Elk Permits - allow east and west apllication

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

I under stand, I said people who don't apply for special permits at all.  That is the only
Way to increase revenue, get new customers so to speak.

[bobcat]

I'm saying that I believe there are many who buy a westside tag and don't apply for westside permits. Givin the option to buy eastside points and still hunt west they would.

OK, I see. I guess I just can't fathom why someone wouldn't spend the extra $6 for a chance at a good elk hunt here on the westside. There are more than a couple that are worth the application fee.

[bullcanyon]

I doubt there are too many new permit applicants out there. Most are either buying ghost or applying for something. Have you not seen the # of people applying for margaret?

[grundy53]

I'm saying that I believe there are many who buy a westside tag and don't apply for westside permits. Givin the option to buy eastside points and still hunt west they would.

OK, I see. I guess I just can't fathom why someone wouldn't spend the extra $6 for a chance at a good elk hunt here on the westside. There are more than a couple that are worth the application fee.

I know quite a few people that hunt the west side but don't put in for permits. Those same guys would probably put in for the blues if they could.

[6x6in6]

This one's a no brainer.
If it can generate additional revenue and give the perception of increased hunting opportunities, this will go through.
You know that the perception of hunting opportunity increase will be what they hang their hat on here.  Certainly not added revenue. 

My gut says a decrease in east side license purchases and an increase in west side purchases will be the result in this.

I agree with your last sentence but I still don't understand where the additional revenue would come from?   

From the westside people.  They can already hunt branched here and some may not choose to be playing the draw game.  Some may be playing only the antlerless draw game.   Now they would not have to buy the eastside tag to now go after what may be a coveted Special or Quality tag in the Blues, for example. 
If I were a westside hunter, I probably would not be in the bull draws at all as it presently is set up.  Just antlerless, if even that.  But I sure would start tossing out selections for eastside bull tags.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Yeah I doubt revenue is the main reason for this proposal. Unless they increase fees for increased opportunity with  this new premium elk tag.

[CedarPants]

I can already see the headlines:

Hunter A, lifelong east-side elk hunter.  His family has been setting up camp in the Blue's for 3 generations.  He's never drawn a branched bull permit and has 16 points.  His dad has drawn 1 permit in 30 years.  Neither of them drew this year and are again chasing the elusive trophy spike.

Hunter B, lifelong west-side elk hunter.  Never been to the Blues ever but sees he can now apply for hunts there.  He applies as a group with 3 buddies, they all draw with 1 point and all tag out on branched bulls.

Hunter A and Hunter B cross paths in the Blues, words are exchanged.  Punches are thrown.  Arrests are made.  We all look like idiots.

That type of situation isn't something I condone nor would I partake in, but if anyone thinks that won't happen you're crazy.  There are some hot heads in those mountains

[6x6in6]

That's funny, in an odd kind of way Cedar. 
Probably pretty close to a true life experience in the making too.

[JPhelps]

This is not a good idea and this is coming from a guy who hunts western Washington and would love to be able to put in for Eastern Tags every year.

I feel that when I draw my multiseason tag that is enough of a chance to draw these premier tags, but not at the expense of competing against the whole state.  Greed gets the best of us all, but i think this would truly be un-fair and the "quality" of elk hunting on the west side would go down and there would be a huge log jam for the premier tags. 

This is not about opportunity but about money. 
 

[Curly]

This is not a good idea and this is coming from a guy who hunts western Washington and would love to be able to put in for Eastern Tags every year.

I feel that when I draw my multiseason tag that is enough of a chance to draw these premier tags, but not at the expense of competing against the whole state.  Greed gets the best of us all, but i think this would truly be un-fair and the "quality" of elk hunting on the west side would go down and there would be a huge log jam for the premier tags. 

This is not about opportunity but about money.

 

[bobcat]

If a change like this would in fact generate more revenue for the state, I can't agree that if they made this change that they are doing it for the money. This is not an idea that the WDFW is pushing. They only put it on the table at the request of many hunters who don't like that they can't hunt the west side and apply for east side permits.

[deerslyr]

I cant believe this is even a question. That would be absolutely terrible for both east and west side hunters! Making it near impossible to get drawn on the east side and completly over crowding the west side. This is coming from a west side elk hunter.

[Shed Stud]

If this goes through I will be hunting branch bulls on the westside, putting in for my east tags as always. I have never hunted on the west side in my life! We will pull spike camp to harvest a branched bull. We will come in numbers, and we will be eating rosie back strap. Be carefull what you wish for...

[Woodchuck]

 

[grundy53]

If this goes through I will be hunting branch bulls on the westside, putting in for my east tags as always. I have never hunted on the west side in my life! We will pull spike camp to harvest a branched bull. We will come in numbers, and we will be eating rosie back strap. Be carefull what you wish for...

Exactly my fear. I think it's a horrible idea. I for one do not wish for this...