2012 special permits

[vandeman17]

I know they are not out yet but I have been thinking about them already and can't decide what to do. I am normally an archery hunter but am considering switching to muzzy. My only concern is that there seems to be far less choices and the general seasons are shorter as well. One thing I do like is that most the quality draw tags for east side are for the first week of october and that sounds prime to me and it seems like the rut has been getting later and later. My other issue is that I might be going out of state hunting and concerned that if I get drawn as well that I won't have the time to devote to the tag. I do know that whatever weapon I decide, I am going to put in for the prime areas with low odds but big bulls. I only have a couple points since I drew a late muzzy tag 4 years ago but I am still going to give it a whirl. Thoughts?

[bobcat]

Archery has much better general seasons but if it's a permit hunt you're after then you'll be fine with a muzzleloader tag. Just plan on not using the tag if you don't draw a special permit hunt.

[vandeman17]

Archery has much better general seasons but if it's a permit hunt you're after then you'll be fine with a muzzleloader tag. Just plan on not using the tag if you don't draw a special permit hunt.

That is exactly my dilemma. Well that and the worry that I will put in, get an out of state hunt planned and then get drawn and not be able to take the time off to properly scout and hunt. 

[Bob33]

WDFW watches harvest results by user group very carefully.  If one of the three deviates significantly from the others, they will make changes to bring them back into line.

[flinter]

Imo muzzleloader is the way to go. There is a reason for the short early season. Its because we kill  elk!! Do your homework, and find as many herds as you can and hunt hard. I have filled my muzzleloader elk tag almost every year since we have had blackpowder seasons. We have the best of both worlds. Bulls still bulging, and we can shoot 100 yds or so. Forget those long shots. For every one killed, I believe there is one lost.

[head hunter]