2010 Hancock Elk permit

[deadyote]

So, I am one of the lucky six who were drawn for the Hancock Elk tag this year.  I have seen some really nice bulls in there and was wondering if anyone has any info on where they would hunt.  I know there is some real monsters in there and am willing to hear any and all suggestions on where to hunt.  I am trying to get all the info I can about where people see elk in there because this truly is a hunt of a lifetime and the more info the better.  My toughest job with this tag is I am a meat hunter and my buddies keep telling me that I need to hold out and wait for a monster.  I like to have meat in the freezer, so there is my dilemma. I usually hunt the bridge gate and know that area much better than the Kapowsin gate, but if you know of any areas in the Kapowsin gate that would be worth my time to check out, lets hear it.  Thanks for your info. 

[benhuntin]

Good luck on your hunt, but be ready to get some flack for your 1st post being  "where would you hunt".

[Romulus]

Which season are you going to hunt?

[washelkhntr]

How did you draw a permit already?

[JBar]

Good luck on your hunt, but be ready to get some flack for your 1st post being  "where would you hunt".

I 2nd that benhuntin, But what the hell deadyote you have an awsome hunt coming your way and the best part is you have all spring and summer to find the bull of your dreams! Even as a meat hunter you should not have any problems finding a nice bull and filling the freezer!  Good luck and post the pics when you nail one!

[WDFW-SUX]

ENVYI think thats the 3rd best elk tag in the state.

[rasbo]

hmmm seems early for the drawing

[JBar]

Nah, they drew early last year too Rasbo. No need to wait once they've sold out the permits.

[rasbo]

yep I just found out a friend got drawn

[JBar]

Anyone we know?

[carpsniperg2]

there is a great place called no tell mountain you might spend some time in the intro section and some of the guys might chip in on some spots for you to do some scouting
welcome

[rasbo]

Nobody from the site that I know of...wow Ive been in there forever and cant get drawn......Good luck..

[BLKBEARKLR]

Deadyote, I got my permit for in there the first time this year, if I find any good areas will pass it on to you.

Like a lot said you will get some flack for coming in here with this being your first post. But lets see there are only a 1000 permits a year allowed in there, there is no point system to build up and get drawn for. So I don't think it is hurting anything, at least one of the people of hunting washington got drawn. With that all being said, the crappy part would be if you are a one hit wonder. Meaning you come in here for some info on a specific hunt, someone helps you out and you never come back.

So look around, enjoy, pull up a chair and stay longer than your hunt. Congrats on that draw also.

Joe

[Alan K]

Right on man! I'll be working up there this summer.  Lots of whoppers if you know where to look.  Only problem should be deciding whether to shoot the long tined 6 or the 7.   

And you're right.  It will be the hunt of a lifetime.  There's no other place I'd rather hunt elk in this state.

[WDFW-SUX]

And you're right.  It will be the hunt of a lifetime.  There's no other place I'd rather hunt elk in this state.

x2

[heavy hauler]

congrats and good luck.  what weapon are you using?

[Ridgerunner]

Incredible tag to have, best of luck, don't worry about meat, you'll get some on this hunt, try to find that bull of a lifetime. 

[Heavily Armed Hiker]

How do you apply for this tag?  Is it a raffle tag?

[rasbo]

How do you apply for this tag?  Is it a raffle tag?

buy a yearly permit and your in the drawing

[deadyote]

To answer a few of the questions.  There is a drawing for the 6 tags out of the 1200 people that buy the permit.  Like it was said before, they sold out in January and went on sale in December.  Also, I am not sure what season I am going to hunt.  I rifle hunt, but a buddy of mine bow hunts and is telling me how awesome it is to hunt elk in the rut.  The cons to bowhunting is that I don't have the money to get a new bow and from what people have told me there is a pretty good chance the gates will be locked for part of the season because of fire danger during the bow season  I have been thinking about muzzleloading because then I can deer hunt with the muzzleloader and then take my wife and kids out for rifle.  The problem with muzzle loading is that I know nothing about it.  The bullet goes in the muzzle is about it.  Anyways, they don't need me to tell them what season until later, so we'll see.  Probably the rifle season though. 

[Ridgerunner]

I'd strongly consider the MZ season, find someone who already knows what they are doing and learn from them,  you get the rut plus extended range. 

[Alan K]

You shouldn't have a problem finding a bruiser during rifle season. Sure the rut is great but if you aren't sure about a weapon and have never used one, I wouldn't limit yourself as far as range goes.  And you're right, the area is usually locked up during the early seasons.  Just make sure you get in there and do plenty of scouting during the rut (when the gates are unlocked) and find that monster's home territory.  If you stick to that spot you'll get a crack at him.

[lewy]

Your a lucky dude! If it were me I would do it with a muzzy and damn near live in their all summer and early fall!

[Romulus]

The muzzleloader is the best season. Archery would be great but the fire danger closures often occur during that season. It would not be hard to call in great bulls in there however if it was open. They are almost never hunted during the archery season. Rifle can be tough to find the bruisers. If you look at the past few years there have only been a few mature bulls taken. Most of the guys who draw dont know much however. If you are happy with a 300 class bull rifle should not be tough but if you want 350+ you will need the rut. You could kill one in rifle season but it will not be from the pickup in a clearcut unless your hunt is as lucky as your draw. Good luck!

[G.R.K]

Muzzleloader  Use a rifle,I have a few spots for you to checkout. PM SENT

[Austrian Hunter]

How can you draw/apply for this permit   Special permit application sales just started a couple of days ago What do I miss here?

[rasbo]

How can you draw/apply for this permit   Special permit application sales just started a couple of days ago What do I miss here?

when you buy the acess permit in dec you are put into the draw

[Alan K]

The drawing isn't run by WDFW.

[TheHunt]

You buy a permit and you are in the drawing.  If you draw you are a lucky...   

Great tag.  You will enjoy every minute of it.  Do NOT kill a little one.   

[Austrian Hunter]

How can you draw/apply for this permit   Special permit application sales just started a couple of days ago What do I miss here?

when you buy the acess permit in dec you are put into the draw

AHH, thanks rasbo! 

[rasbo]

How can you draw/apply for this permit   Special permit application sales just started a couple of days ago What do I miss here?

when you buy the acess permit in dec you are put into the draw

AHH, thanks rasbo! 

my pleasure

[ridgefire]

dumb question but what is a access permit 

[Alan K]

The Hancock property there by Kapowsin is locked up, no trespassing to the public.  You can however, fork over $300 (maybe more this year?) for a key to the gate and access to the land. 

[deadyote]

Yeah, it is more this year.  It is $350 and the only people you can take in are your family.  But it does allow you to hunting everything except elk, which they draw out of the people that buy a permit.  Another plus is you are allowed 5 cords of firewood.  It cost more than $350 to buy five cords of firewood, so it make it worth it to me and I am only 20 minutes from the gate.  If I stay at my folks place, I am 3 minutes from the gate.  Luckily for them having the elk tag, I'm moving in up there for that week of hunting.

[Alan K]

What pisses me off about the place is that since I was 18 last time I was drawn for spring bear I had to buy a separate access permit than my dad!  Even though we were family and riding in the same vehicle.