16 bonus points

elkspert · Nov 8, 2012

I am posting this for a friend. He has 16 resident elk points. This year he applied for the Wenaha archery hunt and didnt draw. (Looking at the odds he should have.)He is wondering though should he apply for the 1st rifle or the archery tag. He does have horses if needed and usually archery hunts. I don't know alot about the unit but I am thinking go with the 1st rifle. What are your guys thoughts on this?

dz · Nov 8, 2012

The first season is Spike only. I have spent time in there on the archery and the Rifle. I'm a Rifle hunter and would choose it. Both can be a great hunts. It also can be some of the toughest hunting terrain around. On one hunt we Hiked 128 miles and I lost 29 pounds (of needed weight).

Good Luck, DZ.

jpomazi · Nov 8, 2012

In 2012 for the Wenaha Archery bull tag #256R. Non-resident tag went to an applicant with 17 points. For residents with 18 points 1 for 1 in draw. 17 points 2 for 2. 16 points 1 for 1. 15 points 14 for 42. The remaining 6 tags went in the random pool. My buddy was one of them and he had 9 points. So either your buddy had 15 points for last years draw or is mistaken about something. At any rate if he is an archery hunter he should stick with it as based on the numbers staying consistent he is now in the main max pool of 16 points for 2013 giving him about a 50% chance to draw. This is based on the ODFW numbers off the website and based on point saver apps could obviously change from year to year. Hope that answers some questions. Definately worth the wait in my opinion.

bonepicker · Nov 8, 2012

I say keep applying for the archery hunt.

robinsg61le · Nov 9, 2012

I'm partial to the Wenaha rifle hunt. I just pulled up camp on Tuesday from that hunt. I killed a bull scoring around 334... but wanted to be sure to kill a bull as it was my first. If a person is willing to be picky and work hard, 350 is realistic. I would be happy to help guide someone that has the rifle tag. My party glassed 60+ bulls in 4 days of hunting... I suppose some of those were duplicates. We found two bulls over 350, one being 370ish... I just couldn't finish the deal on those bulls.

...let me know if your buddy wants a free guide... I work for gas! I would just love to go back into that country again to help... what a fun hunt!