switching firearm preference

[GSPdude]

Hi all,

I am wondering if anybody knows if it is possible to switch from say black powder to modern firearm on your elk tag once it is purchased. I have not had much luck finding this info online anywhere. I purchased my tags for deer and elk, but them found out I will be working out of the state for the entirety of the muzzleloader season and am wondering if I can switch to modern firearm... any info would be appreciated. thanks,

chris

[bobcat]

If you didn't apply for any special permit elk hunts, then they will let you exchange your muzzleloader tag for a modern firearm tag. You can call the WDFW in Olympia and get it straightened out.  This phone number should work:  360-902-2515. Actually you may be able to just go to any license dealer and do it. There will probably be a small fee of a dollar or two.

[GSPdude]

I did apply for an elk special hunt but didn't get drawn for any of them (suck!). Hopefully that won't be held against me. I think I will just go try it and see what happens....

[runningboard]

last time I had a chance to visit with some WDFW folks they said that they are gonna be buckling down on that and only allow it if for medical reasons. too many people applying then switching after not drawing. was during a hunter education "conference". good luck & let us know that works out.

[bobcat]

It doesn't matter if you got drawn or not, if you applied for a permit, you can't change your tag later. If they do let you do it, they're not following the rules. If they let one person do it, then everyone should be able to do it.

[agchawk]

It doesn't matter if you got drawn or not, if you applied for a permit, you can't change your tag later. If they do let you do it, they're not following the rules. If they let one person do it, then everyone should be able to do it.

Correct. If you hadn't put in for any draw permits then you would have been able to (at least in the past). However, if you put in at all, whether you were drawn or not, you are stuck with what you already have.

Sorry man.

[GSPdude]

Yeah, that is what I am figuring as well...tough sh**. Sometimes having a job sucks, ya know?  Oh well. I think that I'll just try and get in on a late general muzzleloader elk season up in the Northeast...It's any elk up there anyway

[bobcat]

There aren't any units open for late muzzleloader in the NE. At least not what I consider the northeast. They have 130 and 133, but those units are almost all private land, and not many elk anyway. Mice Peak (127) is open if you're a Master Hunter, but that one's pretty limited on where you can hunt as well.

[Cougeyes]

On another note....i've also heard of people killing bucks on the high hunt and then going to a license vendor and saying they lost their deer tag and they were provided another tag possibly shooting another deer.  That was several years ago, but they should take that into consideration since a lot of people do the high hunt.  Although I would hate to be a person that legitamately lost their tag and not be allowed to hunt because of it.  I think there are more people that lose or misplace their tag each year vs. those that kill a buck on the high hunt and buy another tag.

[Bob33]

Any duplicate tag is a red flag to Enforcement.  If you cheat and get caught the consequences can be tough.