Post by: TMortensen on June 29, 2013, 06:28:30 PM
Post by: swwaoutdoorsman on June 29, 2013, 08:27:42 PM
Post by: sirmissalot on June 29, 2013, 08:39:33 PM
Post by: SkookumHntr on June 29, 2013, 08:48:42 PM
Post by: Mudman on June 29, 2013, 09:06:10 PM
Post by: elkslayer069 on June 29, 2013, 09:20:29 PM
Post by: sirmissalot on June 29, 2013, 10:28:33 PM
You should see some good ones!! I definetly wouldnt shoot anything less then a mature 6x6!
Have you ever been in the Margaret unit
Post by: Bullkllr on June 29, 2013, 11:06:21 PM
Post by: TMortensen on June 30, 2013, 06:03:39 AM
Seems like if you know the unit well you'd be able to tell us a realistic expectation. 260-280 would be a shooter in there with a bow tag if it were me
I do know the unit and I think 260/280 is an easy goal. Ive seen 300 in the past but was hoping for insight from others, just dont want to set the bar to low is all.
Post by: TMortensen on June 30, 2013, 06:07:32 AM
Last time I had a permit, between scouting & hunting I looked at probably 200 bulls and could not put a sixth point on any of them. Serious.
When was the last time you hunted the unit and did you hunt east or west? I seen one bull yesterday scouting that will be a 6 point out of a dozen on the west end
Post by: MADMAX on June 30, 2013, 07:18:16 AM
early hunt = fire closures
late hunt = access and snow issues
:twocents:
Post by: furbearer365 on June 30, 2013, 10:04:53 AM
Post by: TMortensen on June 30, 2013, 02:45:57 PM
If I were you, I would expect to just shoot one. There are good bulls but the ratio of dinks to giants is extreme. You will see tons of rags and maybe only see 1 or 2 great (Margaret) bulls, but seeing and taking a great bull are not the same thing. I wouldn't set your goal at 300 and if you stumble into one and are lucky enough to take it, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. If you don't know what mark you should shoot for, then you don't know the Margaret that well. I have lived at the bottom of the hill from it all my life and I would not set my goal at 300 for sure. Shoot for that 260-280 range and hope you get lucky. Have fun though, you will see lots of elk
I know the unit but havent been in it much the last 5 years. alot has changed, big chunk of private now. more tags etc. what sucks is the area I want to hunt is now privately owned. so thats why I was wondering where my target size should be.
Post by: PolarBear on June 30, 2013, 02:50:12 PM
You should see some good ones!! I definetly wouldnt shoot anything less then a mature 6x6!20 years ago maybe, not so much now.
Post by: Bullkllr on June 30, 2013, 07:15:39 PM
Last time I had a permit, between scouting & hunting I looked at probably 200 bulls and could not put a sixth point on any of them. Serious.
When was the last time you hunted the unit and did you hunt east or west? I seen one bull yesterday scouting that will be a 6 point out of a dozen on the west end
That was about 12 years ago. I do think the grown up reprod in the west could be a good thing for growing bigger bulls. The 5 point I ended up shooting was an older bull.
I think a lot of them just don't grow large antlers or lots of points. Bigger ones are there. How long are you going to have to hunt? You could easily end up looking at a lot of bulls, and still taking a nice 5x on the last day. If the bigger ones were common, more of them would be getting killed. My :twocents:
BTW I have the same tag. I am stoked about the hunt.
Post by: TMortensen on June 30, 2013, 07:25:39 PM
Ill be hunting all but the first few days, I have custody of my daughter and grandma isnt available until the 11th but Ill have the rest of the season from there on. I'll be hunting solo so if you'd like we could get together and do some scouting. I love calling in elk. Im definitely going to be picky. I have a few bulls in the 250 range and have taken 21 elk in 26 years so this is going to be fun.Last time I had a permit, between scouting & hunting I looked at probably 200 bulls and could not put a sixth point on any of them. Serious.
When was the last time you hunted the unit and did you hunt east or west? I seen one bull yesterday scouting that will be a 6 point out of a dozen on the west end
That was about 12 years ago. I do think the grown up reprod in the west could be a good thing for growing bigger bulls. The 5 point I ended up shooting was an older bull.
I think a lot of them just don't grow large antlers or lots of points. Bigger ones are there. How long are you going to have to hunt? You could easily end up looking at a lot of bulls, and still taking a nice 5x on the last day. If the bigger ones were common, more of them would be getting killed. My :twocents:
BTW I have the same tag. I am stoked about the hunt.
Post by: SkookumHntr on June 30, 2013, 07:40:32 PM
- A time or 2 there bud.. grew up hunting this unit..Biggest Bull I ever seen in it was last year right in the same spot I seen a masher 2years prior.. Nope no 6points in the margaret, or 8points for that matter ;)You should see some good ones!! I definetly wouldnt shoot anything less then a mature 6x6!
Have you ever been in the Margaret unit
Post by: Bullkllr on June 30, 2013, 07:43:06 PM
Ill be hunting all but the first few days, I have custody of my daughter and grandma isnt available until the 11th but Ill have the rest of the season from there on. I'll be hunting solo so if you'd like we could get together and do some scouting. I love calling in elk. Im definitely going to be picky. I have a few bulls in the 250 range and have taken 21 elk in 26 years so this is going to be fun.Last time I had a permit, between scouting & hunting I looked at probably 200 bulls and could not put a sixth point on any of them. Serious.
When was the last time you hunted the unit and did you hunt east or west? I seen one bull yesterday scouting that will be a 6 point out of a dozen on the west end
That was about 12 years ago. I do think the grown up reprod in the west could be a good thing for growing bigger bulls. The 5 point I ended up shooting was an older bull.
I think a lot of them just don't grow large antlers or lots of points. Bigger ones are there. How long are you going to have to hunt? You could easily end up looking at a lot of bulls, and still taking a nice 5x on the last day. If the bigger ones were common, more of them would be getting killed. My :twocents:
BTW I have the same tag. I am stoked about the hunt.
I'll be solo. Lets see if we can go get some mutual scouting in.
Post by: furbearer365 on June 30, 2013, 07:43:41 PM
Post by: Bullkllr on June 30, 2013, 07:45:49 PM
- A time or 2 there bud.. grew up hunting this unit..Biggest Bull I ever seen in it was last year right in the same spot I seen a masher 2years prior.. Nope no 6points in the margaret, or 8points for that matter ;)You should see some good ones!! I definetly wouldnt shoot anything less then a mature 6x6!
Have you ever been in the Margaret unit
Not doubting any of that. Question is, if there are all these monster bulls in the Margaret, why are they so seldom killed? :dunno:
Post by: sirmissalot on June 30, 2013, 08:05:32 PM
- A time or 2 there bud.. grew up hunting this unit..Biggest Bull I ever seen in it was last year right in the same spot I seen a masher 2years prior.. Nope no 6points in the margaret, or 8points for that matter ;)You should see some good ones!! I definetly wouldnt shoot anything less then a mature 6x6!
Have you ever been in the Margaret unit
I'm not saying there aren't big bulls in the Margaret... But telling someone not to shoot anything less than a mature six point in there seems like poor advice IMHO.
Post by: furbearer365 on June 30, 2013, 08:27:11 PM
Post by: TMortensen on June 30, 2013, 08:34:43 PM
I would say poor advice also. :sry:it is poor advice but hey everyone has their own oppinion and Ill take the advice ;)
Post by: Wea300mag on June 30, 2013, 08:39:13 PM
Post by: furbearer365 on June 30, 2013, 08:39:30 PM
Post by: SkookumHntr on June 30, 2013, 08:40:50 PM
Post by: Dan-o on June 30, 2013, 08:45:44 PM
Post by: TMortensen on June 30, 2013, 08:47:45 PM
If you would take that advice, then when you draw a blues tag, hold out for a 400+. :chuckle:
I know where Ill hunt if I draw a blues tag or when I draw my wenaha tag. and what caliber bull Ill shoot for :)
Post by: gotcha on June 30, 2013, 08:51:38 PM
Post by: Tbar on June 30, 2013, 08:54:27 PM
There's no way i could let a 260 bull pass me if I was there with that tag...... But that's just me.X2
Post by: Huntbear on June 30, 2013, 09:07:16 PM
- A time or 2 there bud.. grew up hunting this unit..Biggest Bull I ever seen in it was last year right in the same spot I seen a masher 2years prior.. Nope no 6points in the margaret, or 8points for that matter ;)You should see some good ones!! I definetly wouldnt shoot anything less then a mature 6x6!
Have you ever been in the Margaret unit
Not doubting any of that. Question is, if there are all these monster bulls in the Margaret, why are they so seldom killed? :dunno:
Because guys are not willing to hike in 4-5 miles from the road, and be willing to pass on all those "Big 5s" in there.. If you go up the Hunters Trail, it is steep and rough, and most guys do not want to keep going back in there to find the big ones. If you get a big boy down back in there, it is several trips in and out with meat, and coming out after dark is a fools mission..
Post by: gotcha on June 30, 2013, 09:09:48 PM
Post by: Ghost Hunter on July 01, 2013, 05:19:28 AM
Well said sir. I agree 100% made the trip a lot last year.:yeah: And sometimes it takes a lesson in humility to get the fool under control. :rolleyes: Got to the extreme of your capabilites and you will have your trophy. After several trips via the Hunters trail, I settled for less than what my original intentions were.
Post by: Mudman on July 01, 2013, 05:26:04 AM
Post by: gotcha on July 01, 2013, 08:49:07 AM
Post by: Mudman on July 01, 2013, 08:53:18 AM
Doesn't mean they haven't. :tup:Very true. Sure there are a few left. Probably chewing on the Noble boughs at the richmans elk/tree farm. :chuckle:
Post by: SkookumHntr on July 01, 2013, 09:28:41 AM
Post by: TMortensen on July 01, 2013, 10:35:45 AM
Post by: sirmissalot on July 01, 2013, 12:18:41 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on July 01, 2013, 12:22:46 PM
Ok so Ive decided I'm going to kill the biggest bull in the Unit and I'll post picks for all to see. screw the 260-280 bulls, its 320+ all the way now. I'm going to go empty handed come seasons end, but hell someone needs to show some proof big ones exist right? :chuckle:That's the spirit, go get em.
Post by: Mudman on July 01, 2013, 12:35:26 PM
Well mudman, the biggest margaret bull ive ever seen killed, a guy from tenino got it so not sure where you been.. :chuckle::yike: Who? Wanna see! Was it a 5pt? :chuckle: :chuckle: PICS!!!
Ok so Ive decided I'm going to kill the biggest bull in the Unit and I'll post picks for all to see. screw the 260-280 bulls, its 320+ all the way now. I'm going to go empty handed come seasons end, but hell someone needs to show some proof big ones exist right? :chuckle:YA MAN! Get your mojo on!!! Im sure theres a few there. Go big or go home!
Post by: BENCHLEG on July 01, 2013, 12:44:35 PM
Post by: TMortensen on July 01, 2013, 01:01:32 PM
yeah hold out for 330.. you can do it :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:LOL! I'll do my best. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: 2MANY on July 01, 2013, 01:29:13 PM
You all is foolz.
Wait until 12 years after the next major eruption and then start putting in.
Post by: Elkpiss on July 01, 2013, 03:20:02 PM
yeah hold out for 330.. you can do it :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:LOL! I'll do my best. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Big one's Yes, but not like the early 90's... 6x6 the first week chocolate horned frosted tips, see what you see for size 2nd week you should have a good idea what to expect for size... But hell ya hold out for a masher, there in there.. I remember back in the day if you drew Margret it was the $hit, not so much anymore but there still some shreks in there... :rockin: if you see a dandy 280ish dark horned 6x i would prolly letR fly tho.... :tup: Kill the biggest one in there tho hell ya!.... Good luck
Post by: Chuck83 on July 01, 2013, 08:30:45 PM
Post by: Bullkllr on July 01, 2013, 08:47:07 PM
You all is foolz.
Wait until 12 years after the next major eruption and then start putting in.
Doesn't mean it's not a fun hunt and still a relatively desirable tag.
Post by: 2MANY on July 01, 2013, 09:29:04 PM
I put in for it for my wife and would love to go hunt it.
When I was working in the monument in 1996 it was THE tag.
Post by: BENCHLEG on July 02, 2013, 07:09:43 AM
Post by: Bullkllr on July 02, 2013, 10:38:26 AM
6+pts/total bulls %6pts+
2008 6/37 16%
2009 5/25 20%
2010 1/18 06%
2011 5/45 11%
2012 9/61 15%
Don't see much of a trend, except number of permits has sure increased the past couple years...
Post by: npaull on July 02, 2013, 11:12:36 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 02, 2013, 11:41:29 AM
Post by: Chuck83 on July 02, 2013, 05:50:42 PM
Post by: BENCHLEG on July 02, 2013, 06:11:23 PM
Post by: furbearer365 on July 02, 2013, 06:44:59 PM
Post by: rackattack on July 02, 2013, 07:19:33 PM
Post by: TMortensen on July 02, 2013, 07:32:14 PM
If I dont fill my tag in sept, Ill take first bull I can in the late season
I also have a multiseason elk tag so I have options.
Post by: Mudman on July 02, 2013, 07:45:42 PM
Post by: furbearer365 on July 02, 2013, 07:54:40 PM
Ok so here's the plan, Sept 7-22 Ill do my best to find a 300+ bull . I have recieved messages from guys sayin theyve seen some big bulls in therr last year, but couldnt get it done. So Ill try for big and keep ya'll posted of my scouting trips, trail cam pics etc.
If I dont fill my tag in sept, Ill take first bull I can in the late season
I also have a multiseason elk tag so I have options.
Sounds like a plan. Just remember, depending where you hunt a lot of that country is overgrown with jackfir and what is not is high and may have snow in December. Plus, add on that fact that they wont be in rut bugling their head off and giving themselves away. If it were me, I would try my hardest to fill that tag in Sept. Also, if you hunt in December, you will be following the muzzle and rifle boys who can both shoot way farther than u, which means those few big ones could be already in someone elses freezer. Just something to think about
Post by: throttlejocky20 on July 02, 2013, 09:03:55 PM
Post by: BENCHLEG on July 02, 2013, 09:15:24 PM
Post by: Bullkllr on July 02, 2013, 09:16:46 PM
Ok so here's the plan, Sept 7-22 Ill do my best to find a 300+ bull . I have recieved messages from guys sayin theyve seen some big bulls in therr last year, but couldnt get it done. So Ill try for big and keep ya'll posted of my scouting trips, trail cam pics etc.
If I dont fill my tag in sept, Ill take first bull I can in the late season
I also have a multiseason elk tag so I have options.
Keep in mind they did give out tags the same as yours to 49 other hunters. Would keep specifics to a minimum or through PMs.
Of all the members on the site and all the experience and animals taken I cant believe nobody has any pics of 320+ bulls from Margo that everybody claims are there? I have seen some nice ones laying below the Observatory along river but not on walls. :dunno: I would take first nice 5x5 I could especially if archery!Have pics of a 5x5 that green scored out at 280. I have an itchy trigger finger when nice 5xs come in close.
I have a theory that some of the reports of large Margaret bulls are actually bulls people see in the Loowit... :dunno: possible...
Post by: throttlejocky20 on July 02, 2013, 09:20:15 PM
Post by: Tbar on July 02, 2013, 09:22:38 PM
Post by: sirmissalot on July 02, 2013, 09:34:13 PM
Post by: swwaoutdoorsman on July 02, 2013, 09:59:48 PM
Ohhhhhh I love these threads.:yeah: :brew:
Post by: TMortensen on July 03, 2013, 02:52:20 PM
I guess to me it would depend on whether or not you're planning on doing a mount and what the minimum requirement for that would be. If you're just going to take pictures and not mount, find a bull with a pretty rack and kill it. Take some pictures and eat it. If you are looking for a mount, will you mount a 230? 240? No less than 280?Not looking to mount it, unless its huge.
Post by: furbearer365 on July 03, 2013, 06:48:25 PM
Set your sights high if 300 is your mark than right on if you end up shooting a bull that goes 250 to 280 i dont hink there is anyone here that would say you screwed up. I have personally seen some smasher bulls in there when i had my cow tag in 2010. With that said the weather was on my side and the bulls were very vocal. Good luck my buddy has a muzzy tag and after what i seen last sat. we are setting our mark high as well.
Exactly, nobody would say he screwed up for taking a 250-280, in fact most of us are telling him to take one that big and not to pass one up that size. Ive always thought that filling a tag, especially with a bow, is worth 50-80 inches anyway. So if you kill a 250 with a bow, I will consider it a 300 with the extra 50 points added on. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: