Post by: bobcat on April 30, 2020, 10:03:24 AM
Some 2 points as well. 2 each for Pearrygin and Gardner, and 1 each in Sinlahekin, Chewuch, Gardner, Alta, Chiwawa, Swakane, Quilomene, and Cowiche.
Another interesting thing- Entiat shows a 100% success rate but only 8 deer taken out of 15 permits. Only 9 reports returned. But how can they call that a 100% success rate? Why don't they make a phone call to the six who didn't report ?
Post by: 7mmfan on April 30, 2020, 10:06:01 AM
Post by: Stein on April 30, 2020, 10:13:05 AM
I don't trust much of the WDFW data, there are inconsistencies in many places. It happens in both hunting and fishing, if data is missing there are some pretty crude extrapolations made many times assuming a much higher harvest than actual.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on April 30, 2020, 10:21:38 AM
Post by: kselkhunter on April 30, 2020, 10:22:03 AM
Day 1 or day 10 I care not one bit what someone else does with THEIR tag. Shoot what makes you happy and apologize to know one.
:yeah:
Post by: WSU on April 30, 2020, 10:29:43 AM
A couple years ago my dad drew a quality deer tag. We hunted a week and passed dozens of bucks. He shot a 2 point out last morning mainly because my six year olds had hunted with us and it was more important to us to have a successful hunt than it was to hold out an extra 4 hours.
I don’t see anything wrong with shooting whatever animal makes you happy with your hunt.
Post by: 7mmfan on April 30, 2020, 10:32:18 AM
Post by: Southpole on April 30, 2020, 10:35:25 AM
Post by: bobcat on April 30, 2020, 10:37:03 AM
Post by: Southpole on April 30, 2020, 10:46:01 AM
Post by: Buckhunter24 on April 30, 2020, 10:49:07 AM
Post by: full choke on April 30, 2020, 10:57:33 AM
Maybe the hunt was a blast, good times were had, a son and father bonded, and took home some meat. Quality hunt box checked...
Post by: jrebel on April 30, 2020, 11:01:05 AM
For inquiring minds, I will share the story. I drew the tag with 6 points. I had the entire season off.....until I switched jobs at the start of September. Not having any vacation, I managed to trade a few days and ended up with 6 full days of hunting. I changed my mentality with only having six days and still wanting to make it a quality experience. I took my son out of school to spend the entire hunt with me. I had my hunting buddy and a few random friends stop in to enjoy camp life with the shortened days of hunting. I set up my new wall tent and figured we would make the best out of a shorter season than I would have wanted. We spotted quite a few very nice bucks, some that were out of stalking range and others that I just blew stocks on.....that is part of archery hunting. I passed up shots daily on 3 points....some of them very nice 3 points. My hunting buddy said I would regret it....but I knew I wouldn't. I would rather shoot a spike on the last day than shoot a 3 point on day 2-3 or 4. I blew a stock on a huge 4x4 that I got to within 30 yards of. I had multiple blown stocks on 160+ bucks (3 or 4). We saw tons of deer, had a ton of fun and the last evening hunt, I decided to shoot a spike or 2 pt to fill the freezer. My son was by my side and got to help drag it out, gut it, skin it and ultimately be part of the entire 6 day hunt. Hands down one of the best hunts I have ever had.
Sure, do I wish I had shot one of the big boys.....OBVIOUSLY YES!! Do I regret filling the freezer with spike zilla....NO. I purposely didn't do a write up on here because people are cruel and I didn't want my son reading it. To him this spike had just as much bone as a 190 class muley. I personally don't care what people say about me, but I find myself protecting my kids from people that think quality means antlers. I teach my kids that quality was 6 days in the field with my son and best friend (hunting buddy).
Here are pics of what Quality means to me!!! Bobcat, as a moderator your question of "who does that?" Is mildly insulting. Of all people .... showing a little restraint and promoting our sport as something more that bone=quality....... :bash: :bash:
Post by: full choke on April 30, 2020, 11:04:37 AM
I'll speak up....I am the one in the Entiat that shot spike zilla!! :chuckle: :chuckle:
For inquiring minds, I will share the story. I drew the tag with 6 points. I had the entire season off.....until I switched jobs at the start of September. Not having any vacation, I managed to trade a few days and ended up with 6 full days of hunting. I changed my mentality with only having six days and still wanting to make it a quality experience. I took my son out of school to spend the entire hunt with me. I had my hunting buddy and a few random friends stop in to enjoy camp life with the shortened days of hunting. I set up my new wall tent and figured we would make the best out of a shorter season than I would have wanted. We spotted quite a few very nice bucks, some that were out of stalking range and others that I just blew stocks on.....that is part of archery hunting. I passed up shots daily on 3 points....some of them very nice 3 points. My hunting buddy said I would regret it....but I knew I wouldn't. I would rather shoot a spike on the last day than shoot a 3 point on day 2-3 or 4. I blew a stock on a huge 4x4 that I got to within 30 yards of. I had multiple blown stocks on 160+ bucks (3 or 4). We saw tons of deer, had a ton of fun and the last evening hunt, I decided to shoot a spike or 2 pt to fill the freezer. My son was by my side and got to help drag it out, gut it, skin it and ultimately be part of the entire 6 day hunt. Hands down one of the best hunts I have ever had.
Sure, do I wish I had shot one of the big boys.....OBVIOUSLY YES!! Do I regret filling the freezer with spike zilla....NO. I purposely didn't do a write up on here because people are cruel and I didn't want my son reading it. To him this spike had just as much bone as a 190 class muley. I personally don't care what people say about me, but I find myself protecting my kids from people that think quality means antlers. I teach my kids that quality was 6 days in the field with my son and best friend (hunting buddy).
Here are pics of what Quality means to me!!! Bobcat, as a moderator your question of "who does that?" Is mildly insulting. Of all people .... showing a little restraint and promoting our sport as something more that bone=quality....... :bash: :bash:
My point exactly!
Congratulations on a great quality tag jrebel!
Post by: jrebel on April 30, 2020, 11:07:45 AM
Upon arriving home, my son couldn't wait to tell him mother all about it. He had learned a ton on this trip and was so excited to share his experience that he broke the cardinal rule......what happens at camp stays at camp!! :chuckle: :chuckle:
Top lessons learned (in no particular order)
1. How to start a fire,
2. How to gut and skin a deer,
3. How to open beer bottles with his elbow..... :yike: :yike: :yike:
He could have left that one out!!! :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: Pegasus on April 30, 2020, 11:08:52 AM
I'll speak up....I am the one in the Entiat that shot spike zilla!! :chuckle: :chuckle:
For inquiring minds, I will share the story. I drew the tag with 6 points. I had the entire season off.....until I switched jobs at the start of September. Not having any vacation, I managed to trade a few days and ended up with 6 full days of hunting. I changed my mentality with only having six days and still wanting to make it a quality experience. I took my son out of school to spend the entire hunt with me. I had my hunting buddy and a few random friends stop in to enjoy camp life with the shortened days of hunting. I set up my new wall tent and figured we would make the best out of a shorter season than I would have wanted. We spotted quite a few very nice bucks, some that were out of stalking range and others that I just blew stocks on.....that is part of archery hunting. I passed up shots daily on 3 points....some of them very nice 3 points. My hunting buddy said I would regret it....but I knew I wouldn't. I would rather shoot a spike on the last day than shoot a 3 point on day 2-3 or 4. I blew a stock on a huge 4x4 that I got to within 30 yards of. I had multiple blown stocks on 160+ bucks (3 or 4). We saw tons of deer, had a ton of fun and the last evening hunt, I decided to shoot a spike or 2 pt to fill the freezer. My son was by my side and got to help drag it out, gut it, skin it and ultimately be part of the entire 6 day hunt. Hands down one of the best hunts I have ever had.
Sure, do I wish I had shot one of the big boys.....OBVIOUSLY YES!! Do I regret filling the freezer with spike zilla....NO. I purposely didn't do a write up on here because people are cruel and I didn't want my son reading it. To him this spike had just as much bone as a 190 class muley. I personally don't care what people say about me, but I find myself protecting my kids from people that think quality means antlers. I teach my kids that quality was 6 days in the field with my son and best friend (hunting buddy).
Here are pics of what Quality means to me!!! Bobcat, as a moderator your question of "who does that?" Is mildly insulting. Of all people .... showing a little restraint and promoting our sport as something more that bone=quality....... :bash: :bash:
Well done. Looks like you made some memories for your son and yourself to share forever. Nothing wrong with wanting to bring some meat home after a hunt and I am surprised that anyone would question it.
Post by: Mtnwalker on April 30, 2020, 11:09:19 AM
I'll speak up....I am the one in the Entiat that shot spike zilla!! :chuckle: :chuckle:
For inquiring minds, I will share the story. I drew the tag with 6 points. I had the entire season off.....until I switched jobs at the start of September. Not having any vacation, I managed to trade a few days and ended up with 6 full days of hunting. I changed my mentality with only having six days and still wanting to make it a quality experience. I took my son out of school to spend the entire hunt with me. I had my hunting buddy and a few random friends stop in to enjoy camp life with the shortened days of hunting. I set up my new wall tent and figured we would make the best out of a shorter season than I would have wanted. We spotted quite a few very nice bucks, some that were out of stalking range and others that I just blew stocks on.....that is part of archery hunting. I passed up shots daily on 3 points....some of them very nice 3 points. My hunting buddy said I would regret it....but I knew I wouldn't. I would rather shoot a spike on the last day than shoot a 3 point on day 2-3 or 4. I blew a stock on a huge 4x4 that I got to within 30 yards of. I had multiple blown stocks on 160+ bucks (3 or 4). We saw tons of deer, had a ton of fun and the last evening hunt, I decided to shoot a spike or 2 pt to fill the freezer. My son was by my side and got to help drag it out, gut it, skin it and ultimately be part of the entire 6 day hunt. Hands down one of the best hunts I have ever had.
Sure, do I wish I had shot one of the big boys.....OBVIOUSLY YES!! Do I regret filling the freezer with spike zilla....NO. I purposely didn't do a write up on here because people are cruel and I didn't want my son reading it. To him this spike had just as much bone as a 190 class muley. I personally don't care what people say about me, but I find myself protecting my kids from people that think quality means antlers. I teach my kids that quality was 6 days in the field with my son and best friend (hunting buddy).
Here are pics of what Quality means to me!!! Bobcat, as a moderator your question of "who does that?" Is mildly insulting. Of all people .... showing a little restraint and promoting our sport as something more that bone=quality....... :bash: :bash:
There you go, awesome stuff right there. When my kid gets old enough to go with me I’ll take a hunt like that over killing a stud by myself any day of the week
Post by: Bucks2Ducks on April 30, 2020, 11:09:27 AM
Post by: Southpole on April 30, 2020, 11:09:35 AM
Post by: Colville on April 30, 2020, 11:14:36 AM
Jrebel, with a young man in tow, i'd take a deer at the end for sure. It's a great chance to go through the whole process, hunt, dress, bone, package/prepare and then later, how to serve. Zero chances with a young man like yours that I'd have passed up that opportunity at the end of the game. Happy for you.
Post by: huntnfmly on April 30, 2020, 11:14:41 AM
I'll speak up....I am the one in the Entiat that shot spike zilla!! :chuckle: :chuckle:That there is the definition of a quality hunt with family and friends congrats
For inquiring minds, I will share the story. I drew the tag with 6 points. I had the entire season off.....until I switched jobs at the start of September. Not having any vacation, I managed to trade a few days and ended up with 6 full days of hunting. I changed my mentality with only having six days and still wanting to make it a quality experience. I took my son out of school to spend the entire hunt with me. I had my hunting buddy and a few random friends stop in to enjoy camp life with the shortened days of hunting. I set up my new wall tent and figured we would make the best out of a shorter season than I would have wanted. We spotted quite a few very nice bucks, some that were out of stalking range and others that I just blew stocks on.....that is part of archery hunting. I passed up shots daily on 3 points....some of them very nice 3 points. My hunting buddy said I would regret it....but I knew I wouldn't. I would rather shoot a spike on the last day than shoot a 3 point on day 2-3 or 4. I blew a stock on a huge 4x4 that I got to within 30 yards of. I had multiple blown stocks on 160+ bucks (3 or 4). We saw tons of deer, had a ton of fun and the last evening hunt, I decided to shoot a spike or 2 pt to fill the freezer. My son was by my side and got to help drag it out, gut it, skin it and ultimately be part of the entire 6 day hunt. Hands down one of the best hunts I have ever had.
Sure, do I wish I had shot one of the big boys.....OBVIOUSLY YES!! Do I regret filling the freezer with spike zilla....NO. I purposely didn't do a write up on here because people are cruel and I didn't want my son reading it. To him this spike had just as much bone as a 190 class muley. I personally don't care what people say about me, but I find myself protecting my kids from people that think quality means antlers. I teach my kids that quality was 6 days in the field with my son and best friend (hunting buddy).
Here are pics of what Quality means to me!!! Bobcat, as a moderator your question of "who does that?" Is mildly insulting. Of all people .... showing a little restraint and promoting our sport as something more that bone=quality....... :bash: :bash:
Post by: Bulldozer77 on April 30, 2020, 11:18:29 AM
I'll speak up....I am the one in the Entiat that shot spike zilla!! :chuckle: :chuckle:
For inquiring minds, I will share the story. I drew the tag with 6 points. I had the entire season off.....until I switched jobs at the start of September. Not having any vacation, I managed to trade a few days and ended up with 6 full days of hunting. I changed my mentality with only having six days and still wanting to make it a quality experience. I took my son out of school to spend the entire hunt with me. I had my hunting buddy and a few random friends stop in to enjoy camp life with the shortened days of hunting. I set up my new wall tent and figured we would make the best out of a shorter season than I would have wanted. We spotted quite a few very nice bucks, some that were out of stalking range and others that I just blew stocks on.....that is part of archery hunting. I passed up shots daily on 3 points....some of them very nice 3 points. My hunting buddy said I would regret it....but I knew I wouldn't. I would rather shoot a spike on the last day than shoot a 3 point on day 2-3 or 4. I blew a stock on a huge 4x4 that I got to within 30 yards of. I had multiple blown stocks on 160+ bucks (3 or 4). We saw tons of deer, had a ton of fun and the last evening hunt, I decided to shoot a spike or 2 pt to fill the freezer. My son was by my side and got to help drag it out, gut it, skin it and ultimately be part of the entire 6 day hunt. Hands down one of the best hunts I have ever had.
Sure, do I wish I had shot one of the big boys.....OBVIOUSLY YES!! Do I regret filling the freezer with spike zilla....NO. I purposely didn't do a write up on here because people are cruel and I didn't want my son reading it. To him this spike had just as much bone as a 190 class muley. I personally don't care what people say about me, but I find myself protecting my kids from people that think quality means antlers. I teach my kids that quality was 6 days in the field with my son and best friend (hunting buddy).
Here are pics of what Quality means to me!!! Bobcat, as a moderator your question of "who does that?" Is mildly insulting. Of all people .... showing a little restraint and promoting our sport as something more that bone=quality....... :bash: :bash:
This right here is awesome!!!....... And those jars of stew meat :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:
Post by: jstone on April 30, 2020, 11:19:43 AM
Can you tell me where you set up your tent? If I draw this year I will be taking a walk tent.
Post by: jrebel on April 30, 2020, 11:25:11 AM
Awesome archery entiat spike hunt. Good for you and with the kid.
Can you tell me where you set up your tent? If I draw this year I will be taking a walk tent.
This was in the bottom of Mud. Most late season hunters set up in this general area as it is centrally located making it easy to go anywhere. Lots of flat ground too.
Post by: jstone on April 30, 2020, 11:28:17 AM
Post by: Pegasus on April 30, 2020, 11:31:35 AM
Ya I was thinking of the spot on the corner of mud and where it goes over to Oklahoma Gulch
How many points you gots? Seems like you are doing a lot of planning(or dreaming) for a tag you have not drawn, yet.
Post by: jrebel on April 30, 2020, 11:31:53 AM
Ya I was thinking of the spot on the corner of mud and where it goes over to Oklahoma Gulch
Lots of great spots. We hope to be back this year or next with by buddy drawing. We never put in as a group because we want to experience the hunt as often as we can. If one of us draw the other goes as a spotter and beer drinking buddy. By doing it this way we get twice as many experiences even though one of us can not hunt. We love being in the field that time of the year. If we hammer a big boy....awesome!! If we don't, we are at least making memories for a lifetime.
Post by: KP-Skagit on April 30, 2020, 11:34:10 AM
I'll speak up....I am the one in the Entiat that shot spike zilla!! :chuckle: :chuckle:
For inquiring minds, I will share the story. I drew the tag with 6 points. I had the entire season off.....until I switched jobs at the start of September. Not having any vacation, I managed to trade a few days and ended up with 6 full days of hunting. I changed my mentality with only having six days and still wanting to make it a quality experience. I took my son out of school to spend the entire hunt with me. I had my hunting buddy and a few random friends stop in to enjoy camp life with the shortened days of hunting. I set up my new wall tent and figured we would make the best out of a shorter season than I would have wanted. We spotted quite a few very nice bucks, some that were out of stalking range and others that I just blew stocks on.....that is part of archery hunting. I passed up shots daily on 3 points....some of them very nice 3 points. My hunting buddy said I would regret it....but I knew I wouldn't. I would rather shoot a spike on the last day than shoot a 3 point on day 2-3 or 4. I blew a stock on a huge 4x4 that I got to within 30 yards of. I had multiple blown stocks on 160+ bucks (3 or 4). We saw tons of deer, had a ton of fun and the last evening hunt, I decided to shoot a spike or 2 pt to fill the freezer. My son was by my side and got to help drag it out, gut it, skin it and ultimately be part of the entire 6 day hunt. Hands down one of the best hunts I have ever had.
Sure, do I wish I had shot one of the big boys.....OBVIOUSLY YES!! Do I regret filling the freezer with spike zilla....NO. I purposely didn't do a write up on here because people are cruel and I didn't want my son reading it. To him this spike had just as much bone as a 190 class muley. I personally don't care what people say about me, but I find myself protecting my kids from people that think quality means antlers. I teach my kids that quality was 6 days in the field with my son and best friend (hunting buddy).
Here are pics of what Quality means to me!!! Bobcat, as a moderator your question of "who does that?" Is mildly insulting. Of all people .... showing a little restraint and promoting our sport as something more that bone=quality....... :bash: :bash:
I for one very much enjoyed the story! I am happy it got shared eventually.
Post by: RB on April 30, 2020, 11:34:51 AM
I had the Peaches Ridge Elk rifle tag in 2003 spent the first seven days of the season in the brush and finally found a nice five point, and straight up missed! Due to work I had to go home but was able to return for the last weekend of the season but could not find another bull. Having the tent set up and spending time with friends and family will always be remembered.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on April 30, 2020, 11:54:48 AM
I can kinda sorta see Bobcats point in a way. Guys wait 20 years to draw a quality tag and can't. Lots think it's as easy as just drawing the tag and then just drive around and pop a gagger buck so they see young deer being taken and think "why in the world?".
Lots of factors go into ones expectations. If a guy has only shot a few animals and still has that blood lust it's hard to pass legal animals.
The pressure of a quality permit can also drive guys to punch out. You see the same thing with out of state tags. A guy pays $500 for a deer tag and they feel they HAVE to fill it.
Jrebels story is another good example of tailoring ones standards of a trophy.
Meat is another factor. My line for any hunt is always directly related to my freezer status. Two years ago I had a quality archery elk tag. I passed half a dozen bulls that week. Some pretty good ones too. Never found what I was looking for but my freezer was danger low and I had a good opportunity at a spike on the last day. My options were hunt to the bitter end for a good bull but ultimately have to possibly settle on some of my other tags in order to pad the freezer or I could kill the spike and allow myself the breathing room to be more selective on my other hunts. Meat first always in our house. That's hunting.
Ultimately I stand by my original comment:
Day 1 or day 10 I care not one bit what someone else does with THEIR tag. Shoot what makes you happy and apologize to know one.
Post by: OutHouse on April 30, 2020, 11:56:30 AM
Post by: jstone on April 30, 2020, 12:15:01 PM
Post by: jstone on April 30, 2020, 12:28:17 PM
Post by: Scheindogg on April 30, 2020, 12:43:41 PM
This will be my first year applying for special permit tags, mainly to get points started knowing I don’t have much of a chance year one.
That being said you can probably see where this is going, if I drew a quality tag, I would 100% take a spike with that tag. Of course it depends on how many days I had to hunt/ how many days were left, how much sign there was etc.
Post by: johnnyaustin44 on April 30, 2020, 01:15:54 PM
I'll speak up....I am the one in the Entiat that shot spike zilla!! :chuckle: :chuckle:Epic hunt for sure. Congratulations. That sounds like everything a quality hunt is designed to be.
For inquiring minds, I will share the story. I drew the tag with 6 points. I had the entire season off.....until I switched jobs at the start of September. Not having any vacation, I managed to trade a few days and ended up with 6 full days of hunting. I changed my mentality with only having six days and still wanting to make it a quality experience. I took my son out of school to spend the entire hunt with me. I had my hunting buddy and a few random friends stop in to enjoy camp life with the shortened days of hunting. I set up my new wall tent and figured we would make the best out of a shorter season than I would have wanted. We spotted quite a few very nice bucks, some that were out of stalking range and others that I just blew stocks on.....that is part of archery hunting. I passed up shots daily on 3 points....some of them very nice 3 points. My hunting buddy said I would regret it....but I knew I wouldn't. I would rather shoot a spike on the last day than shoot a 3 point on day 2-3 or 4. I blew a stock on a huge 4x4 that I got to within 30 yards of. I had multiple blown stocks on 160+ bucks (3 or 4). We saw tons of deer, had a ton of fun and the last evening hunt, I decided to shoot a spike or 2 pt to fill the freezer. My son was by my side and got to help drag it out, gut it, skin it and ultimately be part of the entire 6 day hunt. Hands down one of the best hunts I have ever had.
Sure, do I wish I had shot one of the big boys.....OBVIOUSLY YES!! Do I regret filling the freezer with spike zilla....NO. I purposely didn't do a write up on here because people are cruel and I didn't want my son reading it. To him this spike had just as much bone as a 190 class muley. I personally don't care what people say about me, but I find myself protecting my kids from people that think quality means antlers. I teach my kids that quality was 6 days in the field with my son and best friend (hunting buddy).
Here are pics of what Quality means to me!!! Bobcat, as a moderator your question of "who does that?" Is mildly insulting. Of all people .... showing a little restraint and promoting our sport as something more that bone=quality....... :bash: :bash:
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on April 30, 2020, 01:28:32 PM
But any time in the woods is a quality hunt to me. Even if it's just helping someone else out.
Post by: jstone on April 30, 2020, 01:47:27 PM
Post by: Dan-o on April 30, 2020, 02:06:27 PM
His first buck.
He was thrilled.
We mounted the rack on a plaque that says "Chaise's biggest buck yet"
It hangs right next to one of his good bucks.
Post by: jstone on April 30, 2020, 02:07:44 PM
Post by: mburrows on April 30, 2020, 02:20:05 PM
So, ya just dreaming.!!
Got the glass ready to do some walking so I can return the favor this year!
Post by: jstone on April 30, 2020, 03:06:10 PM
Can’t wait.!!
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on April 30, 2020, 03:43:27 PM
Last day I’m eating meat.😉
Post by: huntnphool on April 30, 2020, 04:20:30 PM
I'll speak up....I am the one in the Entiat that shot spike zilla!! :chuckle: :chuckle:
For inquiring minds, I will share the story. I drew the tag with 6 points. I had the entire season off.....until I switched jobs at the start of September. Not having any vacation, I managed to trade a few days and ended up with 6 full days of hunting. I changed my mentality with only having six days and still wanting to make it a quality experience. I took my son out of school to spend the entire hunt with me. I had my hunting buddy and a few random friends stop in to enjoy camp life with the shortened days of hunting. I set up my new wall tent and figured we would make the best out of a shorter season than I would have wanted. We spotted quite a few very nice bucks, some that were out of stalking range and others that I just blew stocks on.....that is part of archery hunting. I passed up shots daily on 3 points....some of them very nice 3 points. My hunting buddy said I would regret it....but I knew I wouldn't. I would rather shoot a spike on the last day than shoot a 3 point on day 2-3 or 4. I blew a stock on a huge 4x4 that I got to within 30 yards of. I had multiple blown stocks on 160+ bucks (3 or 4). We saw tons of deer, had a ton of fun and the last evening hunt, I decided to shoot a spike or 2 pt to fill the freezer. My son was by my side and got to help drag it out, gut it, skin it and ultimately be part of the entire 6 day hunt. Hands down one of the best hunts I have ever had.
Sure, do I wish I had shot one of the big boys.....OBVIOUSLY YES!! Do I regret filling the freezer with spike zilla....NO. I purposely didn't do a write up on here because people are cruel and I didn't want my son reading it. To him this spike had just as much bone as a 190 class muley. I personally don't care what people say about me, but I find myself protecting my kids from people that think quality means antlers. I teach my kids that quality was 6 days in the field with my son and best friend (hunting buddy).
Here are pics of what Quality means to me!!! Bobcat, as a moderator your question of "who does that?" Is mildly insulting. Of all people .... showing a little restraint and promoting our sport as something more that bone=quality....... :bash: :bash:
Looks and sounds like a quality hunt to me.
Post by: Timberstalker on April 30, 2020, 07:14:24 PM
Day 1 or day 10 I care not one bit what someone else does with THEIR tag. Shoot what makes you happy and apologize to know one.
Amen
Post by: Rainier10 on April 30, 2020, 07:30:00 PM
x2Day 1 or day 10 I care not one bit what someone else does with THEIR tag. Shoot what makes you happy and apologize to know one.
Amen
Post by: MtnMuley on April 30, 2020, 10:18:06 PM
Post by: huntnphool on April 30, 2020, 10:20:28 PM
I can remember hunting a Gov tag buck here a couple years back on Dec 31. Ended an epic season having 10 minutes of light left as we joked about having some prime 2 point steaks in the freezer. Just then, a year and a half old 2 point walks out in the road in front of us, all puffed up. After a few chuckles, we veered around him as we made our way off the mountain while the sun cast it's final rays of light on our season.......I can still taste the thought of those tender steaks :chuckle:
:chuckle:
Post by: westsidehntr on April 30, 2020, 10:21:22 PM
Post by: jrebel on April 30, 2020, 11:24:29 PM
I keep checking to see if @bobcat pops back in here...
Not likely.....he didn’t expect one of “those guys” to be on the forum or at least to speak up. Lots of guys out there speak their mind not knowing what they are actually saying. Imagine if it was a 12 yo kid that drew the tag and shot his first deer during this hunt.....that would make you feel pretty stupid wouldn’t it.
I don’t think his statement was, by design, meant to be offensive. I just don’t think he thought about what he was saying before hitting the post button. Hopefully he will think about it with future posts.
A lot of people equate quality to inches of bone..... I equate quality to the processed meat and memories. I have never been a trophy hunter. I have been lucky to kill a few nice animals in my life but for the most part never pass up a legal animal that will feed my family.
Post by: fishngamereaper on May 01, 2020, 06:17:27 AM
Post by: hunter399 on May 01, 2020, 06:32:18 AM
Did it last year OTC .
I mean it happens ,I hunted all deer season ,put many boot miles,had some missed opportunity. Called in sick to work last day of deer season.Hikeing up a ridge I was almost to the top ,I was thinking I'm gonna stop and take a look around at the top of it.BOOM a nice 4pt and doe jump over the ridge ,so I haul my butt over there just in time .The Doe was standing on the next ridge in range ,but that buck didn't stop for anything.So all this happens I'm just pissed and bummed out.Watching this nice buck jump up take off.Last day of the season.So I make it to the top of ridge and there is a road there that will circle back to my truck. I'm walking back with my disappointment .Boom there's a spike trying to cross the road about 75 yards in front of me. He trying to go in the same direction that the big boy just ran off .I look through the scope double check for horns .Yup he's a spike shoot fill my tag.
I didn't post it on the forum ,Its not one of my greatest moments ,but it put meat in the freezer. Believe me when I say I hunted the season hard .And earned that little buck.
That's just last year .In my life I have shot a spike a handful of times on the last day no shame in my game.
Post by: coachcw on May 01, 2020, 06:43:30 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on May 01, 2020, 07:05:35 AM
Post by: jrebel on May 01, 2020, 07:36:32 AM
I'm sure bobcat didn't mean to hurt feelings, he's not that kind of guy on here. I bet a few of us have joke with our friends about shooting spikes on a big hunt.
I agree and the only reason I busting his balls a bit is because that sentiment is a major reason people don't post pics anymore.
Post by: westsidehntr on May 01, 2020, 10:29:47 AM
I'm sure bobcat didn't mean to hurt feelings, he's not that kind of guy on here. I bet a few of us have joke with our friends about shooting spikes on a big hunt.
I agree and the only reason I busting his balls a bit is because that sentiment is a major reason people don't post pics anymore.
I agree I guess I just respect people more who follow up and own a mistake. Think he owes yall a, hey sorry guys, I don't know what I was thinking.
Post by: bobcat on May 01, 2020, 11:01:21 AM
Post by: huntnfmly on May 01, 2020, 11:06:30 AM
Post by: Scheindogg on May 01, 2020, 11:26:20 AM
Mistake? :chuckle: You must have taken my post the wrong way. There was no mistake, and I won't apologize for looking at the harvest report and wondering how a person ends up shooting a spike on special permit hunts that are known for big mule deer. I thought it it turned out being a great thread. I enjoyed reading the stories and all the comments. Only thing was not many people addressed my other comment about how the harvest report shows 8 hunters out of 15 permits for the Entiat rifle hunt, and a 100% success rate. Was it really a 100% success rate? Or could it have been a 57% success rate? 9 of the 15 hunters submitted reports, so apparently 1 person reported that he or she did not hunt. So assuming everyone else hunted, that's 8 bucks killed out of 14 hunters, for a 57% success rate. That would also be assuming that the 6 who didn't submit a report, did not kill a deer. But who knows. That's why I asked the question in my original post, why can't the WDFW call hunters in cases like this and get more complete data?
Some people like myself apply for special hunts because there is less pressure and therefore have a better opportunity at filling the freezer. Maybe the dates work better for their schedule. Maybe they had plans for a longer season that got cut short. Maybe they’re not interested in very old deer in general. It’s by no means required to take an old deer with a quality hunt tag.
Also if you look at the special hunts page of the regs nowhere does it mention mature deer.
If you drew the tag, you would use your experience to get the biggest deer you could find, good for you. That’s quality to you. To others it could mean a multitude of things and I wouldn’t waste my time wondering why some hunters take smaller deer than others.
Post by: Pegasus on May 01, 2020, 12:01:41 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on May 01, 2020, 12:12:47 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 01, 2020, 12:19:37 PM
I don't think I've seen a guy get bashed so much for such a little remark, I've said much worse things and not gotten beaten up so bad. :chuckle:challenge accepted :chuckle:
Post by: trophyhunt on May 01, 2020, 12:22:12 PM
Dang it, I should have looked to see if you were on line!!!! :bash: :bash:I don't think I've seen a guy get bashed so much for such a little remark, I've said much worse things and not gotten beaten up so bad. :chuckle:challenge accepted :chuckle:
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 01, 2020, 12:23:08 PM
They had 8 reports back one of which did not hunt. So out of 7 reported hunters, 7 bucks were killed... 100% success
They cant add the nonreported as they are just that. No way to know if they hunted or not, or if they killed or not.
Post by: Pegasus on May 01, 2020, 12:27:21 PM
I don't think I've seen a guy get bashed so much for such a little remark, I've said much worse things and not gotten beaten up so bad. :chuckle:
It produced a great story with pics about jrebel's hunt with his son. I have always assumed when you see a spike shot with a great permit that it was a last day choice to bring some meat home. Nothing wrong with that.
Post by: elkboy on May 01, 2020, 12:29:01 PM
JReb, that sure does seem like the definition of a quality hunt! Thanks for sharing. And as for the deer... I've never seen a deer that I didn't think was quality. They are incredible animals.
Post by: Pegasus on May 01, 2020, 12:32:25 PM
The harvest rate question is easy.
They had 8 reports back one of which did not hunt. So out of 7 reported hunters, 7 bucks were killed... 100% success
They cant add the nonreported as they are just that. No way to know if they hunted or not, or if they killed or not.
That is our point. Get the non-reporters to report to produce a valid success ratio. The question is why they are not doing it? In your example you are throwing out some of the data that would make the report on success ratio valid. Instead it is a bunch of junk science without all permits drawn reporting. It is an easy fix so why is it not being done? To skew the success ratio upwards?
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 01, 2020, 12:41:45 PM
They are already trying to get people to report. It costs a $10 fee before you can purchase your next license if you dont report. How is it “junk science” to publish the success rate with the info you have? About the only change i could see that likely wouldnt happen would be to not let a person buy a license if they miss a report.The harvest rate question is easy.
They had 8 reports back one of which did not hunt. So out of 7 reported hunters, 7 bucks were killed... 100% success
They cant add the nonreported as they are just that. No way to know if they hunted or not, or if they killed or not.
That is our point. Get the non-reporters to report to produce a valid success ratio. The question is why they are not doing it? In your example you are throwing out some of the data that would make the report on success ratio valid. Instead it is a bunch of junk science without all permits drawn reporting. It is an easy fix so why is it not being done? To skew the success ratio upwards?
Post by: idahohuntr on May 01, 2020, 12:44:33 PM
Nice try bobcat I was giving you the benefit of doubt but one thing has nothing to do with the other you're right you did mean it and it was a dbag atatementI get that the statement could have been interpreted in a derogatory sense, but I think it was a fair, respectful question regarding the harvest data. I didn't detect even the slightest hint that he believes hunters shouldn't kill spikes on quality permits, and I'm sure he would never make negative comments to or about those who did decide to fill their tag with a spike. He did not denigrate anyone who killed a spike, just pointed out an unexpected result for high demand permits known for better than average bucks...and Jrebel share a great story that probably gives a pretty good explanation (not that one is required) for why even in some of the better units the harvest is inclusive of spikes. I think its unfair to attack bobcat over a question like that, nearly as unfair as someone making negative remarks about a success post that is a spike or other lower age class animal :dunno:
Post by: Pegasus on May 01, 2020, 12:48:50 PM
They are already trying to get people to report. It costs a $10 fee before you can purchase your next license if you dont report. How is it “junk science” to publish the success rate with the info you have? About the only change i could see that likely wouldnt happen would be to not let a person buy a license if they miss a report.The harvest rate question is easy.
They had 8 reports back one of which did not hunt. So out of 7 reported hunters, 7 bucks were killed... 100% success
They cant add the nonreported as they are just that. No way to know if they hunted or not, or if they killed or not.
That is our point. Get the non-reporters to report to produce a valid success ratio. The question is why they are not doing it? In your example you are throwing out some of the data that would make the report on success ratio valid. Instead it is a bunch of junk science without all permits drawn reporting. It is an easy fix so why is it not being done? To skew the success ratio upwards?
Common sense says without all of the data the report is junk. The question is why not fix it? Its been like this for years. Force the report back one way or another.
Post by: jrebel on May 01, 2020, 01:01:22 PM
They are already trying to get people to report. It costs a $10 fee before you can purchase your next license if you dont report. How is it “junk science” to publish the success rate with the info you have? About the only change i could see that likely wouldnt happen would be to not let a person buy a license if they miss a report.The harvest rate question is easy.
They had 8 reports back one of which did not hunt. So out of 7 reported hunters, 7 bucks were killed... 100% success
They cant add the nonreported as they are just that. No way to know if they hunted or not, or if they killed or not.
That is our point. Get the non-reporters to report to produce a valid success ratio. The question is why they are not doing it? In your example you are throwing out some of the data that would make the report on success ratio valid. Instead it is a bunch of junk science without all permits drawn reporting. It is an easy fix so why is it not being done? To skew the success ratio upwards?
Common sense says without all of the data the report is junk. The question is why not fix it? Its been like this for years. Force the report back one way or another.
You would have to assume if people are not willing to report in the first place....forcing them will also give you skewed stats as the reports will not be honest. To truly get good stats on these hunts, WDFW would have to have a game check of sorts to confirm what was killed and what wasn't.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 01, 2020, 01:07:43 PM
How do you suggest “fixing” it?They are already trying to get people to report. It costs a $10 fee before you can purchase your next license if you dont report. How is it “junk science” to publish the success rate with the info you have? About the only change i could see that likely wouldnt happen would be to not let a person buy a license if they miss a report.The harvest rate question is easy.
They had 8 reports back one of which did not hunt. So out of 7 reported hunters, 7 bucks were killed... 100% success
They cant add the nonreported as they are just that. No way to know if they hunted or not, or if they killed or not.
That is our point. Get the non-reporters to report to produce a valid success ratio. The question is why they are not doing it? In your example you are throwing out some of the data that would make the report on success ratio valid. Instead it is a bunch of junk science without all permits drawn reporting. It is an easy fix so why is it not being done? To skew the success ratio upwards?
Common sense says without all of the data the report is junk. The question is why not fix it? Its been like this for years. Force the report back one way or another.
Post by: B4noon on May 01, 2020, 02:12:53 PM
Post by: greenhead_killer on May 01, 2020, 02:24:24 PM
as to bobcats other part of his post, i can agree. this is my own opinion/perspective/experience. i urge anyone reading forward to do so with an open mind and different perspective from someone else. im not knocking/judging/ i dont care what you do, your choice. i am not a trophy hunter by nature, but do enjoy chasing mature animals.
that being said, i would not shoot a spike on a quality tag. thats my personal choice. i keep seeing the common theme of 'filling the freezer'. honestly, if thats the whole goal, sell all your gear, dont buy tags and instead buy a half a beef every year. im not judging nor do i care what people choose to do with their tags. ive shot spikes/first legal animal the first half day of a season and i have additionally eaten quality tags because i didnt find my goal animal, still having had successful hunts. im not sure why anyone would get upset about how anyone else could view a certain subject differently and have their own opinion about it. its their perspective. if someones afraid about posting pics of any said animal due to ridicule, i think the forum has fixed that already, but that sounds like an internal issue to me.
i have a pic of a spike i shot in 2015 20 mins into the season. i set that bad boy up and took some great trophy pics and had a huge grin about it. my buddies give me a hard time, but i dont care, that was my choice to pull the trigger and i will stand by that choice.
if the idea is to fill the tag, shoot what you want and be proud of it. nothing wrong with that. also nothing wrong with someone not filling it. its all personal preference.
Post by: huntnfmly on May 01, 2020, 03:19:07 PM
I re read his post and I understand his question in his second paragraph but I stick with what I said with his first paragraph "Who does that...."was not needed and he meant to put it like that people leave this site or don't post pics or stories because of attitudes like thatNice try bobcat I was giving you the benefit of doubt but one thing has nothing to do with the other you're right you did mean it and it was a dbag atatementI get that the statement could have been interpreted in a derogatory sense, but I think it was a fair, respectful question regarding the harvest data. I didn't detect even the slightest hint that he believes hunters shouldn't kill spikes on quality permits, and I'm sure he would never make negative comments to or about those who did decide to fill their tag with a spike. He did not denigrate anyone who killed a spike, just pointed out an unexpected result for high demand permits known for better than average bucks...and Jrebel share a great story that probably gives a pretty good explanation (not that one is required) for why even in some of the better units the harvest is inclusive of spikes. I think its unfair to attack bobcat over a question like that, nearly as unfair as someone making negative remarks about a success post that is a spike or other lower age class animal :dunno:
Post by: idaho guy on May 01, 2020, 03:57:01 PM
Nice try bobcat I was giving you the benefit of doubt but one thing has nothing to do with the other you're right you did mean it and it was a dbag atatementI get that the statement could have been interpreted in a derogatory sense, but I think it was a fair, respectful question regarding the harvest data. I didn't detect even the slightest hint that he believes hunters shouldn't kill spikes on quality permits, and I'm sure he would never make negative comments to or about those who did decide to fill their tag with a spike. He did not denigrate anyone who killed a spike, just pointed out an unexpected result for high demand permits known for better than average bucks...and Jrebel share a great story that probably gives a pretty good explanation (not that one is required) for why even in some of the better units the harvest is inclusive of spikes. I think its unfair to attack bobcat over a question like that, nearly as unfair as someone making negative remarks about a success post that is a spike or other lower age class animal :dunno:
:yeah: It was an interesting question and I would have the same one. I also don't care what anybody chooses to fill their tag with and wouldn't look down on anyone for legally taking whatever. Its been an interesting thread and I enjoyed jrebels perspective and story. I am pretty sure on a quality draw hunt I wouldn't normally shoot a spike, but in jrebels situation with my boy by my side that spike would have been on the ground! Its a good question not a db question. There is nothing derogatory about asking why did or would you shoot a spike on a quality deer hunt? When I saw it I had the same question. We got some great answers like first deer, wanting to fill freezer no matter what and just finishing a great hunt with your kid. Good question
Post by: Tbar on May 01, 2020, 04:48:40 PM
I agree. I would even say it was a good question as to " who does that" and an even better answer by Jrebel. I appreciate the willingness to share and enjoyed the read. I have been on many hunts where targeted success was to be defined in inches. Many of those hunts morphed into so much more than antlers. Like lifelong friendships and in some unfortunate cases legacies. I do get the questions bobcat was asking and appreciate both. There are some severely flawed metrics in the database and this is one. It's one used a little too often and in too many cases to truly understand harvest trends at a glance. That glance is what many rely on to"spend" a lifetime of accrued points. :twocents:
Post by: hunter399 on May 01, 2020, 06:45:58 PM
Alot of people never reported ,it better now then it ever was.
Some people would rather pay 10 dollars then report,why.
Cause if you report a lot of people don't want permit numbers lowered.
Basically is WDFW knows what the real harvest numbers changes will come.
Alot this boils down to WDFW using "science" to set regulation.If you can call looking at skewed harvest reports science.
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on May 01, 2020, 11:23:14 PM
Mistake? :dunno: You must have taken my post the wrong way. There was no mistake, and I won't apologize for looking at the harvest report and wondering how a person ends up shooting a spike on special permit hunts that are known for big mule deer. I thought it turned out being a great thread. I enjoyed reading the stories and all the comments. Only thing was not many people addressed my other comment about how the harvest report shows 8 hunters out of 15 permits for the Entiat rifle hunt, and a 100% success rate. Was it really a 100% success rate? Or could it have been a 57% success rate? 9 of the 15 hunters submitted reports, so apparently 1 person reported that he or she did not hunt. So assuming everyone else hunted, that's 8 bucks killed out of 14 hunters, for a 57% success rate. That would also be assuming that the 6 who didn't submit a report, did not kill a deer. But who knows. That's why I asked the question in my original post, why can't the WDFW call hunters in cases like this and get more complete data?
Bobcat, I just looked at the report and think I figured it out. You are correct, 9 people reported and 8 of them said they hunted. All 8 of them got deer. So of the 8 who hunted, the success rate was 100%. The success rate isn't how many animals were taken per how many tags were issued. It's how many animals were taken by the actual hunters who hunted.
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on May 01, 2020, 11:37:10 PM
The harvest rate question is easy.
They had 8 reports back one of which did not hunt. So out of 7 reported hunters, 7 bucks were killed... 100% success
They cant add the nonreported as they are just that. No way to know if they hunted or not, or if they killed or not.
That is our point. Get the non-reporters to report to produce a valid success ratio. The question is why they are not doing it? In your example you are throwing out some of the data that would make the report on success ratio valid. Instead it is a bunch of junk science without all permits drawn reporting. It is an easy fix so why is it not being done? To skew the success ratio upwards?
In Alaska, if you don't report on special hunts, you aren't allowed to apply for special hunts the next year. and you can be cited.
Here is from their regulations
• All permit holders must complete the permit report, including those who did not hunt, those who were unsuccessful, and those who were successful.
• You must complete and return the permit report to ADF&G within the time period specified on the permit.
• If you fail to report, you will be ineligible for any permits the following regulatory year, and you may be cited.
Post by: sawyer on May 02, 2020, 10:03:54 AM
Post by: huntnfmly on May 02, 2020, 10:38:53 AM
New deer hunter here, currently trying to interpret all the deer hunting regs for this coming fall. Is a spike considered a buck, in a "any buck" GMU ?Welcome to the site and yes it is a buck
Post by: sawyer on May 02, 2020, 11:27:02 AM
New deer hunter here, currently trying to interpret all the deer hunting regs for this coming fall. Is a spike considered a buck, in a "any buck" GMU ?Welcome to the site and yes it is a buck
Thank you for the welcome and the information.
Post by: Ghost Hunter on May 02, 2020, 11:52:12 AM
The harvest rate question is easy.
They had 8 reports back one of which did not hunt. So out of 7 reported hunters, 7 bucks were killed... 100% success
They cant add the nonreported as they are just that. No way to know if they hunted or not, or if they killed or not.
That is our point. Get the non-reporters to report to produce a valid success ratio. The question is why they are not doing it? In your example you are throwing out some of the data that would make the report on success ratio valid. Instead it is a bunch of junk science without all permits drawn reporting. It is an easy fix so why is it not being done? To skew the success ratio upwards?
In Alaska, if you don't report on special hunts, you aren't allowed to apply for special hunts the next year. and you can be cited.
Here is from their regulations
• All permit holders must complete the permit report, including those who did not hunt, those who were unsuccessful, and those who were successful.
• You must complete and return the permit report to ADF&G within the time period specified on the permit.
• If you fail to report, you will be ineligible for any permits the following regulatory year, and you may be cited.
Simple. Just add deer, elk, bear, etc. to the bottom of the fish reports that are required to be returned. I've sent enough of those in with nothing on them. :rolleyes:
Post by: bracer40 on May 13, 2020, 10:27:41 AM
I'll speak up....I am the one in the Entiat that shot spike zilla!! :chuckle: :chuckle:@jrebel. This is the best thing I’ve read on HuntWA since this Covid situation has turned so many into a bunch of whiners! I love the pics w your son! You’ve given him treasured memories for his lifetime!
For inquiring minds, I will share the story. I drew the tag with 6 points. I had the entire season off.....until I switched jobs at the start of September. Not having any vacation, I managed to trade a few days and ended up with 6 full days of hunting. I changed my mentality with only having six days and still wanting to make it a quality experience. I took my son out of school to spend the entire hunt with me. I had my hunting buddy and a few random friends stop in to enjoy camp life with the shortened days of hunting. I set up my new wall tent and figured we would make the best out of a shorter season than I would have wanted. We spotted quite a few very nice bucks, some that were out of stalking range and others that I just blew stocks on.....that is part of archery hunting. I passed up shots daily on 3 points....some of them very nice 3 points. My hunting buddy said I would regret it....but I knew I wouldn't. I would rather shoot a spike on the last day than shoot a 3 point on day 2-3 or 4. I blew a stock on a huge 4x4 that I got to within 30 yards of. I had multiple blown stocks on 160+ bucks (3 or 4). We saw tons of deer, had a ton of fun and the last evening hunt, I decided to shoot a spike or 2 pt to fill the freezer. My son was by my side and got to help drag it out, gut it, skin it and ultimately be part of the entire 6 day hunt. Hands down one of the best hunts I have ever had.
Sure, do I wish I had shot one of the big boys.....OBVIOUSLY YES!! Do I regret filling the freezer with spike zilla....NO. I purposely didn't do a write up on here because people are cruel and I didn't want my son reading it. To him this spike had just as much bone as a 190 class muley. I personally don't care what people say about me, but I find myself protecting my kids from people that think quality means antlers. I teach my kids that quality was 6 days in the field with my son and best friend (hunting buddy).
Here are pics of what Quality means to me!!! Bobcat, as a moderator your question of "who does that?" Is mildly insulting. Of all people .... showing a little restraint and promoting our sport as something more that bone=quality....... :bash: :bash:
Post by: cb1989 on May 13, 2020, 12:21:22 PM
Back in the good ol days .
Alot of people never reported ,it better now then it ever was.
Some people would rather pay 10 dollars then report,why.
Cause if you report a lot of people don't want permit numbers lowered.
Basically is WDFW knows what the real harvest numbers changes will come.
Alot this boils down to WDFW using "science" to set regulation.If you can call looking at skewed harvest reports science.
and then the same guys who dont report accurately complain about the WDFW not managing with good data. Bit of a catch 22 there. Lot of people dont understand that they use harvest data not just to set quotas but also as a key data point to extrapolate game populations so reporting more harvest isnt necessarily going to reduce tags, on the contrary reduced harvest might lead to reduced tags. But I doubt anybody who thinks its a good idea to turn in fraudulent harvest reports is really thinking that far into it.
Post by: kentrek on May 13, 2020, 12:54:58 PM
I'll speak up....I am the one in the Entiat that shot spike zilla!! :chuckle: :chuckle:@jrebel. This is the best thing I’ve read on HuntWA since this Covid situation has turned so many into a bunch of whiners! I love the pics w your son! You’ve given him treasured memories for his lifetime!
For inquiring minds, I will share the story. I drew the tag with 6 points. I had the entire season off.....until I switched jobs at the start of September. Not having any vacation, I managed to trade a few days and ended up with 6 full days of hunting. I changed my mentality with only having six days and still wanting to make it a quality experience. I took my son out of school to spend the entire hunt with me. I had my hunting buddy and a few random friends stop in to enjoy camp life with the shortened days of hunting. I set up my new wall tent and figured we would make the best out of a shorter season than I would have wanted. We spotted quite a few very nice bucks, some that were out of stalking range and others that I just blew stocks on.....that is part of archery hunting. I passed up shots daily on 3 points....some of them very nice 3 points. My hunting buddy said I would regret it....but I knew I wouldn't. I would rather shoot a spike on the last day than shoot a 3 point on day 2-3 or 4. I blew a stock on a huge 4x4 that I got to within 30 yards of. I had multiple blown stocks on 160+ bucks (3 or 4). We saw tons of deer, had a ton of fun and the last evening hunt, I decided to shoot a spike or 2 pt to fill the freezer. My son was by my side and got to help drag it out, gut it, skin it and ultimately be part of the entire 6 day hunt. Hands down one of the best hunts I have ever had.
Sure, do I wish I had shot one of the big boys.....OBVIOUSLY YES!! Do I regret filling the freezer with spike zilla....NO. I purposely didn't do a write up on here because people are cruel and I didn't want my son reading it. To him this spike had just as much bone as a 190 class muley. I personally don't care what people say about me, but I find myself protecting my kids from people that think quality means antlers. I teach my kids that quality was 6 days in the field with my son and best friend (hunting buddy).
Here are pics of what Quality means to me!!! Bobcat, as a moderator your question of "who does that?" Is mildly insulting. Of all people .... showing a little restraint and promoting our sport as something more that bone=quality....... :bash: :bash:
:yeah: :yeah: :yeah:
Enjoyed that story
Post by: grade-creek-rd on May 13, 2020, 10:03:20 PM
In Washington the coveted draw is for a "Quality" permit (either deer or elk...so the excuse that shooting spike bull is OK but not a spike muley is hypocritical) and if you look at WDFW's definition of the hunt it is defined as a "Quality experience (due to less hunters afield)" not a "big buck/bull" permit. I wouldn't change how that hunt turned out, because my dad, son, and hunting partner (who I've known since the 2nd grade) was with me...that is a "quality" hunt.
Grade
Post by: huntnnw on May 14, 2020, 05:02:41 AM
Post by: huntnnw on May 14, 2020, 05:39:35 AM
Mistake? :chuckle: You must have taken my post the wrong way. There was no mistake, and I won't apologize for looking at the harvest report and wondering how a person ends up shooting a spike on special permit hunts that are known for big mule deer. I thought it it turned out being a great thread. I enjoyed reading the stories and all the comments. Only thing was not many people addressed my other comment about how the harvest report shows 8 hunters out of 15 permits for the Entiat rifle hunt, and a 100% success rate. Was it really a 100% success rate? Or could it have been a 57% success rate? 9 of the 15 hunters submitted reports, so apparently 1 person reported that he or she did not hunt. So assuming everyone else hunted, that's 8 bucks killed out of 14 hunters, for a 57% success rate. That would also be assuming that the 6 who didn't submit a report, did not kill a deer. But who knows. That's why I asked the question in my original post, why can't the WDFW call hunters in cases like this and get more complete data?
Some people like myself apply for special hunts because there is less pressure and therefore have a better opportunity at filling the freezer. Maybe the dates work better for their schedule. Maybe they had plans for a longer season that got cut short. Maybe they’re not interested in very old deer in general. It’s by no means required to take an old deer with a quality hunt tag.
Also if you look at the special hunts page of the regs nowhere does it mention mature deer.
If you drew the tag, you would use your experience to get the biggest deer you could find, good for you. That’s quality to you. To others it could mean a multitude of things and I wouldn’t waste my time wondering why some hunters take smaller deer than others.
Nobody is planning their season around a quality buck or bull tag in this state! If its about meat the doe and cow tags should be your emphasis. Why on earth would you spend $14.75 a year and accumultate points for years to maybe draw 1 or 2 quality tags in your life.
Post by: Mfowl on May 14, 2020, 06:47:30 AM
Post by: Britt-dog on May 18, 2020, 06:55:17 PM
Post by: Scheindogg on May 21, 2020, 08:14:36 AM
Mistake? :chuckle: You must have taken my post the wrong way. There was no mistake, and I won't apologize for looking at the harvest report and wondering how a person ends up shooting a spike on special permit hunts that are known for big mule deer. I thought it it turned out being a great thread. I enjoyed reading the stories and all the comments. Only thing was not many people addressed my other comment about how the harvest report shows 8 hunters out of 15 permits for the Entiat rifle hunt, and a 100% success rate. Was it really a 100% success rate? Or could it have been a 57% success rate? 9 of the 15 hunters submitted reports, so apparently 1 person reported that he or she did not hunt. So assuming everyone else hunted, that's 8 bucks killed out of 14 hunters, for a 57% success rate. That would also be assuming that the 6 who didn't submit a report, did not kill a deer. But who knows. That's why I asked the question in my original post, why can't the WDFW call hunters in cases like this and get more complete data?
Some people like myself apply for special hunts because there is less pressure and therefore have a better opportunity at filling the freezer. Maybe the dates work better for their schedule. Maybe they had plans for a longer season that got cut short. Maybe they’re not interested in very old deer in general. It’s by no means required to take an old deer with a quality hunt tag.
Also if you look at the special hunts page of the regs nowhere does it mention mature deer.
If you drew the tag, you would use your experience to get the biggest deer you could find, good for you. That’s quality to you. To others it could mean a multitude of things and I wouldn’t waste my time wondering why some hunters take smaller deer than others.
Nobody is planning their season around a quality buck or bull tag in this state! If its about meat the doe and cow tags should be your emphasis. Why on earth would you spend $14.75 a year and accumultate points for years to maybe draw 1 or 2 quality tags in your life.
I certainly never said I was planning my hunts around these tags. When I said maybe the days work better I was saying maybe during regular season those dates would only be available for a weekend but if drawn for a special tag that has different dates, there’s an entire week they could carve out.
Also not sure why you’re implying ~15$ per year is hurting my wallet. I’m by no means financially well off but it doesn’t hurt to apply for me at all.
Literally the description under “quality” says “hunters can expect lower hunter densities, greater potential for success or good timing for these hunts”
It doesn’t say “hunters should expect to get a quality animal” or “hunters can expect a big rack from this unit” or anything of that nature.
FWIW I am also applying for the second (Antlerless) tags. Looking at all ways I can to fill the freezer, not just the quality tag
Post by: HUNT JR on May 21, 2020, 08:22:13 AM
Mistake? :chuckle: You must have taken my post the wrong way. There was no mistake, and I won't apologize for looking at the harvest report and wondering how a person ends up shooting a spike on special permit hunts that are known for big mule deer. I thought it it turned out being a great thread. I enjoyed reading the stories and all the comments. Only thing was not many people addressed my other comment about how the harvest report shows 8 hunters out of 15 permits for the Entiat rifle hunt, and a 100% success rate. Was it really a 100% success rate? Or could it have been a 57% success rate? 9 of the 15 hunters submitted reports, so apparently 1 person reported that he or she did not hunt. So assuming everyone else hunted, that's 8 bucks killed out of 14 hunters, for a 57% success rate. That would also be assuming that the 6 who didn't submit a report, did not kill a deer. But who knows. That's why I asked the question in my original post, why can't the WDFW call hunters in cases like this and get more complete data?
Some people like myself apply for special hunts because there is less pressure and therefore have a better opportunity at filling the freezer. Maybe the dates work better for their schedule. Maybe they had plans for a longer season that got cut short. Maybe they’re not interested in very old deer in general. It’s by no means required to take an old deer with a quality hunt tag.
Also if you look at the special hunts page of the regs nowhere does it mention mature deer.
If you drew the tag, you would use your experience to get the biggest deer you could find, good for you. That’s quality to you. To others it could mean a multitude of things and I wouldn’t waste my time wondering why some hunters take smaller deer than others.
Nobody is planning their season around a quality buck or bull tag in this state! If its about meat the doe and cow tags should be your emphasis. Why on earth would you spend $14.75 a year and accumultate points for years to maybe draw 1 or 2 quality tags in your life.
I certainly never said I was planning my hunts around these tags. When I said maybe the days work better I was saying maybe during regular season those dates would only be available for a weekend but if drawn for a special tag that has different dates, there’s an entire week they could carve out.
Also not sure why you’re implying ~15$ per year is hurting my wallet. I’m by no means financially well off but it doesn’t hurt to apply for me at all.
Literally the description under “quality” says “hunters can expect lower hunter densities, greater potential for success or good timing for these hunts”
It doesn’t say “hunters should expect to get a quality animal” or “hunters can expect a big rack from this unit” or anything of that nature.
FWIW I am also applying for the second (Antlerless) tags. Looking at all ways I can to fill the freezer, not just the quality tag
While I agree that you aren't guaranteed a certain size of animal, the regs dont say that because they need to be sensitive to all people who may pick up regulations and flip through them (Politically Correct). I'd bet that when most hunters see they drew a quality permit, they don't think about how their odds of filling the freezer are better. They think about the potential to find a trophy quality animal.
Post by: Scheindogg on May 21, 2020, 08:51:51 AM
Mistake? :chuckle: You must have taken my post the wrong way. There was no mistake, and I won't apologize for looking at the harvest report and wondering how a person ends up shooting a spike on special permit hunts that are known for big mule deer. I thought it it turned out being a great thread. I enjoyed reading the stories and all the comments. Only thing was not many people addressed my other comment about how the harvest report shows 8 hunters out of 15 permits for the Entiat rifle hunt, and a 100% success rate. Was it really a 100% success rate? Or could it have been a 57% success rate? 9 of the 15 hunters submitted reports, so apparently 1 person reported that he or she did not hunt. So assuming everyone else hunted, that's 8 bucks killed out of 14 hunters, for a 57% success rate. That would also be assuming that the 6 who didn't submit a report, did not kill a deer. But who knows. That's why I asked the question in my original post, why can't the WDFW call hunters in cases like this and get more complete data?
Some people like myself apply for special hunts because there is less pressure and therefore have a better opportunity at filling the freezer. Maybe the dates work better for their schedule. Maybe they had plans for a longer season that got cut short. Maybe they’re not interested in very old deer in general. It’s by no means required to take an old deer with a quality hunt tag.
Also if you look at the special hunts page of the regs nowhere does it mention mature deer.
If you drew the tag, you would use your experience to get the biggest deer you could find, good for you. That’s quality to you. To others it could mean a multitude of things and I wouldn’t waste my time wondering why some hunters take smaller deer than others.
Nobody is planning their season around a quality buck or bull tag in this state! If its about meat the doe and cow tags should be your emphasis. Why on earth would you spend $14.75 a year and accumultate points for years to maybe draw 1 or 2 quality tags in your life.
I certainly never said I was planning my hunts around these tags. When I said maybe the days work better I was saying maybe during regular season those dates would only be available for a weekend but if drawn for a special tag that has different dates, there’s an entire week they could carve out.
Also not sure why you’re implying ~15$ per year is hurting my wallet. I’m by no means financially well off but it doesn’t hurt to apply for me at all.
Literally the description under “quality” says “hunters can expect lower hunter densities, greater potential for success or good timing for these hunts”
It doesn’t say “hunters should expect to get a quality animal” or “hunters can expect a big rack from this unit” or anything of that nature.
FWIW I am also applying for the second (Antlerless) tags. Looking at all ways I can to fill the freezer, not just the quality tag
While I agree that you aren't guaranteed a certain size of animal, the regs dont say that because they need to be sensitive to all people who may pick up regulations and flip through them (Politically Correct). I'd bet that when most hunters see they drew a quality permit, they don't think about how their odds of filling the freezer are better. They think about the potential to find a trophy quality animal.
Very good points.
They also help me make my point that I’ve failed to make so far :chuckle:
What it comes down to is a quality tag will get your odds of getting AN animal higher.
Newer hunters that apply and successfully draw (like me) will see this as an increased opportunity at ANY animal.
More experienced hunters (who are more likely to draw assuming they’ve been applying longer) will see this as an increased opportunity for a MATURE animal.
So all in all the more experienced hunters may seem offended when less than “quality” animals are taken on a quality tag, but ultimately there are many legitimate reasons why this might happen.
That’s all I was trying to say
Post by: HUNT JR on May 21, 2020, 09:17:56 AM
Mistake? :chuckle: You must have taken my post the wrong way. There was no mistake, and I won't apologize for looking at the harvest report and wondering how a person ends up shooting a spike on special permit hunts that are known for big mule deer. I thought it it turned out being a great thread. I enjoyed reading the stories and all the comments. Only thing was not many people addressed my other comment about how the harvest report shows 8 hunters out of 15 permits for the Entiat rifle hunt, and a 100% success rate. Was it really a 100% success rate? Or could it have been a 57% success rate? 9 of the 15 hunters submitted reports, so apparently 1 person reported that he or she did not hunt. So assuming everyone else hunted, that's 8 bucks killed out of 14 hunters, for a 57% success rate. That would also be assuming that the 6 who didn't submit a report, did not kill a deer. But who knows. That's why I asked the question in my original post, why can't the WDFW call hunters in cases like this and get more complete data?
Some people like myself apply for special hunts because there is less pressure and therefore have a better opportunity at filling the freezer. Maybe the dates work better for their schedule. Maybe they had plans for a longer season that got cut short. Maybe they’re not interested in very old deer in general. It’s by no means required to take an old deer with a quality hunt tag.
Also if you look at the special hunts page of the regs nowhere does it mention mature deer.
If you drew the tag, you would use your experience to get the biggest deer you could find, good for you. That’s quality to you. To others it could mean a multitude of things and I wouldn’t waste my time wondering why some hunters take smaller deer than others.
Nobody is planning their season around a quality buck or bull tag in this state! If its about meat the doe and cow tags should be your emphasis. Why on earth would you spend $14.75 a year and accumultate points for years to maybe draw 1 or 2 quality tags in your life.
I certainly never said I was planning my hunts around these tags. When I said maybe the days work better I was saying maybe during regular season those dates would only be available for a weekend but if drawn for a special tag that has different dates, there’s an entire week they could carve out.
Also not sure why you’re implying ~15$ per year is hurting my wallet. I’m by no means financially well off but it doesn’t hurt to apply for me at all.
Literally the description under “quality” says “hunters can expect lower hunter densities, greater potential for success or good timing for these hunts”
It doesn’t say “hunters should expect to get a quality animal” or “hunters can expect a big rack from this unit” or anything of that nature.
FWIW I am also applying for the second (Antlerless) tags. Looking at all ways I can to fill the freezer, not just the quality tag
While I agree that you aren't guaranteed a certain size of animal, the regs dont say that because they need to be sensitive to all people who may pick up regulations and flip through them (Politically Correct). I'd bet that when most hunters see they drew a quality permit, they don't think about how their odds of filling the freezer are better. They think about the potential to find a trophy quality animal.
Very good points.
They also help me make my point that I’ve failed to make so far :chuckle:
What it comes down to is a quality tag will get your odds of getting AN animal higher.
Newer hunters that apply and successfully draw (like me) will see this as an increased opportunity at ANY animal.
More experienced hunters (who are more likely to draw assuming they’ve been applying longer) will see this as an increased opportunity for a MATURE animal.
So all in all the more experienced hunters may seem offended when less than “quality” animals are taken on a quality tag, but ultimately there are many legitimate reasons why this might happen.
That’s all I was trying to say
I agree with that, and as others have said, quality is up to each individual.
Post by: jstone on May 21, 2020, 09:19:00 AM
Post by: Jpmiller on May 21, 2020, 09:26:05 AM
Post by: OutHouse on May 21, 2020, 12:10:55 PM
I've yet to draw my first quality tag but can honestly say I'd have a hard time passing the first buck I see.
Same but I quit the draw years ago. When I really want a mature mule deer, off to Saskatchewan I will go.
Post by: Threewolves on June 01, 2020, 12:15:46 PM
Post by: Dirtnap on June 04, 2020, 06:58:01 PM
Post by: Dirtnap on June 04, 2020, 07:00:00 PM
Post by: Mfowl on June 04, 2020, 07:44:43 PM
I've yet to draw my first quality tag but can honestly say I'd have a hard time passing the first buck I see.
Same but I quit the draw years ago. When I really want a mature mule deer, off to Saskatchewan I will go.
Did something change in Saskatchewan? I thought there was no non resident mule deer hunting there? Save a tribal res hunt or two.