predator voucher system

[KFhunter]

One interesting thing I noticed in the area we hunt antelope in Wyoming............there are virtually no coyotes.  I assume the Wyoming cattle ranchers have some very good techniques for keeping the coyote population in check.

It's called a leghold trap.

It's called helicopters 

[pianoman9701]

I'd love to see it. Although, it'd never pass muster and the WSU We Love Predators Club. I can just hear the high-pitched whine from here.

[KFhunter]

I'd love to see it. Although, it'd never pass muster and the WSU We Love Predators Club. I can just hear the high-pitched whine from here.

That's what peeves me so much, that guy was ousted as a fraud and liar by WSU itself - yet we're still dealing with his so called predator science.



Just in case someone missed it, everyone needs to see it. 
https://news.wsu.edu/2016/08/31/wsu-issues-statement-clarifying-comments-profanity-peak-wolf-pack/

snip
PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University and the WSU College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resources Sciences Wednesday issued the following statement regarding public statements made by Rob Wielgus, associate professor and director of the Large Carnivore Conservation Lab at WSU, related to the Profanity Peak wolf pack.
Some of Wielgus’ statements in regard to this controversial issue have been both inaccurate and inappropriate. As such, they have contributed substantially to the growing anger and confusion about this significant wildlife management issue and have unfairly jeopardized the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wolf Advisory Group’s many-months long stakeholder process. Moreover, the statements do not in any way represent the views or position of WSU or the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resources Sciences.
These statements are disavowed by our institutions.
We offer the following corrections of the information in the public arena:  more at the link


It just doesn't get any more clear than that, Wielgus has influenced the wolf plan and the cougar plan and was instrumental in getting the current cougar quota limits.

[jackelope]

I think that from a predator management standpoint, the need to kill coyotes is more important than the need to kill black bears so I'd adjust the coyote reward points.

Also I see this as a good way to create an overpopulation issue with deer and/or elk. In theory you'll reduce the predator population and you'll also, in theory, reduce the number of deer/elk hunters. Sort of throws management out the window. If it doesn't cause overpopulation issues, then I'd be concerned with what this shows the anti-hunting crowd that hunting of deer and elk really is not an effective management tool.

Just a few thoughts.

[KFhunter]

I think that from a predator management standpoint, the need to kill coyotes is more important than the need to kill black bears so I'd adjust the coyote reward points.

Also I see this as a good way to create an overpopulation issue with deer and/or elk. In theory you'll reduce the predator population and you'll also, in theory, reduce the number of deer/elk hunters. Sort of throws management out the window. If it doesn't cause overpopulation issues, then I'd be concerned with what this shows the anti-hunting crowd that hunting of deer and elk really is not an effective management tool.

Just a few thoughts.

Without helicopters and footholds I just don't think we can get there.   As far as the points mentioned in the 1st post it was just something to throw out there, there's no science or methodology behind the point system other than the introduction of the idea itself.  An incentive for predator management was what the whole post was about.   

If somehow the coyotes were culled too heavily in a certain area they will rebound quicker than just about any other species, it might even do their genetic pool some good if it got them ranging further and reestablishing territory that's been shot out.

[Gringo31]

You could slowly step into this process.  Add a new category for some of the extra permits.  (2nd deer tags, anterless tags etc)  Based on how it goes, increase as necessary.

IF this were to ever go through, I'd bet I never went another year without shooting 100 dogs (assuming this meant an annual total.....which would also bring up sensitive issues about certain things that could happen during certain times of the spring)

[KFhunter]

Doing like GA with a contest would be a great start and raise awareness. 

[Sitka_Blacktail]

Honestly, I believe coyotes are the most harmful predator in the State. Knock them way back and you're going to see fawn survival multiply like you won't believe and bird hunting will vastly improve. Most people don't realize the chunk of fawns taken out of the herd by coyotes.

[Gringo31]

Honestly, I believe coyotes are the most harmful predator in the State. Knock them way back and you're going to see fawn survival multiply like you won't believe and bird hunting will vastly improve. Most people don't realize the chunk of fawns taken out of the herd by coyotes.

I believe this is a true statement.  Yes, it helps that coyotes are in every area of the state.  There is a whole bunch of E. Wa that doesn't have much for bears or cougars.  That being said, there is an area I know that the first fall I was there I saw 18 does come out to a field and not a fawn with them.  60 coyotes a year later, and fawns are the norm again.

[bearpaw]

Honestly, I believe coyotes are the most harmful predator in the State. Knock them way back and you're going to see fawn survival multiply like you won't believe and bird hunting will vastly improve. Most people don't realize the chunk of fawns taken out of the herd by coyotes.

I believe this is a true statement.  Yes, it helps that coyotes are in every area of the state.  There is a whole bunch of E. Wa that doesn't have much for bears or cougars.  That being said, there is an area I know that the first fall I was there I saw 18 does come out to a field and not a fawn with them.  60 coyotes a year later, and fawns are the norm again.

   Agreed, coyotes probably kill more fawns than any other predator.

I think that from a predator management standpoint, the need to kill coyotes is more important than the need to kill black bears so I'd adjust the coyote reward points.

Also I see this as a good way to create an overpopulation issue with deer and/or elk. In theory you'll reduce the predator population and you'll also, in theory, reduce the number of deer/elk hunters. Sort of throws management out the window. If it doesn't cause overpopulation issues, then I'd be concerned with what this shows the anti-hunting crowd that hunting of deer and elk really is not an effective management tool.

Just a few thoughts.

  I agree, coyotes are far more harmful than bear. Studies have found that bear predation varies from area to area, not all bear are as predatory as others and the biggest impact from bear is only for a couple weeks during fawning and calving seasons.

[idaho guy]

I love hunting coyotes. But have no experience cougar hunting. I'm down for your voucher idea but with one exception. Bring hound hunting back for cougars!

 Great idea kfhunter only would work on getting points towards drawing tags I think. Number one way to control predators would be to bring hound hunting back. This I think should be number 1 objective that huntwa community could get behind. and please include non resident houndsman in the plan

[Humptulips]

All that is needed is for the State to get out of the way. Coyote prices turned out pretty good this year but in WA we effectively cannot trap them.
Hunting is inefficient for predator control unless you allow hounds and traps and snares.
You won't make a dent without them.

[idaho guy]

All that is needed is for the State to get out of the way. Coyote prices turned out pretty good this year but in WA we effectively cannot trap them.
Hunting is inefficient for predator control unless you allow hounds and traps and snares.
You won't make a dent without them.

Totally agree! Why not start a huntwa group that push getting hounds back? I spent only a few days each year deer hunting with my boy and seen way too many cat tracks! Allowing houndsman to control predators lion and bear the right way would be a great first step to control predators. I like lions and typically let females small cats go in Idaho where they are almost over hunted. So I am not anti lion or bear wolves I do hate and don't know if we will ever control them point is a great first step is organize huntwa and bring back the hounds!

[ghosthunter]

The voucher idea would kill hunting in this state.

Many years ago the state did a survey of hunters. What was important to them.
The vast majority placed hunting with family or friends higher than harvesting a animal.

The point idea might work keeps all in the game.

But I do t believe hunters with current rules can even make a dent in yote population.

You still have to have time to hunt. Most guys exhaust any time they have on bear,deer,elk maybe some birds. All the points in the world won't get the boss to give you more time off. Than throw in family obligations.

Yotes  have what two litters a year?

[KFhunter]

see reply #19