Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: bigun on July 13, 2024, 08:42:44 AM

Title: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: bigun on July 13, 2024, 08:42:44 AM: What would you do?
I'm one of the "lucky" ones that received the email telling me my draw results had changed, I was actually selected for Toutle Muzzle.
Now that it's too late to get the Weyerhauser pass, I'm wondering if I should proceed with the hunt (I had definitely planned on getting the pass if selected), or relinquish the tag and hang on to my points.
I'm not looking for a monster (obviously, as I put in for Toutle), but would like the experience of being in elk and seeing bulls regularly)
I've read the other threads, and there are mixed reviews as to whether the pass is a must or not.
Have mountain bike and pack, prefer behind gates to road hunting.
Thanks for the input.
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: Dark2Dark on July 13, 2024, 08:56:58 AM: I would definitely still hunt it.

There is plenty of opportunity to hunt state land and there are good, active bulls in there. In an ideal world, you have Weyco access so you have your best odds. But you can definitely kill a bull on State Land.

You could also buy the walk in, still. There is a lot of non-motorized stuff in the Toutle unit, anyway.

The gate key guys will predominately road hunt, anyway.

You could turn the tag back in and never draw it again.

Go hunt it, you won’t regret it. PM me if you want some good starting points. I can tell you some state land areas that will have bulls, for sure.
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: MIKEXRAY on July 13, 2024, 12:36:59 PM: I don't think Wa has enough opportunities for hunting to ever turn in a tag, except in rare cases where the hunt is 100% not possible obviously. I vote keep the tag and get out there making the best of it on state land & options Dark2Dark pointed out. I have a friend always finding " reasons " to turn in his tags and I have to say it never turns out better . Good luck either way.
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: bigun on July 13, 2024, 02:19:09 PM: Really appreciate the replies. Reinforces the direction I was leaning.
And thanks for the offer, will definitely PM you for any advice on the unit you can share.
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: medic6 on July 13, 2024, 02:25:44 PM: Had the archery permit last year and plenty of elk on and off timberland. I would buy the walk-in permit for more access, If I had the same tag again. Super fun hunt
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: Big6bull on July 13, 2024, 03:01:36 PM: I agree I would for sure hunt it! Good luck!
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: HntnFsh on July 13, 2024, 04:02:27 PM: I agree with the above comments!
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: MADMAX on July 13, 2024, 04:14:24 PM: If you do your homework you’ll do fine
Plenty of raghorns
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: Dark2Dark on July 13, 2024, 04:25:44 PM: PS You're not "lucky" you're actually LUCKY! Much better than the folks that lost the tags they had been issued and it's still a great tag to be drawn for. Better late than never!
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: MLBowhunting on July 13, 2024, 06:07:01 PM: Plenty of elk to make it a fun hunt. Enjoy it while you can!!
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: bigun on July 13, 2024, 07:39:17 PM: Excellent, thanks guys.
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: Streamer on July 16, 2024, 07:46:05 AM: I would reach out and contact whoever the land manager is and explain the situation and ask if they would be able to make and exception given the circumstances and sell you a permit. The worst that can happen is they say no. You have nothing to lose.
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: MIKEXRAY on July 16, 2024, 08:29:18 AM: Awesome idea Streamer !
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: Bullkllr on July 16, 2024, 08:44:44 AM: The only areas to hunt really are the state land and Weyerhaeuser. The drive-in permits are sold out and they won't make an exception. As of today they still have walk-in permits available. This is part of the Weyco map for Longview. Some of their walk-in areas (red slashes) border the state land you will likely be hunting and I could see it being an advantage to have the walk-in permit, as others have mentioned.

The map is at https://recreation.weyerhaeuser.com/Print-Map/28f5dad8-8ebe-4e91-a45e-e1d23b922746?t=p (https://recreation.weyerhaeuser.com/Print-Map/28f5dad8-8ebe-4e91-a45e-e1d23b922746?t=p)

You may need to create an account to see it. https://recreation.weyerhaeuser.com/ (https://recreation.weyerhaeuser.com/)

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: Dark2Dark on July 16, 2024, 08:48:01 AM: You could also see if someone is interested in taking you for the day and you could buy a $100 daily buddy pass. You can only do that a couple days.

I would probably find that fun, for instance. However, if you are looking to park and walk and not road hunt, I still think I would just focus on the state land and the Weyco walk in stuff. That's already more than enough territory to find good bulls in quality and quantity and sometimes having more options makes it worse (spreads you thin).

Get out there and scout a smaller area, learn it, put some cams on it, etc. I think that will lend itself to success!
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: kentrek on July 16, 2024, 11:04:54 AM: I wonder if you can buy the walk in...and then the daily buddy pass to get drove in and dropped off...then especially pay the 100 to get your bull picked up and drove out with camp :chuckle:
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: MADMAX on July 16, 2024, 12:12:17 PM: Have you gone down and walked around and looked on the state land? if you haven’t you really should you’ll be surprised what you see.
Get off the road and walk some of the timber you’ll probably see elk.
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: milldozer on July 16, 2024, 01:26:10 PM: What are the dates for the muzzy hunt? I have a rifle tag and picked up a Weyco permit but plan to be down there scouting during the modern deer season. If those dates overlap I'd be happy to help pack/help with your hunt. Shoot me a PM if interested.
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: bigun on July 16, 2024, 06:50:18 PM: More great input, really appreciate.
Pretty sure I'll buy a walk in pass to have in my pocket.
Head down in the next few weeks to poke around.
Title: Re: Toulte Muzzleloader Dilemma
Post by: Ryan P on July 22, 2024, 07:17:48 PM: Just because you drew a tag don't assume you will again.

HUNT