New Anterless Winston Elk Hunt

[Yelm hunter]

So what do you guys think about the New Anterless Elk Hunt in Winston Creek in January? I hope that I get drawn for it!!

[cem3434]

It would be a great hunt because you wont have all of the road hunters.  I put in for this hunt as well.  Not really sure if they are going to open the gates for the late season, but who cares. 

[Mike450r]

Definitely a good cow tag.  If you get drawn and are squeemish at all,  I suggest the gutless bone out method,  unles you want some veal too.  I have seen two very small but fairly well formed calves in the bellies of January muzzleloader cows.

[Alan K]

I know a guy who has a calf elk in a jar of formaldehyde that he pulled out of his cow on a late hunt.  I'm not a fan of the hunts myself. 

[cem3434]

I know a guy who has a calf elk in a jar of formaldehyde that he pulled out of his cow on a late hunt. 

Seems a little demented to me!

[dlaw]

I am not a fan of them either for that reason in particular.  Just my thoughts though.
The tag on the other hand is going to be a high success rate tag if you are not afraid of hiking in a little ways.

[elkslayer069]

yeah it should be good im affaid that with the 200 perimits everybody n their bother is gonna put in for it though, probably have better chance drawing a bull tag

[elkoholic]

looks more like an extermination of elk to me in that unit....350 MF cow tags and 90 ML tags= 440 total antlerless tags, How many freekin elk are in that unit?

[FSTaxidermy]

looks more like an extermination of elk to me in that unit....350 MF cow tags and 90 ML tags= 440 total antlerless tags, How many freekin elk are in that unit?

Just a continuation of the "no management" policy in the Winston, get rid of the elk numbers and simplify the job for WDFW.

[funkster]

looks more like an extermination of elk to me in that unit....350 MF cow tags and 90 ML tags= 440 total antlerless tags, How many freekin elk are in that unit?

Yeah, put that on top of the 415 elk that where actually harvested in 10' and it won't be long until there is no elk in that unit. With that being said, I put in for the muzzy anterless tag.

[elkslayer069]

looks more like an extermination of elk to me in that unit....350 MF cow tags and 90 ML tags= 440 total antlerless tags, How many freekin elk are in that unit?

None no elk tell all your friends too. There has been tons of locals complaining about the master hunter any elk hunt in the months of august (including me), and this year they only have one week of that permit. So idk if they just decided to make it easier on themselves by doing this. 

[workstohunt]

There are no "any" elk permits for MH only antlerless.

[cem3434]

There are no "any" elk permits for MH only antlerless.

There are some anterless permits in the Winston still.

[bobcat]

looks more like an extermination of elk to me in that unit....350 MF cow tags and 90 ML tags= 440 total antlerless tags, How many freekin elk are in that unit?
 

 That's why I decided not to apply for it. Just decided I didn't want to take my chances with the slaughter that would be going on. Besides, I had to wonder how many elk would be left by the time January comes around.

[cem3434]

I think the herd could sustain loosing 300 cows, but I dont know for how long.  The herd is pretty healthy, but I still dont like taking that many out at one time.  My guess is less than half of the permits issued will actually be filled.

[hoyt2002]

To hell with the wolves we are going to kill all the elk before they get there  from the sound of things.

[Basket Rack]

Well put Hoyt.  Another poor management decision by WDFW.  What good comes from  hunting elk from August through mid January other than decimating your herd.   

[cem3434]

I didnt get the late season, but it looks like I got a regular season cow permit though!

[HntnFsh]

Definitely a good cow tag.  If you get drawn and are squeemish at all,  I suggest the gutless bone out method,  unles you want some veal too.  I have seen two very small but fairly well formed calves in the bellies of January muzzleloader cows.

Shoot a year old calf so you dont have to worry about it.Better eating and no 2 for 1.

[lilswab]

I think the herd could sustain loosing 300 cows, but I dont know for how long.  The herd is pretty healthy, but I still dont like taking that many out at one time.  My guess is less than half of the permits issued will actually be filled.

I personally hate this tag!  I archery hunt Winston I think this tag is a big mistake.  However, rifle hunters hunting hard during January will be a cluster *U*K!  My guess is only about 20% success!  Still sucks that most of the cows will be with calves!

[HntnFsh]

For a 20 percent success rate 3/4ths of the people would have to either stay home or be too drunk to shoot straight when they fall out of their Honda Accord while out road hunting.

If any effort at all is put into that tag by the people that put in for it.There should be an easy 50 percent sucess rate.I would say 100percent.But I know some people wont even be their,and others wont try very hard.Thast a stupid easy tag to fill.

[Yelm hunter]

Well I was 1 of the 200 selected for this hunt... I'm a bigger guy but plan on doing alot of walking to get in shape for this hunt just in case some of the roads are closed...  I'm NOT a roadhunter at all but I hope there are some roads open for better access!! Good Luck to everyone else that was selected for this hunt!! 

[Hunterman]

Chances are,, any cow killed from November on will be with a calf..So it doesn't matter if you hunt rifle, bow or what ever,,you kill a cow that's what happens..I would have loved to draw it ( yes we put in for it)..

Hunterman(Tony)

[Bigshooter]

There is no way this hunt will be over 50% success.  This unit is my backyard.  I spent the whole month of January in the unit the last 2 years with a buddy that was trapping.  Only saw a hand full of elk.  It's a little late for it to be really good.  A lot of the elk will have moved out of the unit because of snow come January.

Also my buddies wife drew this tag. 

[HntnFsh]

Give me a break .Moved out because of snow.Come on man.Were talking the Winston here.Ive lived in it for over 50 years.Never seen elk move in or out because of snow.It doesnt get enough to do that.As Ive said.The only reason this isnt a 50% or higher rate is because of lack of effort or people already filled their elk tags.Its as close to a gauranteed animal as it get if you put in a little effort.And I do mean little.

I think your trying to discourage people do they dont hunt it.

[iRem]

Give me a break .Moved out because of snow.Come on man.Were talking the Winston here.Ive lived in it for over 50 years.Never seen elk move in or out because of snow.It doesnt get enough to do that.As Ive said.The only reason this isnt a 50% or higher rate is because of lack of effort or people already filled their elk tags.Its as close to a gauranteed animal as it get if you put in a little effort.And I do mean little.

I think your trying to discourage people do they dont hunt it.

I have been wanting to hunt this unit for a while now, with or with out specail permit. Did not get drawn for any thing this year, but I am looking to scout it out this year with a second year bow hunter. What would you suggest on where to look. I have no problems hiking in a few miles and getting away from the roads, but don't know where to start? I've looked for access points and been looking through the maps to find areas to start searching, with the ability to park a trailer? Any suggestion I would appreciate it? Thanks

[wapiti hunter2]

Well, I drew the regular season Muzzy cow tag and am looking forward to it.  I will work for my elk as I have for everyone I have ever shot.  I am going to use this hunt to introduce one of my sons to elk hunting by having him tag along and help.  I am not familiar with the unit at all as it was my second choice but it is a lot closer to home so I will have many more chances to scout.  I will be camping for the whole season.  Any pointers would be greatfully accepted, particularly camping locations.  I'll drive down from Yelm several times this summer but I'll try to be done by the time the archers get there just so I don't screw them up.  PM's accepted with gratitude.  Good luck to you all. 

Chances are,, any cow killed from November on will be with a calf..So it doesn't matter if you hunt rifle, bow or what ever,,you kill a cow that's what happens..I would have loved to draw it ( yes we put in for it).   

Hunterman(Tony)

Fact is that almost every Cow killed after the rut by any method is pregnant and that is the way it has always been.  Fetus's just to small to see.  If it bothers you don't shoot cows. 

[elkslayer069]

Well for you worried about cow being shot with calfs me and my dad wont be using our tags on behalf of the margaret tags we drew

[Wanttohuntmore]

The WDFW has it's head up it's you know what....  They don't get it.

[Bigshooter]

Give me a break .Moved out because of snow.Come on man.Were talking the Winston here.Ive lived in it for over 50 years.Never seen elk move in or out because of snow.It doesnt get enough to do that.As Ive said.The only reason this isnt a 50% or higher rate is because of lack of effort or people already filled their elk tags.Its as close to a gauranteed animal as it get if you put in a little effort.And I do mean little.

I think your trying to discourage people do they dont hunt it.

Ok. lol                                                                                 

[cem3434]

There is no way this hunt will be over 50% success.  This unit is my backyard.  I spent the whole month of January in the unit the last 2 years with a buddy that was trapping.  Only saw a hand full of elk.  It's a little late for it to be really good.  A lot of the elk will have moved out of the unit because of snow come January.

Also my buddies wife drew this tag.

You're joking right? They moved out? Ok, I guess since you're a local you see it all from the seat of your truck!

To everyone who was drawn, congrats because this is a great hunt and you should be successful if you are willing to do a little work.  With some snow on the ground, the elk shouldnt be that hard to find.

[lilswab]

For a 20 percent success rate 3/4ths of the people would have to either stay home or be too drunk to shoot straight when they fall out of their Honda Accord while out road hunting.

If any effort at all is put into that tag by the people that put in for it.There should be an easy 50 percent sucess rate.I would say 100percent.But I know some people wont even be their,and others wont try very hard.Thast a stupid easy tag to fill.

I am just guessing and hoping that it is 20% success rate.  However, it should be more like 50%.  If it were my tag I will expect to tag out no problem.  I bet the gates will be open and I actually am hoping so.  This would seem like a good thing for rifle hunters but it has never helped my success. I have killed and seen more elk when the gates are closed. 

Don't get me wrong...I wish the best to all hunters.  I just think 200 tags are a bit overkill.  What do I know  I am just a knuckle dragging hunter that doesn't want the area I hunt to be less productive for me.  Maybe I am selfish...so sue me!

My dad has had a many Green Mtn master hunter tags and they have always filled their tags! 

[Huntbear]

This unit has tons of elk, but also tons of idiots hunting it. 

If you can not fill a cow tag in the Winston, ummmmmmmmmm   

[Basket Rack]

Point is that there will not be "tons of elk" in a few years if this is a tag that will be issued year after year.  It might take a few years but it will take a toll on the herds.  I would bet that there will be some gates open at least on Weyco land because I would speculate that this is a season that they petitioned WDFW for due to browse issues.  Most of the January hunts (i.e. Wildwood, Boistfort) are done due to private property damage.  I could be wrong on this, WDFW may think there are just too many elk in the unit and want to bring the numbers down.  Either way I am not a big fan of the season but being a hunter I wish those with the tags good luck, should be a good one to fill the freezer.

[cem3434]

Point is that there will not be "tons of elk" in a few years if this is a tag that will be issued year after year.  It might take a few years but it will take a toll on the herds.  I would bet that there will be some gates open at least on Weyco land because I would speculate that this is a season that they petitioned WDFW for due to browse issues.  Most of the January hunts (i.e. Wildwood, Boistfort) are done due to private property damage.  I could be wrong on this, WDFW may think there are just too many elk in the unit and want to bring the numbers down.  Either way I am not a big fan of the season but being a hunter I wish those with the tags good luck, should be a good one to fill the freezer.

Agreed....I don't like how many permits they are giving out. I know its part of the management plan, but I think they are giving out 440 cow permits between MF and ML is to many. That's not to mention the number of cows that the archery hunters take in there seasons as well. This seems like a lot of cows to take out of the herd at one time.  I am guessing that about 100+ bulls will be taken out of the herd between all of the seasons as well, so there is a potential that over 550+ elk could be thinned out this season alone.

I realize that many people wont fill their permits, but the thought makes a guy sick. With that being said, our group has 7 cow permits during regular MF and I hope we can fill at least 3 or 4 of them.

[bobcat]

This is all part of the plan that's been in place for a while to bring the St. Helens elk herd numbers down, because of all the elk that starve every winter. I guess what they've been doing hasn't been enough, so this year they doubled or quadrupled all the antlerless permits, and even added some that never existed before, like this Winston January hunt. I think it's a bit excessive too, but hopefully the biologists have the data to back up the increase in permit numbers.

[SFD2015]

My group and I were selected for this tag. We are all meat hunters so this was an obvious choice. However, we are also hunting the regular season. Just because we have a pretty good tag (Let's face it, this is a PRETTY DAMN GOOD TAG), doesn't mean that we are going hunt any less during the regular season.

My question, because I have only been hunting for 4 years, is what is the taste difference between Cow and Bull? I have been successful with two 4 by's over the past 4 years (I am a VERY lucky hunter), but have never eaten Cow. Is there a taste difference? Is there a preferred preparation method. Hopefully this year we will be starting to fully butcher our own meat so just curious.

[PA BEN]

My group and I were selected for this tag. We are all meat hunters so this was an obvious choice. However, we are also hunting the regular season. Just because we have a pretty good tag (Let's face it, this is a PRETTY DAMN GOOD TAG), doesn't mean that we are going hunt any less during the regular season.

My question, because I have only been hunting for 4 years, is what is the taste difference between Cow and Bull? I have been successful with two 4 by's over the past 4 years (I am a VERY lucky hunter), but have never eaten Cow. Is there a taste difference? Is there a preferred preparation method. Hopefully this year we will be starting to fully butcher our own meat so just curious.

Cows are good eatting and calves are better.

[cem3434]

My group and I were selected for this tag. We are all meat hunters so this was an obvious choice. However, we are also hunting the regular season. Just because we have a pretty good tag (Let's face it, this is a PRETTY DAMN GOOD TAG), doesn't mean that we are going hunt any less during the regular season.

My question, because I have only been hunting for 4 years, is what is the taste difference between Cow and Bull? I have been successful with two 4 by's over the past 4 years (I am a VERY lucky hunter), but have never eaten Cow. Is there a taste difference? Is there a preferred preparation method. Hopefully this year we will be starting to fully butcher our own meat so just curious.

In my opinion, any cow, calf or yearly (including spikes) will taste better that a bull.

[Miles]

Well I was 1 of the 200 selected for this hunt... I'm a bigger guy but plan on doing alot of walking to get in shape for this hunt just in case some of the roads are closed...  I'm NOT a roadhunter at all but I hope there are some roads open for better access!! Good Luck to everyone else that was selected for this hunt!! 

Any updates on how the hunt went?

[JimmyHoffa]

Well I was 1 of the 200 selected for this hunt... I'm a bigger guy but plan on doing alot of walking to get in shape for this hunt just in case some of the roads are closed...  I'm NOT a roadhunter at all but I hope there are some roads open for better access!! Good Luck to everyone else that was selected for this hunt!! 

Any updates on how the hunt went?

I believe he had a post about it--got a cow and had a good time....then the thread devolved into something about using a certain meat cutter and leaving a gutpile in a road.

[wrongway]

sorry I feel this tag sucks, its to hard on the elk

[blackveltbowhunter]

sorry I feel this tag sucks, its to hard on the elk

I agree

[tigguy]

"This is all part of the plan that's been in place for a while to bring the St. Helens elk herd numbers down, because of all the elk that starve every winter."- bobcat

Yep. I agree. However, I don't recall anyone from the carcuss counters being up here and finding starving elk. I remember them counting several dead elk in the St. Helens area. These are Winston elk permits we're talking about, right? Not Mudflow, or St. Helens vicinity permits, where those dead, starved elk were and are found? IMO, those 200 permits would be better served in the unit where starving elk are at, before they're starving, and not in a unit where already established herds live year round and several hundred more tend to migrate to when it snows.
Just my