Eastside vs Westside Elk

[pickardjw]

I'm hunting Elk for the first time this year since I bought the Get Outdoors license package. I went with an eastside muzzleloader tag, partially because I liked the idea of having two seasons and because I'm more familiar with some of the country over there (east cascades to the columbia). In my head that translated to better opportunity, but after diving more into it the late seasons seem pretty worthless. I want to stick with the muzzy tag going forward but I'm conflicted on where to concentrate my efforts.

Would you go with Westside tags in the future if you're just looking for better opportunity?

[dilleytech]

I think I live in the units your talking about and considering they did away with the cow hunts in late season it is pretty low odds. But I would hunt the areas closest to your home so you can scout more and find the elk.

[HooknoseHunter]

The west side is 100% better.

[X-Force]

100% east side, better weather, better permits, more elk.

[pickardjw]

Is it possible to put in for quality tags on the eastside but have your OTC tag westside?

[kselkhunter]

Is it possible to put in for quality tags on the eastside but have your OTC tag westside?

No, not unless you are holding a multi season elk tag. 

I prefer west side muzzleloader OTC.   

[pickardjw]

That's what I figured. Saw an old thread from 2013 that said that was changing, guess it never happened.

Looks like I'm going to start digging into westside research for next year. I should be able to scout more over here anyway. Eastside tag hasn't even started and it already feels like it's over.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

.

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If you go with that attitude, it is...
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If you have a spot already picked out, go and explore.
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I always think about other spots to go hunting.
Until I find elk....
Then I forget what I was thinking...
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East side has more land access (free) for camping.
Westside has more gates, but you usually have to camp somewhere else, and leave your vehicle to the mercy of tweakers.
Unless you buy an access permit.

[pickardjw]

Access definitely seems like the biggest factor along with rain, but I have good rain gear. Or at least I think I do...Read a lot about it being crowded too but being a muzzy hunter that may be less of a concern.

[Tinmaniac]

Between the pay to play gates and out of control hoof rot Westside sucks.

[WSU]

Between the pay to play gates and out of control hoof rot Westside sucks.

It's getting that way.  Even if you are willing to pay, you still can't count on everyone getting an access permit.  It sold out in second this year.  I only buy it to hunt with my family, and I got one but the rest didn't.  Lame.

[pickardjw]

Forgot about the hoof rot issue...are there any concerns eating an elk that has it? Not sure if it's comparable to CWD regarding people not wanting to eat the meat...

[dilleytech]

Forgot about the hoof rot issue...are there any concerns eating an elk that has it? Not sure if it's comparable to CWD regarding people not wanting to eat the meat...

I would eat the meat in both cases.

[High Climber]

Forgot about the hoof rot issue...are there any concerns eating an elk that has it? Not sure if it's comparable to CWD regarding people not wanting to eat the meat...

The meat is definitely compromised on hoof rot elk.  I’m not saying it’s not “safe” but I’ve stuck a knife into plenty of them to know that anything more than an extremely mild case the meat looks, and smells different. To each there own but that is not table fare for my family and I 

[Dark2Dark]

Forgot about the hoof rot issue...are there any concerns eating an elk that has it? Not sure if it's comparable to CWD regarding people not wanting to eat the meat...

The meat is definitely compromised on hoof rot elk.  I’m not saying it’s not “safe” but I’ve stuck a knife into plenty of them to know that anything more than an extremely mild case the meat looks, and smells different. To each there own but that is not table fare for my family and I 

Interesting. I shot a bull with pretty severe hoof rot and the meat was just like every other bull I have shot. Delicious.