Toutle Quality Bull - Rifle

[milldozer]

I was lucky enough to draw a Toutle tag this year (Nov. 2-13).  Would love to hear from previous tagholders about their experiences.  I've spent a fair bit of time in the unit, but never with a tag in my pocket.  Nearly all of my time in there has been on the State land, so that's where I'll plan to focus my efforts.  However, I see the Weyerhaeuser permits go on sale next week.  Should I consider picking one up to have full access?

[GOcougsHunter]

I was lucky enough to draw a Toutle tag this year (Nov. 2-13).  Would love to hear from previous tagholders about their experiences.  I've spent a fair bit of time in the unit, but never with a tag in my pocket.  Nearly all of my time in there has been on the State land, so that's where I'll plan to focus my efforts.  However, I see the Weyerhaeuser permits go on sale next week.  Should I consider picking one up to have full access?

Yes!  I had a quality deer tag in there last year.  The elk were all over the Weyco property.

[Dark2Dark]

My dad had the muzzleloader tag two years ago and he shot his bull on state land.

I would still suggest the weyco key for ease of travel and full options. Takes a long time to draw the tag!

[MADMAX]

State land 

And dont hold out for a giant   

[Nmarth88]

Buy the permit. It opens up much more land.

[milldozer]

Was able to secure a Weyco permit tonight.  Planning to start exploring the country in a couple weeks!

[mms123]

I ended up drawing the muzzleloader tag, I can share what I see during my hunt if you are interested? I have never been in the unit, but will be scouting it out this summer. I did also get a weyco permit as well so I plan on looking on weyco and public.

[Dark2Dark]

One interesting tidbit I was told while scouting was to not get too caught up on not seeing animals out of season. For whatever reason, they can be pretty scarce during scouting times and then they show up in season.

We definitely found that to be true!

[RB]

Doing a search on this unit and decided to resurrect this thread rather than starting a new one. @milldozer was this worth putting in for? Will be going in with 22 points ( have not drawn a Bull tag since 2003) and West side has few quality tags for rifle. Have hunted Winston in the past so know a little about the area. Anyone else have thoughts on this unit?

[Dark2Dark]

Doing a search on this unit and decided to resurrect this thread rather than starting a new one. @milldozer was this worth putting in for? Will be going in with 22 points ( have not drawn a Bull tag since 2003) and West side has few quality tags for rifle. Have hunted Winston in the past so know a little about the area. Anyone else have thoughts on this unit?

On one hand, would not be a hunt worth waiting 22 years for with a rifle. On the other hand, you could put in for some of them I would consider “worth the wait” and never draw.

A lot of five point genetics in Toutle, it seems. I wouldn’t go in hoping for more than a decent 5, or high likelihood you’ll come out disappointed.

[RB]

Doing a search on this unit and decided to resurrect this thread rather than starting a new one. @milldozer was this worth putting in for? Will be going in with 22 points ( have not drawn a Bull tag since 2003) and West side has few quality tags for rifle. Have hunted Winston in the past so know a little about the area. Anyone else have thoughts on this unit?

On one hand, would not be a hunt worth waiting 22 years for with a rifle. On the other hand, you could put in for some of them I would consider “worth the wait” and never draw.

A lot of five point genetics in Toutle, it seems. I wouldn’t go in hoping for more than a decent 5, or high likelihood you’ll come out disappointed.

Yes that is where I am, the odds of drawing some of the "worth the wait" tags are getting worse every year. Would rather go on a hunt see some animals and have a decent chance at an average Bull than wait all my life for a tag that may never be drawn. One hundred percent cannot complain since I have drawn two OIL tags, so do have that going for me. A nice dark horn 5x5 would be awesome and make a great addition to the collection, plus would like to have some Elk meat in the freezer again. Thanks! 

[milldozer]

I really enjoyed the hunt, but would suggest tempering expectations if it's a new area to you.  I had some good first-hand knowledge in a particular part of the unit which was where I was able to kill my bull.  I spent the three days prior to that exploring new country without seeing an elk.  There's definitely a lot of elk in there, just need to find them.  Looking at the harvest stats, success rates have averaged about 60% over the last 11 years.  Success on a 5+ point averages about 25%.  Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

[RB]

I really enjoyed the hunt, but would suggest tempering expectations if it's a new area to you.  I had some good first-hand knowledge in a particular part of the unit which was where I was able to kill my bull.  I spent the three days prior to that exploring new country without seeing an elk.  There's definitely a lot of elk in there, just need to find them.  Looking at the harvest stats, success rates have averaged about 60% over the last 11 years.  Success on a 5+ point averages about 25%.  Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

Awesome appreciate the quick feedback. I would be happy with any antlered Elk not worried about size. Looking for better than average odds of getting an Elk, but know it will be work no matter what tag is drawn. Looking at a few options and if going this way will message you for more information. Thank you! 

[moocher97]

I had the muzzie tag last year. You can pm me if you have questions. I had three “shots” at bulls and didn’t have ignition all three times…. But found some spots with elk atleast. Definitely not a unit where you hold out for a masher if you’re worried about harvesting.

[RB]

I had the muzzie tag last year. You can pm me if you have questions. I had three “shots” at bulls and didn’t have ignition all three times…. But found some spots with elk atleast. Definitely not a unit where you hold out for a masher if you’re worried about harvesting.

Thanks, unfortunately it was all Not Selected across all categories this year for me, so maybe next year!

[ReidMcSquatch]

I drew rifle tag as well. I've had the weyco pass for the past 8ish years. Spend tons of time in the off-season up in all areas of the unit. There is a lot of elk, alot of hoof rot and alot of smaller bulls. Can't remember the last time I've seen a 6x up there. I run 20+ cameras and still don't see 6x's, if I were you,  I would note that lol. I'd be cautious of where they are logging, they are doing a ton of logging and spraying with helicopters right now. I've been out a few times since I drew it a few weeks back and have seen 17 bulls that will be at least 4x4's. Nothing that was obvious it'll be bigger. Lots of spikes as well. I would recommend spending alot of time up there this summer and figure out where herds "hang out". There are areas I see elk everytime I'm up there, and areas where I've never seen a elk in 8+ years. The unit is big, tons of roads, tons of glassing opportunities and tons of timber. Good luck! Maybe I'll see ya out there!

[Yeti419]

I as well drew this permit and have the weyco permit. I did saw a nice 6 on Thursday and a couple smaller bulls. Definitely alot of land to find them on.

[lonedave]

I drew a muzzleloader permit this year and planned on hunting the State property as I did in 2012 when I had a modern permit.  I haven't been back up there yet, but is the gate still accessible to the State land as it was back then?  I'll be heading over there in a couple of weeks to start getting my bearings again.

[HntnFsh]

Yes

[lonedave]

Yes

Thanks!