Post by: luvmystang67 on April 23, 2015, 08:35:49 AM
So, is the Nooksack tag worth my precious years of waiting or should I be holding out for a blues tag? Part of me thinks it is in the eye of the beholder and I do like the looks of those Nooksack bulls.
Thoughts from the masses?
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on April 23, 2015, 08:37:51 AM
Post by: Woodchuck on April 23, 2015, 08:40:09 AM
Post by: luvmystang67 on April 23, 2015, 08:48:09 AM
If I got a tag to hunt anywhere in Washington, it would be the Blues.
Nooksack :tup:
These first two comments really sum up my internal dilemma. I lean a little towards Nooksack because I'm a wet sider by birth and started hunting west side roosies in SW wa and like the dark look of the antlers. However, I feel like there's probably better scoring opportunity in the blues.
I haven't actually looked up success rates, but I feel like they're both extremely high.
More thoughts from anyone?
Post by: Woodchuck on April 23, 2015, 08:48:26 AM
You won't be sorry if you have that permit in hand
Post by: LabChamp on April 23, 2015, 09:07:25 AM
Post by: luvmystang67 on April 23, 2015, 09:13:47 AM
Start applying for multi season and put in for both. A little late this year but always next year if you don't draw. I would go blues.
I've got nearly as many multiseason points as I do elk points (jk, not even close), but I've been applying since it became an option. I've always done Nooksack or Blues depending on which side of the state I've been hunting that particular year. Now I'm thinking about becoming a little more particular as my hope for luck is turning into an expectation within the next few years.
I'm planning to do my regular season in Idaho this year, so I don't really care about weapon type and state side, but I'm leaning towards muzzy (since I like guns and shooting through brush). I was going to to west side this year, but I'm starting to think thats a bad idea. If I draw Nooksack, blues is out of the question for a couple decades.
Post by: igotbigbulls on April 23, 2015, 09:30:49 AM
In all seriousness, if you draw Dayton, look me up. :tup:
You won't be sorry if you have that permit in hand
Im in!!! :chuckle:
Post by: luvmystang67 on April 23, 2015, 09:42:50 AM
Post by: 180-GRAIN on April 23, 2015, 09:59:59 AM
Post by: luvmystang67 on April 23, 2015, 10:03:35 AM
Probably better odds of drawing a blues tag then the nooksack with the tag numbers. I have always applied for nooksack but started applying for the blues last year. I always told myself I was going to hold out for that once in a lifetime tag, but I am getting impatient and would like to hunt a big bull in washington more then once in my lifetime so I have started applying for some what easier draws.... If there is such a thing :chuckle:
So you'd PREFER the Nooksack tag over the Blues tag?
Post by: xXLojackXx on April 23, 2015, 10:20:26 AM
I say out in for the Nook if you want a big Rosie, and a blues tag if a rocky. IF you put in for the Blues, be VERY honest with your physical ability. I'm tired of hearing people putting in for premier units and finding out that it can be like hunting the Grand Canyon, after they pull a tag. Only to result in a quality tag wasted because they can't handle the terrain.
Stang, this May or may not apply to you. Just a generalization for those permits.
This thread is my dilemma as well. Getting to the point where I have a VERY small chance at a Blues tag, or it could take another 10 years to draw. Do I hunt a "lesser" unit and kill a 300-340" bulls every 5-6 years or wait 12-18 years for a CHANCE at a 380+? Remember, a quality tag doesn't guarantee anything, let alone a monster bull. Most people with those tags end up eating them.
Post by: luvmystang67 on April 23, 2015, 10:25:51 AM
People say "the Blues" as if it's one unit. Each unit is drastically different in terms of terrain and land ownership.
I say out in for the Nook if you want a big Rosie, and a blues tag if a rocky. IF you put in for the Blues, be VERY honest with your physical ability. I'm tired of hearing people putting in for premier units and finding out that it can be like hunting the Grand Canyon, after they pull a tag. Only to result in a quality tag wasted because they can't handle the terrain.
Stang, this May or may not apply to you. Just a generalization for those permits.
This thread is my dilemma as well. Getting to the point where I have a VERY small chance at a Blues tag, or it could take another 10 years to draw. Do I hunt a "lesser" unit and kill a 300-340" bulls every 5-6 years or wait 12-18 years for a CHANCE at a 380+? Remember, a quality tag doesn't guarantee anything, let alone a monster bull. Most people with those tags end up eating them.
Thats another consideration. However, I'm 28 and in good health so I think I'm golden. Since I might be 45+ the next time I draw I'd rather do the most physically demanding one now.
Aren't those Nooksack elk transplanted rocky's anyway, or is that just bad rumor?
Post by: jackelope on April 23, 2015, 10:37:39 AM
People say "the Blues" as if it's one unit. Each unit is drastically different in terms of terrain and land ownership.
I say out in for the Nook if you want a big Rosie, and a blues tag if a rocky. IF you put in for the Blues, be VERY honest with your physical ability. I'm tired of hearing people putting in for premier units and finding out that it can be like hunting the Grand Canyon, after they pull a tag. Only to result in a quality tag wasted because they can't handle the terrain.
Stang, this May or may not apply to you. Just a generalization for those permits.
This is a good post with several good points. What kind of hunt are you looking for? That's probably the most important question. Can you devote the time to learn new areas? It's a 5-6 hour drive to the Blues from here depending on where you want to go. Farm country? Wilderness? Really steep and nasty? Not really steep and nasty? It's more than just killing a big bull down there in the Blues. It's a lot of whether or not a guy can handle the country. There's about a thousand photos on here that willl give a guy a great idea of what they could be in for terrain wise on either hunt. Neither is easy, but they're both very different. Personally, I've got little to no interest in a Nooksack tag.
Post by: jackelope on April 23, 2015, 10:38:06 AM
Post by: WAPatriot on April 23, 2015, 10:45:31 AM
Post by: luvmystang67 on April 23, 2015, 10:49:25 AM
How many points do you have and what weapon?
Thinking muzzy because I like to be able to shoot through twigs and I like guns. Archery just sorta frustrates me. Terrain I'm very unconcerned about. If nasty terrain leads to lower success rates because its hard to find animals, I would prefer not to. If its nasty terrain and it just makes life harder, but the chance of a bigger animal are there with a near guaranteed shot at a good animal, I'm in. Easy terrain kind of bores me, but if its easier to get on a good to great animal because the terrain makes them easier to find and stalk, I could be down for that too.
Basically, I'm too poor to hire a guided hunt somewhere awesome and would love a shot at a big bull. Physical strength/hiking/backpacking are all not really concerns I have. Time on the other hand is a concern. As you've mentioned, Nooksack is close, Dayton, Tucannon, etc is a heck of a drive away and would be hard to put in AS much time as I'd be able to dump into Nooksack. I think I have 13 points this year. Its not a gimme yet, but I'm in the mix and have an opportunity to start to become selective.
Post by: Tbar on April 23, 2015, 10:58:58 AM
Post by: SkookumHntr on April 23, 2015, 11:02:39 AM
Post by: luvmystang67 on April 23, 2015, 11:07:43 AM
Well I have 20 and so do abunch of other guys so i wouldnt get your hopes to high lol :tup:
They're not that high, but I feel like in the time between 13 and 20 points I need to have a plan for what my "once in a lifetime" elk hunt would be. I'm kind of wandering aimlessly at the moment.
Post by: wooltie on April 23, 2015, 11:09:48 AM
Seeing, hearing, and smelling the elk every day was cool though. Definitely saw some butt scratchers.
Note: the guys we spoke with all have upwards of 20 points FWIW.
Post by: ghosthunter on April 23, 2015, 11:12:55 AM
I'm getting to the point where I have a critical mass of quality points and actually have a chance of drawing some good hunts, but I'm really not in a hurry and am pretty indifferent to which side of the state I'm on.
So, is the Nooksack tag worth my precious years of waiting or should I be holding out for a blues tag? Part of me thinks it is in the eye of the beholder and I do like the looks of those Nooksack bulls.
Thoughts from the masses?
What do you call a Quality Hunt?
if is canvas tents and open ground , no sounds of the city, views of wild lands, campfires at night , and large chunks of public land than the Blues is your choice.
If you want to stay in a hotel or drive home every night. Have to knock on doors to try to find a place to hunt., be surrounded by homes and farms, with hard to find shooting zones and maybe a big bull than you want Nooksack.
I live close to Nooksack. Its not my idea of a quality hunt. :twocents:
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on April 23, 2015, 11:16:54 AM
People say "the Blues" as if it's one unit. Each unit is drastically different in terms of terrain and land ownership.
I say out in for the Nook if you want a big Rosie, and a blues tag if a rocky. IF you put in for the Blues, be VERY honest with your physical ability. I'm tired of hearing people putting in for premier units and finding out that it can be like hunting the Grand Canyon, after they pull a tag. Only to result in a quality tag wasted because they can't handle the terrain.
Stang, this May or may not apply to you. Just a generalization for those permits.
This thread is my dilemma as well. Getting to the point where I have a VERY small chance at a Blues tag, or it could take another 10 years to draw. Do I hunt a "lesser" unit and kill a 300-340" bulls every 5-6 years or wait 12-18 years for a CHANCE at a 380+? Remember, a quality tag doesn't guarantee anything, let alone a monster bull. Most people with those tags end up eating them.
Yes, only if you have hunted it before for spikes and truly appreciate the area. If you haven't set foot in the Blues, hunt what you know. You can be in a world of hurt if you have a bull in the bottom of those canyons.
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on April 23, 2015, 11:24:03 AM
Post by: xXLojackXx on April 23, 2015, 11:32:59 AM
Post by: Skillet on April 23, 2015, 11:39:35 AM
Seems more outsiders are drawing the nooksack tag than locals ..that's why everyone up here is so touchy :dunno: I can not complain I drew it and killed one of the biggest bulls taken but I have many friends who have over 15 pts and have not drawn anything ..I hate the point system ,,once a guy hits 15 pts he should be entitled to a quality tag somewhere since you have 3 or 4 hunt choices . :dunno: Tuff tag to draw ...
I've seen a pic of that monster before- let's see it again! If for nothing else, just to torment 'stang. :chuckle:
Post by: h2ofowlr on April 23, 2015, 11:54:16 AM
Post by: Tbar on April 23, 2015, 11:58:34 AM
Nooksack is definately changing with all the master hunt tags, quality tags and the number the NA shoot.Can you elaborate? What are your thoughts/observations?
Post by: luvmystang67 on April 23, 2015, 12:04:54 PM
Nooksack is definately changing with all the master hunt tags, quality tags and the number the NA shoot.Can you elaborate? What are your thoughts/observations?
Ever get the feeling people are telling you to do something to reduce their level of competition? :rolleyes:
Post by: Skillet on April 23, 2015, 12:07:42 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=88547.0;attach=168458;image)
Post by: jackelope on April 23, 2015, 12:16:35 PM
13 points :chuckle: that's cute.
:yike:
Post by: jackelope on April 23, 2015, 12:17:37 PM
Nooksack is definately changing with all the master hunt tags, quality tags and the number the NA shoot.Can you elaborate? What are your thoughts/observations?
Ever get the feeling people are telling you to do something to reduce their level of competition? :rolleyes:
Not from that post.
Lots of bulls getting killed in there and it's a relatively small area....
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 23, 2015, 12:29:14 PM
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Post by: luvmystang67 on April 23, 2015, 12:36:48 PM
Thanks for your feedback.
Post by: trophyhunt on April 23, 2015, 12:37:03 PM
Conlan (slim) drew Nooksack last year with 9 points. Took a nice bull. There's a lot of elk in that unit, but I'm partial to the Blues. It's my favorite wilderness area I've been in.Hey silk, how's your bear hunt going???? I'm another with 20 points, and I'm not very confident on drawing. I will skip the quality this year and put in for a bull tag that I've been wanting for a while, 20 points with that one also, but confidence is low!! I remember when I had 15 points, I was sure I was going to draw for about 3 more years, then I just gave up on the system. Good luck this year.
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Post by: Tbar on April 23, 2015, 12:37:13 PM
I didn't read deception either. I'm honestly curious about others thoughts and observations.Nooksack is definately changing with all the master hunt tags, quality tags and the number the NA shoot.Can you elaborate? What are your thoughts/observations?
Ever get the feeling people are telling you to do something to reduce their level of competition? :rolleyes:
Not from that post.
Lots of bulls getting killed in there and it's a relatively small area....
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 23, 2015, 12:41:59 PM
Conlan (slim) drew Nooksack last year with 9 points. Took a nice bull. There's a lot of elk in that unit, but I'm partial to the Blues. It's my favorite wilderness area I've been in.Hey silk, how's your bear hunt going???? I'm another with 20 points, and I'm not very confident on drawing. I will skip the quality this year and put in for a bull tag that I've been wanting for a while, 20 points with that one also, but confidence is low!! I remember when I had 15 points, I was sure I was going to draw for about 3 more years, then I just gave up on the system. Good luck this year.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Leaving work here in about an hour, driving to the TH, then hiking in first thing tomorrow morning to our camp/glassing spot.
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Post by: willapawapiti on April 23, 2015, 05:16:29 PM
Post by: D-Rock425 on April 23, 2015, 05:28:43 PM
Post by: D-Rock425 on April 23, 2015, 05:33:35 PM
People say "the Blues" as if it's one unit. Each unit is drastically different in terms of terrain and land ownership.i'm a draw every 5 or 6 year guy I hope. Sitting on 6 points this year so I should draw one of these "lesser" tags this year I hope.
I say out in for the Nook if you want a big Rosie, and a blues tag if a rocky. IF you put in for the Blues, be VERY honest with your physical ability. I'm tired of hearing people putting in for premier units and finding out that it can be like hunting the Grand Canyon, after they pull a tag. Only to result in a quality tag wasted because they can't handle the terrain.
Stang, this May or may not apply to you. Just a generalization for those permits.
This thread is my dilemma as well. Getting to the point where I have a VERY small chance at a Blues tag, or it could take another 10 years to draw. Do I hunt a "lesser" unit and kill a 300-340" bulls every 5-6 years or wait 12-18 years for a CHANCE at a 380+? Remember, a quality tag doesn't guarantee anything, let alone a monster bull. Most people with those tags end up eating them.
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on April 23, 2015, 05:44:37 PM
Post by: kodiak 907 on April 23, 2015, 05:46:52 PM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on April 23, 2015, 05:48:04 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on April 23, 2015, 05:57:11 PM
Not to depress anyone, BUT I had 36 elk points 3 years ago, yup 36, thanks to a couple poachers. With that amount, I still didn't get drawn for the Blues first time. I finally drew with 37 the next year, AND then drew my second choice behind Dayton, drew W. Wenaha. Just goes to show how watered down the points pools really are :(Geez, thanks for the outlook!! :chuckle: Your quote is why when I finally draw, I will be done with waiting for special permits. At 45 years young, I'm not waiting around another 20+ years to draw. I will still put in but, I will be getting the tag I want, not the tag for the permit I want. I will just apply when I draw the multi elk tag, ghost the other years. So, the state will get the last laugh cause I will still apply for ghost but, I will be hunting big bulls on the west side every year and not waiting with a spike tag in my pocket. Sometimes I think having a lot of points is a curse, sorry if I'm repeating myself guys.
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on April 23, 2015, 06:09:26 PM
Good point :chuckle: Maybe these guys with points over 15 should just stop putting in for a year and re-start :dunno: We need a Poll ..on how many drew with 15 pts and over and a couple in between :tup:Not to depress anyone, BUT I had 36 elk points 3 years ago, yup 36, thanks to a couple poachers. With that amount, I still didn't get drawn for the Blues first time. I finally drew with 37 the next year, AND then drew my second choice behind Dayton, drew W. Wenaha. Just goes to show how watered down the points pools really are :(Geez, thanks for the outlook!! :chuckle: Your quote is why when I finally draw, I will be done with waiting for special permits. At 45 years young, I'm not waiting around another 20+ years to draw. I will still put in but, I will be getting the tag I want, not the tag for the permit I want. I will just apply when I draw the multi elk tag, ghost the other years. So, the state will get the last laugh cause I will still apply for ghost but, I will be hunting big bulls on the west side every year and not waiting with a spike tag in my pocket. Sometimes I think having a lot of points is a curse, sorry if I'm repeating myself guys.
Post by: 3nails on April 23, 2015, 06:15:35 PM
Post by: willapawapiti on April 23, 2015, 06:17:08 PM
Post by: cryder on April 23, 2015, 07:06:26 PM
Post by: Wea300mag on April 23, 2015, 07:19:57 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on April 23, 2015, 07:22:32 PM
There was a guy a couple years ago that helped figure out some drawing odds, can't remember who. I think it worked out that even with my 37 points I only had like a 50% chance of drawing that year. I passed on a couple "smaller" bulls (still big to this wetsider :)) the first couple days, then the snow hit. Alot of snow! The elk disappeared, I spent the rest of the week in desperation. My prescouting trips had plenty of bulls, but I wasn't ready for the snow, local knowledge woulda been key at that point. I saw one spike the last day, ate my tag. Fun hunt but not the ending I was hoping for with my 37 pts lol!Ouch, 37 points and ate the tag. That hurts, sorry to hear that even if 20 points were given to you. I would think with 37 points you could find a better tag to put in for(sorry I forgot you drew a blues tag), but then again, I know nothing about the nook. I did the odds of drawing a few years ago and they are quite depressing. With all those exponential numbers you have like 90,000 names in the hat for 10 tags. I will look for my paper work on it but it makes sense why guys with higher points don't always draw.
Post by: grundy53 on April 23, 2015, 07:33:58 PM
He drew a Blues permit. Not a nook permit.There was a guy a couple years ago that helped figure out some drawing odds, can't remember who. I think it worked out that even with my 37 points I only had like a 50% chance of drawing that year. I passed on a couple "smaller" bulls (still big to this wetsider :)) the first couple days, then the snow hit. Alot of snow! The elk disappeared, I spent the rest of the week in desperation. My prescouting trips had plenty of bulls, but I wasn't ready for the snow, local knowledge woulda been key at that point. I saw one spike the last day, ate my tag. Fun hunt but not the ending I was hoping for with my 37 pts lol!Ouch, 37 points and ate the tag. That hurts, sorry to hear that even if 20 points were given to you. I would think with 37 points you could find a better tag to put in for, but then again, I know nothing about the nook. I did the odds of drawing a few years ago and they are quite depressing. With all those exponential numbers you have like 90,000 names in the hat for 10 tags. I will look for my paper work on it but it makes sense why guys with higher points don't always draw.
Post by: trophyhunt on April 23, 2015, 07:35:52 PM
Oops, I forgot about that, shoot I even read this whole thread!! :bash:He drew a Blues permit. Not a nook permit.There was a guy a couple years ago that helped figure out some drawing odds, can't remember who. I think it worked out that even with my 37 points I only had like a 50% chance of drawing that year. I passed on a couple "smaller" bulls (still big to this wetsider :)) the first couple days, then the snow hit. Alot of snow! The elk disappeared, I spent the rest of the week in desperation. My prescouting trips had plenty of bulls, but I wasn't ready for the snow, local knowledge woulda been key at that point. I saw one spike the last day, ate my tag. Fun hunt but not the ending I was hoping for with my 37 pts lol!Ouch, 37 points and ate the tag. That hurts, sorry to hear that even if 20 points were given to you. I would think with 37 points you could find a better tag to put in for, but then again, I know nothing about the nook. I did the odds of drawing a few years ago and they are quite depressing. With all those exponential numbers you have like 90,000 names in the hat for 10 tags. I will look for my paper work on it but it makes sense why guys with higher points don't always draw.
Post by: grundy53 on April 23, 2015, 07:39:14 PM
Post by: idahohuntr on April 23, 2015, 08:17:24 PM
There was a guy a couple years ago that helped figure out some drawing odds, can't remember who. I think it worked out that even with my 37 points I only had like a 50% chance of drawing that year. I passed on a couple "smaller" bulls (still big to this wetsider :)) the first couple days, then the snow hit. Alot of snow! The elk disappeared, I spent the rest of the week in desperation. My prescouting trips had plenty of bulls, but I wasn't ready for the snow, local knowledge woulda been key at that point. I saw one spike the last day, ate my tag. Fun hunt but not the ending I was hoping for with my 37 pts lol!Yes, it is pretty shocking on some good tags how even 37 points is not what you would think. Your experience in the Wenaha is not a lot different than many folks. For how hard tags are to draw I have been surprised at the difficulty of hunting. I've hunted both the Wenaha west and east the last few years with guys that have their own stock and can pack in a long ways...we've killed bulls every time...but WAYYYYYY harder than I could have ever imagined. My experience is most otc units in Idaho produce more opportunity (just not near the quality of bulls) than these units in Wa. With the blues, you are either in very difficult terrain or dealing with private land/access issues it seems. But on the bright side...there are great bulls to be had.
Post by: willapawapiti on April 23, 2015, 08:30:42 PM
Post by: D-Rock425 on April 24, 2015, 06:21:27 AM
Post by: johnnyaustin44 on April 24, 2015, 07:23:07 AM
I'd take a colokum tag and be happy with it.:yeah:
just as tough to draw it seems though.
Post by: cryder on April 24, 2015, 07:08:26 PM
Post by: Pny365 on April 24, 2015, 08:05:04 PM
Post by: stew pidasso on April 25, 2015, 06:43:37 AM
Not to depress anyone, BUT I had 36 elk points 3 years ago, yup 36, thanks to a couple poachers. With that amount, I still didn't get drawn for the Blues first time. I finally drew with 37 the next year, AND then drew my second choice behind Dayton, drew W. Wenaha. Just goes to show how watered down the points pools really are :(I think I may have met you way out on sawtooth trail. Right at lady camp.Did you have a lot of snow that year?
Post by: willapawapiti on April 25, 2015, 07:15:40 AM
Post by: nwhunter on April 25, 2015, 08:17:46 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on April 25, 2015, 08:57:59 AM
They both can produce great bulls with the Blues obviously being the topshelf elk hunt. With that said it comes down to which area you really have time to scout and hunt because no hunt is a slam dunk and trying to kill a true big bull isnt easy. The most important to me that I see people get in a bind with is after they draw these awesome tags they have nobody to go with them to help. It takes a team for a good elk hunt especially in the tough country not only to hunt but to pack it out if successful. Most of the guys I have guided in the Blues are good hunters but didnt have a partner willing to give up their own hunting to go with them. Take a good look at the success rates on these hunts and realize it isnt just crappy hunters that arent killing their elk and many of the bulls killed are not even 300 inch bulls. I think the guys drawing tags like Peaches Ridge every 5-10 years are happy people are waiting lifetimes to hunt the Blues.Like you know anything about big bulls in the blues!! :chuckle:
Post by: stew pidasso on April 25, 2015, 02:10:49 PM
Might have met you while deer hunting / elk scouting on Sawtooth with my daughter?? Was blowing like a bugger that day, snow sideways?Very possible I guess. I am all over the west Wenaha the whole deer an elk general seasons. I just remember meeting someone out there with more than 30 pts once. I think they were on horseback though.
Post by: willapawapiti on April 25, 2015, 02:18:23 PM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on April 25, 2015, 04:29:39 PM
I feel I have been very lucky in my success there partly because I will go anywhere and I have learned a lot by hunting there for many years..
My advice would be put in for where you have the time to do the homework.. I cannot tell you how many times I have ran into guys who are lazy or never been there before who say they have not seen anything while I am seeing many animals a day.
Like I said you get what you put inand with a lot of luck.. That's my belief anyway.. If you get drawn down there I am more than willing to give out some info.. Barring none of my friends draw ;)
Post by: rosscrazyelk on April 25, 2015, 04:42:44 PM
Post by: magnumb on April 25, 2015, 06:22:31 PM
I've managed to collect 18 elk points and have stuck it out so far, but with so many years behind me and many less ahead of me, it does cause one to rethink their game plan. But as usual, I will likely continue to try for my current hunting units 'quality bull' tag, even though they hand out only about a handful each year. I know my current elk area so well (23 years) that my confidence is quite high that a real wall hanger is possible, but each year I have less faith in getting drawn and getting that opportunity.
I've taken many spikes and true spikes since my forced move east in '92 and cherish each one of those, as well. There's no better table fare to be had, but even though I've taken many nice Nooksack bulls, I really miss the opportunity to go after a major bull on the eastside.
Age and our physical condition certainly has a bearing on many aspects of our daily lives. The fact that some of us are creepin' up on perhaps our last opportunity to get drawn for a 'quality' hunt, is a bit tough to come to terms with......at least, for me. Becoming older, albeit not nearly as exciting as the day of you're 21st birthday, can have many wonderful benefits. Being older with less than 100 elk points is not one of them........... :).
Good luck being drawn for your special/quality hunts to all those with such dilema's and to those 35-40ish aged guys and gal's out there.........as I and many others thought when we were your age, the possibilities for being drawn for several or many special/quality hunts before you're 'final hunt' may not be as likely as you might imagine.
Sooooo........choose your choices wisely, check out other possibilities elsewhere and make the best of each and every hunt.
Good luck!
Post by: trophyhunt on April 25, 2015, 06:42:51 PM
I just went through the same dilema. I hunted the Nooksack herd for many years and took 12 bulls that I still remember as some of my most memorable and favorite hunts (no matter how wet.....very wet). Much younger then and alot more energy. That area held some of the most majestic bulls I've ever seen. That area was closed down in '91 (?) and I started goin' over the pass. It's certainly a change now in that we can only pursue 'true spikes' where my buddies and I currently call 'elk camp'.BAM!!! Very well said!!!
I've managed to collect 18 elk points and have stuck it out so far, but with so many years behind me and many less ahead of me, it does cause one to rethink their game plan. But as usual, I will likely continue to try for my current hunting units 'quality bull' tag, even though they hand out only about a handful each year. I know my current elk area so well (25+ years) that my confidence is quite high that a real wall hanger is possible, but each year I have less faith in getting drawn and getting that opportunity.
I've taken many spikes and true spikes since my forced move east in '92 and cherish each one of those, as well. There's no better table fare to be had, but even though I've taken many nice Nooksack bulls, I really miss the opportunity to go after a major bull on the eastside.
Age and our physical condition certainly has a bearing on many aspects of our daily lives. The fact that some of us are creepin' up on perhaps our last opportunity to get drawn for a 'quality' hunt, is a bit tough to come to terms with......at least, for me. Becoming older, albeit not nearly as exciting as the day of you're 21st birthday, can have many wonderful benefits. Being older with less than 100 elk points is not one of them........... :).
Good luck being drawn for your special/quality hunts to all those with such dilema's and to those 35-40ish aged guys and gal's out there.........as I and many others thought when we were your age, the possibilities for being drawn for several or many special/quality hunts before you're 'final hunt' may not be as likely as you might imagine.
Sooooo........choose your choices wisely, check out other possibilities elsewhere and make the best of each and every hunt.
Good luck!
Post by: CAMPMEAT on April 25, 2015, 07:15:22 PM
I get confused all the time :chuckle: too many posts.
Read mine, you won't get confused. :tup:
Post by: magnumb on April 25, 2015, 08:54:27 PM
My take is that family and friends should be our priorities, but individually (be it older or younger), we all need to fuel our own tanks now and again or we're worthless to those we most care about. If friends and family join you on your huntin' trips....all the better! But oftentimes, their passions are not yours and vice versa. Totally expected and understandable......such is life.
Life often gets in the way of really living......doing those things that we most love that make us excited and happy because that's who we really are and what we could spend every waking minute doing if given the chance and we were without family and friends. It's a balancing act, one that needs to be addressed, but in the end, should satisfy you as an individual.
Best to you and yours.....
Post by: toyman2 on April 27, 2015, 04:44:14 PM
One thing that has been very common for most I have helped in some way that are from the wet side is almost every person has under estimated the weather and terain. People seem to think it is easy to shoot a monster in the blues, it isnt. I live in Dayton, I am up there all the time, 3 or more times a month at least. They arent easy to come by and you dont see them everyday. The weather can change everything you know, the amount of people hunting can change the way the elk are. The only thing predictable in the blues about elk hunting, is that the weather is unpredictable.
Post by: huntnnw on April 27, 2015, 10:00:35 PM
People say "the Blues" as if it's one unit. Each unit is drastically different in terms of terrain and land ownership.
I say out in for the Nook if you want a big Rosie, and a blues tag if a rocky. IF you put in for the Blues, be VERY honest with your physical ability. I'm tired of hearing people putting in for premier units and finding out that it can be like hunting the Grand Canyon, after they pull a tag. Only to result in a quality tag wasted because they can't handle the terrain.
Stang, this May or may not apply to you. Just a generalization for those permits.
This thread is my dilemma as well. Getting to the point where I have a VERY small chance at a Blues tag, or it could take another 10 years to draw. Do I hunt a "lesser" unit and kill a 300-340" bulls every 5-6 years or wait 12-18 years for a CHANCE at a 380+? Remember, a quality tag doesn't guarantee anything, let alone a monster bull. Most people with those tags end up eating them.
:yeah: I witnessed over half the archery tag holders in the Mt View unit were not able to hunt the unit due to its steepness.
Post by: Elkterd on April 28, 2015, 06:19:24 AM
Post by: mwhunter on April 28, 2015, 07:16:16 AM
Post by: bobcat on April 28, 2015, 07:34:47 AM
I got 8 and multi think I will draw it this year?
Very doubtful. Eight points is nothing when many people have twice that many. And having a multi-season tag provides no advantage.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on April 28, 2015, 08:28:07 AM
Post by: Tbar on April 28, 2015, 09:24:17 AM
Exactly what huntmnw and elkterd said. I trained my but off and that place still broke me. Once i started scouting i quickly realized there are no slam dunks on national forest in the blues. :twocents: i did have what i would call the hunt of a lifetime even though i never even drew on a bull tho.This is all excellent and real advice. I also think it's very relative regardless of unit. I think it might even be worse in the Nooksack due to no general season and very limited access. You have most of western Washingtons hunters putting in for this hallowed unit that they have literally never set foot in. I think harvest reports reflect that. The other thing about the Nooksack is people aren't lying or misleading when they say land access is tough to come by(private). To say the locals are less than welcoming to non locals is an understatement, everyone wants opportunity, especially if you are being adversely affected.
The other point brought out that can't be emphasized enough is preparedness, both physical and mental. The Nooksack is as demanding as any sane man wants. People go to this pre hunt meeting where they are given a golden (actual brass) key and think it's going to be a meat shoot only to find the animals behavior and location is completely 180 from the scouting trips of the recent past. Two years ago I came across a "local" who drew the archery tag. He said he hadn't seen a bull in over a week and would literally shoot any bull. A local guy took him to the valley floor where he shot a small 5 and was happy. I only mention this story because I've seen more smaller 5s than monsters by a wide margin.
Post by: WDFW Hates ME!!! on April 28, 2015, 09:26:13 PM
Im 38 years old and i bet i hit 55 before i draw...
Post by: GameHunter1959 on April 30, 2015, 01:24:17 AM
Ive got 17, and every year i think man im getting close
Im 38 years old and i bet i hit 55 before i draw...
I'm with you. 39 years old 20 points. Likely NOT SELECTED
Post by: rackattack on April 30, 2015, 01:49:30 PM
Ive got 17, and every year i think man im getting close
Im 38 years old and i bet i hit 55 before i draw...
Didn't you draw a couple years ago? :dunno:
Post by: Tbar on April 30, 2015, 08:20:37 PM
Ive got 17, and every year i think man im getting close
Im 38 years old and i bet i hit 55 before i draw...
Didn't you draw a couple years ago? :dunno:
I believe there was no access due to fire danger and the wdfw reinstated his points.Ive got 17, and every year i think man im getting close
Im 38 years old and i bet i hit 55 before i draw...
Didn't you draw a couple years ago? :dunno:
Post by: WDFW Hates ME!!! on May 17, 2015, 11:14:50 AM
Post by: slim9300 on May 23, 2015, 03:29:56 PM
My obvious choice would be Nooksack. That decision is based largely on the fact that I live in the unit and know it fairly well. That said I say go with what you know the best. It sounds like a cliche but it rings true more times than not. I'm a big believer in you get out of a hunt what you put into it. When going into an area blind help and direction are absolutely priceless but pail in comparison to intimate knowledge of an area. So I guess my vote would be the hunt I could be most prepared for.
I'm glad I had best preparation possible for my hunt last year. If only I could do it all over again. ;)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: trophyhunt on May 25, 2015, 08:56:33 AM
Post by: luvmystang67 on May 26, 2015, 07:35:47 AM
So, which tag did you go for?
After a lot of feedback from a lot of folks (a big thanks for everyone's input), I decided that either would be a fantastic hunt and that I didn't need to spend my years of waiting by putting in for general seasons in areas I didn't want to hunt that year. More simply, I've decided to target blues on years I hunt east side and nooksack on years I hunt westside. I plan to split it up a little year to year depending on where friends and opportunities exist. I'll put in for the one on whichever side I'm on and if I get drawn for either one there's great potential for a trophy animal and a hunt of a lifetime.
My personal take on it at this point, is that there are probably more higher scoring animals available in the blues, but I know far more about the west side and nooksack is close enough to home that I could scout it early and often. I also have a soft spot in my heart for hunting the wet jungle over here for some reason. So, personally, it is kind of a wash in my eyes.
I'll report back when I get drawn in 20 years. :tup:
Post by: 3nails on May 26, 2015, 11:23:03 AM
Sounds like a good plan! The only thing that I would comment on is that if you did draw Nooksack you wouldn't be able to scout until about a week before the season. That is about when they hand out the keys to 90% of the area.So, which tag did you go for?
After a lot of feedback from a lot of folks (a big thanks for everyone's input), I decided that either would be a fantastic hunt and that I didn't need to spend my years of waiting by putting in for general seasons in areas I didn't want to hunt that year. More simply, I've decided to target blues on years I hunt east side and nooksack on years I hunt westside. I plan to split it up a little year to year depending on where friends and opportunities exist. I'll put in for the one on whichever side I'm on and if I get drawn for either one there's great potential for a trophy animal and a hunt of a lifetime.
My personal take on it at this point, is that there are probably more higher scoring animals available in the blues, but I know far more about the west side and nooksack is close enough to home that I could scout it early and often. I also have a soft spot in my heart for hunting the wet jungle over here for some reason. So, personally, it is kind of a wash in my eyes.
I'll report back when I get drawn in 20 years. :tup:
Post by: luvmystang67 on May 26, 2015, 11:41:23 AM
Sounds like a good plan! The only thing that I would comment on is that if you did draw Nooksack you wouldn't be able to scout until about a week before the season. That is about when they hand out the keys to 90% of the area.So, which tag did you go for?
After a lot of feedback from a lot of folks (a big thanks for everyone's input), I decided that either would be a fantastic hunt and that I didn't need to spend my years of waiting by putting in for general seasons in areas I didn't want to hunt that year. More simply, I've decided to target blues on years I hunt east side and nooksack on years I hunt westside. I plan to split it up a little year to year depending on where friends and opportunities exist. I'll put in for the one on whichever side I'm on and if I get drawn for either one there's great potential for a trophy animal and a hunt of a lifetime.
My personal take on it at this point, is that there are probably more higher scoring animals available in the blues, but I know far more about the west side and nooksack is close enough to home that I could scout it early and often. I also have a soft spot in my heart for hunting the wet jungle over here for some reason. So, personally, it is kind of a wash in my eyes.
I'll report back when I get drawn in 20 years. :tup:
I was thinking I could do some walking during bear season, but perhaps I don't understand where the elk hang out up there. I'll worry about that more when I get drawn someday.
Post by: Bigshooter on May 26, 2015, 11:56:12 AM
Not to depress anyone, BUT I had 36 elk points 3 years ago, yup 36, thanks to a couple poachers. With that amount, I still didn't get drawn for the Blues first time. I finally drew with 37 the next year, AND then drew my second choice behind Dayton, drew W. Wenaha. Just goes to show how watered down the points pools really are :(
Goes to show that points don't mean a whole lot when you have 1000's of people trying to draw 20 tags or so in a random draw.
People need to stop thinking that pts equal tags. Most people that I know that have drawn quality tags didn't have very many pts.
Post by: Mxracer532 on May 26, 2015, 03:44:52 PM
Post by: GameHunter1959 on June 09, 2015, 11:02:13 PM
Not to depress anyone, BUT I had 36 elk points 3 years ago, yup 36, thanks to a couple poachers. With that amount, I still didn't get drawn for the Blues first time. I finally drew with 37 the next year, AND then drew my second choice behind Dayton, drew W. Wenaha. Just goes to show how watered down the points pools really are :(
Goes to show that points don't mean a whole lot when you have 1000's of people trying to draw 20 tags or so in a random draw.
People need to stop thinking that pts equal tags. Most people that I know that have drawn quality tags didn't have very many pts.
This is why they need to put a point prerequisite on the more desirable hunts. IMO the higher the points the more substantially likely you are to draw, is the way it should be. People say they won't apply for special permits if they do that to cost the game department money. The same guys say they won't pay to hunt. Now they are paying to hunt. Just like they will continue to pay for special permits.
Too many high point holders. 20 points doesn't hold much weight under the current system.
Post by: X-Force on June 09, 2015, 11:13:56 PM
Its the system. Limiting options not dedicating tags is the only way to fix it.
Personally I would take the nook over the blues because I can see it from my house.
Post by: GameHunter1959 on June 09, 2015, 11:44:53 PM
Putting a points prerequisite wouldn't matter because there aren't enough premium tags to decrease the number of top point holders.
Its the system. Limiting options not dedicating tags is the only way to fix it.
Personally I would take the nook over the blues because I can see it from my house.
By my logic...if you have to have say 20 points or more to apply for Dayton; that means only high point holders are drawn thus taking them out of next years draw. plus lower point holders are eliminated to begin with. How is that not helping? simple logic. Make Dayton a OIL hunt. that should help
Post by: X-Force on June 10, 2015, 12:05:26 AM
Putting a points prerequisite wouldn't matter because there aren't enough premium tags to decrease the number of top point holders.
Its the system. Limiting options not dedicating tags is the only way to fix it.
Personally I would take the nook over the blues because I can see it from my house.
By my logic...if you have to have say 20 points or more to apply for Dayton; that means only high point holders are drawn thus taking them out of next years draw. plus lower point holders are eliminated to begin with. How is that not helping? simple logic. Make Dayton a OIL hunt. that should help
It wouldn't help. There are 120 people this year with 20+ points next year there will be another 100
Their arent enough premium tags to keep up with or reduce the number of 20+ point applicants.
As it stands premium permits are basically Oil tags because of the likelihood of drawing again.
Post by: Bigshooter on June 10, 2015, 12:07:37 AM
Post by: Bigshooter on June 10, 2015, 12:15:16 AM
So you think it's a good idea to make it so you have to have 20+ pts to apply for a tag? Sounds like a great idea if you have 20+ pts. But if you just passed hunters ed it kinda sucks.
No matter what anyone says the average quality bull draw in 20 years will be 26 points. It has to 1000 permits 26000 active applicants (no ghost) points, no points it doesn't matter.
I agree. And I also don't care what the average pts to draw will be in any year.
Post by: X-Force on June 10, 2015, 12:27:05 AM
So you think it's a good idea to make it so you have to have 20+ pts to apply for a tag? Sounds like a great idea if you have 20+ pts. But if you just passed hunters ed it kinda sucks.No matter what anyone says the average quality bull draw in 20 years will be 26 points. It has to 1000 permits 26000 active applicants (no ghost) points, no points it doesn't matter.
The average will be 1/13 (50% of the 1000 permits/26000 applicants)
Premium permits who would require a higher threshold (20+ points) would still have near impossible odds odds because of the numbers of new applicants with 20+ points will increase the pool at a faster rate than those premium permits could reduce the numbers from successful draws.
I agree. And I also don't care what the average pts to draw will be in any year.
I think you made that clear on another thread :chuckle:
Math was all wrong last night. Laying in bed, looking at crap on my phone, wasnt thinking straight.
Post by: Bigshooter on June 10, 2015, 12:30:06 AM
So you think it's a good idea to make it so you have to have 20+ pts to apply for a tag? Sounds like a great idea if you have 20+ pts. But if you just passed hunters ed it kinda sucks.
No matter what anyone says the average quality bull draw in 20 years will be 26 points. It has to 1000 permits 26000 active applicants (no ghost) points, no points it doesn't matter.
I agree. And I also don't care what the average pts to draw will be in any year.
I think you made that clear on another thread :chuckle:
That was a good thread. There were a couple good ideas in it.