Archery blacktail hunters act now!!!

[sanjuankelso]

Please find the time to petition the wildlife commision via email to move the late Blacktail archery season up to november 1st. Currently to the best of my knowledge the majority of the rut is encompassed with modern firearm or no season at all. Traditionally the rut is reserved for archery (in most states). I am not protesting the current modern firearm season at all I just want to bring to the commisions attention that we as archers are missing out on a great opportunity. I am not asking to extend the season length or anything along those lines, just to allow us to hunt the rut when calling and rattling will work at it's best. Other areas in the state provide ample opportunity for late season rifle action and there is even talk of extending the late rifle season in the northeast corner through thanksgiving. A simple email to the commision expressing your support for moving the opening date of late westside archery  up to November 1st is all I ask. Now is a great time to do this as the next season cycle is in the process of being set. commission@dfw.wa.gov is the address.

[Antlershed]

So when would the late buck season be for rifle hunters? I hunt both, so I'm just wondering....

[Antlershed]

So, it would be something like this?

Sep 1-30 Early Archery Deer
Sep 8*-14* Early Archery Elk
Oct 4*-10* Early Muzzy Deer
Oct 4*-10* Early Muzzy Elk
Oct 13*-31 Modern Deer
Nov 1-Dec 15 Late Archery Deer
Nov 19-Dec 15 Late Archery Elk
Nov 19-Dec 15 Late Muzzy Deer
Nov 19-Dec 15 Late Muzzy Elk
Dec 23*-27* Late Modern Deer

Where do you stick the Modern Firearm Elk season?

*Dates that generally change from year to year.

[Ray]

Why don't you contact the Washington State Bowhunters? They are more than kinda organized for this sort of thing....

[deerslyr]

Wheres the muzzleloaders in this?  

[stumprat]

I do not see your dilemma. I see bucks rutting into late Nov. to early Dec.

[Bigshooter]

Archery hunters get a month of early season hunting and a month and a half of late season already.  Maybe we should let you start hunting in august and hunt right on until they lose there horns.  Then you would get to hunt the entire rut.

[rasbo]

what if we let the muzzeloaders,hunt the elk rut and the archers the late buck rut,then change,every year, and let the rifle guys switch also....I hunted archery for years till I got to busted up.Bow hunters get a great season as it is,My favorite hunts started the day before thanksgiving deer and elk always well almost always did good.I gonna get alot of heat here but gimmie a break with the new technology in bows and the amount of people switching over just for the seasons soon your hunts are going to get shortened.be happy with what ya got.

[fishseeker]

I agree on being happy with what you got!!! Archery gets to hunt the elk rut,Rifle do'es not.  You have a very long season as it is. You get a late hunt when weather brings the herds down. Rifle has no chance at weather anymore.Tee shirt hunting only for mulies. If you want to hunt the deer rut with a sliver flicker buy the modern tag and grab your bow! I know this will torch alot of guys, but I have seen the seasons I can hunt go away. I have hunted Wash for 40+ years and it sucks now. I have hunted bow but cant draw one, shoulders and cracked chest won't let me anymore. I will totally oppose any move to shorten my season more for archey to extend their season more!

[300rum]

Archery hunters get a month of early season hunting and a month and a half of late season already.  Maybe we should let you start hunting in august and hunt right on until they lose there horns.  Then you would get to hunt the entire rut.

You just might be on to something right there!   

[SW Blacktail]

Be thankful for the stupid amount of time we archery hunters have in the woods.  Only reason I buy deer archery is for late season, your kiddin yourself to think they aren't rutting then.  If your hell bent on huntin blackies the first part of Nov apply for a special modern permit and use your bow, they exist.    opening the first week of November for bow, it'd be a slaughter, too easy. 

It's closed for a reason,  not to say it wouldn't be fun though we can always dream, they are really starting to get dumb.

[SW Blacktail]

Point taken, good luck to you 

[dreamingbig]

As a bowhunter, I would forfeit the last 10 days of December in the late season in exchange for the first week in November.  Net days afield is -3 days.  Yes that is right less days.  It would allow for better hunting of blacktails (during the rut) and a more realistic opportunity; I doubt there would be much appreciable change in overall success rates.  Anyone trying to bowhunt blacktails in late December would realize how tough it is on these nocturnal animals.  Areas like western whatcom county need better opportunities in order to manage populations.

I agree the Washington State bowhunters need to get behind this.

Oh and as to hunting the rut for archery elk.  I would have to say that we only get to hut a part of the rut.  We only get 2 weeks (which is same as modern firearm permit holders) vs. other western states (Oregon, Idaho, and Montana) who get whole month of September.  I would trade 8-21 for 15 to 31 in a heartbeat!

[Bigshooter]

Dreamingbig,
Your name says it all.

[rooselk]

Why don't you contact the Washington State Bowhunters? They are more than kinda organized for this sort of thing....

That's a very good idea. The WSB has a place at the table where the hunting seasons are decided. I also know that WSB is always looking for input from bowhunters with regard to the archery seasons.