Spring Bear Season?

[D-Rock425]

 :yeah:I agree 100%.  I also know its already happening but its on the hush hush.  Master hunters have been killing bears over bait. 

[BULLBLASTER]

Special permit, up the price (yeah I said it), up to three bait sites clearly labeled with tag holder info, no trace left behind, same extended period as last season.

Exactly. Bait permit. Sell the permits to recoup the losses from going otc for spring bear.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

:yeah:I agree 100%.  I also know its already happening but its on the hush hush.  Master hunters have been killing bears over bait. 


That is a pot stirer for sure!

[D-Rock425]

But I'm not joking.  Maybe just a hired gun for the timber company and a master hunter I don't know all the details.

[h20hunter]

Special permit, up the price (yeah I said it), up to three bait sites clearly labeled with tag holder info, no trace left behind, same extended period as last season.

Exactly. Bait permit. Sell the permits to recoup the losses from going otc for spring bear.

I'd still like to see it a permit only. My reasoning is that otc tags would result in to much vehicle traffic and we would have "issues" that result in the program getting yanked totally.

[D-Rock425]

If it went OTC gate keys would be a thing of the past.

[h20hunter]

Yes it would. The general season is pretty long...keep the spring to gate keys and by permit only.

[D-Rock425]

And bait don't forget about bait

[h20hunter]

Of course.....I love me some apples! Seriously though....it is a depredation permit...they want dead bears....that is the goal right? Bait 'em in and knock them down. Make the timber companies so happy they don't need to hire a single contractor or (begin pot stirring sarcasm font) those alleged awfull (kidding folks...don't get riled now) master hunters ( per the evil D-Rock). Shoot...give some preference to setting aside a few of the permits at a discounted rate for vets, youth, disable, or senior. I'm all for it. It would be good for the timber companies as well as the sportsman.

[Sideswipe]

Here we go again Waterman.  Haven't been drawn since '08.  People are probably tired of my wining.  What's that make it now?...6 points?

I'll come outa hiding for Spring bear.  Been shoot'  long range silhouettes w/a rolling block...at least I can find them.

[addicted2hunting]

I would like to see them allow bait for spring permit hunts!

[Bigshooter]

I read somewhere a few years ago that Washington had the largest black bear population in the lower 48.  More than 30,000.  I don't see why western WA can't have an otc spring bear season.  Timber companies hire guys to come in and kill bears over bait with a season of April 1st until the first berries get ripe.  WDFW could have the same season on an otc tag and make more money than they are now and not hurt the bear population.