Washington Governor Tag

[509muley]

Does anyone have a link or source to recent auction prices for the Washington governor tags? Better yet a source for recent prices on all the western states gov tags? Thanks in advance.

[Romulus1297]

Not a deer tag but there is a pretty Ram on here tonight

[Rainier10]

https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/1994-2024-auction-proceeds-1.pdf

[509muley]

https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/1994-2024-auction-proceeds-1.pdf

Thanks. Crazy how much these have jumped in the last few years

[TriggerMike]

https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/1994-2024-auction-proceeds-1.pdf

Is this for the raffle tags? Isn't a Governors Tag a separate tag? Asking because I don't know.

[CarbonHunter]

Honestly even if I hit the big 6 and had a couple hundred million in the bank I still don’t think I would give $280k for a tag for one animal.

[Rainier10]

https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/1994-2024-auction-proceeds-1.pdf

Is this for the raffle tags? Isn't a Governors Tag a separate tag? Asking because I don't know.

This link is for the auction tags. There is a separate page for the raffle tags.

[bearpaw]

Please keep this discussion on topic.

I split this topic, for those who want to discuss the pros and cons of Governor tags post in this topic:

Governor Tag Discussion
https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,289405.html

[jdw12885]

Honestly even if I hit the big 6 and had a couple hundred million in the bank I still don’t think I would give $280k for a tag for one animal.

I think if I had a couple hundred million in the bank 280k wouldn’t be an issue 

[baldopepper]

Know one of the actives in this hunting realm. $250,000 to him is like most of us buying an Idaho out of state tag. He loves hunting, has the money and wouldn't say I wouldn't do it if I had the means. He's not a fly in, go shoot it and fly home type.  He truly enjoys being involved in the hunt and generously donates to various hunting related groups.You won't see any "look at what my money got me" type posts from him. Look at the costs of the available desert big horn sheep in the states available. $300,000 might get you one of the better tags.

[DaNewb]

I've never heard of these governor tags...so many questions!

When does the season open? How long?

Which weapon(s) are allowed? Archery? Muzzleloader...Modern?

I can see why they're so expensive since there's only one governor per state, so is only one tag issued per state?

Is there a Lieutenant governor season/tag?

Are governors local to the state capitol areas only or can they be found state-wide? Seems like a lot of chance is involved in the actual hunt.

All the usual questions come to mind...can we spotlight them? Shooting from public roadways? Food-plotting, etc

I heard they're actually pretty lazy creatures in their natural environment...is it best to hunt evenings before sundown, perhaps around a country club or golf course? Local bar?

Are they gamey tasting? Can you smoke them?

Is there a governor's urine type attractant you can buy to increase your odds? Would some form a preferred alcohol such as bourbon or vodka work?

Is camo needed to get close to one? Perhaps some sort of lobbyist pattern?

Do you need a fishing license when taking one from a pool or bathing-type locale?

Can you use dogs?

How cute, my daughter just saw this and wants to know if kids under 12 get to hunt for free?

  

 

[Dan-o]

One thing I'd like to see considered:   Make these tags OIL.    I mean OIL for a single tag, not just a single species.    As it stands now, you have to be worth multi-millions of dollars to play this game.    If it went OIL, super rich guys could buy their dream hunt ONCE, and leave room for other people to also experience the incredible hunt this must be.

I don't begrudge a super rich guy for doing this.    It's well within the rules and I can sure think of worse things to spend your money on than amazing hunts.    But I'm in favor of this rule change if we keep having auction tags.

If someone buys me a megolotto ticket and I win, I'm in for next year!

[boneaddict]

Might boost the prices a bit as well as then they'd know they also couldnt get it next year.   hmmmm  Thats an interesting thought.

Afterall it is all for conservation isnt it.

[baldopepper]

Might boost the prices a bit as well as then they'd know they also couldnt get it next year.   hmmmm  Thats an interesting thought.

Afterall it is all for c⁷onservation isnt it.

Need to keep an eye on what and where those conservation efforts are. Some are deceptively self serving. Saw a conservation program in Utah where a huge chunk of public, school trust land was completely leveled.  Supposedly it was to create better habitat, but the area was already perfect habitat and was home to good numbers of both deer and elk. Maybe just coincidence (lol) but the remaining habitat left untouched was on three large, surrounding cwmus. Guess where those local herds are now living. I've heard from locals there that many other efforts are more beneficial to other cwmus and quality hunt units than to any public ground units. Money going to conservation can be a two edged sword.
 
 

[Humptulips]

One thing I'd like to see considered:   Make these tags OIL.    I mean OIL for a single tag, not just a single species.    As it stands now, you have to be worth multi-millions of dollars to play this game.    If it went OIL, super rich guys could buy their dream hunt ONCE, and leave room for other people to also experience the incredible hunt this must be.

I don't begrudge a super rich guy for doing this.    It's well within the rules and I can sure think of worse things to spend your money on than amazing hunts.    But I'm in favor of this rule change if we keep having auction tags.

If someone buys me a megolotto ticket and I win, I'm in for next year!

I think you miss the object of these hunts. It is to raise money. If it were to give every super rich guy a chance, it would be a raffle with a huge buy in. Draws are for the vulgar plebians.