Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: Star882 on June 10, 2025, 02:55:19 PM

Title: Nooksack Muzzleloader Bull Tag
Post by: Star882 on June 10, 2025, 02:55:19 PM: I was excited to see if finally was able to draw a Washington tag after a ton of years putting in. I drew the Nooksack Muzzleloader Bull tag. I have hunted the unit alot for bear and deer. But never for elk. I have a few spots I have seen elk in the high country. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share some info with me on the unit or the tag. I do not have any logging permits for access. I was planning on high country or try to gain access to farming land. Any information would be much appreciated. The tag is from Sept 23rd to Oct 14th.
Title: Re: Nooksack Muzzleloader Bull Tag
Post by: Bucks2Ducks on June 10, 2025, 03:16:01 PM: Cant beat those dates!! Good Luck
Title: Re: Nooksack Muzzleloader Bull Tag
Post by: Ridgerunner on June 10, 2025, 08:06:49 PM: Some studs still roam that unit and with those dates you should have a great hunt.

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Title: Re: Nooksack Muzzleloader Bull Tag
Post by: high_hunter on June 10, 2025, 10:42:24 PM: Should be good dates for some rut action early on. Sounds like you're familiar with and close by to do lots of pre-season of scouting in.

Herd has taken a bit of a hit in recent years IMO but there still are some good ones around. High hunting could be fun early, but I suspect you'll have the best chances of encounters and success down low near the river.

Go make friends with the farmers and locals starting now. There is a wide range of opinions about both elk and hunters, so don't be surprised if you get the door slammed or asked to pay a fee. Boat access options shouldn't be out of the question either; happy to put you in contact with some guys who run the river regularly.

Attached is a recent one from that unit. PM and we can talk more.
Title: Re: Nooksack Muzzleloader Bull Tag
Post by: BB90 on August 28, 2025, 04:36:03 PM: You should get a sierra pacific gate key from WDFW and some maps for drawing the tag (no logging permit needed). The key will get you into Sierra Pacific gates. I had the tag in 2019. You should get an invite to a briefing with Sierra and WDFW before the season.

PM me if you want some info on where we saw bulls, wallows, cow heards and what not.

I might be available to help/call/pack if you want.
Title: Re: Nooksack Muzzleloader Bull Tag
Post by: deer_hnter on August 28, 2025, 07:53:00 PM: I had the Nooksack modern tag in 2013 when it was a quality hunt. Took a bull I was really happy with on 10/18 and he was still bugling like crazy. It's been a minute, but feel free to DM if you want any intel on what I experienced.
Title: Re: Nooksack Muzzleloader Bull Tag
Post by: rochunt on August 29, 2025, 07:00:42 PM: So what happened to the quality tags as they changed it to bull so the guys with 20 plus points last them all?
Title: Re: Nooksack Muzzleloader Bull Tag
Post by: Alan K on August 30, 2025, 07:00:38 AM: Points are tied to the category, not the hunt itself so they still have their quality points. If they weren't building points in the bull category... Ouch!
Title: Re: Nooksack Muzzleloader Bull Tag
Post by: Kingofthemountain83 on August 30, 2025, 10:01:24 AM: WDFW keeps it interesting!!!
Title: Re: Nooksack Muzzleloader Bull Tag
Post by: freezerfull on August 31, 2025, 09:25:37 AM: Quote from: Alan K on August 30, 2025, 07:00:38 AM
Points are tied to the category, not the hunt itself so they still have their quality points. If they weren't building points in the bull category... Ouch!

I am one of those who is not pleased with this change by WDFW haha. It’s local and I know it well, now it’s off the table. Most bull category hunts haven’t intrigued me so I’ve never applied.
Title: Re: Nooksack Muzzleloader Bull Tag
Post by: bkaech on September 22, 2025, 07:49:06 PM: Good Luck, I hope your are excited to get started!