Hunting Washington Forum

Community => Advocacy, Agencies, Access => Topic started by: Fireant11 on May 07, 2012, 08:34:38 AM

Title: Quality Elk vs Bull Elk Special Permit?
Post by: Fireant11 on May 07, 2012, 08:34:38 AM: Can someone explain to me the definition of a "Quality Elk" hunt and the definition of "Bull Elk" hunt? :dunno:

I'm looking at the special permits and I'm scratching my head. As an example, I archery hunt in the Rimrock GMU. The archery and muzzle loader bull tags for Rimrock are considered "Quality Elk Hunts", yet the the modern firearm tag is considered a "Bull Elk Hunt" (yes, there is 1 tag for modern firearm that is in the "Quality Elk Hunt" section and it should be; it's a rut hunt with its own season, where no one else is hunting).

The archery, muzzle loader and modern firearm special permits are all during the general season for those weapons. You don't have any advantage because you're not out with special permit holders only. What makes the archery and muzzle loader "Quality Elk Hunts"? Since they tie the archery season to Labor Day, it pushes this season outside (before) the rut, so there's nothing more "Quality" about this hunt than modern firearm "Bull Elk" hunt!

This comparison isn't unique to the Rimrock GMU.

The only difference I see in these three hunts is the money the state gets! The state charges more for a "Quality Elk Hunt" special permit than the "Bull Elk Hunt" special permit.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Title: Re: Quality Elk vs Bull Elk Special Permit?
Post by: Curly on May 07, 2012, 09:33:59 AM: The category thing is simply a money grab and WDFW had to come up with some hunts to place in the "Bull" category so that they could sell those permit apps. Once you realize that, it will make more sense. :twocents: