if u had a big bull tag?

[Tbar]

IMO a big bull is the bull that satisfies you. You can see a big bull in one unit that would be small or average in another. If you research and scout enough then you should know the quality a given area holds. A big bull to you may be a raghorn to the next guy. Scout, scout, and scout some more that way you will have prejudged the bull you are after. 

[RadSav]

The February Issue of Elk Hunter magazine had one of the best articles I've seen written on field judging elk.  If you can't find a magazine I do think it should be available through their website by now.  If not, PM me.  If I do a little digging I think I can probably find a copy hiding around here.

Don't forget that with a few exceptions Washington elk are not what you see on the Outdoor Life Channel.  Set your sights too high in this states general season and you are bound to experience a lot of disappointment. 

Get youself a copy of the Washington State Big Game records.  I got mine at Wholesale Sports.  The stories are a good read and you will have a better understanding of what you are looking for in a good Washington elk in your area.

Myself I look at length and mass first.  If that gets a "WOW!" out of me then I start looking at points.  Rarely do I ever pass up a nice bull in Washington.  Someday before I end up six feet under I hope to draw a tag for elk with horns in this state.  Maybe then I can feel confident enough to pass up a few.  Lots of points and waiting quite impatiently.  I've taken a few really good ones here, but each of them were a pleasant surprise.

EDITED: Here is the link to that article
http://feedtheobsession.elkhuntermagazine.com/2012/02/01/elk-hunter-magazine-presents-field-judging-elk-by-hunting-editor-jay-scott/

[Bean Counter]

see i disagree with you guys, if i draw an eastside bull tag, i will eat the tag before i shoot a small bull or a spike. I figure if i have waited that long to have a chance at a really nice bull, i wont kill a nice one if i kill the first little one i see. If i draw a tag it will either be muzzy or archery so i should be able to call bulls in and judge them.

Now, i hunt westside general every year and if i see the scrawniest, scraggliest 3pt he will receive an arrow! if you have a general tag you cannot pass up a legal animal!

 

[BOWHUNTER45]

Whats that saying ? Do not pass up what you would shoot on the first day, that you would shot on the last day... Never was a trophy hunter and never will be ..it everyones dream to take a big bull and I will try to a certain point but I would not eat my tag if I can help when I love to eat them !! I personally would take mass over length any day .

[Bean Counter]

On the evening of the last day I'd pop a dink. No way on opening morning. 

[Slenk]

My son and I drew any bull tags this year. Observatory unit.
I never have been one to pass on a legal animal.

[longrangekiller]

My son and I drew any bull tags this year. Observatory unit.
I never have been one to pass on a legal animal.

There's a lot of bulls up there hunt the thick and nasty. A lot of people were having trouble up there last year but they must of not been getting out of the truck because i was chasing elk every were

[adamR]

I wasn't sure what I was holding out for when I got drawn but I knew I wanted a fairly semetrical 6 point or better.  It only took two days and I found the one I wanted.  His width is what got me to pull the trigger.

[coachcw]

Shoot the one you like and let the hunt dictate it . I'm at a point where I'll eat tag inless its a solid six or better . as far as ass scratchers you dont see a bull that gets there very offten if ever when he is walking and his tips get past his rib cage he is a mature bull . Shoot this bull !

[bradslam]

First, like some others have said, let the area and what you find scouting dictate what a trophy is.  If you've done your homework before the season, you should have a good idea what a big bull will look like for the area.  If all you care about is B&C score, there is certainly lots of information out there on field judging.  However, I think the most important thing to remember is that the big ones look big.  When I have seen a real trophy there wasn't any doubt.  Also, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.  I would take mass over tine length any day.

[Woodchuck]

Shoot the one you like and let the hunt dictate it . I'm at a point where I'll eat tag inless its a solid six or better . as far as ass scratchers you dont see a bull that gets there very offten if ever when he is walking and his tips get past his rib cage he is a mature bull . Shoot this bull !

Someone had a chance and passed that bull  Way more disciplined than I.

[Rainier10]

 
Everytime I see that picture I think the same thing, how did he pass that up?  The bull he shot was awesome but HOW DID HE PASS THAT UP?

[coachcw]

I know atleast one guy that did , plus everyone want's something different in a bull , I'd say if its a general bull tag the a good represntive for the unit wheter thats a 300 or a 340 bull in central wa a 300 is a good bull . with a rut tag 330 plus maybe . Be willing to hunt hard and do justice to the tag .

[coachcw]

that bulls still kickin too !

[Woodchuck]

Everytime I see that picture I think the same thing, how did he pass that up?  The bull he shot was awesome but HOW DID HE PASS THAT UP?

EXACTLY, I do not believe I would have had what it took to walk away from that one. I would never have seen the bull he killed which is an awesome one at that.