The end of Wild Turkeys in Washington

[REHJWA]

Is this the end of wild turkeys in WA?
WDFW to review status of western gray squirrel, seeks public comment. WDFW initiated this review after accepting a citizen petition to consider giving western gray squirrels a greater level of protection by elevating the species' status to endangered. 
http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/mar2814b/

Other species of eastern gray squirrels, fox squirrels, California ground squirrels and Wild Turkeys are expanding and compete with the western gray.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_gray_squirrel

[Limhangerslayer]

The seasons they run for wild turkey already are hurting them, they don't need anything more.  They already run too long of a season in the fall, a month and a half in the fall for a general hunt is overkill.  But that's what this game department wants.

[Deer slayer]

It's all about the $$$$.

[bigtex]

The seasons they run for wild turkey already are hurting them, they don't need anything more.  They already run too long of a season in the fall, a month and a half in the fall for a general hunt is overkill.  But that's what this game department wants.

They should totally eliminate the fall Teanaway permit season

[Wacenturion]

Turkeys do not compete with squirrels period.  WDFW turkey haters just keep throwing that out there like spaghetti to see if it sticks to the wall and make it seem to the uniformed as though something terrible is happening.  That question has been answered many times years ago. 

Let's see now....if I recall squirrels live in trees.  What is a turkey getting food wise that a squirrel is not?  Good grief.

[Wacenturion]

The seasons they run for wild turkey already are hurting them, they don't need anything more.  They already run too long of a season in the fall, a month and a half in the fall for a general hunt is overkill.  But that's what this game department wants.

Exactly...........as well as double birds allowed the same day in the same general areas during the spring season.  It's all cumulative.

[JODakota]

Turkeys do not compete with squirrels period.  WDFW turkey haters just keep throwing that out there like spaghetti to see if it sticks to the wall and make it seem to the uniformed as though something terrible is happening.  That question has been answered many times years ago. 

Let's see now....if I recall squirrels live in trees.  What is a turkey getting food wise that a squirrel is not?  Good grief.

Oh really? Are you a biologist? State your facts, sources ?

[Limhangerslayer]

The seasons they run for wild turkey already are hurting them, they don't need anything more.  They already run too long of a season in the fall, a month and a half in the fall for a general hunt is overkill.  But that's what this game department wants.

Exactly...........as well as double birds allowed the same day in the same general areas during the spring season.  It's all cumulative.

I'm in the same boat as you. We used to like it when you're tag Rio, Merriam, or eastern and you had to buy them before the season.  We have seen the area we hunt down in the blues decline since the heavy general fall seasons the last couple years.

[snowpack]

I don't think turkeys are causing any problems with western gray squirrels.  Southwestern Oregon has areas where both overlap with extremely robust populations.  You can go to areas down there and see large numbers of turkeys working the forest floor at the same time Western Gray Squirrels are terrorizing the tree tops. 

[Wacenturion]

Turkeys do not compete with squirrels period.  WDFW turkey haters just keep throwing that out there like spaghetti to see if it sticks to the wall and make it seem to the uniformed as though something terrible is happening.  That question has been answered many times years ago. 

Let's see now....if I recall squirrels live in trees.  What is a turkey getting food wise that a squirrel is not?  Good grief.

Oh really? Are you a biologist? State your facts, sources ?

I usually prefer to enjoy this forum just as a member, but since you have called me out so to speak, as a matter of fact, I am.  As a sidenote to that, I also managed the Washington Wild Turkey Program for 20 years from 1987 till 2002, when I retired.  That unfounded assertion and other equally stupid ones came up every time we wanted to expand opportunity statewide for turkeys during those years.  No scientific data whatsoever to back it up, but hey, lets throw it out there and assume someone will believe it.

I'll leave it at that............

 

[Wacenturion]

The seasons they run for wild turkey already are hurting them, they don't need anything more.  They already run too long of a season in the fall, a month and a half in the fall for a general hunt is overkill.  But that's what this game department wants.

Exactly...........as well as double birds allowed the same day in the same general areas during the spring season.  It's all cumulative.

I'm in the same boat as you. We used to like it when you're tag Rio, Merriam, or eastern and you had to buy them before the season.  We have seen the area we hunt down in the blues decline since the heavy general fall seasons the last couple years.

Completely agree.  If any turkey hunter thinks that WDFW is generously giving you extra birds in the spring and liberal fall seasons because they want to somehow want to reward you and give you something special, think again.  The quickest way to reduce turkey populations is to do whatever, which in this case is an attempt at trying to overharvest birds.

Just how many birds does someone have to kill to feel successful.  Wasn't one nice gobbler in the spring enough as it used to be before you moved on to another area and subspecies?  Two birds same day is nothing more than a prescription for wounded birds.  Same in the fall.

It's your resource and hunters had better think about how to protect it, as you'll won't see WDFW releasing any more birds any time soon.

[buckfvr]

Less birds each year here.  Thats a fact.  Less hunters also.........they are catching on.

[JODakota]

Turkeys do not compete with squirrels period.  WDFW turkey haters just keep throwing that out there like spaghetti to see if it sticks to the wall and make it seem to the uniformed as though something terrible is happening.  That question has been answered many times years ago. 

Let's see now....if I recall squirrels live in trees.  What is a turkey getting food wise that a squirrel is not?  Good grief.

Oh really? Are you a biologist? State your facts, sources ?

I usually prefer to enjoy this forum just as a member, but since you have called me out so to speak, as a matter of fact, I am.  As a sidenote to that, I also managed the Washington Wild Turkey Program for 20 years from 1987 till 2002, when I retired.  That unfounded assertion and other equally stupid ones came up every time we wanted to expand opportunity statewide for turkeys during those years.  No scientific data whatsoever to back it up, but hey, lets throw it out there and assume someone will believe it.

I'll leave it at that............

Awesome man, it was meant to be insulting. I am a man of facts. I like to hear why or see proof. Hopefully you didn't take that as an insult, I am married to a biologist so I am on your side . My biggest concern these days is when hunting an animal that isn't a native species becomes more important than one that is. It doesn't matter if the animal is big or little, they all deserve a fair shake when it comes to their native habitat. I am by no means a hippy, and you can ask quite a few members who know me, but I do believe in conservation.

[JODakota]

The seasons they run for wild turkey already are hurting them, they don't need anything more.  They already run too long of a season in the fall, a month and a half in the fall for a general hunt is overkill.  But that's what this game department wants.

Exactly...........as well as double birds allowed the same day in the same general areas during the spring season.  It's all cumulative.

I'm in the same boat as you. We used to like it when you're tag Rio, Merriam, or eastern and you had to buy them before the season.  We have seen the area we hunt down in the blues decline since the heavy general fall seasons the last couple years.

Completely agree.  If any turkey hunter thinks that WDFW is generously giving you extra birds in the spring and liberal fall seasons because they want to somehow want to reward you and give you something special, think again.  The quickest way to reduce turkey populations is to do whatever, which in this case is an attempt at trying to overharvest birds.

Just how many birds does someone have to kill to feel successful.  Wasn't one nice gobbler in the spring enough as it used to be before you moved on to another area and subspecies?  Two birds same day is nothing more than a prescription for wounded birds.  Same in the fall.

It's your resource and hunters had better think about how to protect it, as you'll won't see WDFW releasing any more birds any time soon.

You are exactly right, this is what is happening to our elk populations with general tag spike hunting and 3 point or better. I'm currently living in North Dakota and I feel they have an excellent management program. You can even check their fish and game sight and see. They allow hunting based on how their herds and birds are doing. Some years it's closed and some years it's open. I see turkey's everyday here but because their numbers aren't what they should be due to a harsh winter, they are draw only this year.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Here we go again  Some of us have been around and around with this for along time ...If anyone should know the facts it should be the game dept ..