Quality bull permits

[Woodchuck]

Good point, sorry.

[rippinlips22]

Just FYI, after reviewing other states throughout the West, I believe Washington has one of the best point systems available. Could be like Oregon where 75% of the permits go to the highest point holders. Not good. Some Oregon residents that starting putting in now won't draw their elite tags for 20+ years. At least when you apply here you know you have a small chance even with 1 point. Those poor chaps have, statistically, a 0% chance to draw in many units for many years.

I get tired of listening to all the bellyaching, when you consider that Washington is the third smallest state in the west, with the second highest population, Elk hunters outnumber the Elk, and if we were allowed to have a system where we could have more than a snowballs chance in hell of harvesting "quality" bulls, there would be VERY limited DRAW ONLY opportunitty within the state.
If you want to hunt Elk, we have a good system, if you want to hunt "quality" Elk , then you have to pay the price.
I have been lucky enough to draw 3 times for Observatory C, average of 6 points each time, if you want to hunt "The Blues", or "Peaches Ridge", then it takes a few more...
But, your choices reflect the difficulty in drawing, there are "quality" animals in almost every unit, and if you want to put out the effort required, then sometimes having to wait years for the chance is the price you pay, but get real, if you really want a 400" Elk, you need to go to a state that has MORE ELK, and LESS ELK HUNTERS. 

Well said! I have 11 points and have yet to get drawn for a quality bull tag. I am good with it and know my time is coming. Hope to take well advantage of my hunt when I do get drawn. I have also started putting my 10 year old son into quality bull tags so he has a good chance to get drawn at least 2-3 times, maybe more,  in his lifetime before he gets to old to hunt for a quality bull, if he chooses. Same thing for a moose. Hopefully he will get drawn for a youth moose tag this year!

I am good with the point system we have at this point. Doubt they, WDFW, can make any better.

[coachcw]

With the number of applicants if you drew every ten years it would take long before it wasn't a quality hunt!

[ELKBURGER]

If the state finds a way to increase revenue, there will be changes. It wont matter if the resident like it or not, Its just a matter of time.

[furbearer365]

The only way i could see it being easier for guys with more points to draw would be to divide all the hunts up and give them a rank.  Meaning, have hunts that guys with 1-3 points can put in for, then hunts that guys with 4-6 points, and so on.  Then when you have a certain amount of points you know what you are able to put in for and are for the most part competing against guys with the same amount of points.  But i truely like the way it is.  I do get frustrated when a guy draws a tag with 2 and i put in for it with 12 and didnt draw, but that is what is fun about it.  Its not that upsetting because if i draw with 12 and i have to start all over, i want to think it is still possible with 1.

[Wenatcheejay]

Hey, just saying there is a section for "whining" in the Speak Your Mind area 

[steen]

To rippinlips22, I'm sure glad you are putting your son in for a youth hunt.  The average points is about 3 and it would be a good way to get him ready for a quality bull hunt!

[plugger]

I dont think I was winning, Sure it can be frustrating, I just basicly ask what peoples thoughts were on the subject. I like the system way better now than I did before. Just wanted to hear what other think

[JLS]

Washington's point system is the same as Montana's and Nevada's, so we're not the only folks doing it.  I still think it's crap that a hunter can apply for five different permit classes.  Eliminating that and making each hunter choose one (i.e. branch antler or antlerless) would increase odds for some permits.

Units like the Wenaha would always be tough, not much different than drawing a sheep tag.  It's simple drawing odds math and no point system will alleviate that.

[BENCHLEG]

all i have to say about this is wdfw you are all about $$$$$$$$$$ . 

[splitshot]

the main problem is population, too many people.  and we keep letting them in.  i remember when anyone could shoot any elk in the blues if you have a tag.  i also remember when the deer season was 4 full weeks and the elk was 2 weeks.  more people , more restrictions.  mike w

[Wenatcheejay]

the main problem is population, too many people.  and we keep letting them in.  i remember when anyone could shoot any elk in the blues if you have a tag.  i also remember when the deer season was 4 full weeks and the elk was 2 weeks.  more people , more restrictions.  mike w

SEE, I keep saying we need to transport wolves to King County, thin down the herd of sheeple. But noooo, you people never listen to me. 

[coachcw]

they need tag quatas even for general season . that way they could limit tribal harvest , there is no 50% inless we limit all seasons .

[soccerguy]

I was lucky enough this past fall to draw the coveted quality tag after 16 years of trying.  My previous quality tag was the second year the Margaret unit was opened for hunting.  The math???  Almost a 20 year year wait.  Both hunts were "once-in-life" experiences, but I've now had two of them.  The Margaret tag was memorable for the ridiculous numbers of bulls seen and the tag in 2011 was for the 350 typical 6X6 I was able to take on opening day.  Was the wait worth it??  No doubt in my mind, but then i am very patient.  However, I also apply to as many as 9 other states every year and have drawn some "quality" tags in them as well.  Are there some "quality" hunts in other states that take less than 20 years to draw and yet do not cost a fortune....yes!!!  One example:  In Arizona, you can purchase a nonresident hunting license and purchase an elk preference point for around $30 for a youth starting at age 10 (no hunters ed required).  At age 18 and a total cost of around $300, they have  8 preference points are able to draw virtually any of the late season rifle hunts in the state. These are easliy equal to, and in some cases far better, then most "quality" hunts here.  The moral-do your homework and look at other options as well.

One comment about my tag last fall-it was a rifle rut tag on the East side, so it was in one of the very best quality units.

[Skyvalhunter]

Pics are proof