Post by: MarvinS1958 on November 02, 2012, 07:29:00 AM
My son and I drew cow tags for the Winston Unit January Cow Hunt. We sure could use some advise as to where to fill these tags. We're new to this area and live near Winston Creek Road and Hwy 12. We've seen cows by Hatchett Mt. But would like some other locations to check out. Your help greatly appreciated!!!
Marv
Post by: ICEMAN on November 02, 2012, 07:31:18 AM
Post by: MarvinS1958 on November 02, 2012, 07:33:11 AM
Post by: ICEMAN on November 02, 2012, 07:34:21 AM
Post by: billjr64 on November 02, 2012, 07:36:02 AM
Post by: cem3434 on November 02, 2012, 09:03:52 AM
Post by: Yelm hunter on November 03, 2012, 09:40:59 PM
Post by: Drifterat on November 04, 2012, 10:27:57 AM
Post by: billythekidrock on November 04, 2012, 10:44:20 AM
I drew that tag last year and was on Elk everyday... I ended up scoring a NICE 850lb cow on the 3rd day of the season... It was a great HUNT!!
How big is the fetus in a pregnant cow in January? That's gotta be nasty...
Fetus was 250 pounds.
Post by: ICEMAN on November 04, 2012, 10:47:32 AM
I drew that tag last year and was on Elk everyday... I ended up scoring a NICE 850lb cow on the 3rd day of the season... It was a great HUNT!!How big is the fetus in a pregnant cow in January? That's gotta be nasty...
Fetus was 250 pounds.
:yike:
Post by: bobcat on November 04, 2012, 10:48:37 AM
I drew that tag last year and was on Elk everyday... I ended up scoring a NICE 850lb cow on the 3rd day of the season... It was a great HUNT!!How big is the fetus in a pregnant cow in January? That's gotta be nasty...
Fetus was 250 pounds.
:yike:
:drool: veal!
Post by: logger on November 04, 2012, 10:49:50 AM
pickin up the sarcasm!!!! :chuckle:I drew that tag last year and was on Elk everyday... I ended up scoring a NICE 850lb cow on the 3rd day of the season... It was a great HUNT!!How big is the fetus in a pregnant cow in January? That's gotta be nasty...
Fetus was 250 pounds.
Post by: Button Nubbs on November 04, 2012, 10:50:34 AM
Post by: billythekidrock on November 04, 2012, 10:50:40 AM
Post by: Button Nubbs on November 04, 2012, 10:52:52 AM
Post by: matt345 on November 04, 2012, 10:53:08 AM
Post by: logger on November 04, 2012, 10:53:31 AM
Post by: billythekidrock on November 04, 2012, 10:54:54 AM
Hello Hunters,
My son and I drew cow tags for the Winston Unit January Cow Hunt. We sure could use some advise as to where to fill these tags. We're new to this area and live near Winston Creek Road and Hwy 12. We've seen cows by Hatchett Mt. But would like some other locations to check out. Your help greatly appreciated!!!
Marv
Seriously, you should have no problem filling your tags. Hit roads near Longbell or Swofford Ponds and you should find elk.
I helped my father get one on opening day last year with minimal effort.
Post by: Angus on November 04, 2012, 11:44:53 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on November 04, 2012, 03:55:19 PM
Post by: sneakyjake on November 04, 2012, 06:26:43 PM
Post by: MarvinS1958 on November 12, 2012, 11:35:05 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on November 12, 2012, 12:05:37 PM
Post by: TriggerHappy on November 12, 2012, 03:13:01 PM
Post by: Kowsrule30 on November 12, 2012, 05:57:19 PM
I drew that tag last year and was on Elk everyday... I ended up scoring a NICE 850lb cow on the 3rd day of the season... It was a great HUNT!!How big is the fetus in a pregnant cow in January? That's gotta be nasty...
Fetus was 250 pounds.
:chuckle: Seems like a different heaviest/biggest animal pop's up every couple weeks on here!!! But that's one big fetus!!
Post by: Yelm hunter on November 12, 2012, 09:40:37 PM
Post by: funkster on November 13, 2012, 08:56:08 AM
Why are you guys so RUDE?? I ended up getting 400 lbs of meat out of her!! If I can find my pics I will post one on here for you.
Not being rude, but a 850 pound cow is kind of a fish story. Some record bulls that have 52 pounds of antler don't scale that high.
Post by: doyourtime89 on November 13, 2012, 09:26:49 AM
Post by: bankwalker on November 13, 2012, 10:01:08 AM
My buddy (r.i.p.) claims he killed a rocky mountain cow elk weighing 1200lbs :yike: AND! They got 900lbs of meat off that cow. :yike:
But that was in the 50's when elk has to fight the growing bigfoot population for food.......he was born in 54 so it blows my mind he killed that cow in his toddle years :chuckle:
Post by: Mike450r on November 13, 2012, 10:10:11 AM
Why are you guys so RUDE?? I ended up getting 400 lbs of meat out of her!! If I can find my pics I will post one on here for you.
People are just trying to be funny, I don't think it is personal. It is just that 850 pound cows don't happen, at least not in my experience and I have some experience with big elk. The biggest I know of come out of Pacific county and Long Island, we have weighed a few at the old truck scales outside of Raymond. Biggest bulls weighed right around 1000 and the biggest cows in the 650 range. Is 200 pounds heavier in the Winston impossible? No I guess not impossible but not very likely at all.
Post by: Yelm hunter on November 14, 2012, 11:23:22 AM
Post by: Fowlweather25 on November 14, 2012, 11:32:57 AM
Post by: sirmissalot on November 14, 2012, 11:46:12 AM
That's more like a 450-500 lb. cow. How many guys were with you?
Yeah but she was all meat... 400lbs worth.
Post by: Fowlweather25 on November 14, 2012, 12:08:04 PM
Post by: WSU on November 14, 2012, 12:19:11 PM
Post by: TriggerHappy on November 14, 2012, 12:31:55 PM
Post by: LeeMajors on November 14, 2012, 12:42:47 PM
Post by: Yelm hunter on November 14, 2012, 01:24:47 PM
Post by: Mike450r on November 14, 2012, 01:29:02 PM
Do you want Proof of hanging weight from Rainier Taxidermy?? I'm the one who killed her and I'm the one who gutted her and my Dad and brother in the pics are the ones that helped me gut her and load her into my truck... So you all need to just mind your own business if you don't think she was that heavy!! I know how much meat I got out of her. I had 150 lbs of hamburger, 100 lbs of Sausage, 50 lbs of breakfast sausage, 100 lbs of steak including backstrap...
Since you threw it out there. Yes, I do want proof from Rainier Taxidermy that there is a hanging weight of that animal which would at least lead me to believe it was an 850 pound cow elk.
Post by: LeeMajors on November 14, 2012, 01:29:35 PM
Post by: buckhorn2 on November 14, 2012, 01:36:23 PM
Post by: Yelm hunter on November 14, 2012, 01:36:50 PM
Post by: Yelm hunter on November 14, 2012, 01:37:57 PM
This stuff is why I never posted any of our elk pictures this year to much picky stuff goes on here anymore it;s ridiculous and who cares about what the cow weighed it;s a nice one if you don;t like the story don;t read it.:yeah: :yeah:
Thank You!
Post by: cem3434 on November 14, 2012, 01:53:03 PM
Do you want Proof of hanging weight from Rainier Taxidermy?? I'm the one who killed her and I'm the one who gutted her and my Dad and brother in the pics are the ones that helped me gut her and load her into my truck... So you all need to just mind your own business if you don't think she was that heavy!! I know how much meat I got out of her. I had 150 lbs of hamburger, 100 lbs of Sausage, 50 lbs of breakfast sausage, 100 lbs of steak including backstrap...
Did you have them added pork fat at a 1 to 1 ratio? You might get 400 lbs of meat that way. :dunno:
Post by: Fowlweather25 on November 14, 2012, 01:54:35 PM
Post by: Mike450r on November 14, 2012, 03:40:11 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on November 14, 2012, 04:37:14 PM
Do you want Proof of hanging weight from Rainier Taxidermy?? I'm the one who killed her and I'm the one who gutted her and my Dad and brother in the pics are the ones that helped me gut her and load her into my truck... So you all need to just mind your own business if you don't think she was that heavy!! I know how much meat I got out of her. I had 150 lbs of hamburger, 100 lbs of Sausage, 50 lbs of breakfast sausage, 100 lbs of steak including backstrap...
You do know that they add pork, fat, water and spices to your burger and sausage right?
Post by: logger on November 14, 2012, 04:49:59 PM
Post by: Jonathan_S on November 14, 2012, 04:51:46 PM
You're the one talking that cow up like she was the heaviest cow ever killed. Sorry but most cow moose aren't even 850. Setting someone straight isn't the equivelant of being an *censored*. I'd like to know how 3 guys got an 850 lb animal dead weight into the back of a pickup whole without a hoist.:yeah: :yeah: where's the "thin skinned" smiley at?
Post by: 206 on November 14, 2012, 06:25:36 PM
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=109000.0;attach=230617;image (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=109000.0;attach=230617;image)
http://www.eatmedaily.com/2009/10/offal-of-the-week-caul-fat/ (http://www.eatmedaily.com/2009/10/offal-of-the-week-caul-fat/)
Seen the caul in my cow and said, "Hmmmmmmmmmm. NOPE....I'm not going to be an Iron Chef"
Edit: The attached pic is a LOL. Where's the bloody arms or even on hands? "Guts Wide Open" was a movie I think. "On the Road with fire wood and duck call" is extra points.
Post by: kentrek on November 14, 2012, 07:00:51 PM
Where's the bloody arms or even on hands?
lol please don't question somebody just cuz there not all bloody like alot of "new" hunters get..
who cares how much it weighed..even with the extra pork maybe 50 pounds give or take its still a big cow...
Post by: 206 on November 14, 2012, 08:31:40 PM
Where's the bloody arms or even on hands?
lol please don't question somebody just cuz there not all bloody like alot of "new" hunters get..
Still laughing more than before.
Don't tell me. WAZZU right?? You brought up the extra pork conversation, I didn't.
Post by: 206 on November 14, 2012, 08:38:20 PM
Post by: Yelm hunter on November 14, 2012, 08:49:33 PM
Where's the bloody arms or even on hands?
lol please don't question somebody just cuz there not all bloody like alot of "new" hunters get..
who cares how much it weighed..even with the extra pork maybe 50 pounds give or take its still a big cow...
:yeah: :yeah: You can tell how big she is just by the damn gut pile... Thank You!
Post by: SI Eagle on November 14, 2012, 09:11:05 PM
YES! There sure alot of ass holes out there!! I can't believe some of you guys on this site. It's just stupid how some of you act!!Easy Yelm! You got all offended last year when you were bragging about how you would kill her in one day and it took you a few to get her and the guys were ribbing you about it. I believe you even threatened you were going to get a attorney. I do believe the cow was 850 lbs, with you and your dad standing on top of it. LOL
Post by: Harborhunter on November 14, 2012, 09:20:49 PM
Post by: Fowlweather25 on November 14, 2012, 10:31:39 PM
The more I look the more I'm LOL. Sorry to dish on the original poster, but it looks like the gut pile is left on the road. Maybe you swept it off later, I dunno.
Hahaha that was another topic of conversation last year! He got all bent out of shape about someone asking him if he left the guts in the road or not. Hey yelm, why did you take that cow to rainier when your kin to butch at Stewart's? Hmmmmm.
Post by: billythekidrock on November 14, 2012, 10:34:18 PM
The more I look the more I'm LOL. Sorry to dish on the original poster, but it looks like the gut pile is left on the road. Maybe you swept it off later, I dunno.
Hahaha that was another topic of conversation last year! He got all bent out of shape about someone asking him if he left the guts in the road or not. Hey yelm, why did you take that cow to rainier when your kin to butch at Stewart's? Hmmmmm.
Oh lord. I forgot about the whole guts in the road and the butcher drama.
Post by: ICEMAN on November 15, 2012, 12:50:30 AM
Post by: SI Eagle on November 15, 2012, 06:12:59 AM
Post by: HntnFsh on November 15, 2012, 06:13:40 AM
Do you want Proof of hanging weight from Rainier Taxidermy?? I'm the one who killed her and I'm the one who gutted her and my Dad and brother in the pics are the ones that helped me gut her and load her into my truck... So you all need to just mind your own business if you don't think she was that heavy!! I know how much meat I got out of her. I had 150 lbs of hamburger, 100 lbs of Sausage, 50 lbs of breakfast sausage, 100 lbs of steak including backstrap...
Sorry Yelm hunter. Not trying to pile on here. But if Rainier taxidermy weighed that animal for you, their scales were way off. Ive killed and packed out a lot of animals bigger than that. That werent close to 850. Just take pride in knowing that you got a nice cow, that should eat real well.
Post by: Wildsau on November 15, 2012, 10:49:35 AM
:tup: :tup: :yeah: :yeah: :tup: :tup: HntnFsh
Yelm hunter
No matter what the dead weight, or the freezer weight, that is, still, a nice cow and, I am sure, is some real good eatin'.
Just the same, I am still wiping the tears and chuckling from the comments.
Post by: sirmissalot on November 15, 2012, 04:29:16 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on November 15, 2012, 04:56:15 PM
LMCO :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: SI Eagle
:tup: :tup: :yeah: :yeah: :tup: :tup: HntnFsh
Yelm hunter
No matter what the dead weight, or the freezer weight, that is, still, a nice cow and, I am sure, is some real good eatin'.
Just the same, I am still wiping the tears and chuckling from the comments.
I agree. Still a great one to notch a tag on, but damn don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining.
Post by: Fowlweather25 on November 15, 2012, 09:03:22 PM
Post by: skywalker253 on November 15, 2012, 09:36:09 PM
Do you want Proof of hanging weight from Rainier Taxidermy?? I'm the one who killed her and I'm the one who gutted her and my Dad and brother in the pics are the ones that helped me gut her and load her into my truck... So you all need to just mind your own business if you don't think she was that heavy!! I know how much meat I got out of her. I had 150 lbs of hamburger, 100 lbs of Sausage, 50 lbs of breakfast sausage, 100 lbs of steak including backstrap...
Nice cow! Got one last Tuesday and it is very comparable to yours. No head, no hide, no legs from the joint down, no guts, quartered; she weighed 273lbs hanging. Congrat's on the elk. Whether it was 250lbs or 1000lbs, any elk is a good elk in my book. Good job!
Post by: xXLojackXx on November 15, 2012, 10:05:13 PM
Post by: TriggerHappy on November 16, 2012, 12:41:02 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on November 16, 2012, 03:44:13 AM
First how do you know it was 850 lbs after you gutted her what was the weight at the taxidermist? Second why did you bring a cow to the taxidermist :dunno:
:yeah: :chuckle: :yeah: :chuckle: That's funny right there. This is the funniest thread going.
Post by: doyourtime89 on November 16, 2012, 06:47:21 AM
Second why did you bring a cow to the taxidermist :dunno:
:yeah:
Thats what I was wondering???????
Post by: SI Eagle on November 16, 2012, 07:18:48 AM
First how do you know it was 850 lbs after you gutted her what was the weight at the taxidermist? Second why did you bring a cow to the taxidermist :dunno:I think he took her there because it was a January cow hunt and he wanted to get her Uterus mounted.
Post by: Wildsau on November 16, 2012, 08:11:06 AM
:cryriver: :pee:
Post by: headshot5 on November 16, 2012, 08:24:03 AM
Quote
I think he took her there because it was a January cow hunt and he wanted to get her Uterus mounted.
He wanted to mount her uterus?!!! :yike:
Post by: duckmen1 on November 16, 2012, 08:36:31 AM
Post by: Dr. Death on November 16, 2012, 09:13:17 AM
Sure a butcher is going to tell you #400 lbs....they charge cutting fee by the pound....:) I'd have told you it was 1000 & 600 of meat.... :chuckle:
Post by: Dr. Death on November 16, 2012, 09:14:51 AM
Post by: kentrek on November 16, 2012, 10:38:59 AM
I didnt get #100 of steaks out of my Moose this year!
really ?? must of had alot of burger :chuckle:
Post by: Dr. Death on November 16, 2012, 10:47:36 AM
And yes, ALOT of burger! :tup:
Post by: ouchfoss on November 17, 2012, 09:17:48 AM
I feel pretty confident that there was a cow that lived around here locally that probably easily weighed 850 or possibly more. One year during early archery I was hunting an area and found one set of HUGE brand new tracks and figured it could be nothing else besides a big lone bull so I went after them. After 1/4 mile I caught up with my "lone bull" and realized its the biggest cow I have ever seen. She was every bit as big as most big mature bulls I have seen. It was a lone/barren cow that lived in one area and would never stay with a herd. I bumped her 4 different times over a 3 year period and several other people I know of bumped her as well. I had a few people tell me that more that likely she couldnt have calves and that is why she was so large and didnt run with the herd. :dunno:
850 pounders do exist! :P :chuckle:
Post by: skywalker253 on November 17, 2012, 10:39:16 AM
Not sure if I want to comment on this one or not but here it goes. :chuckle:
I feel pretty confident that there was a cow that lived around here locally that probably easily weighed 850 or possibly more. One year during early archery I was hunting an area and found one set of HUGE brand new tracks and figured it could be nothing else besides a big lone bull so I went after them. After 1/4 mile I caught up with my "lone bull" and realized its the biggest cow I have ever seen. She was every bit as big as most big mature bulls I have seen. It was a lone/barren cow that lived in one area and would never stay with a herd. I bumped her 4 different times over a 3 year period and several other people I know of bumped her as well. I had a few people tell me that more that likely she couldnt have calves and that is why she was so large and didnt run with the herd. :dunno:
850 pounders do exist! :P :chuckle:
I think the forum would likely agree with you. The forum was questioning the size of the gentleman, whom posted pics of his cow and claimed it was 850lbs. Not that 850lbs cow elk don't exist. I have seen some big cows down in the Nemah/Raymond area, which were in that pound arena.
Post by: sirmissalot on November 17, 2012, 05:32:53 PM
Post by: skywalker253 on November 18, 2012, 01:28:24 AM
Even then, you're not gonna get 400lbs of meat off an 850lb animal. At least not from my experience.
I agree. My cow was estimated around 500-600 lbs. Once it was all cleaned up and dressed out, it weighed 273lbs hanging. The butcher told me the average meat weight you take home is about 40-50% of the original weight, once all broken down. Sometimes 1/3 of the original weight. It varies by body and if it was shot up pretty bad. I'm not expert, but it seems reasonable.
Post by: LeeMajors on November 19, 2012, 10:41:13 AM
QuoteI think he took her there because it was a January cow hunt and he wanted to get her Uterus mounted.
He wanted to mount her uterus?!!! :yike:
Enumclaw style hunting?
Post by: kentrek on November 19, 2012, 10:48:34 AM
Even then, you're not gonna get 400lbs of meat off an 850lb animal. At least not from my experience.
I agree. My cow was estimated around 500-600 lbs. Once it was all cleaned up and dressed out, it weighed 273lbs hanging. The butcher told me the average meat weight you take home is about 40-50% of the original weight, once all broken down. Sometimes 1/3 of the original weight. It varies by body and if it was shot up pretty bad. I'm not expert, but it seems reasonable.
that is why he got the 800 # number..the butcher "may" have gave him extra meat an then he did what you just said to get the live weight..
Post by: SI Eagle on November 19, 2012, 11:43:21 AM
QuoteI think he took her there because it was a January cow hunt and he wanted to get her Uterus mounted.
He wanted to mount her uterus?!!! :yike:
Enumclaw style hunting?
No, I think it is Yelm style. I hear they mount alot of them there.
Post by: NWBREW on November 19, 2012, 12:24:51 PM
Post by: FullDraw on November 20, 2012, 06:23:12 PM
Post by: FullDraw on November 20, 2012, 06:27:21 PM
Post by: MarvinS1958 on November 20, 2012, 08:16:33 PM
Post by: SI Eagle on November 21, 2012, 07:33:12 AM
Post by: actionshooter on November 21, 2012, 07:57:33 AM
I'm guessing the herd is going to crash bad over the next 5 years and then make a comeback.
400 tags is better than letting them die slow.
Post by: actionshooter on November 21, 2012, 07:58:32 AM
This thread is halarious, some people just bring it on themselves....... :chuckle:
Post by: sirmissalot on November 21, 2012, 10:08:59 AM
Anyone here of the elk there having hoof rot. My dad sent a picture of a elk foot from one that was taken there this year. It was really bad and i guess a lot of the elk were barely able to walkThere is at least one thread entirely on hoof rot. Yes it's bad. My bull in the Margaret high country had it but not nearly that bad and only in one hind hoof.
Post by: FullDraw on November 21, 2012, 02:20:27 PM
Post by: skywalker253 on November 21, 2012, 02:31:31 PM
Post by: MarvinS1958 on November 21, 2012, 03:11:14 PM
I am curious :dunno: Is there a limit as to the percentage of clearcuts the can be sprayed? :bdid:
Post by: skywalker253 on November 21, 2012, 03:52:41 PM
Post by: cem3434 on November 21, 2012, 06:01:43 PM
Sounds reasonable. The article I read, said Weyhauser has been complaining to the game department, over damages to the forest. Specifically the smaller trees being horned down by bulls, and the elk herds killing off the new growth in the clear cuts. Basically said there is too many elk (surplus) to survive within the area. I'm no expert or biologist, but that seems like a BS excuse. There is plenty of forest, and I am not convinced that every section of timber is loaded with elk trying to find food. There is a lot of elk in those areas, but it's not like hunters have a great success rate of harvesting an elk. Most guys are lucky to even see an elk, let alone try and find 3 points to kill one. Seems like it is more about generating more special permits, to issue more tag, to bring in more money. Perhaps I am worng?:yeah:
Weyco wants the numbers reduced and WDFW wants more revenue.....its that simple!
Post by: actionshooter on November 21, 2012, 06:09:06 PM
Not really, There are too many elk.Sounds reasonable. The article I read, said Weyhauser has been complaining to the game department, over damages to the forest. Specifically the smaller trees being horned down by bulls, and the elk herds killing off the new growth in the clear cuts. Basically said there is too many elk (surplus) to survive within the area. I'm no expert or biologist, but that seems like a BS excuse. There is plenty of forest, and I am not convinced that every section of timber is loaded with elk trying to find food. There is a lot of elk in those areas, but it's not like hunters have a great success rate of harvesting an elk. Most guys are lucky to even see an elk, let alone try and find 3 points to kill one. Seems like it is more about generating more special permits, to issue more tag, to bring in more money. Perhaps I am worng?:yeah:
Weyco wants the numbers reduced and WDFW wants more revenue.....its that simple!
I'll make it simple
Elk eat grass
mountain go boom
timber companies log lots
grass everywhere
elk multiply
trees grow back
timber companies slow logging
not enough food for lots of elk
They starve or we get to hunt them
Hows that for simple?
Post by: cem3434 on November 21, 2012, 10:37:27 PM
Post by: sirmissalot on November 21, 2012, 10:39:49 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on November 22, 2012, 06:27:53 AM
I wish it was that simple, but its not. Cutting the herd by almost 50% isn't management. :twocents:
If the habitat can't support the current amount of elk, then thinning the herd to an appropriate level is the right thing to do.
What do you want them to do, plant elk food on a commercial tree farm? Build fences to keep them out residential areas?
Sometime carring capacity is reached and they need to get thinned. I would rather they let us do it before the wolves get in there.
Post by: SI Eagle on November 22, 2012, 06:31:29 AM
It would be that simple if it was true. I have hunted the Winston Unit for well over 30 years and I doubt there are 10 people on this site that have spent much more time in the Unit then I have. I have NEVER seen a starving elk in the Winston and I don't know anyone who has. The bottom line is Weyco wants them reduced and the state is complying. It is that simple.Not really, There are too many elk.Sounds reasonable. The article I read, said Weyhauser has been complaining to the game department, over damages to the forest. Specifically the smaller trees being horned down by bulls, and the elk herds killing off the new growth in the clear cuts. Basically said there is too many elk (surplus) to survive within the area. I'm no expert or biologist, but that seems like a BS excuse. There is plenty of forest, and I am not convinced that every section of timber is loaded with elk trying to find food. There is a lot of elk in those areas, but it's not like hunters have a great success rate of harvesting an elk. Most guys are lucky to even see an elk, let alone try and find 3 points to kill one. Seems like it is more about generating more special permits, to issue more tag, to bring in more money. Perhaps I am worng?:yeah:
Weyco wants the numbers reduced and WDFW wants more revenue.....its that simple!
I'll make it simple
Elk eat grass
mountain go boom
timber companies log lots
grass everywhere
elk multiply
trees grow back
timber companies slow logging
not enough food for lots of elk
They starve or we get to hunt them
Hows that for simple?
Post by: SI Eagle on November 22, 2012, 06:38:25 AM
Where is any of this happening in the Winston Unit?? Maybe Weyco and WDFW having been dropping fliers from the sky and you guys are buying the propaganda or maybe you just got done reading about it in the Enquirer? Now I am going to probably hear that a friend, of a friends, uncles, brother in law knows of hundreds of starving elk that are trampling homes on the way in search of food. Wake up and ealize that all the cow tags are killing the hunting. You should be more worried about hunting 10 years from now and how it will be rather than how you have to fill your tag this year. This is going to set the Unit back years and years.I wish it was that simple, but its not. Cutting the herd by almost 50% isn't management. :twocents:
If the habitat can't support the current amount of elk, then thinning the herd to an appropriate level is the right thing to do.
What do you want them to do, plant elk food on a commercial tree farm? Build fences to keep them out residential areas?
Sometime carring capacity is reached and they need to get thinned. I would rather they let us do it before the wolves get in there.
Post by: billythekidrock on November 22, 2012, 07:32:15 AM
I would think that this would qualify as starving...would you not? This Winston January cow did not have any fat on it and it was losing muscle mass. These photos show where a tender backstrap should have been. Not a mass of sinew and stringy muscle.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2FwebCopy-of-IMG_1812.jpg&hash=75736b5e401edf0903f5328602e7f0c0695ffdd2)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2FwebCopy-of-IMG_1814.jpg&hash=89a609c14741fc582a0e228c8b38470b90459eb3)
The fact is, most of the Winston cannot carry this many elk for much longer. The bubble has burst and it will never be the same again.
Post by: actionshooter on November 22, 2012, 07:43:50 AM
You are right about the winston unit. Its the least affected, but they are starving in the margret/toutle/blast zone. The elk don't see the GMU lines. The area has to be looked at as a whole, not just each individual unit. When the elk in the winston are reduced the elk from the other areas will move in.( Why the WDFG didn't give out a butload of margret cow tags, I don't know.)
What I am seeing here is a complete lack of understanding about proper habitat/carrying capacity AND some short sighted thoughts about next years hunting. (OH-NO! I might have to find a new unit!)
Everyone is worried about just filling their tags and don't care about the health of the herd.
This is going to hurt the hunting opportunity for sure, but if its not done now, disease and winter die off (remember 3 years ago?)
is going to be worse.
Hunting was pretty damn good for about 20 years because of a high elk population but the habitat isn't there anymore. Now the most important thing is to make sure the elk are healthy.
Post by: cem3434 on November 22, 2012, 08:04:30 AM
The bottomline is Weyco thinks the elk are causing to much damage to the trees and they want then gone. They started spraying to kill off the things that are nutritious to the elk and the State is letting them do it. Now the WDFW just wants the additional revenue.without actually doing any work. So when you look at it, its really that simple.
I think some plan needs to be developed, but whacking over 500 cows a year isn't a management plan. Maybe they should take some of the money they have gotten from the permit applications and spend it on opening a feeding station or two in the tree farm in a partnership with Weyco. I don't know what the correct plan is, but killing off almost half of the herd is piss poor management at best!
BTKR, I'm sure that cow was surviving just like every other elk right up until you pulled the trigger. :twocents:
Post by: logger on November 22, 2012, 08:59:21 AM
Post by: actionshooter on November 22, 2012, 09:05:38 AM
How about the forest service get to logging some of our ground again especially in the lewis and wind river, and packwood units, then maybe they would have a little better carrying capacity as it is, the national forest are all but dead to elk and deer as far as I am concerned.
I agree 100%
Post by: elksnout on November 22, 2012, 09:13:15 AM
How about the forest service get to logging some of our ground again especially in the lewis and wind river, and packwood units, then maybe they would have a little better carrying capacity as it is, the national forest are all but dead to elk and deer as far as I am concerned.
Well said logger. Add the Soiuxon to your list please.
Post by: HntnFsh on November 22, 2012, 09:15:19 AM
How about the forest service get to logging some of our ground again especially in the lewis and wind river, and packwood units, then maybe they would have a little better carrying capacity as it is, the national forest are all but dead to elk and deer as far as I am concerned.
Very wise words! Would help so much in so any ways!
Post by: C-Money on November 22, 2012, 09:18:25 AM
Mounted uterus's look good also, I have 2 mounted on the wall...... :chuckle:
Let me guess.....They are hung about waist high? :yike: :bdid: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: cem3434 on November 22, 2012, 09:25:32 AM
How about the forest service get to logging some of our ground again especially in the lewis and wind river, and packwood units, then maybe they would have a little better carrying capacity as it is, the national forest are all but dead to elk and deer as far as I am concerned.
Very wise words! Would help so much in so any ways!
:yeah:
Jobs and habitat. The state and feds are to messed up to realize that it would help.
Post by: logger on November 22, 2012, 09:50:48 AM
Post by: SI Eagle on November 23, 2012, 10:03:00 AM
SI Eagle.
I would think that this would qualify as starving...would you not? This Winston January cow did not have any fat on it and it was losing muscle mass. These photos show where a tender backstrap should have been. Not a mass of sinew and stringy muscle.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2FwebCopy-of-IMG_1812.jpg&hash=75736b5e401edf0903f5328602e7f0c0695ffdd2)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2FwebCopy-of-IMG_1814.jpg&hash=89a609c14741fc582a0e228c8b38470b90459eb3)
I think you left out the picture of the hoof rot that cow had. I believe when you posted that last it had hoof rot. I will give you the hoof rot and what that is doing to the herd. I can't give you starving. They have plenty of habitat and feed in the Winston and no elk need to be fed or are starving. Between hoof rot and cow tags the herd is in bad shape.
The fact is, most of the Winston cannot carry this many elk for much longer. The bubble has burst and it will never be the same again.
Post by: actionshooter on November 23, 2012, 10:17:25 AM
since it seems you have it all figured out............what causes the hoof rot?
Post by: SI Eagle on November 23, 2012, 12:11:47 PM
SI,
since it seems you have it all figured out............what causes the hoof rot?
Not sure but it certainly isn't starvation.
Post by: actionshooter on November 23, 2012, 02:33:15 PM
SI,
since it seems you have it all figured out............what causes the hoof rot?
Not sure but it certainly isn't starvation.
Actually hoof rot can be associated with a lack of nutrients and minerals in livestock...........but I'm sure elk are different as they are wild animals. And since I treat work with livestock and not wild animals, I'm sure your right.
Post by: Cylvertip on November 24, 2012, 12:04:11 PM
Winston was also largely out of the blast zone, so there was no great opening up of the forest caused by nature. Clear cuts feed that herd and they have been strong for years. Again, look at the number of bulls coming out of there every year.
:twocents:
I hunted the Winston for many years during archery. It is hard to go anywhere else on the Wetside and hunt elk after being in the numbers you see down there. You get really spoiled and have a false sense of elk reality hunting in there. No big deal to see a legal bull every day and put stalks on multiple bulls during a day. best day in the woods, on foot and bike ( not driving around and glassing) was seeing 6 legal bulls, with 4 of those being large 5x5's or better, and I think I was within 200 yds of all of them. A lot of places down there and in the Margeret too, it looks like your in a barn yard.
If hoof rot ever takes serious hold in there it will be a disaster, especially if we have a big snow year, that is for sure.
Post by: HntnFsh on November 25, 2012, 09:19:33 AM
If hoof rot ever takes serious hold in there it will be a disaster, especially if we have a big snow year, that is for sure.
[/quote]
Post by: Fowlweather25 on November 27, 2012, 08:54:21 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on November 27, 2012, 01:07:53 PM
http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/ (http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/)
Post by: grundy53 on December 03, 2012, 10:44:49 AM
Post by: sneakyjake on December 29, 2012, 09:57:46 AM
Post by: billythekidrock on December 29, 2012, 07:14:13 PM
Did not hear any shots in the last two days, but heard of one 4x4 bull killed and found a dead 5x on the 500.
Post by: sneakyjake on December 30, 2012, 09:58:56 AM
Post by: billythekidrock on December 30, 2012, 09:35:13 PM
Post by: rackattack on December 30, 2012, 09:46:06 PM
Gates are open. Saw single cow with with hoof rot yesterday as well as 3 other cows that seemed healthy. Saw 3 nice bulls, including one whopper 6x6. Saw a cow and bull on the 1900 just before dark tonight but we couldn't get a shot.
Did not hear any shots in the last two days, but heard of one 4x4 bull killed and found a dead 5x on the 500.
Who the heck is shooting the bulls? I thought htis was an antlerless tag season. :dunno:
Post by: Crunchy on December 30, 2012, 09:56:49 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on December 31, 2012, 11:10:46 AM
Gates are open. Saw single cow with with hoof rot yesterday as well as 3 other cows that seemed healthy. Saw 3 nice bulls, including one whopper 6x6. Saw a cow and bull on the 1900 just before dark tonight but we couldn't get a shot.
Did not hear any shots in the last two days, but heard of one 4x4 bull killed and found a dead 5x on the 500.
Who the heck is shooting the bulls? I thought htis was an antlerless tag season. :dunno:
It is an antlerless hunt.
I am not sure who is killing the bulls but I know Enforcement caught a guy with a 4x4 bull in the eastern portion of the unit this weekend. He also told us of another dead/wasted bull that someone marked with ribbon.
And I know I am not the only one that saw this 5x on the 500. Someone started to gut it before leaving it to rot.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2FwebIMG_0188.jpg&hash=578285f5e3d665ed7b92d85198f917e41321fa52)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2FwebIMG_0191.jpg&hash=a17869964b01f3fac51ba5ea6798c14f788544d1)
Post by: duckmen1 on December 31, 2012, 11:20:31 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on January 14, 2013, 07:23:56 AM
Me, my wife and my 10 year old daughter(tag holder) are still at it. This last weekend we saw 15 bulls all of which we could have shot easily and quite a few cows. The cows are just a lot jumpier and tough to get a shot at when you are just starting out. We got to put the scope on 4 different cows but she missed the first cow and the other three over the course of the weekend she didn't feel comfortable with the shot. It's her call and I am proud of her choices.
We are going to give it one more go Tuesday and Wednesday, hopefully we don't get burned by the logging and gate closures during the week. The closed the gate at the 500/1100 Y this weekend. There was alot less traffic this weekend I am guessing people are tagging out. We still saw plenty of elk, getting opportunities and hope to get it done Tuesday. She is getting a ton of experience, man is the learning curve steep for a new hunter.
Post by: sneakyjake on January 15, 2013, 06:46:53 PM
Post by: Cap.Silver on January 15, 2013, 06:52:42 PM
Post by: sneakyjake on January 17, 2013, 02:05:29 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on January 18, 2013, 03:01:57 PM
We did on the very last hunt find a 4 point elk shed that I told her she should be very proud to have found, those are tough to find on the west side.
It was hunt I will cherish for ever and she is looking forward to turkey season just around the corner.
Congratulations to all of the successful hunters, even with an unfilled tag we are calling it a win with a ton of great memories.
Post by: actionshooter on January 20, 2013, 08:52:34 PM