Lock The Gates

[huntnphool]

 With a couple more big bucks being killed in Entiat the last few days I think its about time they start locking the gates in all the winter ranges early, and posting no motorized vehicles, walking or biking in only.

 The question is "when" would be the time to do it? Personally I would like to see them locked Sept 1st, "hunters" will have to work a little harder but it would be the fairest time since no one group would get a advantage.

 Its really the only way to keep most people that abuse the system from destroying it.

[PlateauNDN]

I supported and will continue to support gated roads, if you really want it then get off of you A#$ and out of your truck and go get it.  That's hunting, not road killing.

[huntnphool]

I supported and will continue to support gated roads, if you really want it then get off of you A#$ and out of your truck and go get it.  That's hunting, not road killing.

Agree Plat.

[jackmaster]

i honestly think that they should all be locked year around, if your disabled then apply for a key, otherwise walk in only, people who poach generally want to do it close to their rig for a fast get away, so make it where if they are gonna poach they are gonna be seen, i am a disabled hunter, but i still do my best to walk wherever i go, when i cant any longer then i am done hunting, and if i cant enjoy being in the woods then what exactly is the point of hunting....people can say for the meat all they want, its cheaper to go buy beef.....for about 90% of us i hope, its for the experience and the fun just being in the hills....poachers need to have alot stiffer penalties thrown at them, make it soooooo bad that no-one in their right mind would think about poaching 

[bobcat]

What gates?

Seriously, does the forest service even have gates on all the roads? Forgive me for asking, but I've only hunted the Entiat once and that was 8 years ago.

Then we did hunt Chiwawa the year after that and I don't recall seeing many gates.

I do agree something needs to be done, and gates are about the only option.

I don't agree with locking it up on September 1st. That would just concentrate hunters more, within a couple miles of the gates, and leave a lot of country untouched.

I'd say shut it down on December 1st.

[huntnphool]

What gates?

Seriously, does the forest service even have gates on all the roads? That would just concentrate hunters more, within a couple miles of the gates, and leave a lot of country untouched.

I'd say shut it down on December 1st.

December is too late IMO and if you are going to lock them before December then you have to go all the way back to Sept 1st so no one group has a advantage.

 You don't need to gate all the roads, just the main ones that lead into all the others. I don't care about too many hunters only walking in a mile, you want to get away from those guys then walk a little further.

[bobcat]

So you'd gate every road that goes off the Entiat River road?

Where would everyone park?

How about closing them after the general rifle season is over, and then give keys to those who draw a late rifle or archery permit?

[fishngamereaper]

I think all that country should be managed for quality and be permit only. Increase the number of permits so guys have a chance at drawing every 4-5 years. Make a group of early season permits and a group of late season permits...

I think gating/ tank traping the side roads would help, but leave one main line road open. Im all for hiking but would you seriously hike from the bottom of the entiat/swakane, etc. to the top of it..even hard core guys would only get in 5 miles and call it a day.

[skywalker253]

What is the problem with the gates open now? I am tyring to learn.

My only problem I have with locked gates, is it descriminates older hunters. My dad, is in descent shape for 66 years old he can gets out and hunts. But he cannot hike in several miles and then start pushing canyons. And if he shoots one he is even more screwed, becuase he has to get it out. Imagine applying for sevearal years to get drawn. Then you finally get drawn and they lock the gates on you.

Other then that....go ahead and lock them. I don't have a problem hiking in. But I am also 36 years old and in great shapel.

[huntnphool]

So you'd gate every road that goes off the Entiat River road?

Where would everyone park?

Yes, install gates 1/4 mile up the dirt and lock them, plenty of room to park for everyone along the side of the road.

How about closing them after the general rifle season is over, and then give keys to those who draw a late rifle or archery permit?

No! If you are not going to allow all the user groups to drive in there then none of them should be able too, too much whining and bitching if you don't. Just lock it from motorized vehicles, everyone can still access it if they want, they just have to work a little bit harder.

 Its the only way to stop 95% of the BS that is going on in these areas.

[PlateauNDN]

I'd say leave one main access road open and gate, block or barricade all other roads.  But, make sure the road does not go near wintering grounds.

Road killing by all users groups is my biggest concern.

[skywalker253]

So you'd gate every road that goes off the Entiat River road?

Where would everyone park?

How about closing them after the general rifle season is over, and then give keys to those who draw a late rifle or archery permit?

BOBCAT- Did you get that deer in your photo in the Entiat? Nice buck!

[PlateauNDN]

You start giving out keys to some then you'll have to share them with others and you know the ones I'm talking about.  Just be straight across the board no motorized access period or put up gates/barricades.

[bobcat]

Its the only way to stop 95% of the BS that is going on in these areas.

Why wouldn't my idea work? The poaching that goes on up there begins in November.  If motorized access was shut down to everyone except permit holders in October, the poaching just wouldn't happen.

Your idea would be a tough sell.

[bobcat]

BOBCAT- Did you get that deer in your photo in the Entiat? Nice buck!

Yes I did. Thanks!