Post by: Maverick on June 02, 2013, 03:52:37 PM
Post by: sirmissalot on June 02, 2013, 04:01:52 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on June 02, 2013, 04:39:38 PM
Post by: jackelope on June 02, 2013, 05:06:01 PM
Doesn't matter where. But if you were drawn for hunt, how big of buck would you hold out for? For me it'd be a 140 plus whitetail, a 150 plus Muley and a 350 plus bull elk.
It does matter where to me. I'm not going to shoot a 150" mule deer in some of the choice GMU's in Washington. I would in the Blues again probably.
Post by: Bullkllr on June 02, 2013, 06:54:21 PM
If I draw a mule deer tag I'd probably shoot the first heavy, mature buck I saw regardless of score.
Whitetail...I have no idea about whitetail.
But that's just me :twocents:
Post by: alecvg on June 02, 2013, 06:59:01 PM
Post by: Maverick on June 02, 2013, 07:05:39 PM
Post by: 3nails on June 02, 2013, 07:09:51 PM
WA Q Deer- 170 goal
WA Q Elk 300+ goal
ID CH Deer 180+ goal
ID CH Elk 300+ goal
ID WT Deer ? depends on how the hunt is going.
Post by: rtspring on June 02, 2013, 07:27:43 PM
Post by: adamR on June 02, 2013, 07:38:49 PM
Based on my 340 bull from 2011 I would just say that when the moment comes you know when to shoot, whether or not he meets your score quota.
Post by: Maverick on June 02, 2013, 07:44:33 PM
350 bull?? Easy to say until the 320 steps out! I myself would hold out for a really nice symetrical 6x6 all ivory tipped. Score really wouldnt matter.
The reason I would try to hold out for a 350 plus bull is because the 6x6 I got last year scored 341. Gotta try to beat that!
Post by: Rooster1981 on June 03, 2013, 06:43:05 AM
I would shoot the first 24 inch wide 4 point mule deer, Quilomene muzzy
And for elk I just want a 300 + class bull 6x6 or bigger. Muzzy
Post by: coachcw on June 03, 2013, 09:01:12 AM
Post by: krism83 on June 03, 2013, 09:12:56 AM
Post by: mwhunter on June 03, 2013, 09:58:08 AM
Post by: PolarBear on June 03, 2013, 10:07:35 AM
Post by: Scottystyle on June 03, 2013, 12:25:39 PM
Post by: Maverick on June 03, 2013, 12:26:33 PM
Post by: Gringo31 on June 03, 2013, 12:35:15 PM
As I get older, I think I'm going to switch to the law of personal record. :tup:
As they say, history repeats itself and IF I'm ever drawn again, I can't see myself shooting a 5x5 or a small 6. Holding out is half the fun!
Post by: PolarBear on June 03, 2013, 12:36:46 PM
Maverick: Don't try to be like me! I've eaten my tag for the past couple of years because I was too damn picky. Even my buddies gave me crap for passing up 20+ bucks last year. There is no magic number in my head when I go hunting. I just look for a critter that I like the looks of. A nice, heavy, symmetrical 4 point of any breed of deer is my favorite.
Post by: Maverick on June 03, 2013, 12:39:44 PM
Post by: jstone on June 03, 2013, 02:07:32 PM
Post by: vandeman17 on June 03, 2013, 02:56:37 PM
Post by: steeleywhopper on June 03, 2013, 02:57:59 PM
Just to make it clear, if a monster bull were to present itself before a tender young bull..... I'd hammer the big boy!
Post by: Jonathan_S on June 03, 2013, 03:08:21 PM
That bull in my avatar was so tough and chewy, never again.!
:cryriver: we all feel for you
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on June 03, 2013, 03:17:38 PM
For me, I have gotten to the point where I either A) hold out for a mature animal no matter what the species or B) if I find one that presents me a great stalk or is unique in some way then I would take it. For example, if I found fresh elk sign and was following it, playing cat and mouse with a hot bull and work my @$$ off to get him, then he would be worth using my tag if he is 360 or 225. :twocents:That's probably closest for me too. I am a sucker for old bucks or bulls, regardless of score - and if they have above average mass and are legal, they are probably going down. A perfect shot opportunity after a good stalk I find very hard to pass up. I am pretty good at guessing scores, but the numbers really don't mean much to me beyond a means of understanding size in a quasi-objective manner.
Post by: GoPlayOutside on June 03, 2013, 09:33:04 PM
WA Q Elk - 340" bow. However, I drew a great CH Idaho bull tag last year, told myself I was holding out for 6x6 350. And I shot a nice 5x5 opening day. :o
I panicked and just saw so many horns (no spikes) on 1 animal, I freaked out. Boom!
Post by: huntnnw on June 03, 2013, 10:11:45 PM
I put in for Mt view archery..goal is 320" plus
chiliwist archery..160 plus
Post by: hogsniper on June 04, 2013, 10:19:27 AM
Post by: Odell on June 04, 2013, 12:10:51 PM
My general rule of thumb is to beat my personal best with that weapon. So for deer that's around 140 for rifle 120 archery and I will never hunt muzzy again so I don't think about it.
I'm still an elk virgin after three years. I'm new to that, I'll kill anything.
Post by: JPhelps on June 04, 2013, 12:29:43 PM
Quality Buck: 170+
Bull: 320+
Note: these scores are easier to say without being in the field with a tag in my hand.
Post by: coachcw on June 04, 2013, 12:43:44 PM
Quality Bull: first couple days 380+, then 330+Not many 380 bulls inless your holding out in c-post
Quality Buck: 170+
Bull: 320+
Note: these scores are easier to say without being in the field with a tag in my hand.
Post by: Ripper on June 04, 2013, 12:45:27 PM
Post by: CedarPants on June 04, 2013, 12:50:32 PM
a big fat cow elk!
I was wondering when someone was going to bring up a cow tag!!
If I draw my cow tag, I'll probably hold out for a cow with eyes at least 8 inches apart and a little bit of junk in her trunk. And if her ears have some trash, I'll definitely pull the trigger :chuckle:
Post by: Jonathan_S on June 04, 2013, 03:38:59 PM
a big fat cow elk!
I was wondering when someone was going to bring up a cow tag!!
If I draw my cow tag, I'll probably hold out for a cow with eyes at least 8 inches apart and a little bit of junk in her trunk. And if her ears have some trash, I'll definitely pull the trigger :chuckle:
:yeah: :yeah:
If it takes 7, 8, 10 points to draw for a friggin antlerless tag it's good to see some people admit it :chuckle:
Post by: one shot kill on June 04, 2013, 04:11:43 PM
Post by: Alan K on June 04, 2013, 05:40:26 PM
Post by: JPhelps on June 04, 2013, 07:10:44 PM
Post by: Button Nubbs on June 04, 2013, 07:21:27 PM
Any none draw tag, I usually shoot the first legal animal I see :tup:see the 3rd thin the herd. :tup:
Post by: Austrian Hunter on June 04, 2013, 07:24:00 PM
Any none draw tag, I usually shoot the first legal animal I see :tup:
Same here!!! Don't care how big, it's legal it's dead!
Post by: BLUEBULLS on June 04, 2013, 08:37:55 PM
Post by: h2ofowlr on June 04, 2013, 09:44:20 PM
Post by: Jonathan_S on June 05, 2013, 09:30:14 AM
:twocents:
Now a spike bull... :drool:
I wouldn't. I like to eat steaks and not have to make the entire animal into pepperoni or some other grind. Spike, two-points, doe or cows. It's the way to go.
Post by: huntnphool on June 05, 2013, 02:18:56 PM
Post by: Jonathan_S on June 05, 2013, 02:52:08 PM
After reading the entire thread it sounds like there is going to be a need for a good tag soup recipe, assuming any of you guys actually have the stones to stick by your post. :chuckle:
Quality Bull 400+
Quality Buck 160+ Whitetail; 180+ Muledeer
:chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
In reality...
Quality Bull 260+
Whitetail 130+
Muledeer 150+
I get too excited.
Post by: Maverick on June 05, 2013, 05:03:42 PM
I wouldn't. I like to eat steaks and not have to make the entire animal into pepperoni or some other grind. Spike, two-points, doe or cows. It's the way to go.
I cut my 6x6 341 inch bull in to steaks, roasts, and burger. tastes amazing!
Post by: JPhelps on June 05, 2013, 05:06:15 PM
:yeah:I wouldn't. I like to eat steaks and not have to make the entire animal into pepperoni or some other grind. Spike, two-points, doe or cows. It's the way to go.
I cut my 6x6 341 inch bull in to steaks, roasts, and burger. tastes amazing!
My Washington bull from this year is AMAZING table fare.
Post by: huntnphool on June 05, 2013, 05:20:39 PM
Thats more like it. :tup: Its good to have "goals" but there are very very few on here that will pass a 300" bull or 160" mule deer.After reading the entire thread it sounds like there is going to be a need for a good tag soup recipe, assuming any of you guys actually have the stones to stick by your post. :chuckle:
Quality Bull 400+
Quality Buck 160+ Whitetail; 180+ Muledeer
:chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
In reality...
Quality Bull 260+
Whitetail 130+
Muledeer 150+
I get too excited.
Post by: Button Nubbs on June 05, 2013, 05:39:32 PM
as is my 6x6. best tasting meat i have EVER had.:yeah:I wouldn't. I like to eat steaks and not have to make the entire animal into pepperoni or some other grind. Spike, two-points, doe or cows. It's the way to go.
I cut my 6x6 341 inch bull in to steaks, roasts, and burger. tastes amazing!
My Washington bull from this year is AMAZING table fare.
Post by: Jrzbullelk on June 05, 2013, 06:28:54 PM
150+ mule deer
I HOPE I GET DRAWN THIS YEAR :drool:
Post by: mtman on June 05, 2013, 07:22:58 PM
Post by: WDFW Hates ME!!! on June 05, 2013, 08:07:51 PM
Deer? heck i drove all the way to Colorado to shoot a 3 point last year.
I could care less how big they are. I like to eat deer and elk, so i try to fill my tags.
I have only shot 1 spike in my life and i was 15 years old.
Post by: Button Nubbs on June 05, 2013, 09:50:55 PM
I try to set my goals early. I Dont hold out for anything bigger then what Ive seen during the off season. I Put in for a west side elk tag this year so my goal I want to reach is 283 that is 1 inch bigger then my dad's bull. He shot his first big bull last year which dropped my cascade bull down a notch in the family so I want back on top. For deer I put in for A foot hills tag in the blues for muzzy I am looking for a nice 8 point or better. Its hard to say with deer beacause I think as far as deer go size goes up if you wait for the rut. If I draw the tag I will head out a drop so cameras off and hope that will help with my decision.Very realistic goals. The beauty is you can do that withh the elk permit or not on the wetside.
I feel like a lot of people aren't really going to hold out for a 350 bull on here. My goal is 320" simply for the fact that I've got a couple on the wall now and I made a deal with the lady, 320 or better gets a full shoulder mount. Crappy part is I feel like I stand a better chance in otc units on the wetside than I would with all but 1 of the permit options for archery.
Post by: huntnnw on June 05, 2013, 10:35:14 PM
Post by: Austrian Hunter on June 05, 2013, 11:15:26 PM
Post by: huntnnw on June 05, 2013, 11:26:46 PM
Post by: PolarBear on June 05, 2013, 11:29:42 PM
I run into guys all the time who put in for OIL or quality tags and have no idea where the area actually is, have never stepped foot in the unit and are just applying to be applying. It pisses me off to no end!
Post by: huntnnw on June 05, 2013, 11:38:01 PM
Post by: PolarBear on June 05, 2013, 11:48:55 PM
Post by: buglebuster on June 06, 2013, 12:19:19 AM
Post by: huntnnw on June 06, 2013, 04:56:49 AM
Post by: 3nails on June 06, 2013, 05:02:15 AM
Post by: huntnnw on June 06, 2013, 06:17:54 AM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 06, 2013, 09:47:53 AM
Post by: huntnphool on June 06, 2013, 10:53:45 AM
I found out in March that I drew the Hunter Education Instructor Incentive Tag for eastside whitetails. I am going to do my best to hold out for a 150", but I am a high school teacher, and my time to hunt will be limited.Thats awesome, congrats! :tup:
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 06, 2013, 12:46:47 PM
I found out in March that I drew the Hunter Education Instructor Incentive Tag for eastside whitetails. I am going to do my best to hold out for a 150", but I am a high school teacher, and my time to hunt will be limited.Thats awesome, congrats! :tup:
Thanks. First time I have ever drawn a tag for anything with antlers in WA. (I guess I can stop complaning now...huh? :chuckle: ) I am looking forward to a great hunt and praying for weather....
Post by: lostbackpacker on June 06, 2013, 01:07:03 PM
Post by: h20hunter on June 06, 2013, 01:07:45 PM
Post by: D-Rock425 on June 06, 2013, 01:12:14 PM
Post by: lucky33 on June 06, 2013, 01:16:00 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 06, 2013, 02:26:00 PM
I don't hold out. If it has horns and is legal according to my tag, it's going down
Do you put in for the special draws, or are you talking about general season?
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on June 06, 2013, 02:30:35 PM
Post by: vandeman17 on June 06, 2013, 02:36:34 PM
To me, quality means being able to look over multiple legal animals and decide whether or not to take each one, without worrying about hordes of other hunters. It's not about antler size.
I agree with this big time. I have only had a few hunts where I actually had the chance to pass up smaller bucks on a consistent basis. Funny thing is that the times I am talking about were out of state. I am not saying I haven't passed up animals in Washington, just never got to experience that "passed up numerous bucks" in this state.
Post by: lostbackpacker on June 06, 2013, 02:42:52 PM
I don't hold out. If it has horns and is legal according to my tag, it's going down
Do you put in for the special draws, or are you talking about general season?
I put in for special draws also. But I don't hold out for rack points even when I have those tags. I had an anybull tag a few years ago. Opening day saw a couple satellite bulls, said "I'll wait". The rest of the week only saw a couple of spikes. Ate tag soup that year. won't make that mistake again.
this isnt wyoming or montana where you could see couple dozen "shooter" bulls in a week.
Post by: wilsongideon on June 06, 2013, 11:40:38 PM
Post by: Bigshooter on June 07, 2013, 12:03:54 AM
Post by: buglebuster on June 07, 2013, 12:12:09 AM
I have a real problem shooting anything early on in a hunt. I just like to hunt way to much. Most of my hunts I look at a lot of animals then kill something the last day that is about average for what I saw during the hunt. And it doesn't bother me at all not to shoot the biggest buck that I saw during a hunt. I usually set a goal before the hunt starts and stick to it the first few days, while seeing what the area has to offer then readjust from there. But one of these days I'm going to se a 180" plus buck on the first day and I'm going to kill him.Thats exactly how i am, ended up killing my buck last year on last day of late muzzy season with a multiseason tag, and i drew a late rifle tag. Definatly passed ALOT of bucks up, many much bigger than the one i killed.
Elk is different, first legal elk is down, unless i draw a permit.
Post by: HoofsandWings on June 09, 2013, 10:50:11 AM
That's a pretty hard question to answer, depends 100% on the unit.Don't forget to factor in how much time you have to hunt. In the last 20 years or so, it has been 3 days max.
That is Saturday, Sunday and Monday AM.
I know many of you get paid vacations, so it is no big deal. I drew Entiat rut hunt a few years ago and only had the weekend to hunt. Toutle Bull was also a 3 day hunt.
I did not fill my tags, but I have no regrets. I am glad there are the OIL hunts. The seasons are much longer.
Post by: huntnphool on June 09, 2013, 11:58:35 AM
:oThat's a pretty hard question to answer, depends 100% on the unit.I drew Entiat rut hunt a few years ago and only had the weekend.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 09, 2013, 12:51:50 PM
:oThat's a pretty hard question to answer, depends 100% on the unit.I drew Entiat rut hunt a few years ago and only had the weekend.
A couple of years ago, I would have made the same face. But I will be in a similar situation this year; I am a new high school teacher; (meaning that I am still on "probation" and can be basically let go without cause for the first couple of years-the school can just chalk it up to "not a good fit for our district") so I have to be very careful how much time I take off. I get two personal days, which I take during hunting season, but we get no regular days off during my permit season, and unfortunately my days off during spring, winter and summer break don't correspond with anything that does me any good. I could take "sick days", but I have a problem with the dishonesty of that, plus I may need those days if wife or kids get sick. I drew a great whitetail tag this year, and I would love to hunt for a week or two and hold out for a great buck, but honestly, I am hoping to get it done on a single 4 day weekend...
...just life I guess... :dunno:
Post by: deerslyr on June 09, 2013, 03:09:07 PM
:oThat's a pretty hard question to answer, depends 100% on the unit.I drew Entiat rut hunt a few years ago and only had the weekend.
A couple of years ago, I would have made the same face. But I will be in a similar situation this year; I am a new high school teacher; (meaning that I am still on "probation" and can be basically let go without cause for the first couple of years-the school can just chalk it up to "not a good fit for our district") so I have to be very careful how much time I take off. I get two personal days, which I take during hunting season, but we get no regular days off during my permit season, and unfortunately my days off during spring, winter and summer break don't correspond with anything that does me any good. I could take "sick days", but I have a problem with the dishonesty of that, plus I may need those days if wife or kids get sick. I drew a great whitetail tag this year, and I would love to hunt for a week or two and hold out for a great buck, but honestly, I am hoping to get it done on a single 4 day weekend...
...just life I guess... :dunno:
Hunt as much as you can, as hard as you can, and shoot what makes you happy. You earned that tag, do it as much justice as you can and ull never regret it :tup:
Post by: CouesFanatic on June 09, 2013, 05:55:30 PM
Post by: jjhunter on June 09, 2013, 06:25:57 PM
That being said, I've been on hunts where you passed several 180"+ deer in a week of hunting. It kind of depends on where you are at, the conditions and what you are seeing. I love to hunt and have a tough time pulling the trigger early in the hunt. I also like to harvest a critter once in awhile.... :)
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 10, 2013, 10:11:29 AM
:oThat's a pretty hard question to answer, depends 100% on the unit.I drew Entiat rut hunt a few years ago and only had the weekend.
A couple of years ago, I would have made the same face. But I will be in a similar situation this year; I am a new high school teacher; (meaning that I am still on "probation" and can be basically let go without cause for the first couple of years-the school can just chalk it up to "not a good fit for our district") so I have to be very careful how much time I take off. I get two personal days, which I take during hunting season, but we get no regular days off during my permit season, and unfortunately my days off during spring, winter and summer break don't correspond with anything that does me any good. I could take "sick days", but I have a problem with the dishonesty of that, plus I may need those days if wife or kids get sick. I drew a great whitetail tag this year, and I would love to hunt for a week or two and hold out for a great buck, but honestly, I am hoping to get it done on a single 4 day weekend...
...just life I guess... :dunno:
Hunt as much as you can, as hard as you can, and shoot what makes you happy. You earned that tag, do it as much justice as you can and ull never regret it :tup:
That's what I will do... along with the challenges of staying married and employed while I do it.
I actually have a grudging admiration for guys that are willing to risk their employment over a hunting season (I have known a couple). They are also single and only have to worry about themselves...