MH Region 5 Damage Permit - Can I use Any Firearm for 2nd Elk Tag?

[pianoman9701]

I've never drawn a special draw tag before. With the second elk tag I drew for Region 5, if I'm called, can I use any method or am I limited to the one I selected for my 1st tag, Western Archery? Does it depend on the hunt coordinator? Also, will I have to declare when purchasing the tag? I have read the regs but can't find the clarification regarding this tag. Thanks in advance for your knowledge on this. I'm assuming I can use anything but would like confirmation.

[CP]

From page 58:

Notes: Any legal weapon may be used while hunting the following hunts, unless otherwise specified in the Hunt Notes.

& there's nothing in the hunt notes so use any weapon that you want.

[pianoman9701]

I saw that. I was just anticipating getting to Wholesale to buy it and finding out I had to declare a weapon or that it is based on my archery tag. Not that our special apps are confusing at all. Thanks for the info.

[arrowflinger]

Wait till they call you before you run out and get the tag. I had MH 4 elk last year and never got a call. I never went on got my tag.....saved the 68 dollars..........when they call you ask about the weapon.

Just my 

[CP]

If you don't fill your archery tag you can use it for the Damage hunt and still use any weapon.  You don't have to buy the 2nd tag.

[pianoman9701]

I just found out you have to purchase the tag from the DFW. I went to Wholesale and they told me I had to give up my regular WA tag. Then when she called the DFW, they said I had to purchase from DFW over the phone. I'm going to call and get the specifics and will report back.

[CP]

I just found out you have to purchase the tag from the DFW. I went to Wholesale and they told me I had to give up my regular WA tag. Then when she called the DFW, they said I had to purchase from DFW over the phone. I'm going to call and get the specifics and will report back.

Good luck.  I’ve run this trap line before and I’ve gotten conflicting information from different WDFW employees. 

[arrowflinger]

I just found out you have to purchase the tag from the DFW. I went to Wholesale and they told me I had to give up my regular WA tag. Then when she called the DFW, they said I had to purchase from DFW over the phone. I'm going to call and get the specifics and will report back.

I think you can get it online.

[pianoman9701]

OK, so no one at licensing could answer my questions. I talked to three different people and, through the phone, could see their eyes glazing over as I asked my questions.

They didn't know if I could purchase it at a wholesaler, therefore waiting until I need it to purchase it. The regs say I need to be able to hunt within 24 hours or being notified, so if I do have to purchase from Olympia, I would need to get it in advnace of August 1st.

I'm going to wait until the permit shows up in the mail before I do anything. Maybe it'll all become clear when I get to read the instructions! This is kind of funny except for the part about licensing not being able to answer my questions and all.

[CP]

Again,

If you don't fill your archery tag you can use it for the Damage hunt and still use any weapon.  You don't have to buy the 2nd tag.

[arrowflinger]

I will be waiting till they call me to hunt before I go and get my tag. Last year I never got a call. My buddy, a couple of years ago, got the call and went to Big J's to get his and drove down that night and killed an elk.

[arrowflinger]

Again,

If you don't fill your archery tag you can use it for the Damage hunt and still use any weapon.  You don't have to buy the 2nd tag.

I'm pretty sure you're correct, but do you know where to find that in the Reg's?

[pianoman9701]

Again,

If you don't fill your archery tag you can use it for the Damage hunt and still use any weapon.  You don't have to buy the 2nd tag.

No, I heard you and thanks because I didn't know that! The problem is that the 2nd tag goes from Aug 1 - Mar 31st. If I don't tag out in early archery, I'll hunt late archery, as well. So, using my first tag will only work if I don't tag out by the end of late archery and if i don't get called before then for the MH tag

[CP]

Again,

If you don't fill your archery tag you can use it for the Damage hunt and still use any weapon.  You don't have to buy the 2nd tag.

I'm pretty sure you're correct, but do you know where to find that in the Reg's?

See this thread http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,96923.msg1258910.html#msg1258910

[arrowflinger]

Again,

If you don't fill your archery tag you can use it for the Damage hunt and still use any weapon.  You don't have to buy the 2nd tag.

I'm pretty sure you're correct, but do you know where to find that in the Reg's?

See this thread http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,96923.msg1258910.html#msg1258910

thanks for the info.
pianoman, read what CP posted it might answer your last question.

Good luck to you both.

[pianoman9701]

Read it and thanks again. I just find it interesting that the process is so complicated the guys in licensing don't even know the answers to my questions. 

[Bob33]

John, I think your questions have been answered.  If you still are unclear, PM and I will get you in touch with someone at WDFW who can better assist you.

CP is correct: your primary tag can be used on the second hunt.  However, the reverse is not true: the second tag could not be used as a primary tag.  You are allowed to use any legal weapon for the area you are hunting; you are not restricted by your primary tag's hunting method.  Please note that some areas in the region may be "firearm restricted", which could limit legal hunting methods.

I have purchased second tags before online, but that may have changed. 

Since this is a relatively rare occurence, you're likely to not get anyone very knowledgeable to help you at retailers.

Because the second tags are no longer relatively inexpensive, I would be inclined to wait before purchasing one but that's a decision only you can make.  If you get a call at 8:00 p.m. one evening asking you to hunt the next morning, you would not have time to purchase the second tag.

Best of luck to you.

[pianoman9701]

Thanks Bob. They have been. Thanks all.

[emac]

To purchase you second tag you have to call someone in the master hunter department if I remember correctly from last year.  I like people have said I wouldn't buy it until I got the phone call for the damage hunt or you are just blowing 68 bones

[kirkl]

i know for the 3911 MH tag, I have to call olympia and buy it then they send it to me, it doesnt show up online to purchase.  One thing you might be able to do is find out who the Hunt Cordinator is and give him a call
and see where your at on the list. That will give you a good idea. If your 89 out of 100 on the list then no way would i buy it. but say your 10 out of 100 on the list. I was 16 on the list last year for a hunt and barely got called
and i live in elk country in the yakima valley.

[wannahunt]

both times I got called to go on a master hunt i just took the paper permit I go in the mail and headed over to Fred Meyer's, showed them my permit and bought a tag. Never had any issues. Good luck to you. I drew the MH region 3 hunt this year. I have been called two out of the three times I got drawn. When you get called they will a certain number of days to hunt. If you don't get something in that amount of time you go to the bottom of the list and hope for another call. F&G will also give you the landowners phone number and you have to make set up a time to get a tour of his place and rules he may have. Good luck.
 

[wannahunt]

oh and here's my cow from region 5 MH two years ago.

[wormfood]

Hey pianoman I got drawn for the Ethel MH tag last year and it was a second tag. When I went to the local place here in Eatonville he said he never heard of a second elk tag but once he got in the computer it was in there and it wasnt a problem, paid my cash and got my second tag right then and there without any phone calls or problems.