Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: spotter26 on May 24, 2014, 11:36:55 PM

Title: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: spotter26 on May 24, 2014, 11:36:55 PM: I was just wondering if there is any other hunters, who are, choosing not to purchase a tag this year, i have been elk hunting for 15+ (muzzleloader). Between access and cost it just wasn't in the books for me this year or my grandfather a 40+yr hunter, anybody in the same boat? I hate to walk away from something i have been passionate about since very young, so many good times with friends and family. This is a tough one for me to swallow.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: ridgefire on May 25, 2014, 01:31:54 AM: Once I draw the tag I have been putting in for I will be done. I hunt Idaho for elk so only buy it for the point and tired of giving my money to this state. I also gave up applying for moose and goat as well.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: hrd2fnd on May 25, 2014, 01:51:08 AM: I as well will not be purchasing any tags this year for either bear, deer or elk. After years of hunting and the last 4 being the hardest on me physically, I will be hanging it up.

I will live vicariously through all of the posts and photos from the members. Hunting has always been my me time. Nothing will ever replace the memories I have experience or the people I have met. Not sure if I can ever find that me time again.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: rasbo on May 25, 2014, 04:53:59 AM: none for me also.being busted up and the attitudes in the woods have changed,just not the same anymore to me..
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: fowl smacker on May 25, 2014, 06:31:57 AM: I quit buying mine for this state last year, that goes for deer, elk, bear, cougar. This state can suck it as far as I'm concerned. With all the hoof rot, weyco fees and mismanagement, I'd much rather pay to go out of state and give someone who actually gives a rats a$$ about their resources my money.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: darren on May 25, 2014, 06:35:50 AM: Quote from: rasbo on May 25, 2014, 04:53:59 AM
none for me also.being busted up and the attitudes in the woods have changed,just not the same anymore to me..

What attitudes are you referring to for the most part?
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: rasbo on May 25, 2014, 07:15:33 AM: Quote from: darren on May 25, 2014, 06:35:50 AM
Quote from: rasbo on May 25, 2014, 04:53:59 AM
none for me also.being busted up and the attitudes in the woods have changed,just not the same anymore to me..

What attitudes are you referring to for the most part?
the me attitudes,the litter I find all over from hunters,and some of the attitudes we witness here on this site.to me there is just a loss of respect in general for the wildlife the countryside and another mans hunt..Still some great folks hunting out there I know
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Todd_ID on May 25, 2014, 07:20:40 AM: With 147,000 deer tags and 97,000 elk tags sold there are many people who feel the same way. There are lots of different reasons to not hunt elk, but I don't harbor any of those feelings yet, so I still choose to hunt elk.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: HornHoarder on May 25, 2014, 07:39:17 AM: This is the first year ever that I'm not hunting elk in washington. I'm just tired of the mediocre hunting, poor season dates etc.... I will be hunting elk in Idaho this year though :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: darren on May 25, 2014, 08:02:20 AM: Quote from: rasbo on May 25, 2014, 07:15:33 AM
the me attitudes,the litter I find all over from hunters,and some of the attitudes we witness here on this site.to me there is just a loss of respect in general for the wildlife the countryside and another mans hunt..Still some great folks hunting out there I know

I hear you man. I feel bad though, if the conscientious people like yourself are throwing in the towel, the d-bag density starts to climb.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: rasbo on May 25, 2014, 08:18:12 AM: Quote from: darren on May 25, 2014, 08:02:20 AM
Quote from: rasbo on May 25, 2014, 07:15:33 AM
the me attitudes,the litter I find all over from hunters,and some of the attitudes we witness here on this site.to me there is just a loss of respect in general for the wildlife the countryside and another mans hunt..Still some great folks hunting out there I know

I hear you man. I feel bad though, if the conscientious people like yourself are throwing in the towel, the d-bag density starts to climb.
being busted up is the main reason, i do love the hunt just cant do the walking thing very far..
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: darren on May 25, 2014, 08:48:22 AM: Quote from: rasbo on May 25, 2014, 08:18:12 AM
being busted up is the main reason, i do love the hunt just cant do the walking thing very far..

Sorry to hear it, hope you're on the mend soon.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: steen on May 25, 2014, 09:04:06 AM: I bought the westside tag but I only put in for quality bull and points for bull and cow. I will not pay the fees the landowners want to hunt it. They get a tax reduction already for allowing public use of their land, they don't need it twice. I thought hunters were doing them a favor to help reduce numbers of elk and help protect the young trees. I'll put in for eastside next year.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: bobcat on May 25, 2014, 09:21:22 AM: Not buying an elk tag is something I might consider if I were younger, but being nearly fifty, I want to get in as much elk hunting as I can before I'm too old to do it. I never did take elk hunting too seriously when I was younger, spent most of my time hunting deer and birds. I always bought an elk tag, but most years I'd hunt only one or two days, or maybe not at all.

I can't afford to pay non resident prices for elk tags so hunting Washington is my only choice for now. I have never killed a decent branch antler bull and I would like to, just once, so I couldn't stand the thought of sitting out even one season.

So I will quit buying elk tags when I can no longer walk!
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: HoofsandWings on May 25, 2014, 09:27:40 AM: I am jealous of those who choose to hunt Idaho. They must have lots of $$.
I priced it out some years back and travel, hotels, and expenses, it ran into the thousands.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: ghosthunter on May 25, 2014, 09:28:31 AM: Well I bought a turkey tag and a bear.
I will buy a Muzzy elk I told the crew. Put in for no permits. And I may or may not hunt deer. Hunter ed drew me for a multi season deer but I doubt I will buy it. Not sure on the deer maybe a weekend or two. No deer camp for sure. Got to take the wife some where for 30th.

The deer hunting has been so bad the last few years I just cannot get excited for it. Might switch to phesant with the new dog. :dunno:

Would like to hunt Idaho but finding a spot to camp and hunt is a whole lot more work and time.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: buckfvr on May 25, 2014, 09:35:47 AM: Last year for elk here and last year I will ever buy moose permit......will be weeding through the other stuff, and ultimately buying less to nothing from this state.

Too close to Idaho to put up with this train wreck.............
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: HoofsandWings on May 25, 2014, 09:39:36 AM: Quote from: bobcat on May 25, 2014, 09:21:22 AM
Not buying an elk tag is something I might consider if I were younger, but being nearly fifty, I want to get in as much elk hunting as I can before I'm too old to do it. I never did take elk hunting too seriously when I was younger, spent most of my time hunting deer and birds. I always bought an elk tag, but most years I'd hunt only one or two days, or maybe not at all.

I can't afford to pay non resident prices for elk tags so hunting Washington is my only choice for now. I have never killed a decent branch antler bull and I would like to, just once, so I couldn't stand the thought of sitting out even one season.

So I will quit buying elk tags when I can no longer walk!
:yeah:
Bobcat, I did not know you were so young. Like you, I did not take elk hunting seriously until I was in my 40's.
I did try for a couple of years when I was in my 20's, but as luck would have it, it rained every opener and I was not equipped to hunt in the rain. I did get my first elk on my 50th birthday. However, those 8 hour packouts per quarter took a toll on me.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Bob33 on May 25, 2014, 09:45:37 AM: I cannot imagine not planning to hunt elk in my home state.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Hunterman on May 25, 2014, 09:52:50 AM: I stopped elk hunting in this worthless state sometime ago. I've killed more elk out of state than I have in this one. The only reason that I'm hunting deer anymore is that my youngest daughter, and her husband wants to start hunting, and wants me to teach them. So between Quick Draw and me they might learn something.

Hunterman(Tony)
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on May 25, 2014, 09:52:57 AM: Quote from: rasbo on May 25, 2014, 04:53:59 AM
none for me also.being busted up and the attitudes in the woods have changed,just not the same anymore to me..
It is a hard thing to say Huh rasbo ? I feel the same way ...luckily we had time to see it before it gets any worse ...I usually buy an archery tag for elk but this year I decided I would get a Muzzy Tag ...I have bought an elk tag the last 3 0r 4 years and never left the house :dunno: I figured I already drew my quality bull tag with my bow So I decided I best put in for a muzzy tag for that same unit ..If I do not draw then again I just donated my money just for the hell of it :dunno: HERE AGAIN ...Sportsmen never waste money on wildlife conservation :dunno: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: elk247 on May 25, 2014, 10:04:57 AM: Quote from: Bob33 on May 25, 2014, 09:45:37 AM
I cannot imagine not planning to hunt elk in my home state.
:yeah: :yike:
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: shorthair15 on May 25, 2014, 10:06:33 AM: yes ive been hunting in this state since i was 10.so ive hunted deer and elk for the last 33 yrs. i called it quits. not going to pay the access fee. they see money is to be made so that is why they are chargeing a fee and they own the land so they can pretty much do as they please. im going to concentrate on fishing more. it's a bummer but the hunting is not that great and there are to many people. no more hunting tag money from me. but they will still get my money for fishing :dunno:
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: huntrights on May 25, 2014, 10:23:00 AM: Quote from: spotter26 on May 24, 2014, 11:36:55 PM
I was just wondering if there is any other hunters, who are, choosing not to purchase a tag this year, i have been elk hunting for 15+ (muzzleloader). Between access and cost it just wasn't in the books for me this year or my grandfather a 40+yr hunter, anybody in the same boat? I hate to walk away from something i have been passionate about since very young, so many good times with friends and family. This is a tough one for me to swallow.

Please give your input to the Governor's Outdoor Recreation Group; hunters must have their voices heard. Encourage other hunters to do so as well.

http://www.engageoutdoorwashington.com/

There is a lot of room for improvement in our opportunities to hunt; however, change for the better cannot happen unless hunters are continuously involved in the process.

Visit the Hunting-Washington thread on this topic:

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,152508.0.html
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: full choke on May 25, 2014, 10:33:24 AM: Quote from: ghosthunter on May 25, 2014, 09:28:31 AM
Well I bought a turkey tag and a bear.
I will buy a Muzzy elk I told the crew. Put in for no permits. And I may or may not hunt deer. Hunter ed drew me for a multi season deer but I doubt I will buy it. Not sure on the deer maybe a weekend or two. No deer camp for sure. Got to take the wife some where for 30th.

The deer hunting has been so bad the last few years I just cannot get excited for it. Might switch to phesant with the new dog. :dunno:

Would like to hunt Idaho but finding a spot to camp and hunt is a whole lot more work and time.

Hate to kick a guy when he is down, but pheasants in this state are in even worse shape than deer or elk...
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: PolarBear on May 25, 2014, 10:47:53 AM: I bought everything for my daughter and only put in for OIL tags for me. Last year I didn't hunt elk at all for me and only spent a few hours on deer. I am about done hunting this side of the state and will not hunt elk on the East side. I'm just going to concentrate on getting my daughter her critters and hanging it up for myself. I have had a good run at it but the increasing cost, the loss of huntable land and broken down body... It's time to put my efforts elsewhere.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: ghosthunter on May 25, 2014, 10:52:06 AM: Oh I know. I am a wetsider I can hunt put and take birds 15 minutes from home or work. With little to no planning. Yeah the punch card is 90.00 + but when you consider the pleasure of hunting with the dog. Not too bad.
I have a buddy who pheasnt hunts and does ok every year around here.
Just have to brush up on my shotgunning.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: plugger on May 25, 2014, 12:02:48 PM: I switched back to modern, put in for bull and Quality. I will not be hunting the general season and when my Quality points are gone, I will not be purchasing one again. Im 50 also, but unlike you Bobcat, I have been hunting them since I was 18. I have killed my share, But not the ONE. I just cant fathom paying an access fee. I'm to Old, stubborn, or maybe just cheap :chuckle: I spent all those years pretty much in the same area and I just cant see learning a new area at my age.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Mumbles on May 25, 2014, 01:22:11 PM: At 46 I'm just starting to learn. This will only be my second year, and I want to learn more than I'm willing to be frustrated. I will hope my fitness allows some distance from the locked gates and less crowding. I do understand the dilemma, and sure wish I had experienced this when younger.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: plugger on May 25, 2014, 02:12:07 PM: One of mine, and the guys I hunt with is there will know longer be locked gates in the pay to play areas. That would be worse than paying. There are not many places to get away from the crowds if all the roads are open
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Falcon on May 25, 2014, 05:09:02 PM: Quote from: Bob33 on May 25, 2014, 09:45:37 AM
I cannot imagine not planning to hunt elk in my home state.
[/quote

:yeah:

+ 1 with that comment!
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Nice Racks on May 25, 2014, 06:04:14 PM: This is only my third year of elk hunting...ever and I love it. I retired from the army a few years ago from Ft. Lewis, and just biding my time before I can move back to my home in Pennsylvania. To me these new access fees suck, but not as big a deal as it seems to be for the people who grew up here. I can just imagine if Pa would start charging for a Discover Pass. Everyone there would be upset too. Anyways, until I move back to Pa, I am going to buy an elk tag, and hunt them as much as I can. If I get drawn for a permit, I'll pay the WEYCO fee too. I am going to start putting in for the elk tags in Pa. Near 90% success harvest rate, and a really good chance at a 350-400 class bull.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Fullabull on May 25, 2014, 07:51:15 PM: If I new I could find a good spot in Idaho that my 75 year old dad could walk a mile and hunt for elk I would be there. I so want him to get a bull with archery before he can't hunt any longer I would have no issue with paying for the Idaho tags. He already pays out of state prices to come here. I just have no idea where to go there. I'm 55 now and can't wait for my son to be out of college so he and I can use our 11 points (when he's out) for a good hunt here. Then we will hunt in Idaho for as long as I can.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: bassquatch on May 25, 2014, 08:33:44 PM: If I do stop it will be because I just can't anymore or lose the desire. The State being unwilling to properly manage their wildlife and the constant attacks on hunters won't do it, neither will the "d-bag" types. I have had a ton of good run ins with people in the woods including gamies! I would rather call in and report the "d's" and go about my business, it's easy to get away from the bad apples. All this State wants is for the majority of us to quit that way they can shut down what little they do provide due to 'lack of interest' and use the money to fix potholes in their precious cities. I'll keep going, tags aren't really that much in the grand scheme of things and if nothing else I remain a voice for the hunters that came before me, and hopefully future hunters?

Once this State does shut down hunting, and I believe they eventually will, I'll either switch States or hunt with a camera :dunno: :twocents:
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Rooster1981 on May 25, 2014, 08:52:08 PM: I've put in 20 years of elk hunting in Washington, and I really hope I get another 20 years. This year will be my oldest daughter's first elk season as a hunter. I can't wait to watch her fill her tag. So at this point I can't see a reason for me to quit.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Fullabull on May 25, 2014, 09:03:12 PM: I can't wait for them to shut down hunting so the activists can see what happens when animals are not managed in and around humans. Disease, death and an unhealthy environment. Then they will complain about It and want someone else to deal with it.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: PolarBear on May 25, 2014, 10:58:01 PM: If that happens then the hippies will only want more wolves to take care of the problem.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: huntnnw on May 25, 2014, 11:16:00 PM: Only way Ill stop is if I cant physically do it, the money is nothing to hunt in my home state and apply for quality tags compared to hunting outta state elk.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: grundy53 on May 26, 2014, 08:10:17 AM: I would like to stop. But the addiction is too strong... I hunt Idaho and love it. But hunting close to home is too convenient not to.

sent from my typewriter
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Angus on May 26, 2014, 08:29:07 AM: Definitely not hunting this fall with most of my extra $$$ going into a boat project I'm working on. With most of my hunting grounds going to pay-to-play I'm most likely done in this state, may save my $$$ and hunt S. Dakota with a couple buddies or may just hang it up all together.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: heavy hauler on May 27, 2014, 06:07:17 PM: i am not BUYING my elk tag this year :tup: :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: cryder on May 27, 2014, 07:24:28 PM: well I just hope someone that matters is listening,like fish and feathers ,if they don't do something quick all of us are going to lose a very important part of our state and what it is known for hell for all that matters the reason I live here,wolves are you kidding me ,fees ? ill give you your fees when you are trying to eliminate wolves for saving what we will no longer pay for and that's the elk we all are going to lose from just plain ignorance !well any way , ( don't get me started or I will start to not make sense to some peeps )its all very sad and I just will not give it up till they outlaw a bow !!! for crap sakes !!! :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:and yes I have purchased my tag ive put in for the turnbull tag for the 37th time and the unlimited bull tag for rimrock because I geuss I have to at least it feels like I do ( S T I L L )O WELL :dunno: :dunno: :dunno:
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: vandeman17 on May 27, 2014, 07:42:08 PM: I was really close to not buying my elk tag here but like many of us, I feel trapped to keep buying tags until I burn my points. After I use my points I will be taking my money to a different state
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: et1702 on May 27, 2014, 07:46:21 PM: Never happen! I'll hunt archery elk until they put me in the ground! Yes, the system could be better in WA. But, not going to deter me in any way.

ET
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: ppodpearson on May 28, 2014, 06:46:30 AM: Started elk and deer hunting in this state in '64. This year I decided to drop out of elk hunting because all but one of my hunting partners have passed to the happy hunting grounds, my age racked body makes it hard to get the critter out of the woods, and changes to regs and available land use. I'll continue deer hunting because I feel I can still drag them by myself. Going to concentrate a little more on fishing.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 28, 2014, 07:41:40 AM: I only hunt elk and can't afford an out-of-state tag. I will hunt archery elk. I did stop applying for special permits. As a master hunter, there are lots of special permits available to me, but it supports the department who's not taking care of business and holds politics and pc-ness above the welfare of our wildlife and the opportunities for our hunters, IMO.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Opportunist on May 31, 2014, 06:16:06 AM: I hunt out of state every year and have always bought my washington deer/elk tags because they were relatively cheap compared to out of state fees. I have always said if I didn't live in this state I wouldn't hunt it, but now with the weyco access fee on top of the increasing tag fees I have to weigh how I spend my hunting dollars for opportunity for a quality hunt. So I didn't buy my deer/elk tags this year, I did apply for sheep/moose/goat.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: puyallupaul on May 31, 2014, 07:08:35 AM: Montana only. Tough time justifying % of my money going to wolf mgmt.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Mr Mykiss on May 31, 2014, 10:16:51 AM: Can you get points without buying a tag? Then no.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Mudman on May 31, 2014, 10:39:10 AM: I didnt last year. Enuff said! Disgusted. >:(
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 31, 2014, 10:40:56 AM: I don't care how expensive it gets in this state, I will never give up hunting here! That's exactly what they want, for us all to just give up! If they one day do away with hunting in this state then I will get the crayons out and make my own tag and hunt my own season.

I deliver pop for a living, I am by no means even close to rich but I prioritize hunting. I don't spend money on anything else. Some guys will dump 5k on an island vacation and then turn around and complain about a $50 elk tag :dunno: Not me! I also apply for every western state for deer and 5 states for elk. All about priorities. We have endless tracks of public land to roam, we can hunt over the counter for most species, and we have plenty of game. I will be the first to say that I think WDFW is doing a piss poor job of management there is plenty of opportunity out there if your willing to look. :twocents:
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Mr Mykiss on May 31, 2014, 10:57:37 AM: Spoken like a true member of the Non-Whiner party. What are you forecasting the cost to be for one of those "crayon tags"? I may be in the market...
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 31, 2014, 11:09:16 AM: Quote from: Mr Mykiss on May 31, 2014, 10:57:37 AM
Spoken like a true member of the Non-Whiner party. What are you forecasting the cost to be for one of those "crayon tags"? I may be in the market...
Depends on what kind of paper I use. I was thinking of going pretty legit, maybe something with a nice printed background or something :chuckle:
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on May 31, 2014, 11:25:09 AM: I still buy tags. Pretty deep in the elk points game and dont ever see me not buying tags here. unless everybody does and we go to as BLR says "crayon tags" :chuckle:

However, my hunting (especially for elk) has dropped drastically in the last 3 or four years. BLR hit the nail on the head with the comment " plenty of opportunity if willing to look". I would add to that "willing to get creative".
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: spotter26 on May 31, 2014, 06:00:52 PM: thanks for the input, i can see that many of you are loyal hunters and will continue to be. It also sounds like there are many people, doing the same as I am. If i had the financial means i would continue to hunt til i could no more, I would love for my kids to grow up hunting like i did when i was younger. Im a father of triplets and a family on one income. i can squeeze out $50-60 bucks to hunt deer (which has still been awesome for me) and apply for permits, when it starts pushing $200+ thats alittle harder to come by.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Mr Mykiss on May 31, 2014, 07:42:46 PM: $50-60 bucks to hunt deer huh? You must not drive anywhere to hunt, or scout or put up cameras...
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: billythekidrock on May 31, 2014, 07:44:29 PM: Getting closer and closer to the time I quit buying elk tags.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: HoofsandWings on June 01, 2014, 09:51:37 AM: Quote from: billythekidrock on May 31, 2014, 07:44:29 PM
Getting closer and closer to the time I quit buying elk tags.
Same here. When I hit 80, elk will be too physically demanding.
Luckily deer are not as demanding. I presume you will still be hunting deer?
Have you thought about applying for a disabled hunter permit? That should be able to extend your hunting years.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: oneshot12 on June 01, 2014, 11:34:26 AM: :bash: getting hard to decide to hunt here on the west side any more. going to be ruff to move east and start all over . looks like its the only real chance to get out and not be running in to so may hunters on open state land over here with all the lumber companies requiring people to by a pass to hunt on there land just don't seem like its fair. then what can we do about it any how. just wind up blocking it off to keep out the people that mess it up for the rest .To Bad was always a good time in the late season at elk camp .
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: PolarBear on June 02, 2014, 10:09:07 AM: All of the places that I normally hunt elk is now permit only with the exception of Lewis River. I won't be hunting that unit due to the fact that I just had knee surgery and it is very steep where I hunt. There are a lot of elk right around where I live but all of the Weyco land is permit or leased and the elk get chased onto private land where they are slaughtered. I am not buying myself and elk tag but am really hoping that I can find a place for my daughter to hunt. I might have to wind up buying a Pe Ell or Vail permit just for her. It sucks when my 14 year old daughter is losing interest and becoming frustrated in elk hunting because all of our regular spots are locked up and the increase in poaching that we are seeing. One good thing is this crap is driving her to want to become a Wildlife Biologist/Enforcement Officer.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: finnman on June 02, 2014, 10:06:29 PM: This is the first time in 22 years I will not be buying an elk tag for my wife and I.
No points, no hunt, no wasted time in this state.
Going to WY, spend my hard earned money where I actually get something for my money. :twocents:
And dont get me wrong, i have killed elk here, just tired of the games and lack of appreciation from the WDFW for their jobs I pay for.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Mr Mykiss on June 02, 2014, 10:10:51 PM: Two down...draw odds creepin up!!!
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: kentrek on June 02, 2014, 10:13:47 PM: Between people heading east and or people throwing in the towel its alot more than two....I feel bad for the westside guys...I hope our fish and game takes notice of this shift
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: 4fletch on June 02, 2014, 10:27:24 PM: I ll hunt wa till the wolves take over. Not buying a fishing license because of what the dept is doing with the steelhead
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Ingwe on June 02, 2014, 10:35:37 PM: I will hunt west side as long as I can walk. When I was young, I liked to get one every year. Now I just enjoy getting out, if I get one, that is a bonus. There are many small herds to hunt, at least where I go. But mainly local people get them. And many are on state land.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Fl0und3rz on June 02, 2014, 11:43:50 PM: Didn't put in for any special permits and likely won't buy a tag. My partner took up archery, and I am studying up and practicing calling. Otherwise, late modern firearm blacktail is more fun for me than spike hunting the east side.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Mr Mykiss on June 03, 2014, 03:22:56 PM: 3 down...
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: ellensburgpo on June 03, 2014, 03:25:12 PM: Quote from: Mr Mykiss on June 03, 2014, 03:22:56 PM
3 down...

:yeah:

:chuckle:
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: billythekidrock on June 03, 2014, 06:53:35 PM: Quote from: HoofsandWings on June 01, 2014, 09:51:37 AM
Quote from: billythekidrock on May 31, 2014, 07:44:29 PM
Getting closer and closer to the time I quit buying elk tags.
Same here. When I hit 80, elk will be too physically demanding.
Luckily deer are not as demanding. I presume you will still be hunting deer?
Have you thought about applying for a disabled hunter permit? That should be able to extend your hunting years.

Well part of it is my physical ability and injuries, but the primary reasons are cost and access. It is getting ridiculous and I don't have the desire to deal with it anymore.

Right now, once my father draws a quality permit he is done and once my wife draws or kills any elk she is out as well. I will continue to buy an elk tag until they draw and then decide. My oldest doesn't hunt much and my youngest is not very interested. If access or permits change then things will be reassessed.

I will probably continue to deer hunt public land. I have been trying to come up with a new hobby / lifestyle but when you have been doing something for 35 years it is tough to give it up.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: Mr Mykiss on June 03, 2014, 09:27:01 PM: I forgot the OP....

4 down.
Title: Re: Not buying an Elk tag this year, anybody doing the same?
Post by: spotter26 on June 04, 2014, 08:54:08 AM: Quote from: Mr Mykiss on May 31, 2014, 07:42:46 PM
$50-60 bucks to hunt deer huh? You must not drive anywhere to hunt, or scout or put up cameras...

im just talking tag cost bought deer tag and antlerless app. $62.00. I am lucky though 15min away from my deer area. no cameras or scouting necessary.