Post by: duggyphresh on June 13, 2015, 09:54:17 AM
Post by: MADMAX on June 13, 2015, 09:55:40 AM
Post by: duggyphresh on June 13, 2015, 09:58:37 AM
PM sentThanks.
Post by: MADMAX on June 13, 2015, 10:01:01 AM
heres my 2 cents
If your archery hunting
dont pass anything branched
The fire danger weather can get you shutdown and locked out fast and then your waiting for December and pressured elk
Post by: Deer slayer on June 13, 2015, 10:02:57 AM
Post by: Deer slayer on June 13, 2015, 10:03:35 AM
Post by: bobcat on June 13, 2015, 10:07:40 AM
Post by: Deer slayer on June 13, 2015, 10:12:35 AM
Post by: duggyphresh on June 13, 2015, 10:12:43 AM
Post by: billythekidrock on June 13, 2015, 10:13:26 AM
Thanks
heres my 2 cents
If your archery hunting
dont pass anything branched
The fire danger weather can get you shutdown and locked out fast and then your waiting for December and pressured elk
I agree. I had it a couple years ago and saw a few bulls but only one that was over 250.
Post by: buckhorn2 on June 13, 2015, 10:35:31 AM
Post by: Brushbuster on June 13, 2015, 10:58:17 AM
Looking forward checking out some new turf. Good Luck on your hunt.
Post by: duggyphresh on June 13, 2015, 12:23:34 PM
Thinking we are heading down s. Toutle rd? Not familiar with the area...
Post by: billythekidrock on June 13, 2015, 12:28:21 PM
We are going up to check out the state land side... Anybody have any suggestions for camping areas around there?
I would suggest getting the access permit.
Post by: Crunchy on June 13, 2015, 12:29:38 PM
We are going up to check out the state land side... Anybody have any suggestions for camping areas around there?
Thinking we are heading down s. Toutle rd? Not familiar with the area...
Take the 4100 and bust a right on the 4250. Plenty of spots off the 4250.
Post by: duggyphresh on June 13, 2015, 12:29:44 PM
Got it ordered but access to their land doesn't open until the 1st of august. We will make a second trip...We are going up to check out the state land side... Anybody have any suggestions for camping areas around there?
I would suggest getting the access permit.
Post by: skidynastar33 on June 13, 2015, 12:44:22 PM
Also interested in this thread. I drew the Toutle Muzzy Bull. I bought the St Helens permit but it isn't good until August 1st. So I guess I am limited to the State Land for scouting until then. Also hoping the woods won't be closed due to fire danger. There's 14 muzzy bull tags, 40 cow tags, plus muzzy deer hunters that may be out during my hunt.
Looking forward checking out some new turf. Good Luck on your hunt.
Anyone can go into Weyerhaeuser right now. After aug 1 only those with a permit can
Post by: duggyphresh on June 13, 2015, 12:46:28 PM
Post by: bobcat on June 13, 2015, 12:49:41 PM
Also interested in this thread. I drew the Toutle Muzzy Bull. I bought the St Helens permit but it isn't good until August 1st. So I guess I am limited to the State Land for scouting until then. Also hoping the woods won't be closed due to fire danger. There's 14 muzzy bull tags, 40 cow tags, plus muzzy deer hunters that may be out during my hunt.
Looking forward checking out some new turf. Good Luck on your hunt.
Anyone can go into Weyerhaeuser right now. After aug 1 only those with a permit can
That's true, but it's difficult to scout much of it when you have to park at the gates and walk in. I'd wait until August 1st.
Post by: duggyphresh on June 13, 2015, 12:50:40 PM
Always a caveat lolAlso interested in this thread. I drew the Toutle Muzzy Bull. I bought the St Helens permit but it isn't good until August 1st. So I guess I am limited to the State Land for scouting until then. Also hoping the woods won't be closed due to fire danger. There's 14 muzzy bull tags, 40 cow tags, plus muzzy deer hunters that may be out during my hunt.
Looking forward checking out some new turf. Good Luck on your hunt.
Anyone can go into Weyerhaeuser right now. After aug 1 only those with a permit can
That's true, but it's difficult to scout much of it when you have to park at the gates and walk in. I'd wait until August 1st.
Post by: Deer slayer on June 13, 2015, 12:55:01 PM
Post by: Rickyrebar on June 15, 2015, 09:20:24 PM
Also, hoof rot. I seeing some mention that this herd is in pretty tough shape. Truth? How wide spread is it?
Post by: Deer slayer on June 15, 2015, 09:35:14 PM
I too drew a Muzzy QE for the Toutle. I have never hunted elk on the wet side. After skimming this post last night I pulled the trigger today on the Weyerhaeuser pass, as that seems to be a good tool. Anyone with some experience in this area willing to point me in the general direction as to where to begin scouting would be greatly appreciated.Yes and yes. Seems to be across the St Helens tree farm. Shoot the one that looks the healthiest and the worse limp. I know the unit very good. PM if needed.
Also, hoof rot. I seeing some mention that this herd is in pretty tough shape. Truth? How wide spread is it?
Post by: Rickyrebar on June 15, 2015, 09:57:51 PM
Thanks Deerslayer. I'll get myself some maps and will PM you once I get squared away.I too drew a Muzzy QE for the Toutle. I have never hunted elk on the wet side. After skimming this post last night I pulled the trigger today on the Weyerhaeuser pass, as that seems to be a good tool. Anyone with some experience in this area willing to point me in the general direction as to where to begin scouting would be greatly appreciated.Yes and yes. Seems to be across the St Helens tree farm. Shoot the one that looks the healthiest and the worse limp. I know the unit very good. PM if needed.
Also, hoof rot. I seeing some mention that this herd is in pretty tough shape. Truth? How wide spread is it?
Post by: furbearer365 on June 15, 2015, 10:01:49 PM
Post by: PBR on June 17, 2015, 08:43:35 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on June 17, 2015, 08:49:34 AM
Post by: furbearer365 on June 17, 2015, 09:29:00 AM
So you're targeting only limping elk? Might be kind of hard :dunno:
Hard, to find limping elk around here? :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: Jonathan_S on June 17, 2015, 09:58:52 AM
Post by: PBR on June 17, 2015, 10:02:55 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on June 17, 2015, 10:08:49 AM
I'd take the first decent bull I saw.
Post by: skidynastar33 on June 17, 2015, 10:29:41 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on June 17, 2015, 10:36:57 AM
The further from Weyerhaeuser land you got the less limping elk. That should tell you everything u need to know about hoof rot
:peep: :yeah: :peep:
Post by: funkster on June 17, 2015, 11:11:29 AM
Quality is in the eye of the beholder. Yes, the elk numbers are down vs. previous years. Yes, you will see more rag horns than mashers. Yes, there is hoof rot. But don't let that get you down. I have a buddy that pulled an archery toutle antlerless tag last year that my dad help him out on. He told me they were into elk everyday. Didn't see a single elk with hoof rot,saw more bulls than cows and only saw around 10 rigs in 2 weeks. Our hunting group has pulled toutle tags off and on since I believe 07-08'. I can tell you it's a fun hunt with low hunter numbers. If you're looking for 250-300 class bulls, you'll have to put some scout time in and you'll have to look hard but trust me, they're still some to be harvested. The rut is a fun time to be in there, with not much pressure the bulls are usually pretty vocal. My dad pulled an archery antlerless toutle tag this year, him being 67 loves the permit access and how he can drive and hike to our hot spots instead of biking in! Hope y'all have fun and tag out!
Post by: PBR on June 17, 2015, 11:58:25 AM
Post by: coldsteel3d on June 17, 2015, 01:16:09 PM
Post by: skidynastar33 on June 17, 2015, 07:05:56 PM
Post by: duggyphresh on June 17, 2015, 07:07:36 PM
Post by: skidynastar33 on June 17, 2015, 07:08:34 PM
Post by: PBR on June 17, 2015, 08:55:16 PM
Post by: duggyphresh on June 21, 2015, 02:03:55 PM
Found 9 cows, 4 babies, and a bull was bugling from the tree line... He never came out though.
Post by: Soady on June 21, 2015, 07:01:46 PM
Good news... Selected for Toutle Quality hunt this year. Going out next week to do some scouting. Anybody have any experience with this area? Going to get a Weyerhauser map locally and check it out. Went to forks last year I imagine the terrain in toutle is similar to the Winston area? Guess I'll know soon enough...
Not anything like Winston. State land varies from easy open big timber on the entrance to dense Nobel fir on the the top end. If you spotted elk mothers with a following bull I would stay on them and learn what you can because his herd will increase as the day grows long to rut. I just ran all the roads out with my neighbor who drew the archery quality bull tag. My group drew the muzzy cow tag three years ago and we had a fast learning curve we took one cow missed two and felt we did good for the unit. Lots of new logging activity going on this year and last year so some of the topography has changed and this will affect the state land herds habitat to a degree. Still a great hunt opportunity if you do the leg work and put what you learned to work to your benefit.
Post by: timberhunter on June 21, 2015, 07:50:29 PM
Post by: duggyphresh on June 21, 2015, 07:51:55 PM
Post by: Soady on June 21, 2015, 08:15:22 PM
Congratulations on drawing! I've seen a few post pop up and it could be the excitement but the OP's are leaving out what weapon they're using! That has a lot to do with how and when you'll be hunting a specific tag/unit.
Quality is in the eye of the beholder. Yes, the elk numbers are down vs. previous years. Yes, you will see more rag horns than mashers. Yes, there is hoof rot. But don't let that get you down. I have a buddy that pulled an archery toutle antlerless tag last year that my dad help him out on. He told me they were into elk everyday. Didn't see a single elk with hoof rot,saw more bulls than cows and only saw around 10 rigs in 2 weeks. Our hunting group has pulled toutle tags off and on since I believe 07-08'. I can tell you it's a fun hunt with low hunter numbers. If you're looking for 250-300 class bulls, you'll have to put some scout time in and you'll have to look hard but trust me, they're still some to be harvested. The rut is a fun time to be in there, with not much pressure the bulls are usually pretty vocal. My dad pulled an archery antlerless toutle tag this year, him being 67 loves the permit access and how he can drive and hike to our hot spots instead of biking in! Hope y'all have fun and tag out!
Ah yeah the OP did declare:
Quote
We got drawn for modern nov7-18... I didn't know the Weyerhauser permits were up. I'll check it out.At his time frame the rut is a non player and not an option. Depending on his prior observations with the cows and calves with a trailing bull depending on the herd chemistry that bull may or may not hang around during the OP's hunting time frame. His best option is to follow the herds he has referenced thus far and follow them and the bulls which may be attracted to the respective herd. He may get a shot at an average bull, (satellite bull)will it be what we would call a quality bull depends on where his standards settle. At this time that unit is played out and we all know it given the present day management and herd conditions. That being said good luck to the OP and enjoy your hunt!
Post by: duggyphresh on June 23, 2015, 06:51:00 PM
Post by: Deer slayer on June 23, 2015, 07:19:09 PM
Post by: RallyDawg on June 23, 2015, 09:25:08 PM
Post by: Deer slayer on June 23, 2015, 09:33:13 PM
Post by: bobcat on June 23, 2015, 10:16:18 PM
Post by: Deer slayer on June 23, 2015, 10:24:30 PM
Post by: bobcat on June 23, 2015, 10:37:33 PM
Post by: Soady on June 23, 2015, 11:03:09 PM
As far as I know, 2001 is the only year they didn't leave the access road open to the state land. Just my bad luck. Just saying, it could possibly happen again.
And it is shaping up for a closure as you speak with the recent closures due to unseasonably dry conditions. After the 4th of July carnage I feel the rest will shut down their holdings. That being said good luck to all that hold the tags come hunting season.
Post by: bobcat on June 23, 2015, 11:08:53 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on June 24, 2015, 12:07:54 AM
Post by: RallyDawg on June 24, 2015, 08:22:55 AM
Post by: duggyphresh on June 24, 2015, 08:33:53 AM
Post by: bobcat on June 24, 2015, 08:39:55 AM
Post by: fireweed on June 24, 2015, 09:15:01 AM
As far as I know, 2001 is the only year they didn't leave the access road open to the state land. Just my bad luck. Just saying, it could possibly happen again.
Weyco has closed the access to state land (Toutle Block) many times over the years. For awhile the WDFW had a deal with Weyco and volunteers were manning the gate and opening if for Toutle tag holders through to the state land. That program was discontinued, so if fire danger is bad, that gate is traditionally locked --state land or not, and permit or not. A legal easement is desperately needed and we in Cowlitz Co. have been pushing for one for years. help us out, if you get locked out, write your state reps and Cowlitz Co. commissioners and WDFW and urge support an easements. Every little bit of squeak will help.
Post by: swwaoutdoorsman on June 24, 2015, 12:40:09 PM
Post by: bobcat on June 24, 2015, 12:52:48 PM
Post by: swwaoutdoorsman on June 24, 2015, 05:07:33 PM
Post by: Soady on June 24, 2015, 06:51:52 PM
Read it through to understand your part when the bans go into effect. :tup:
Post by: engelwood on June 24, 2015, 07:27:27 PM
Post by: MADMAX on June 25, 2015, 05:53:12 AM
Post by: duggyphresh on July 06, 2015, 04:30:50 PM
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Post by: RallyDawg on July 14, 2015, 11:04:36 AM
Post by: duggyphresh on July 14, 2015, 11:16:44 AM
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Post by: msg on July 14, 2015, 01:47:06 PM
Post by: Jayfire83 on July 15, 2015, 07:53:41 AM
Post by: Jayfire83 on July 15, 2015, 07:56:41 AM
Post by: duggyphresh on July 15, 2015, 07:59:42 AM
Post by: Jayfire83 on July 15, 2015, 08:05:37 AM
Post by: Clownbuster on July 16, 2015, 09:31:17 PM
-I'll buy the passes soon but does Weyco close the roads during hunting season (specifically the times mentioned above) so we can actually hunt without running into rigs and 4-wheelers around every turn? Not that we would hunt the roads but there seems to be no country in there without a logging road in every quadrant.
-North middle or south Unit? Topo shows great country around Butler Butte and directly to the west and towards Georges Peak. The north facing slopes serving into the the Coweeman River by Washboard Falls looks good. BUT is there access to it? I know, I know its just a cow tag with a rifle but I wanted her to hunt hard in a decent place holding decent amounts of Elk. ANY help would be appreciated.
Post by: Bullkllr on July 16, 2015, 09:50:20 PM
I bow hunt Whitetails on the eastside on private land and backpack in the backcountry of Idaho for Elk, but this year my 15 year old daughter drew a youth antlerless Elk tag for Nov.23rd - 30th. Really excited for her, she's deadly with her 7mm-08 out to 300 yds and she's more crazy about hunting than most hunters I know. The goal is to head up every 3rd weekend from here to October to learn the unit. But I have a few questions that someone that hunts/hunted the unit may be able to kindly answer and point in a direction:
-I'll buy the passes soon but does Weyco close the roads during hunting season (specifically the times mentioned above) so we can actually hunt without running into rigs and 4-wheelers around every turn? Not that we would hunt the roads but there seems to be no country in there without a logging road in every quadrant.
-North middle or south Unit? Topo shows great country around Butler Butte and directly to the west and towards Georges Peak. The north facing slopes serving into the the Coweeman River by Washboard Falls looks good. BUT is there access to it? I know, I know its just a cow tag with a rifle but I wanted her to hunt hard in a decent place holding decent amounts of Elk. ANY help would be appreciated.
Well, I can start by saying that the roads will for sure be open during your daughter's hunt timeframe.
There's good country and elk all over the unit. Being a tree farm, much, as you will see, depends on the timber harvest cycle and whether you want to hunt clear cuts or timber as far as where you end up hunting. Some that may look great on a topo or couple year old aerial may simply be too grown-up to hunt.
Post by: Big6bull on July 16, 2015, 09:52:40 PM
Post by: duggyphresh on July 16, 2015, 09:55:02 PM
Post by: bobcat on July 16, 2015, 10:13:36 PM
Post by: RallyDawg on July 17, 2015, 06:50:45 AM
Post by: bobcat on July 17, 2015, 07:01:00 AM
Post by: HntnFsh on July 18, 2015, 06:19:36 AM
One thing I can tell you is you won't see any ATV's in the Toutle unit on Weyerhaeuser land. They're not allowed, only street legal vehicles. There's tons of area in there, I don't think people driving the roads will affect you too much.
Their not allowed in the Winston either but there are atv trails all over the place.
Post by: Rickyrebar on September 16, 2015, 08:05:31 PM
So here's the deal, I have never killed an elk. I want to kill an elk, it would be great to kill a nice elk, but I aint seeing it thus far. I have also read comments saying "shoot the first bull you see". Put yourself in my boots, if the opportunity presents itself early would you pull the trigger on a bull that was less than what you would expect from the definition of the tag, or would you roll the bones and gamble on the chance that maybe that "quality" bull is in there?
Post by: Chukarhead on September 16, 2015, 08:35:43 PM
Luckily, it's an "any bull" tag. In this case, it will be a quality bull because it will be your first. :tup:
Post by: duggyphresh on September 16, 2015, 08:50:25 PM
Maybe a cow, but only because it knew it's whole life it was a bull, it didn't choose that cow body. Equality for elk too, that's my motto.
Post by: dewandgin on September 16, 2015, 08:55:43 PM
Post by: Rickyrebar on September 17, 2015, 07:00:37 AM
Have a great time and enjoy but I would shoot the first legal bull I see. Myself and alot of family members and friends have had that tag over the years and while a few years ago I would have told you to hold out but recently I would shoot the first bull I seen. Yes if you have the time there is still some decent bulls in there but overall not alot. Just my :twocents:Thanks for your opinion. Unless I find a toad on one of my game camera's between now & go time I think that is what i'll do.
Post by: Rickyrebar on September 17, 2015, 07:04:08 AM
I have a quality tag and I'm shooting the first bull I see.Lol, a Bruce Jenner reference, funny, Whackem.
Maybe a cow, but only because it knew it's whole life it was a bull, it didn't choose that cow body. Equality for elk too, that's my motto.
Post by: Rickyrebar on September 17, 2015, 07:05:28 AM
Shoot a bull.That's what I'm talking about. Thanks for the advice.
Luckily, it's an "any bull" tag. In this case, it will be a quality bull because it will be your first. :tup:
Post by: duggyphresh on September 17, 2015, 07:06:32 AM
Post by: Elkpiss on September 17, 2015, 08:14:43 AM
Shoot a bull.That's what I'm talking about. Thanks for the advice.
Luckily, it's an "any bull" tag. In this case, it will be a quality bull because it will be your first. :tup:
when I had a archery tag in awhile back, I went through 16 diff bulls in about 7 days and not one I would call "quality" shot a 5 point. decent 5 I would shoot and 6 points are kinda hard to find in there, I seen a few but the genes just aren't in there like there was in the early 90's.. In the 80's and 90's the Margret and Toutle were some of the most coveted tags to have now there not so much... Good luck, I would shoot the first mature 5 you see.. wait for a 6 might not happen...! :tup:
Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on September 17, 2015, 08:19:24 AM
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Post by: Rickyrebar on September 17, 2015, 12:42:00 PM
Did you end up going with a Weyerhauser permit?Yes
Post by: Rickyrebar on September 17, 2015, 12:48:15 PM
Are u seeing many elk?Yes. A lot of young solo bulls. One spot I had cameras set up there were several cows and what I consider to be a more "mature" bull with them... that was over a month ago, I pulled my cameras out of that spot to explore other locations however I think I'll set up there again on the last week before opening. Everything I'm seeing currently is young solo bulls.
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Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on September 17, 2015, 12:49:31 PM
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Post by: Rickyrebar on September 20, 2015, 07:16:15 AM
Bugle?
Cow call?
Also, best strategy in your opinion... thick timber during the day, perhaps clear cuts early morning, late evening?
Post by: Rickyrebar on October 08, 2015, 09:55:42 PM
Post by: Jrod79 on October 08, 2015, 10:00:38 PM
Post by: rackattack on October 08, 2015, 10:22:39 PM
Post by: Turner89 on October 08, 2015, 10:24:29 PM
Post by: mikelonsford on October 08, 2015, 10:58:01 PM
Post by: 4fletch on October 08, 2015, 11:41:05 PM
Post by: duggyphresh on October 09, 2015, 06:25:29 AM
Post by: duggyphresh on October 09, 2015, 06:28:58 AM
Anyone with any experience hunting muzzy elk. How well, if at all, will the bulls respond to calling during this time period (Oct 3 -9). Assuming the Toutle unit up to that point has been open to permit holders only I wouldn't think they would be too educated?Did any of your calling strategies work out Rick?
Bugle?
Cow call?
Also, best strategy in your opinion... thick timber during the day, perhaps clear cuts early morning, late evening?
Post by: PBR on October 09, 2015, 09:28:47 AM
Post by: MADMAX on October 09, 2015, 09:35:58 AM
Post by: RallyDawg on October 09, 2015, 11:23:36 AM
September was a lot of fun in the Toutle and we had bulls around us each day but unfortunately we could never get a clear shot before the wind would swirl or a cow would bust us. There is always late season.....
Post by: Rickyrebar on October 09, 2015, 01:22:28 PM
I was cow calling to this guy from a distance but after several hours the night before and the morning of he wouldn't budge from where he was at. so I moved into the timber, closer to where he was, still no budging him, although he was defiantly responding to my calls... saying you come here, so I did. Went in deeper basically his loud mouth lead me right to where he was shacked up with 3 cows. So to answer the question, I do not think my cow calling got me the bull as much as his bugling gave away his exact location.Anyone with any experience hunting muzzy elk. How well, if at all, will the bulls respond to calling during this time period (Oct 3 -9). Assuming the Toutle unit up to that point has been open to permit holders only I wouldn't think they would be too educated?Did any of your calling strategies work out Rick?
Bugle?
Cow call?
Also, best strategy in your opinion... thick timber during the day, perhaps clear cuts early morning, late evening?
Post by: duggyphresh on October 09, 2015, 01:28:04 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on October 09, 2015, 01:38:16 PM
Post by: duggyphresh on November 11, 2015, 06:50:43 PM
Got my 1st elk in Toutle... Thanks for all the help guys. It was a rush.
Post by: billythekidrock on November 11, 2015, 06:55:18 PM
That seems hard to believe.
Post by: duggyphresh on November 11, 2015, 06:56:51 PM
Post by: Casey on November 11, 2015, 07:28:11 PM
Are you guys seeing many cows in the Toutle? I heard, second hand, that even locals were having a hard time finding cows.
That seems hard to believe.
I saw a group of 20 cows in August when scouting for my dad
Post by: rackattack on November 11, 2015, 07:30:06 PM
Post by: jpharcher on November 11, 2015, 07:30:28 PM
Post by: duggyphresh on November 11, 2015, 07:31:06 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on November 11, 2015, 07:39:40 PM
Post by: TheHunt on November 11, 2015, 07:41:24 PM
Post by: Big6bull on November 11, 2015, 08:30:05 PM
Post by: Casey on November 11, 2015, 08:34:15 PM
Post by: PBR on November 11, 2015, 08:44:19 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on November 11, 2015, 08:45:32 PM
If you look at the tags they give out 40 youth rifle cow tags in toutle and 35 regular rifle cow tags it's going to get whipped out pretty good
:yeah:
Post by: gotcha on November 12, 2015, 10:34:43 AM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 12, 2015, 10:58:11 AM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F11%2F10%2Fc4cca08f7523292222ef0b8b73f6f81a.jpg&hash=aa80b6933c5bf2fe555a19e97869caba179e3463)(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F11%2F10%2F3704ea8f08131e846d9fe970d6f64e08.jpg&hash=777980115b102f9108a73a7d084d593fed1bb37a)
Got my 1st elk in Toutle... Thanks for all the help guys. It was a rush.
Great first bull! Well done! Do I notice what looks to be a little hoof rot on his back leg? The hoof looks a little elongated, hard to tell in the photo.
Post by: duggyphresh on November 12, 2015, 10:59:59 AM
Post by: fireweed on November 13, 2015, 07:41:49 AM
Yeah. Had it on one if the back legs. Sent the hooves into wdfw drop box as requested.And another common feature of hoof rot elk that hunters are telling the wdfw about: deformed or uneven antlers. Looks like that too, spike on one side forked horn on other.
Post by: PBR on November 13, 2015, 09:52:58 AM
You guys with cow tags, let me know if you need some areas PM me and ill help you out from what I know, they were all over the South end during deer season, so maybe they'll be back in couple of weeks.
We headed up North Wednesday hunted only on Thursday because of the weather coming in. Hit one spot in the morning not seeing much we went further in to state land, but you have to have a key to get to it. I went right my buddy went left. I was onto something down lower, I could hear it moving around but never laid eyes on it. My buddy however laid eyes on a spike and 3 cows, unfortunately the cow was blocking his shot. He setup to wait em out and have a clear shot but they spooked, prolly caught his scent. This was all within 30min of entering the 2nd spot. We met up and circled around wide hiking in deep, sign everywhere, following well worn trails, but never laid eyes on anything. By this time the wind was picking up, fog coming in.. time to head down the mountain.
We had 4 tags in our group, notched 1. Saw 4 bulls, heard about 3 others pulled out. South end is great, North end we didnt scout and got lucky finding that spot but there is alot of opportunity up there we dont know about, for a bunch of Elk newbs I think we did pretty good. Now on to plan for next year.
Post by: GameHunter1959 on November 13, 2015, 05:19:12 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 13, 2015, 05:25:45 PM
Post by: lonedave on November 13, 2015, 07:05:09 PM
Dave
Post by: bobcat on November 13, 2015, 07:08:01 PM
Post by: kentrek on November 13, 2015, 07:21:32 PM
I think hoof rot has made the Toutle much less of a quality hunt in the last couple of years. Since Margaret is now a general season unit, Toutle really should be too.
I think the blame would be more on the state since they started giving out more and more tags....my opinion is they wanted to kill off the elk before the hoof rot did
It should have gone general a few years ago
Post by: PBR on November 13, 2015, 10:04:33 PM
Post by: Bullkllr on November 14, 2015, 07:34:19 AM
Hoof rot and huge numbers of cow permits; no secret.
Glad the OP had a chance to harvest a nice bull :tup: :tup: