Heated Wolf Meeting In Colville

[bearpaw]

I know cattle is a very high profile part of this mess, but there is an important big game equation in this that affects many more of us than cattle issues.....

I completely agree, unfortunately so many people do not understand that, for some reason cattle gets more attention, I suspition it's because they are better organized.

[ICEMAN]

I know cattle is a very high profile part of this mess, but there is an important big game equation in this that affects many more of us than cattle issues.....

Cattle farmers can quickly determine the damage caused by wolves to their herd.

Sportsmen are basically forced to trust the department. We cannot personally assess the health of deer or elk herds necessarily, but often have to rely upon our preconceived notions about the department. We trust that they will protect the deer and elk herds we love to hunt. We place faith in their management strategies. We have blind faith that they are concerned with herd health and have a desire to keep herds large and healthy so that we may continue our heritage of hunting.

Unfortunately, I believe that the department couldn't care less about using hunters as the ultimate control of herd size and health.

[buckfvr]

I, for one have no faith what so ever, plus I can add there are plenty of guys over here whos cumulative knowledge and day after day in the field , are ultimately qualified to give advise and or have a say.  We live in these hills with these animals.......we know where they are at any given time of the year.  ANd we also know what to expect from the wolves because of WDFWs lack of action. 

I wouldnt expect those who live in or near the cities to have intimate knowledge about where we live any more than I would suggest we know more than you about where you live......not arguing what you say, just adding that in some cases , we justify our lack of trust based on what we see.   

[ICEMAN]

I hear you buckfvr, I just have a sick feeling that many put way too much trust in anything that comes out of wildlifes mouth. I trust nothing they say at this point.

[WARHORSE]

some one asked the question at the Okanogan meeting if the game dept had a plan in place if the deer and elk numbers started to decline because of the wolves.  the answer was that if they see a 25% decline in numbers for 2 years in a row then they would Think about doing somthing with the wolves. lol thats a lot of deer before they start to even think about doing somthing!

[huntnphool]

some one asked the question at the Okanogan meeting if the game dept had a plan in place if the deer and elk numbers started to decline because of the wolves.  the answer was that if they see a 25% decline in numbers for 2 years in a row then they would Think about doing somthing with the wolves. lol thats a lot of deer before they start to even think about doing somthing!

And do you have any idea what the solution would be? That's right, cutting back on your hunting season and permits.

[6x6in6]

some one asked the question at the Okanogan meeting if the game dept had a plan in place if the deer and elk numbers started to decline because of the wolves.  the answer was that if they see a 25% decline in numbers for 2 years in a row then they would Think about doing somthing with the wolves. lol thats a lot of deer before they start to even think about doing somthing!

And do you have any idea what the solution would be? That's right, cutting back on your hunting season and permits.

and a price increase due to the permit cutback.   

[Special T]

If you guys are realling goin got get some where someone needs to start vidideoing those meetings. DOCUMENT DOCUMENT DOCUMENT! Anytime you deal with the state you MUST have evidence!

[Northway]

I know cattle is a very high profile part of this mess, but there is an important big game equation in this that affects many more of us than cattle issues.....

I completely agree, unfortunately so many people do not understand that, for some reason cattle gets more attention, I suspition it's because they are better organized.

I've been a bit confused as to why the vast majority of the attention is being paid to depredations with almost no discussion about maintaining a certain level of hunter opportunity. My only guess is that most of the consulting WDFW officials receive is from wildlife managers who were/are operating in NRM states that have a much more powerful livestock lobby. They may also just be unprepared to handle that issue at this point. 

Dale, who from the WDFW took a prominent role in the meeting and how did they perform under the intensity?

It can be a lonely feeling to stand in front of a large crowd who are not happy with you.....

[pianoman9701]

One reason is that the WDFW is hearing from relatively few hunters, especially with regards to what they're doing right. When the Wedge pack was taken out (or some of it, anyway), they heard from very few hunters, lots of cattlemen, and a ton of antis. The cattlemen are calling these guys everyday.

[huntnphool]

This is interesting guys. A little more than a year later than the proposal meeting and the wheels are obviously falling off the cart. You should read through this thread at what was said in that meeting and realize how arrogant WDFW were and how everything Duvia was telling them would happen is coming to fruition. http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,84720.msg1059049.html#msg1059049 

[asl20bball]

WDFW is slapping the very hand that feeds them and funds their efforts (hunting community).
What are they thinking? bash:

[Special T]

They have been hinting at doing away with us evil hunters for quite some time... We actually require performance unlike the Fed grants that they recieve... Just look at thier emphesis on "non consumptive" uses like watcable wildlife and other clap-trap.... Also the way the pit different hunting groups against each other, archery, muzzy, rifle... 

[Hermannr]

Something to think about:

WDFW is no longer Fish and Game...or the Game Department...it isn't in their charger to consider game animals...now they must tink only of the "wider" importance of all "Wildlife".  Next thing will be to move the ranchers off their land so it it can be more "wild".

Anyway, the reason for my post is more along these lines:


http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9A.16.110

RCW 9A.16.110

Defending against violent crime — Reimbursement.

(1) No person in the state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting by any reasonable means necessary, himself or herself, his or her family, or his or her real or personal property, or for coming to the aid of another who is in imminent danger of or the victim of assault, robbery, kidnapping, arson, burglary, rape, murder, or any other violent crime as defined in RCW 9.94A.030.

(there is more, link above)  While this was written for a person defending themself against another person, I do not see how the "IMMINENT DANGER" cannot apply to your cattle (Personal Property)

[6x6in6]

Something to think about:

WDFW is no longer Fish and Game...or the Game Department...it isn't in their charger to consider game animals...now they must tink only of the "wider" importance of all "Wildlife".  Next thing will be to move the ranchers off their land so it it can be more "wild".

Anyway, the reason for my post is more along these lines:


http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9A.16.110

RCW 9A.16.110

Defending against violent crime — Reimbursement.

(1) No person in the state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting by any reasonable means necessary, himself or herself, his or her family, or his or her real or personal property, or for coming to the aid of another who is in imminent danger of or the victim of assault, robbery, kidnapping, arson, burglary, rape, murder, or any other violent crime as defined in RCW 9.94A.030.

(there is more, link above)  While this was written for a person defending themself against another person, I do not see how the "IMMINENT DANGER" cannot apply to your cattle (Personal Property)

I think you would have a difficult time in court convincing that "coming to the aid of another who is in imminent danger" applies to a cow (another). 

But I like the way you think here!