Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: longrangekiller on June 14, 2012, 08:16:59 PM

Title: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: longrangekiller on June 14, 2012, 08:16:59 PM: i havent done much elk hunting for 3 point or better but i was just wondering sence everyone was talking about there big bull tags is whats the first thing u look at when field judging a bull? any tips?
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: buglebuster on June 14, 2012, 08:20:34 PM: I look at the 4ths first for some reason just because they stick out, then i proceed to look at length of eye guards, then on to the rear forks then to the thirds, if i still have time i try to judge main beam length then mass :tup: hope that helps lol
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: 7mmfan on June 14, 2012, 08:30:26 PM: I don't look at them as big bull tags, but rather, any bull tags. My field judging process goes something like this " elk? yep. Bull? yep. BOOM!"
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: longrangekiller on June 14, 2012, 08:31:40 PM: :yeah: i like your thinking
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: bobcat on June 14, 2012, 08:35:07 PM: Quote from: 7mmfan on June 14, 2012, 08:30:26 PM
I don't look at them as big bull tags, but rather, any bull tags. My field judging process goes something like this " elk? yep. Bull? yep. BOOM!"

I was going to say something similar. I often wonder why they so often get called "big bull" tags when they're good for any bull. I killed a spike with my Peaches Ridge muzzleloader "big bull" tag. I guess he was big, compared to a deer.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: washelkhunter on June 14, 2012, 08:35:49 PM: Can it lift its tail with the tip of the main beam :drool:
A big bull has to be 6x6 or better. 5x5 down to spike is a raghorn. And a spike is spike.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: BowBender87 on June 14, 2012, 08:45:07 PM: I look for my pin through my peep tight to his shoulder :tup: naw if i draw a special tag...anything bigger then what ive already taken would fit the bill
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: wormfood on June 14, 2012, 08:46:14 PM: I do have a big bull tag. 560 early archery general season. Just not sure if I can hold off shotin the first legal bull though.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: buglebuster on June 14, 2012, 08:47:51 PM: see i disagree with you guys, if i draw an eastside bull tag, i will eat the tag before i shoot a small bull or a spike. I figure if i have waited that long to have a chance at a really nice bull, i wont kill a nice one if i kill the first little one i see. If i draw a tag it will either be muzzy or archery so i should be able to call bulls in and judge them.

Now, i hunt westside general every year and if i see the scrawniest, scraggliest 3pt he will receive an arrow! if you have a general tag you cannot pass up a legal animal!
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: WDFW Hates ME!!! on June 14, 2012, 09:00:26 PM: I have a rifle rut tag and i am holding out for a nice even 6. I can shoot a raghorn in the regular season. not going to waste the opportunity i have been waiting 14 years for.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: Todd_ID on June 14, 2012, 10:58:13 PM: The bull I want with a tag that I'll likely never draw will have brow tines that get to the end of his nose and then curl up from there. He'll be a clean 7x7 with the main whale tail between the 5th and 7th points being more than 16" between the tips, and the 6th point will be about 6". His thirds will be very close to as long as his brow tines. If he's got all that, then his 4th's will be plenty big enough. With some good mass all of that will add up to 390". At that point he gets an arrow from the longbow as long as he's less than 20 yards.

Might as well dream! :chuckle:
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: Elk whack master on June 14, 2012, 11:17:29 PM: :yeah: In your buffalo Undies :yike:!!! DREAM BIG!!! :chuckle:
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: hunterrcc on June 14, 2012, 11:20:06 PM: :yeah:
Quote from: buglebuster on June 14, 2012, 08:47:51 PM
see i disagree with you guys, if i draw an eastside bull tag, i will eat the tag before i shoot a small bull or a spike. I figure if i have waited that long to have a chance at a really nice bull, i wont kill a nice one if i kill the first little one i see. If i draw a tag it will either be muzzy or archery so i should be able to call bulls in and judge them.

Now, i hunt westside general every year and if i see the scrawniest, scraggliest 3pt he will receive an arrow! if you have a general tag you cannot pass up a legal animal!
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: Guy on June 14, 2012, 11:36:13 PM: There was absolutely no doubt in my mind when I saw this bull. "Make a good shot" is all I was thinking.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi87.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk129%2FGuyMiner%2Fhunting%2520photos%2FElk7mm.jpg&hash=a6afdc1cbb58c9c5c08c8b541ff46b0b6c620ebc)
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: washelkhunter on June 15, 2012, 12:13:49 AM: Quote from: wormfood on June 14, 2012, 08:46:14 PM
I do have a big bull tag. 560 early archery general season. Just not sure if I can hold off shotin the first legal bull though.

560 is a good unit. Theres some big ones in there. But any elk is a good elk.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: Tbar on June 15, 2012, 12:58:55 AM: IMO a big bull is the bull that satisfies you. You can see a big bull in one unit that would be small or average in another. If you research and scout enough then you should know the quality a given area holds. A big bull to you may be a raghorn to the next guy. Scout, scout, and scout some more that way you will have prejudged the bull you are after. :twocents:
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: RadSav on June 15, 2012, 01:09:05 AM: The February Issue of Elk Hunter magazine had one of the best articles I've seen written on field judging elk. If you can't find a magazine I do think it should be available through their website by now. If not, PM me. If I do a little digging I think I can probably find a copy hiding around here.

Don't forget that with a few exceptions Washington elk are not what you see on the Outdoor Life Channel. Set your sights too high in this states general season and you are bound to experience a lot of disappointment.

Get youself a copy of the Washington State Big Game records. I got mine at Wholesale Sports. The stories are a good read and you will have a better understanding of what you are looking for in a good Washington elk in your area.

Myself I look at length and mass first. If that gets a "WOW!" out of me then I start looking at points. Rarely do I ever pass up a nice bull in Washington. Someday before I end up six feet under I hope to draw a tag for elk with horns in this state. Maybe then I can feel confident enough to pass up a few. Lots of points and waiting quite impatiently. I've taken a few really good ones here, but each of them were a pleasant surprise.

EDITED: Here is the link to that article
http://feedtheobsession.elkhuntermagazine.com/2012/02/01/elk-hunter-magazine-presents-field-judging-elk-by-hunting-editor-jay-scott/
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: Bean Counter on June 15, 2012, 01:48:26 AM: Quote from: buglebuster on June 14, 2012, 08:47:51 PM
see i disagree with you guys, if i draw an eastside bull tag, i will eat the tag before i shoot a small bull or a spike. I figure if i have waited that long to have a chance at a really nice bull, i wont kill a nice one if i kill the first little one i see. If i draw a tag it will either be muzzy or archery so i should be able to call bulls in and judge them.

Now, i hunt westside general every year and if i see the scrawniest, scraggliest 3pt he will receive an arrow! if you have a general tag you cannot pass up a legal animal!

:yeah:
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on June 15, 2012, 03:19:30 AM: Whats that saying ? Do not pass up what you would shoot on the first day, that you would shot on the last day... Never was a trophy hunter and never will be ..it everyones dream to take a big bull and I will try to a certain point but I would not eat my tag if I can help when I love to eat them !! :twocents: I personally would take mass over length any day .
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: Bean Counter on June 15, 2012, 04:17:29 AM: On the evening of the last day I'd pop a dink. No way on opening morning. :twocents:
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: Slenk on June 15, 2012, 05:47:51 AM: My son and I drew any bull tags this year. Observatory unit.
I never have been one to pass on a legal animal.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: longrangekiller on June 15, 2012, 06:21:51 AM: Quote from: Slenk on June 15, 2012, 05:47:51 AM
My son and I drew any bull tags this year. Observatory unit.
I never have been one to pass on a legal animal.

There's a lot of bulls up there hunt the thick and nasty. A lot of people were having trouble up there last year but they must of not been getting out of the truck because i was chasing elk every were
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: adamR on June 15, 2012, 06:31:58 AM: I wasn't sure what I was holding out for when I got drawn but I knew I wanted a fairly semetrical 6 point or better. It only took two days and I found the one I wanted. His width is what got me to pull the trigger.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: coachcw on June 15, 2012, 06:55:53 AM: Shoot the one you like and let the hunt dictate it . I'm at a point where I'll eat tag inless its a solid six or better . as far as ass scratchers you dont see a bull that gets there very offten if ever when he is walking and his tips get past his rib cage he is a mature bull . Shoot this bull !
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: bradslam on June 15, 2012, 10:23:36 AM: First, like some others have said, let the area and what you find scouting dictate what a trophy is. If you've done your homework before the season, you should have a good idea what a big bull will look like for the area. If all you care about is B&C score, there is certainly lots of information out there on field judging. However, I think the most important thing to remember is that the big ones look big. When I have seen a real trophy there wasn't any doubt. Also, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I would take mass over tine length any day.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: Woodchuck on June 15, 2012, 10:35:45 AM: Quote from: coachcw on June 15, 2012, 06:55:53 AM
Shoot the one you like and let the hunt dictate it . I'm at a point where I'll eat tag inless its a solid six or better . as far as ass scratchers you dont see a bull that gets there very offten if ever when he is walking and his tips get past his rib cage he is a mature bull . Shoot this bull !
Someone had a chance and passed that bull :yike: Way more disciplined than I.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: Rainier10 on June 15, 2012, 11:00:44 AM: :yeah:
Everytime I see that picture I think the same thing, how did he pass that up? The bull he shot was awesome but HOW DID HE PASS THAT UP?
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: coachcw on June 15, 2012, 11:04:58 AM: I know atleast one guy that did , plus everyone want's something different in a bull , I'd say if its a general bull tag the a good represntive for the unit wheter thats a 300 or a 340 bull in central wa a 300 is a good bull . with a rut tag 330 plus maybe . Be willing to hunt hard and do justice to the tag .
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: coachcw on June 15, 2012, 11:05:36 AM: that bulls still kickin too !
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: Woodchuck on June 15, 2012, 11:19:57 AM: Quote from: Rainier10 on June 15, 2012, 11:00:44 AM
:yeah:
Everytime I see that picture I think the same thing, how did he pass that up? The bull he shot was awesome but HOW DID HE PASS THAT UP?
EXACTLY, I do not believe I would have had what it took to walk away from that one. I would never have seen the bull he killed which is an awesome one at that.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: coachcw on June 15, 2012, 11:23:33 AM: and you guys thaugh C post didn't hold elk !
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: Woodchuck on June 15, 2012, 11:39:09 AM: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:Best alk hunting in the state. :tup:
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: D-Rock425 on June 16, 2012, 10:17:26 AM: really guys the c-post thing is getting kinda old :chuckle: haha just kidding i love it. :tup:
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: D-Rock425 on June 16, 2012, 10:24:09 AM: I use to not care much about the size of bulls when I drew a bull tag. Figured it to be a any elk tag where I archery hunt but now with 7 elk to my name and probably a hand full more years before I draw again. I think I will be looking for a decent bull. I'm not setting any standards on score i think it will be 5 pt min for me the next time I draw.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: Button Nubbs on June 16, 2012, 12:00:09 PM: General season first 3pt or better that walks under my stand gets it. I won't even count the points, just 1... 2... main beam... Its at least a 3. SCHWACK!

Big bull tag I'd be happy with a heavy 5 or decent six.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: LittleHunter on June 19, 2012, 01:39:25 PM: I'm no expert at Field judging bulls but i get pretty close. The first thing i look for is width and main beam length. Correct me if I'm wrong but if you have a bull with both of those you should be pretty happy with harvesting him. Remember one thing tho its your tag so shoot what ever you will be happy with. We had a guy in are camp last year that had a bull tag that shot a spike the first 30 mins of opening day of his hunt. He said hes never shot a spike before the we had a nice 5 point bull walk through camp the next day. He was still happy with the spike. Me personaly i wouldn't shoot a spike with a branch bull tag but i guess that is that i have harvested five spikes and havent shot a branch bull yet. I start out with high standards for a 300 class bull then as the hunt goes on it drops.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on June 19, 2012, 01:42:15 PM: A dead bull is a good bull. Cant eat antlers. :chuckle:
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: dreamingbig on June 19, 2012, 02:05:10 PM: Quote from: coachcw on June 15, 2012, 06:55:53 AM
Shoot the one you like and let the hunt dictate it . I'm at a point where I'll eat tag inless its a solid six or better . as far as ass scratchers you dont see a bull that gets there very offten if ever when he is walking and his tips get past his rib cage he is a mature bull . Shoot this bull !

I couldn't pass this bull up.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: igotbigbulls on June 19, 2012, 02:16:02 PM: Quote from: coachcw on June 15, 2012, 11:05:36 AM
that bulls still kickin too !

not for long! :chuckle:
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: coachcw on June 19, 2012, 03:14:49 PM: Quote from: igotbigbulls on June 19, 2012, 02:16:02 PM
Quote from: coachcw on June 15, 2012, 11:05:36 AM
that bulls still kickin too !

not for long! :chuckle:
you wish , you would have to get outta your truck for him.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: sebek556 on June 19, 2012, 03:16:11 PM: Quote from: coachcw on June 19, 2012, 03:14:49 PM
Quote from: igotbigbulls on June 19, 2012, 02:16:02 PM
Quote from: coachcw on June 15, 2012, 11:05:36 AM
that bulls still kickin too !

not for long! :chuckle:
you wish , you would have to get outta your truck for him.

:boxin: :stirthepot:
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: igotbigbulls on June 19, 2012, 03:23:53 PM: not stirin the pot with me. i ll post the pics in September.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: igotbigbulls on June 19, 2012, 03:24:38 PM: they are all that big in the colockum
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: bucklucky on June 19, 2012, 03:27:02 PM: Tops usually get my first look and then the bottoms. Next I look for extras, beam length , and last mass. I know in 2008 I had a set goal of killing a big clean 6, man do I kick myself in the ars to this day because I let a bull go the very first day I should have killed , big 7x6 with a good 14 inch kicker off the sword 45 inch inside spread more than 55 outside and upper 50 to low 60 in the beam length ....... I Fed up. But I did kill a descent bull 5 days later :tup: Its nice to be lucky.

If you see a no brainer bull shoot it. If you have any doubts when you see it dont shoot.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: igotbigbulls on June 19, 2012, 03:40:02 PM: shoot one like this
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: coachcw on June 19, 2012, 03:45:55 PM: good Hanford bull !
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: coachcw on June 19, 2012, 03:46:51 PM: Quote from: igotbigbulls on June 19, 2012, 03:24:38 PM
they are all that big in the colockum
I dont know is there big bulls there too ?
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: igotbigbulls on June 19, 2012, 03:48:31 PM: sorry buddy cant hunt hanford. :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: coachcw on June 19, 2012, 03:52:17 PM: I have a plan since the state srewed me on a bull tag ( >:( ) I figure I'm gonna spend the money I woulda spent at the tribal casino and by elk raffle tags :)
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: igotbigbulls on June 19, 2012, 03:55:36 PM: probably have better luck. :chuckle: them places are rigged ya know.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: Woodchuck on June 19, 2012, 03:57:57 PM: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: Kowsrule30 on June 19, 2012, 10:38:52 PM: All depending on area..... AND tag....

I drew a ML Cowichie any bull in 2008.... I had 3 days before general opener.... That was an epic year for peak rut activity where I was hunting.... I've never passed so many spikes, rags, decent bulls, mature bulls that just didn't have what I was looking for.... Til I found King 5x6.... Pushing the 370-380 mark.... I hunted that bull for 2 1/2 days...... About 1:30 pm day before the opener I let loose on a beautiful 6x that scores 333 and change.... Couldn't have been happier.... Because after the opener it was rag horn or whatever I had a shot at with antlers.....

If anybody drew a ML Quality tag this year you'll have five days with fellow bull taggers to do it justice.....

My Dad drew the same tag in 2010.... 1 day before general opened is all the quality tag holders got.... We scouted our butts off and were set up perfect for his opener.... Had a 360 5x in our sights along with a 390 7x and so many others that would make mine look like a baby.... (believe me that was his goal) :chuckle: Well the herd of 200+ elk took a different pinch point trail that made the shot 201 yards..... Not ideal in our opinions.... The day ended very sadly..... Now we hunt with the crowd for 6 more days.... I shot my spike on day 4 of general.... I finally called in a satelite bull looking for love on day 6 of his season..... A very solid 3x4 it's almost a shame to call him a rag horn.... Probably a 4 1/2 year old with bad genes.... But with the circumstances Dad couldn't have been happier.... You should've seen the look on his face after the shot at 26 yards and when it piled up.... Then walking up on it felt like a dream to me..... We hunted very hard and could never connect on a big mature bull.... We did our best and I feel he did the tag justice..... (he also had a cow tag that never left the truck) Could've filled that multiple times some days.....

To each their own.... Just general spike hunting I will not pass up any spike..... I have one with 6" spikes.... Glad he moved his ear outta the way.... :chuckle: I also wouldn't pass up any legal Rosie with a general tag..... I only have two Rosie... A 3x5 rag and 283" 6x..... First bull's I saw opening day that were legal...

On a side note 2 years ago I ran into another fellow spike hunter.... Aftrer I had shot mine.... I mean within 10 minutes.... Walked up and said damn!!!!! As I was gutting him.... He said he just let him walk because he thought it only had 10-12" spikes!!!! I said wtf those are pushing 24-26"!!!!! :tup: Thank you guy.....
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: PlateauNDN on June 20, 2012, 08:00:44 AM: Quote from: coachcw on June 19, 2012, 03:52:17 PM
I have a plan since the state srewed me on a bull tag ( >:( ) I figure I'm gonna spend the money I woulda spent at the tribal casino and by elk raffle tags :)

:yike: :yike: :yike: Why not do both and double your chances of hitting something? :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: LittleHunter on June 20, 2012, 11:37:53 AM: Yep there are some really nice bulls out at hanford.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: PlateauNDN on June 20, 2012, 11:50:26 AM: Quote from: LittleHunter on June 20, 2012, 11:37:53 AM
Yep there are some really nice bulls out at hanford.

Your avatar used to be a nice bull. :'(
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: LittleHunter on June 20, 2012, 12:18:29 PM: I got picture of a lot of bull that useto be nice out here including a 7x1.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: LittleHunter on June 20, 2012, 12:22:25 PM: Theres about 8 bulls that came up missing after hunting season last year.
Title: Re: if u had a big bull tag?
Post by: PlateauNDN on June 20, 2012, 02:25:58 PM: I heard at least 4 were harvested from my neck of the woods. Still, they are nice looking bulls and that one big typical that was hit by a car was a really big beauty. :drool: :drool: :drool: