Does WDFW know it has an image problem?

[bearpaw]

What do you guys think about increasing the age for reduced-price youth license fees to age 18 instead of only 16? I'm thinking this may attract more youth. Thoughts?

What about a free hunting license (not tags) for kids under 15?

[JLS]

I think the first time license/tag purchase should be free.

I also like the idea of increasing the reduced price age to 18.

[bobcat]

What do you guys think about increasing the age for reduced-price youth license fees to age 18 instead of only 16? I'm thinking this may attract more youth. Thoughts?

What about a free hunting license (not tags) for kids under 15?

Definitely! I was thinking about this same thing the other day. Why is it 16? At that age they're still in school, no income, and likely very little time to hunt anyway.

[KFhunter]

 

I've been buying youth tags for youths that aren't my youths and at 16 I pretty well quit buying them.
If they went to 18 I'd keep buying them, but they'll most likely go without tags for a couple of critical years of their hunting development.


Then later when they start buying them again they're going out by themselves, without proper mentorship - and possibly lacking proper ethics.

[SCRUBS]

I think the first time license/tag purchase should be free.

I also like the idea of increasing the reduced price age to 18.

 

[baldopepper]

What do you guys think about increasing the age for reduced-price youth license fees to age 18 instead of only 16? I'm thinking this may attract more youth. Thoughts?

What about a free hunting license (not tags) for kids under 15?

I think that's a workable idea.  How would that work on  apps, lottery, and limited hunts? I wouldn't be opposed to a "first year free" clear up to age 21.

[RadSav]

What do you guys think about increasing the age for reduced-price youth license fees to age 18 instead of only 16? I'm thinking this may attract more youth. Thoughts?

What about a free hunting license (not tags) for kids under 15?

I think that's a workable idea.  How would that work on  apps, lottery, and limited hunts? I wouldn't be opposed to a "first year free" clear up to age 21.

Might be able to keep the state revenue and allow a free or reduced tag for anyone, regardless of age, who passes hunters ed.  That way it may fall under federal funding through Pittman - Roberts.  I don't see many public ranges and we have a very limited use of NASP in this state. So it would be nice to see some of my FET dollars being used in this state for something other than buying real estate.  Even something as simple as a free doe tag application might encourage hunters ed graduates to get a license.

[bearpaw]

Questions for Hunter Ed Instructors:

How many people on average graduate hunter-ed each year?

Does this state have the ability to put more people through hunter-ed?

[RB]

What do you guys think about increasing the age for reduced-price youth license fees to age 18 instead of only 16? I'm thinking this may attract more youth. Thoughts?

What about a free hunting license (not tags) for kids under 15?

It would be great for kids to mentored a couple more years. Along with the free license would they be able to shoot grouse/rabbits/squirrels "under adult supervision"? If so that would be even better 

[Savage.06Shot]

we need to promote hunters ed more then anything.... and make it easier for those on there own to get into bird hunting. Kids need to learn the propper reason for hunting

[Curly]

Kind of hard to get new hunters interested if the hunting sucks. Bird hunting is a great way to get new hunters because there is usually good action, but even bird hunting in this state is declining. My dad got me into hunting by taking me grouse hunting;  now we would have to pay for access to go to Vail where I grew up grouse hunting. 

[baldopepper]

Curly, I somewhat understand your frustrations but honestly think the "hunting sucks" attitude, you gotta kill something or it isn't a successful hunt is part of what keeps youth away from hunting.  The youth now pay $100.00 for a one night concert, $60.00 for a video game they play for a week, $150.00/month for their cell phones-fees are not fun,but they're not the only reason youth aren't into hunting.  When I think back on some of my best hunting experiences the camaraderie  of the hunt (family, good friends hanging out) stands out as much as the game we took.  If we're going to try to get more youth involved in hunting, I think we need to concentrate on the outdoor experience more than the shooting something experience. I don't need to kill a deer or elk on a hunting trip to have a great hunt and I think that's the attitude we need to instill in young hunters. I'd give up ever shooting another elk for just one more trip with my father and uncle who've passed on-I remember the times around the campfire with them more than I remember the animals we took. 

[pianoman9701]

Kind of hard to get new hunters interested if the hunting sucks. Bird hunting is a great way to get new hunters because there is usually good action, but even bird hunting in this state is declining. My dad got me into hunting by taking me grouse hunting;  now we would have to pay for access to go to Vail where I grew up grouse hunting.

There are two separate issues here: the WDFW's image and hunting opportunities, especially for youth.

As far as the hunting sucks comment is concerned, I would say that in some areas of the state, you're correct. But, I think that's going to be true in all states. If you just throw up your hands and say "screw it", and don't bring kids into hunting or reflect a bad attitude about it, our sport will die. Hunting should live long after the present administration of the WDFW is gone. Our enthusiasm for the sport shouldn't be dependent on them, but on our love of hunting. If you're not finding opportunities to get youth into it, look harder. A beginning hunting trip could be sage rats, coyotes, other small game. Our state's turkey population is growing steadily. And, there are areas of the state where there is good elk and deer hunting.

If you're truly concerned about youth hunting an have a youth(s) who needs a good start, I would suggest finding some landowners on this site who would let you hunt small game on their property or pour over maps and do it on some public land. Don't let the administration of the WDFW dictate your hunting legacy.

[Curly]

I'm just saying there are more hurdles today than there was in the past for getting youth excited about hunting.  I sure am not saying to give up on getting them into it.  I'm just saying that with harder access and not as many birds it is more of a challenge to 1) get a kid out there and 2) get them to be successful.  Sure they can have fun getting out there even if they aren't successful, but you have to admit that success will keep them interested. 

[Special T]

Kids have free fishing up till an age, what about free small game? Varmints, rabbits etc woudl be a great way to get kids more involved. More shooting opportunity, and develop a desire for a less common side of hunting. I got into hunting by Duck hunting for the same reasons. went deer hunting and didn't really care for it at first.