4 point restriction GMU's 117 & 121

[lhedquist13]

I noticed at the WDFW public comment meeting last night in the Spokane Valley that this issue was back on the table for public comment. For those of you that don't know, the Fish & Wildlife Commission implemented a 4 point antler restriction in 2011 for white-tailed deer in GMU's 117 & 121. This area used to be any buck. I have mixed feelings...I like the idea of having more mature bucks but really haven't seen an increase in mature deer where I hunt in 121. Also, I dislike that youth hunters have to abide by this as well. I'm trying to get a general idea of how other hunters feel about this. Thoughts?

[Bean Counter]

 

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,84347.msg1391576.html#msg1391576
 
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,111123.msg1458883.html#msg1458883

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,129556.msg1810868.html#msg1810868

[lhedquist13]

Ahhh yes, the reference to "beating a dead horse." Well thanks for the warm welcome. Just joined the group today and after reviewing all of your links, there's been no activity for the last 3 months on this issue. I'd like to hear from the local hunters on what they're seeing on their trail cameras and whether or not they would like to see the APR continue or dropped completely.

[Dhoey07]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,84347.msg1391576.html#msg1391576
 
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,111123.msg1458883.html#msg1458883

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,129556.msg1810868.html#msg1810868

That's pretty rude

[WAcoyotehunter]

I think it has increased the number of bucks over here significantly and is helping the herd.  I like the regulation and want to give it a couple more years to really see the harvest levels increase and stabilize. 

[vandeman17]

My first hand experience the last few years as well as my cameras have told me that the rule is helping. I am seeing more mature bucks on my cameras as well as in the field.

[baldopepper]

The issue has been kicked around a lot on here and there are a ton of opinions.  I have a home in 121 and can only give you my opinion.  I haven't really noticed an increase in Whitetails and haven't really noticed a difference in the buck to doe ratio.  I have seen a considerable decrease in hunters.  I don't know that your chances of getting a quality buck are any better than some of the non apr units, but I believe you will not see the crowds you see in some of those units.  I have noticed around my home several large mule deer 2 points that I suspect wouldn't have gotten as big as they are if there had been no restriction.  Many of the hunters I talk to in the area become quite frustrated when they report seeing several bucks, but nothing legal.  If you are ok with passing smaller bucks and holding out for a big boy, it's probably a good unit.  If you are just after any buck, you might find it frustrating.  I won't reignite the pros and cons of APR's and will hold judgment in our area for another couple of years to give it a chance to really take/not take hold.

[lhedquist13]

Would anyone be open to allowing any buck for youth/senior/disabled only?

[WAcoyotehunter]

Most people would.  That was part of the original proposal.

[vandeman17]

Would anyone be open to allowing any buck for youth/senior/disabled only?

I would have no problem with that. Not to thread jack but I would also love to see them do the same thing for 2 point mulies.

[lhedquist13]

The 3 point antler restriction taken down to a 2 point was also on the agenda yesterday evening. If you haven't voted on your alternatives and made comments, you should do so. Here's the link...

http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/2015-2017/comments.php

[vandeman17]

The 3 point antler restriction taken down to a 2 point was also on the agenda yesterday evening. If you haven't voted on your alternatives and made comments, you should do so. Here's the link...

http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/2015-2017/comments.php

Already have 

[Bean Counter]

That's pretty rude

Sorry 

Hows this?

The issue has been kicked around a lot on here and there are a ton of opinions. 

 

[coyotecrazy]

Would anyone be open to allowing any buck for youth/senior/disabled only?

In general, I would like to see more opportunities for the above mentioned. So yes I would be for it.

[Eli346]

Welcome to the site. Lots of good people here so I hope you enjoy it but sometimes you have to have a thick skin with this group. There's a lot of info on here on just about anything you can conjure up so have fun!