Experts Meet To Discuss Wolves Effect On Hunting

[CementFinisher]

Bruce you sure got ALOT of hope. lol

[huntnphool]

Ever think maybe this is equaly aimed at wolf lovers? Maybe try and show them the need to actually manage wolf numbers. Kind of soften them up for delisting.

Hey, I can hope.

It doesn't matter, they will still tie things up in court for years.

[Feanix]

PR move. Jim Williams is is an advocate for wolf hunting and management. John Rachel helped with the 1994 Environmental Impact Assessment and did appearances with Carter Niemeyer to "dispel myths" about wolves, although he also believes wolves need to be managed. 

Will probably be alot of talking while dispensing no actual information.

[Paxer]

I emailed my question in 

[BOWHUNTER45]

I think we are all wanting to hear from others states how the wolves have taken over ...But since we live in Washington they would rather let the wolves eat everything ...What a stupid email to send me and everyone else ... I say open season year around 

[CedarPants]

They will also discuss strategies that successful big game hunters have adopted while hunting in their states.

Why do I have a feeling this will be the main topic to come out of this meeting?

"We're going to let the wolves take what they want ...... so here are some suggestions for what you're going to have to do with what's left ....."

I've given my original comment a little more thought.  How great would it be if they blabbled on for a while then said "now ..... onto the strategies that successful big game hunters have adopted while hunting in their state.  What they've done to be successful at big game hunting is .......... hunt wolves, because they can.  And now you can, because it's open season.  Meeting ajourned"

I can dream, right?

[wolfbait]

I guess one question I would like answered is "They didn't listen to the "experts" from Montana and Idaho during the proposal meetings, so why are they trying to snow us with their "concern" now?"
This is nothing more than a PR move aimed at appeasing sportsman that are understandably pissed off.

Since they said they will be discussing info from other states in this meeting I doubt they will present any of the facts that make WDFW look bad.

Why did they not discuss these facts before they pushed the current plan?

Your last comment has to be Sarcasm Right?  The USFWS along with WDFW release wolves all over WA, and then WDFW picks a pro-wolf group to run around the state lying, laughing and leaving. And now after five years WDFW are having trouble hiding the fact that their wolves have multiplied to the point, lies like it was a coyote, it was probably a hybid, no there are no wolves where you live, it was clearly fed on by something, but by the time we got there there was nothing left but hide and hip bones or a pile of Maggots, arn't working anymore.

Some deer herds are already in a predator pit, and soon the elk herds etc. will be plummeting, and now  WDFW are going to tell the people of WA they didn't have a clue as to what happened in MT, WY, and Idaho? But that their experts are working on it and they would like public opinion?

What you are looking at is a couple of corrupt agencies who have already accomplished what they set out to do, and now, as in the past it really doesn't matter what you say, as it is just for show.

[KB88]

For what it's worth I sent about a dozen questions they need to be asking, including a few they need to be asking themselves at night. My main focus was "GET EDUCATED".

[huntnphool]

I guess one question I would like answered is "They didn't listen to the "experts" from Montana and Idaho during the proposal meetings, so why are they trying to snow us with their "concern" now?"
This is nothing more than a PR move aimed at appeasing sportsman that are understandably pissed off.

Since they said they will be discussing info from other states in this meeting I doubt they will present any of the facts that make WDFW look bad.

Why did they not discuss these facts before they pushed the current plan?

  The USFWS along with WDFW release wolves all over WA

Prove it!

[AspenBud]

Might still be some good bird hunting as well.  Or do wolves eat grouse and pheasant too?

Grouse huntign with dogs will be much more dangerouse since there have been several bad encounters in ID. I think in addition to the bird shot buckshot will  come with me.  SOME kinds of small game hunting MAY get better if they reduce the coyote population significantly, but there are always  Hawks, Magpies, Ravens/crows and other avian predators may take up the slack. 

Honestly it kind of depends on the hunter. A guy just putting his dog on the ground without checking out the surroundings a little is just asking for it.

Most bad encounters with dogs and wolves have involved hounds. That said, I've heard of several close calls with bird dogs for years from people out in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. That hasn't deterred anyone from still going out though.

Knowing where wolves are known to occur is a good way to avoid them. Looking for various aged tracks and droppings, especially any in the middle of the road is also a good way to keep your dogs out of trouble. Old tracks and poop don't necessarily mean wolves are in the area, fresh stuff is a problem.

But probably the most important thing to do is to note if the tracks are going both directions. That would indicate you are either on a pack boundary that is contested or a rendezvous area, both are HIGHLY dangerous areas for dogs and should be avoided if you intend to hunt grouse with your dog.

This is actually one of my biggest gripes with how WDFW and the state of Washington overall is handling the wolf situation. People have no idea of what to look for or how to avoid them and the state has done little to educate people on that.

[Special T]

You can bet wehn they work their way into my woods i'll be packing more than just bird shot.

[AspenBud]

You can bet wehn they work their way into my woods i'll be packing more than just bird shot.

I already do. Coyotes, bear, cougars, and meth heads warrant that already.

[bearpaw]

This is certainly meant to make it appear they are doing all they can do, but I question their integrity of their entire handling of the wolf issue. 

Is this just a dog and pony show, or are they really concerned about out game herds and hunters?

[huntnphool]

Is this just a dog and pony show, or are they really concerned about out game herds and hunters?

[CedarPants]

Is this just a dog and pony show, or are they really concerned about out game herds and hunters?

I think that question was resoundingly answered when the recovery plan was implemented and science/legitimate feedback was ignored.