Special Permit - East/West?

[foambeetle]

I'm hoping someone can clear up some confusion I'm having; this will be my first year trying to accumulate pts. in WA.  I want to use the "Ghost Hunt Choice" option, and my question is this - can I purchase a tag for the West side and still accumulate a point towards a future East side hunt permit?

I could have sworn I read somewhere about some relationship b/w applying (and not drawing, or using a "Ghost" choice) and getting a point, and where you hunt in a general season; but I could also be making it up in my head    I've read over the regs and I don't see any discussion of this - if it is in there, maybe someone could direct me to a page #.

Any help would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks

[washelkhntr]

A ghost point is just that, a point. It has nothing to do with east or west.

[carpsniperg2]

  does not matter what side when just apply to ghost numbers for a point

[Bob33]

Not so simple in 2010.  Now you need to purchase ghost points by category, and there are eight for deer and seven for elk.  There is no east/west differentation, but you will need to decide which of the categories you want to accumulate points in.

[foambeetle]

Good point on the categories, I noticed that - but I'm glad you pointed that out.

OK, so it doesn't matter (east vs. west) with the "Ghost" choice, but it does if you actually take a stab at a particular permit . . . thanks guys for clearing that up for me - that is exactly what I wanted to know.

I think I'll just go the "Ghost" route for now (maybe a few years) to rack up some pts.  I'm pretty sure I want to keep hunting the west side until I have a good shot at a branch bull tag in a good east unit.  That is unless I can 'unlock' the NE . . . so much scouting to do, so little time.

I'm just facing the dilemma of having a 'known' (sort of) on the west side, and an 'unknown' (total) on the east - and not a lot of spare time to convert the latter.  I guess I'll have to come to terms with (and put some time in on) the idea of hunting a general season on the east side when the day likely comes that I decide to apply for an east side tag and don't draw.

Could be worse though; it is a blessing just to be in a position to plan for and execute a hunt, where ever it happens to take me.

Thank again, guys.

[Bob33]

You will need to purchase (at $6.50 a pop) a ghost point in each of the categories you wish to accumulate points in.

[nwhunter]

One word of caution with the ghost points and this was true last year so double check if wdfw changed this or not. To apply for the ghost point you have to purchase your tag and choose east or west side for elk. After you apply for your ghost point and the draw is done you CANNOT switch your tag even though you didn't apply for an actual hunt, so be sure you want the tag you initially purchase. I learned this the hard way a few years back. nwhunter

[Skinnyman]

As far as I know, regular permit points (non ghost ones) are not east/west either. Even if you get a west tag and put in for permits for those and dont draw. Those points are good for either east or west in the future as as well (they are still category dependant though, i.e. Quality Elk, Bull Elk, Antlerless, etc.).