Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: nw_bowhunter on May 16, 2015, 06:43:09 AM
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I'm intersted if the archey guys feel this is really a quality tag for bull elk. I like the fact that there is only 38 permit tags. After spending extensive time reading discussions seems more guys muzzleloader and rifle hunt unit. Is this the case of being more of a wintering area? I submitted my tags already just looking for some thoughts.
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I would think it should be a fun hunt. There are the local wellfare elk and others around as well.
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Last September, I ran into two archers while scouting up there and only one of them saw branch antlered bulls. There are good bulls in there and always has been. The good bulls can be all the way in the sagebrush to the thick timber even if it is real hot out. My definition of quality is seeing bulls everyday and deciding weather or not I am going to pass them up for another shot at a better bull. In order for it to be quality in the long run, you need to do research if you draw that tag. It isn't a walk in the park. I think the lack of scouting and effort was the problem for one of the guys I ran into.
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It depends on your definition of quality... Bethel is my favorite unit but I also know the unit very well. This is not an easy unit but if you put in the time and really scout it you will find elk. I would say it's not the same quality as say little naches, but I also don't put in for little naches.
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I put my wife in for a "bull Elk" in the Bethel as a 4th choice. I dont know it well, but it should be a great tag from what I know about the area.
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I want to see good Bulls and have shot opportunities and limited hunter pressure. For me that would be quality. I agree scouting will be the key! Thanks for the input. Most of the points brought were similar thoughts I was having.
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Pressure wont be an issue. There is plenty of area without roads. the maps are outdated. I would say there are around 30% of the roads on the map aren't drivable, or decommissioned.
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Quit it naches, I recall you posting a trail cam pic of a nice bull somewhere in the bethel :chuckle: I love the bethel area and I've had success at the end of archery and beginning of muzzy. Not a cakewalk but you do your homework and it will be rewarding. :tup:
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There are better units but out there, but chances of a big local bull are there if you put in the time and homework. The lower part of the unit holds good bulls, and they don't get hardly any pressure. My buddy killed a 310 in 6x6 last day of season last year and they saw a couple other nice bulls.
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Thought i'd show the best picture I have of one of the bulls I watch year-round that is still alive.
My standard for that unit when I or neighbors draw is 300" or better. There are a few 340"+, but they are hard to come by.
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Quit it naches, I recall you posting a trail cam pic of a nice bull somewhere in the bethel :chuckle: I love the bethel area and I've had success at the end of archery and beginning of muzzy. Not a cakewalk but you do your homework and it will be rewarding. :tup:
Talking about this one? :P
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:chuckle: yup, that'sthe one. :tup:
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My Dad or brother and myself have had that tag 3 times. 2 years in a row, skipped a year and drew it again. We seen elk everyday, bulls everyday, BUT they werent responsive at all. Infact my brother shot a spike about the 3rd day as we drove down Oak Creek to head into get some suplies. Stupid thing just stood 40 yards off the road and let my brother get out, ask my dad if he should take it. Dad said whatever its ur tag. Facing shot right at the base of the neck. Looked like a rodeo bull for about 15 sec before it took off. Needless to say dead elk. All the rest of the hunt we only had one other opperatunities come at the hand of splitting a heard and having the 6x6 on the otherside of the road. Dad mis pinned it and shot under. We hunted our asses off everyday and got as far away from roads as we could and it just wasnt great. SO IMO this should be a BULL unit not a QUALITY.
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I'm all in for the bethel unit. I've hunted it since I was a kid, and this year I got drawn for multiseason elk so I put in for quality permits in the archery and muzzleloder. I also put in for modern in the bull category. I'm not to picky on the size of elk I shoot, because I've only taken an spike and a 6x6 in my career as an elk hunter :chuckle:
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Did someone say Bethel?? This was a nice hunt in the Bethel - http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,108658.msg1421341.html#msg1421341
