Free: Contests & Raffles.
Several other states (including Oregon) have permit only hunting for deer/elk, and it hasn't stopped kids from hunting in those states. I have to ask- why is it that a system like that works in other states but some people insist it can't work here? I've asked this question before and never have heard any reasonable answers.
The main reason the success rate is so low is there are too many hunters! Period. Not enough elk.Again, why do other states feel the need to manage by permit only hunting? Other states that actually have more elk and less people than we do? But we don't need to do that here? Why are we so different that we can continue on with basically the same management system that we've had since the 1950's?
Quote from: bobcat on November 28, 2013, 09:43:15 PMThe main reason the success rate is so low is there are too many hunters! Period. Not enough elk.Again, why do other states feel the need to manage by permit only hunting? Other states that actually have more elk and less people than we do? But we don't need to do that here? Why are we so different that we can continue on with basically the same management system that we've had since the 1950's?If that was is the case then why are there people (several on this site) who are successful every year? Itdosent seem to be a problem with the lack of elk, more so the lack of effort. Well just have to agree to disagree on this one I guess.
Quote from: bobcat on November 28, 2013, 08:49:59 AMSeveral other states (including Oregon) have permit only hunting for deer/elk, and it hasn't stopped kids from hunting in those states. I have to ask- why is it that a system like that works in other states but some people insist it can't work here? I've asked this question before and never have heard any reasonable answers.I don't think there is a truly reasonable answer bobcat as to why.The majority of elk hunters want the opportunity to hunt every year. It may be just that simple, right there.The WDFW needs to step away from the thought of managing for opportunity (revenue) and manage for a quality hunting experience before anything will ever change.
Quote from: 6x6in6 on November 28, 2013, 09:08:02 PMQuote from: bobcat on November 28, 2013, 08:49:59 AMSeveral other states (including Oregon) have permit only hunting for deer/elk, and it hasn't stopped kids from hunting in those states. I have to ask- why is it that a system like that works in other states but some people insist it can't work here? I've asked this question before and never have heard any reasonable answers.I don't think there is a truly reasonable answer bobcat as to why.The majority of elk hunters want the opportunity to hunt every year. It may be just that simple, right there.The WDFW needs to step away from the thought of managing for opportunity (revenue) and manage for a quality hunting experience before anything will ever change.By whose definition of "quality"?
The reason for going to permit only would be number 1- to limit hunting pressure and decrease harvest. This would lead to higher numbers of elk, at least in areas that have the carrying capacity for more animals. It's pretty selfish in my opinion to think that you deserve to kill an elk every single year, when the average hunter in this state kills an elk once every twenty years. It's not about making it more "easy." It would be about managing each GMU by limiting the harvest, which they DO NOT do now. The distribution of hunters is 100% random, the WDFW does not control that in any way. As more and more of the private timber company land goes to access by permit only, the problem is going to get worse. If you hunt public land expect to have a lot more company in the future!
Quote from: bobcat on November 28, 2013, 09:32:03 PMThe reason for going to permit only would be number 1- to limit hunting pressure and decrease harvest. This would lead to higher numbers of elk, at least in areas that have the carrying capacity for more animals. It's pretty selfish in my opinion to think that you deserve to kill an elk every single year, when the average hunter in this state kills an elk once every twenty years. It's not about making it more "easy." It would be about managing each GMU by limiting the harvest, which they DO NOT do now. The distribution of hunters is 100% random, the WDFW does not control that in any way. As more and more of the private timber company land goes to access by permit only, the problem is going to get worse. If you hunt public land expect to have a lot more company in the future!Sorry I don't tend to get into arguments but this statement in bold is probably one of the most ridiculous comments I've ever seen. I understand this is your opinion but for one where the heck do you get those numbers from? And two I'm willing to bet that most of those average hunters you talk about are road hunters which probably means that a high percentage of them won't shoot an elk year in and year out!
what elk, the so called master hunters shot all of them. mike w
Quote from: nw_bowhunter on November 04, 2013, 08:07:37 AMIf we go permit only you will be sitting on the sideline for along time wishing you could hunt.. Wanting to hunt bulls go to CO, MT, OR, WY, ETC. Be happy that you can hunt each year. Thank you! Somebody with some sense!
If we go permit only you will be sitting on the sideline for along time wishing you could hunt.. Wanting to hunt bulls go to CO, MT, OR, WY, ETC. Be happy that you can hunt each year.
The idea behind the spike only rule is that 90% of spikes die annually. Some from hunting, some from just being young and dumb. It's just a fact of life. I have been hunting the BLues since '96 or '97 and can tell you the spike only rule does not hurt the bull numbers. In my opinion the largest factor on the # of mature bulls are the indians. If you don't believe me take a drive to the Blues in late September and see for your self.I would also love to see Eastern WA go to a draw only for any antlered elk.