would be interested in any elk, as well as any deer. I know it might be a tough hunt to put together but any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading this.

[bobcat]

As I'm sure you are aware, the eastside is spike only for the general seasons, with the exception of a few units in the NE corner of the state. There are no opportunities that I can think of for hunting cow elk either, during the early muzzleloader season in eastern Washington. So, your odds of finding a legal elk to shoot is not good at all. If you look at the latest harvest report, which would be from the 2007 season, you will see that success rates are extremely low (under 5%.) Your best bet would be to apply for a cow elk permit in a unit that offers a relatively high number of them. Off the top of my head, I'm thinking the Umtanum would probably be your best odds. And for deer, hunt a different unit, as the best deer units are usually not the best elk units.

[7mag.]

I've been trying to make that work for several years now, and what I've determined is, hunt out of state. Other states offer what you are looking for, but Washington doesn't. It is possible, though hard to do, but the area's are not good hunting. The only place in this state that I've found that would work is the Alpine unit. Archery elk and high buck share a few days. So, if you have and eastside archery elk tag, and a modern deer tag, you could hunt both deer and elk at the same time, with a bow, for a few days. I'ts any bull for archery, and 3 point or better for deer, and you have to pack into the wilderness.

[ing]

Last year deer and elk muzzle seasons were at the same time on the eastside.  It was a seven day season, only one weekend.  Anyway I had a muzzle cow tag and a multi deer tag.  It was great!  I killed a cow on the second day and chased bucks every day but one the rest of the week.  I missed a buck on thursday, the muzzle season ended friday and I ended up killing a four point on saturday which was opening day of rifle. To top it off I had a bear and a cougar tag also.  Four tags in your pocket during hunting season really opens up your options.  And theres always a chance of shooting grouse. They really mucked things up this year.  I enjoy hunting deer, elk, bear, cougar and grouse at the same time, even if it is for only seven days. 

[jollyskwala]

Thanks for the info guys. Kinda what I suspected but thought I would ask. I've hunted Umtanum during the modern regular season elk for 2 different seasons and that was was inasne....sea of pumpkins in every direction. It sucks that the anterless permits overlaps with the general season over there. Anyhow, thanks again.