Spring Bear season proposal

[Blacktail Sniper]

Here is what I submitted.  Some may think it is great, some may think it is a waste of time, some may just outright hate it.  My hope is that those who would support it will do so during the up-coming comment period or at the scheduled meetings.

                                                            *********

PROPOSAL FOR SPRING SEASON PERMIT BLACK BEAR HUNTS UTILIZING BAIT STATIONS

OVERVIEW

The purpose of this proposal is to establish guidelines allowing spring, damage control special permit black bear hunters to establish and utilize bait stations to aid in the taking of bear in areas determined to be causing sufficient damage to warrant a special hunt draw and spring season.


WHO CAN BAIT?

Only those hunters who have successfully drawn a WDFW special permit for one of the established spring black bear damage permit hunts may purchase a Bait Station Permit, to place, maintain and hunt over a bait station for spring black bear.
Hunters must have passed a WDFW approved Hunter’s Safety course or qualify for the Hunter’s Safety Course exception by having been born before January 1, 1972, and have all proper licenses, permits and transport tags to hunt black bear in the State of Washington prior to establishing a bait station.


BAIT STATION GUIDELINES

Bait stations may be established no earlier than 15 days before opening day of the respective season.

Hunters may not attach any device, barrel, box or other container holding bait material to any tree (standing dead, down falls & stumps excluded), in a way that damages or may cause damage during mounting, use or removal.

Bait containers must be attached or secured in such a manner that they are easily removable at the close of the permit hunter’s season or conclusion of hunt, no permanent bait or feeding stations are permitted.

Bait containers may be a single metal or plastic barrel not larger than 55 gallon sized, wooden box, or made from natural materials found on site.  No tires are allowed.
   
At the conclusion of the permit holder’s hunt or no later than five (5) days after the close of the respective season, the area must be returned to as close to natural as possible by removing all bait containers, non-consumed bait material, and any material used to conceal the hunter’s observation location (stand material, blind, etc.).


BAIT MATERIALS

Bait may consist of any natural or commercially processed meats, vegetables, fruits or grains (wastage and unlawful use of game animals, birds and fish laws apply).  Bait may not contain any metal, plastic, paper, Styrofoam, glass or any other substance which may harm or injure an animal feeding from the bait station.

If commercial processed substances such as breads, doughnuts, cakes, or other pastry items are used, the commercial wrappers must be completely removed from each product before being placed in the bait container or the area around it.

Natural or processed honey, molasses, jams, jellies or similar substances may be used as an additive or attractant in or around a bait station.
 
Restaurant or other cooking oils or grease may not be used at a bait station.


BAIT STATION PERMITS

Only successful spring bear permit hunters may purchase a WDFW Bait Station Permit. 
For each bait station that a hunter wishes to establish, he/she must have a separate WDFW Bait Station Permit, and the permit number must be attached to each bait station so to be visible to WDFW or other authorized person upon physical inspection of the site.

WDFW Bait Station permits are available for purchase from the Olympia Headquarters only.  Only successful, special permit draw spring black bear hunters are eligible and may purchase Bait Station Permits.

Bait Station Permits are $10.00 each and are valid fifteen (15) days before the opening day of the special permit season and expire five (5) days after the end of the respective spring permit hunt end date.

Bait stations in place, whether active or not, 16 or more days prior to the established opening date of a spring bear special permit hunt or after the expiration date on the Bait Station Permit shall be considered to be in violation of the prohibition of baiting bears as defined in Washington R.C.W. 77.15.245.

Hunting over a bait station without a valid, spring bear special hunt permit and a valid Bait Station Permit in the hunter’s name, shall be considered to be in violation of the prohibition of baiting bears as defined in Washington R.C.W. 77.15.245.


PLACEMENT OF BAIT STATION

Bait stations cannot be placed closer than 50 yards from any natural body of water or natural running stream, creek or river.

Bait stations must be at least 100 yards from any traveled road, public or private, regardless of surface or use, or established hiking, horseback riding, bicycle or other off road vehicle use trail.

Bait stations may not be placed within 500 yards of any dwelling, regardless of whether it is a private residence or commercial building.

Bait stations illegally placed on private property, may be removed by the property owner and the permit holder’s Bait Station Permit may revoked by WDFW.

[Jingles]

I realize this is a good first step to opening spring bear hunting to all statewide however I have problems with it being restricted to those that draw and purchase the special permits.  Just getting a little tired of all the special Permits for those that have mega bucks......

[Dhoey07]

I realize this is a good first step to opening spring bear hunting to all statewide however I have problems with it being restricted to those that draw and purchase the special permits.  Just getting a little tired of all the special Permits for those that have mega bucks......

Spring bear special permits do not bring in mega bucks, in fact they are the most sensible permit to put in for because you don't have to purchase anything after you get drawn.  With saying that, it would be nice if it was an open season and no draw required 

[D-Rock425]

It would be an awesome management tool I just don't think wdfw will let it pass.

[Blacktail Sniper]

I realize this is a good first step to opening spring bear hunting to all statewide however I have problems with it being restricted to those that draw and purchase the special permits.  Just getting a little tired of all the special Permits for those that have mega bucks......

Spring bear special permits do not bring in mega bucks, in fact they are the most sensible permit to put in for because you don't have to purchase anything after you get drawn.  With saying that, it would be nice if it was an open season and no draw required 

Jingles, I am not sure where you are getting the idea this is a mega bucks permit?  It isn't like the sheep or moose tags/permits, it is the same, cost wise, as applying for an antlerless deer or elk special permit. 
 

It would be an awesome management tool I just don't think wdfw will let it pass.

I agree, it is a long shot, but then again, if enough people actively show and voice support for it, who knows??     

[superdown]

Restaurant or other cooking oils or grease may not be used at a bait station.

What would be the reason for not using this? 

[Blacktail Sniper]

Restaurant or other cooking oils or grease may not be used at a bait station.

What would be the reason for not using this? 

Just thinking about the landowner and any possible objections they may have as to what may be placed on their property and have minimal impact for them, while still being a strong attractant to bear.  Just like the no damage to live trees part and removal at end of hunt/season. 

Thanks for asking, hope that makes sense.

[h20hunter]

I think it is very well written, clear and understandable.

[lokidog]

Restaurant or other cooking oils or grease may not be used at a bait station.

What would be the reason for not using this? 

If cooking oils reach surface water they can still have negative impacts on insect populations and other environmental impacts whereas a donut is pretty harmless....  They also stick around a lot longer and could be considered to be "baiting" a location long after the season.

[Blacktail Sniper]

I think it is very well written, clear and understandable.

Thank you!

[trophyhunt]

I think it is very well written, clear and understandable.

hope they consider it at wdfw!

[bearpaw]

Baiting is prohibited by state law due to Initiative 655 that was passed by WA voters in 1996. Only another Initiative or legislative action can change that.

I don't see any legal way the Wildlife Commission can approve a baited spring bear hunting season for sporting purposes. The only way bear baiting permits might work, I believe there is an exemption for agents of the state to bait or use hounds, therefore this should be written as a public safety bear removal permit or timber damage bear removal permit and only issued in areas where timber damage or nuisance bear are being reported by landowners. 

I strongly support baiting and hounds, but any solution will have to comply with state law to even be considered.

[Blacktail Sniper]

That is what I had in mind, similar to the changes they made with the pilot program to use hounds to hunt cougar.

That is why I chose the spring damage permit hunts, since they are supposedly intended to mitigate damage to trees.

[headshot5]

Baiting is prohibited by state law due to Initiative 655 that was passed by WA voters in 1996. Only another Initiative or legislative action can change that.

I don't see any legal way the Wildlife Commission can approve a baited spring bear hunting season for sporting purposes. The only way bear baiting permits might work, I believe there is an exemption for agents of the state to bait or use hounds, therefore this should be written as a public safety bear removal permit or timber damage bear removal permit and only issued in areas where timber damage or nuisance bear are being reported by landowners. 

I strongly support baiting and hounds, but any solution will have to comply with state law to even be considered.

Did anything come from the ruling in Jefferson County a few years ago where it was ruled that I-655 violated the Washington State Constitution.  I believe it violated Section 19 of the WSC.  I hadn't heard they appealed that case or what happened.   

[bearpaw]

That is what I had in mind, similar to the changes they made with the pilot program to use hounds to hunt cougar.

That is why I chose the spring damage permit hunts, since they are supposedly intended to mitigate damage to trees.

I quickly glanced at your post and missed your "Overview". 

I hope H-W members will send messages of support for this proposal.