Archery season and the rut

[deerhunter_98520]

What can we do as hunters to get the archery hunt closer to the rut again? Ive been archery hunting but only 7 years and the way things are going in another 7 years we will be hunting in august...  is there anything we can do to change these season dates towards the end of sept? Do we just need to write to the Wdfw?

[Dbax129]

I always thought it was based on a start day 1st Saturday of the month or something like that.  And next year it will be like 7 days later than this year?  I'm sure somebody else k owe better.

[pianoman9701]

It starts the Tuesday following Labor Day.

[deerhunter_98520]

Has it always been like this? I've never payed attention to that... Always heard people complaining about the start date getting earlier and wondered if there was anything we could do to change it

[pianoman9701]

No, it used to be set dates of Sept. 8-20, I believe, or 21.

[bobcat]

Next year it will start on the 8th

[Nice Racks]

I think it's ok just as it is.  No it's not prime rut time, it's hot and dry, but still fun.  If it was in the rut a lot of other hunters may possibly change over to archery and then the woods would be very crowded and we would be complaining about that.  Put a "rut" special tag category out there and people would complain about that.  Don't get me wrong, I would love a chance at the rut, but too many things may have to change for that to happen, and the we would complain about that too. I like living in a state with over the counter elk tags. Just my 

[jackelope]

Next year it will start on the 8th

This.

[grousetracker]

the season used to start sept 1-14 every year not as many bow hunters either. if wdfw gives a later season to the bow hunters the other weapons want better seasons also.

[deerhunter_98520]

I hear what your saying...I would just think being the hardest out of the 3 weapons you would think you would have the best season....don't get me wrong I think its a good season

[bowguy]

Years ago it was 1-14 then 8-21 now it's a rolling set date as the day after Labor Day. We all know the rut don't start on a certain date so we will never have that rut hunt guarantee. Last 2 years have had bulls in close and responding to cow calls on eastside of state. I say keep the schedule way it is how often you get to hunt bulls?

[deerhunter_98520]

Every year on the wetside I hunt bulls 

[Bean Counter]

I have to wait every 4-7 years....

but when I draw, I get THIS on public land, with low hunting pressure, all over the unit... 

[deerhunter_98520]

That's the problem here...every raghorn gets shot and they don't make it that big that often....I know where 2 are and one is in a new weyco pay to play area I won't be hunting and another should be that size this year if he wasn't shot last year

[mxryder909]

Im not complaining, just keep an eye out for a mule while your hiking or in your stand. I took a cougar, and a spike bull within an hours time. 2nd day into the elk season.
Just need to find them, follow the kitties tracks and you'll see them.

[Gamblin Guy]

Next year it will start on the 8th

Next year it is supposed to start on the 8th but that assumes they dont change it.  I wouldn't put it past them to come up with some bs story to make us start before Labor Day again.  They pushed us off the 8th-21st because they wanted to give the elk a few days before the rifle rut tags started....that way they make more money selling applications for those tags....its all about money...not the resource or the users
.

[ridgefire]

I agree with gambling guy. Can't wait till I draw so I can quit donating to them.

[Bean Counter]

That's the problem here...every raghorn gets shot and they don't make it that big that often....I know where 2 are and one is in a new weyco pay to play area I won't be hunting and another should be that size this year if he wasn't shot last year

I remember my second or so elk hunting season and I finally saw a full herd of elk in Forks. This was the November rifle season. a few dozen cows, a couple of spikes, and a  rag horn 4x2. I remember practically losing my mind hoping he would step the right direction for a safe, ethical shot. That never happened. One you get an elk or two under your belt, much of that desperation goes away but what I'm more glad has gone away is the desperation to kill the first legal animal I see. Bull to cow ratios are about 25-40 per 100 in many other states and hunter success can be 40%+ instead of 8% like up there. i'll take that anyday over an OTC zoo. After a while its just as fun to help your buddies who drew a tag IMHO.

[deerhunter_98520]

I hear ya about helping your buddies...I have a few guys that come with me archery hunting and none of them can call so I end up doing the calling and I called a cow into 15yds for one of them and it was just as much fun seeing his reaction...I also went on a quality bull hunt last year that my friend drew and called for him and I had a blast...seen some of the biggest bulls I've ever laid eyes on

[Bean Counter]

Im actually looking forward to the next hunt when im just helping and ill be out with my dslr to getsome great photos . 

[deerhunter_98520]

I took my video camera on the bull hunt and got some good film...and I got my wife a DSLR a few months ago and now I'm looking for a bigger lense for me 

[huntnnw]

Not in the rut  I have bulls responding to calls in August and I hear bulls everyday I hunt ID from Sept 6th and on.

[Todd_ID]

What can we do as hunters to get the archery hunt closer to the rut again? Ive been archery hunting but only 7 years and the way things are going in another 7 years we will be hunting in august...  is there anything we can do to change these season dates towards the end of sept? Do we just need to write to the Wdfw?

The way seasons are set in WA is so that all user groups get an equal percentage harvest according to the percentage of hunters for that group versus total hunters (i.e., 15% of the hunters should kill exactly 15% of the bulls).  Resource allocation is the proper term.  When the allocations (percentages) get out of whack favoring one group over another, then the seasons change.  The answer to your question of what you can do to affect change toward what you would like to see for archery is to do 2 things:

1. Join Washington State Bowhunters and let us know what you want to see, and back it up with facts of why.
2. Do some research based on actual harvest numbers.  Present this research in a well thought out manner to WSB as well as WDFW via emails and meetings.  Many people don't believe it, but WDFW really does listen to hunters: especially those with facts and strong arguments.

When the allocation is out of line in a District (there're 18 of them in the state), then seasons/dates/restrictions/areas are changed to bring the numbers back in line in that District so everyone gets an equal harvest.  WSB has an exceptionally strong voice in the allocation process, and the archery elk season dates are just one of many things we are fighting for.  The time is NOW to do these two simple steps because once the seasons are set for the next 3 year package, then little change is made for those 3 years.

Just saying that you want this area opened or that season lengthened isn't enough.  Changes are only made based on herd health, harvest data and hunter participation.  That takes research on a pain-staking level, but it's very worth it if you can find a reason that your area needs a change.  If you can prove through facts that your idea has merit and would help bring harvest numbers back in line, then we'll certainly argue for it, and your voice will be heard by those making the decisions on what your seasons will look like when you pick up the 2015 regs book at your local hardware store.

[deerhunter_98520]

Thanks for that info Todd 

[cryder]

well I read almost all of this thread and I don't see anyone pointing out the fact of the ooo mighty dollar ,I really believe its got a lot to do with protecting there resources , and taking ours !!,but don't get me wrong I'm all in   (  3 - months -! )

[blindluck]

The first year I archery elk hunted was 1993 it was either sex and the season started October 2nd or 3rd, then all of the sudden they changed it to a summer hunt. every time I get one down its all you can do to get the meat out before the bees and flies take it from you.