Master Hunter elk permits - pumice plains

[GOcougsHunter]

I guess it all depends on your motivation for entering the program.  Personally, this hunt has all the grueling aspects of a typical elk hunt with absolutely no hunting pressure.  I took a buddy on the first trip who had never been big game hunting and now he's hooked.  Great part of this year's permit is I get to take my 12 year old son and introduce to him a 100% no hunting pressure elk hunt.  He will earn his stripes packing in... and packing out.   Can't think of a better scenario to take a kid hunting and teach them "the ropes."

Any of you guys out there on these meat hunts should take a newbie with you and let's grow this sport!

[Bob33]

What I'd like to know is why both hunts are now antlerless only? It certainly isn't for lack of bulls.

They eliminated all the bull permits for master hunters this year. Something about they didn't meet the intent of the master hunter program.

The bull / any elk permits were eliminated starting with the 2010 season.

[wannahunt]

I guess it all depends on your motivation for entering the program.  Personally, this hunt has all the grueling aspects of a typical elk hunt with absolutely no hunting pressure.  I took a buddy on the first trip who had never been big game hunting and now he's hooked.  Great part of this year's permit is I get to take my 12 year old son and introduce to him a 100% no hunting pressure elk hunt.  He will earn his stripes packing in... and packing out.   Can't think of a better scenario to take a kid hunting and teach them "the ropes."

Any of you guys out there on these meat hunts should take a newbie with you and let's grow this sport!

Good point on taking a newbie on one these hunts. I did it two years ago on my master cow hunt. the guy is hooked now. The MH should not be about trophy hunts. They should be about helping teh elk herd.  My thought anyway.

[GOcougsHunter]

Round 2 (2 years later)  200+ elk.  Spotted over 100 bulls (literally).  This cow was standing 8 feet from a ridiculous 7 X 7.  The best part of this strenuous hunt was that my 12 year old boy came along to participate.  3+ inches of rain in 6 hours. Toughest 12 year old on the planet!

[GOcougsHunter]

Oh yeah... 24 hours earlier we were in EWA with a few limits of ducks.

[dvolmer]

this is the 3rd year of no bull tags for master hunters. That's why i am no longer in that program. I value my spare time more than the WDFW does. Its A good program if your retired and don't mind waiting around hoping they call so you can go shot a cow in a field (Most hunts). But if your time is limited and you have to chose between regular season or a phone call, well i would stay as far away from the program as you can.

Good quote.  Every time I bash the MH program I get massive amount of irate people.  Once again I say the only reason 85% of the MH are in the program is to get some special permit in the "Good Old Boys" club.  all of these permits should be in the general draw for everyone.  Sure there should be some special permits for youth, disabled, and older hunters that cant get around any more.  The rest of us should be on all equal ground.  If you want to give back to the sport, do it through the number of great organizations that support your interest (RMEF, Mule Deer Foundation, Pheasants Forever, etc).

[BOWHUNTER45]

GoCougshunter...thats sweet ...looks like your son enjoyed hunting with dad 

[pianoman9701]

I had the tag last year and didn't kill one. Mainly because I didn't want to pack out a cow the distance required. You'll get one if you have the desire to pack one out. If you would like details or have questions shoot me a PM. What I'd like to know is why both hunts are now antlerless only? It certainly isn't for lack of bulls.

It's because the MH hunts aren't to take away trophy animals. They're to reduce herd numbers by taking out cows in high damage areas.

[Bob33]

this is the 3rd year of no bull tags for master hunters. That's why i am no longer in that program. I value my spare time more than the WDFW does. Its A good program if your retired and don't mind waiting around hoping they call so you can go shot a cow in a field (Most hunts). But if your time is limited and you have to chose between regular season or a phone call, well i would stay as far away from the program as you can.

Good quote.  Every time I bash the MH program I get massive amount of irate people.  Once again I say the only reason 85% of the MH are in the program is to get some special permit in the "Good Old Boys" club.  all of these permits should be in the general draw for everyone.  Sure there should be some special permits for youth, disabled, and older hunters that cant get around any more.  The rest of us should be on all equal ground.  If you want to give back to the sport, do it through the number of great organizations that support your interest (RMEF, Mule Deer Foundation, Pheasants Forever, etc).

Everyone is on equal ground. If you want the opportunity, you can join the program.

It's been pointed out that "It's a good program if your retired and don't mind waiting around hoping they call so you can go shot a cow in a field (Most hunts)", so what you are losing anyway?

[CP]

Good job – GoCougs.   

I had that permit last season and GoCougs was nice enough to give me some advice, glad that you pulled it again.  Truly awesome experience and a very strenuous hunt.   

[pianoman9701]

this is the 3rd year of no bull tags for master hunters. That's why i am no longer in that program. I value my spare time more than the WDFW does. Its A good program if your retired and don't mind waiting around hoping they call so you can go shot a cow in a field (Most hunts). But if your time is limited and you have to chose between regular season or a phone call, well i would stay as far away from the program as you can.

Good quote.  Every time I bash the MH program I get massive amount of irate people.  Once again I say the only reason 85% of the MH are in the program is to get some special permit in the "Good Old Boys" club.  all of these permits should be in the general draw for everyone.  Sure there should be some special permits for youth, disabled, and older hunters that cant get around any more.  The rest of us should be on all equal ground.  If you want to give back to the sport, do it through the number of great organizations that support your interest (RMEF, Mule Deer Foundation, Pheasants Forever, etc).

The program has changed massively in the last two or three years. It's not about the tags or there would be trophy bull opportunities. If you don't want to do the work and get involved, don't. But don't bash a program that accomplishes great things for a great many people, of which, it's obvious, you know little. I'd be happy to share the difference it's made in my life and that of others if you're interested. But, I have no interest is arguing with someone who is arguing back from a point of ignorance to what's really happening. Please PM me for more info.