How should we manage our Mule Deer in WA?

[MuleDeer]

We need statewide coyote rules for cougar and bear.  24/7 365 hunting predators

 Does anyone have any actual attainable suggestions?

vastly increase hound permits for cougar in Mule deer impacted areas.
Increase spring draw permits for bear in Mule deer impacted areas, introduce bear 2nd tag in NE WA. 
Increase cougar yearly bag limits for Mule deer impacted areas.
Introduce 2nd Cougar tag for Mule deer impact areas.
Allow hunters to draw for special use hound permits without proving they own hounds, and let them hire a hound hunter to help fulfill the tag in Mule deer impact areas.
Open special permits for bear baiting in mule deer impact areas.



There's no money in this for conservation groups, it's far more profitable to net in habitat projects.  Keep herds struggling and keep money flowing in for recovery efforts.

KF, the MDF has supported all of these suggestions in many western states, including WA.  Our conservation group isn't here to "rake in money" by keeping herds struggling....the only way we gain credibility and do our jobs is to spend MORE money.  Check our record in how we have aggressively supported predator mgmt., harvest limits, timber/habitat mgmt., prescribed burns for fuels reduction, etc all over the West.  Habitat is great, and a big part of what we spend our funds on, but that's because it doesn't take us any dollars to support and encourage those other items you mentioned.  You name the time and place, and I will gladly meet you there and we'll go through many different projects that MDF has done and pushed as far as all aspects of mgmt. goes.  Even the idea that we would want Mule Deer herds to keep struggling so we could keep raising money doesn't even make sense; if we're not successful in helping herds grow and remain healthy, then no one would support us.  On the other hand, if we DO get the herds on the road to recovery, then we can spend more $$ on education, youth shooting sports and hunter retention, and other very important goals.
I understand some of you are very skeptical of conservation groups.  Maybe you don't like where the money was spent, or, in the case Dale mentioned, only a tiny fraction of the dollars were spent local.  I just ask you don't count us out until you know what we will do and what we have done; we're in this for the best interest of the deer, and that's why we want these suggestions and help from all of you.

[police women of America]

I would say quantity over quality.

[MuleDeer]

I agree with allot being said here but it's hard to have hope in this state and anyone that says we don't have a predator problem here has cashed in their credibility for me. My question is how much are we going to take? It is my opinion that this is all a plan by a lot of engrained activists within the system to get us out of the woods and regulate or eliminate hunting. Where's my tin foil?

But, one topic I don't see discussed enough here and it's in this thread, is how many dead 2 points do you really know of or have seen? I have personally seen 6 deer 2 points shot dead in the woods in the Methow and 1 dead 2 point elk in the LT. And, always near a road!

We have to find a solution for this in my opinion. I bet if we did a poll there would be a shocking number of known unethical shots resulting in found dead 2 points in the woods. It's really sucks.

Maybe if we had a system of something like if you have an "accident" (BS) and make a "bad shot" you can turn yourself in, pay a steep fine, keep your animal and have to go through hunter safety again or 3 strikes your out. Something like that. Or, change the branched antler requirements. I think it's a huge problem mostly being over looked.

It's just one piece of the puzzle but I'm for dramatic changes in the short-term for long lasting results long-term.

Turbo, and everyone else on here: If you haven't heard of the "Eyes in the Woods" program, look into it.  The Mule Deer Foundation sponsors these classes that are put on all over the state, and we want to see more and more often.  It is a GREAT class that certifies the attendees as witnesses in case of court cases, but also teaches how to observe and report not only poaching, but the "accidents" you spoke of.  If nothing else, it is a great opportunity to talk with local wardens and find out what programs are already in place, and what can be done.  I have been to multiple classes in the last year, and I would suggest EVERYONE go to one of these.  the two-hour class is full of awesome info that we can all use.
If you are interested in some info, or think it would be useful to have a class near you, let me know and we can get one set up in your town or area.  This is another way that we can also be heard and counted as informed hunters who are investing our time to help.  Like Dale has said many times, we are being heard, but we have to continue to beat the drum and it will make a difference.

[180-GRAIN]

I would like to see mule deer units go to draw only. put a quota on tags so the quality and quantity go up. Sell whitetail and blacktail tags over the counter as there are healthy populations in washington and let people fill there freezers with those hunts.