I'll have to chime in here since I'm a fellow WA hunter.. and former Montana hunter (sometimes out of state when I can afford it :-)). We have hunted Taneum 336 for the last 10 years mostly rife season but have moved to archery to avoid the orange army. We have taken 4 cows and 2 spike bulls in that time.. and could have taken numerous branch antlered bulls including some trophy class bulls. I believe that Spike Only rules do indeed work.. with the goal to get more mature animals as is evidence of the number of mature bulls we have been up close and personal with. That said it sure is frustrating to put in for branch bull tag year afer year and never get chosen.. yet see them every year.. I'll refrain from the Indian discussion because it won't do anything but piss me off.

This year we're going to hunt the St Helen's area for change of pace and because you can get some exclusive tags in Toutle and Margarette.. and because we bowhunt and are likely to have better weather than November... and a good chance at hitting the rut!

Good luck in your decision