Official - Leave the Hooves in the Woods/Wildlife Commission

[pianoman9701]

Hooves and the Big Games Regs for $5.99 on your smart phone.  At least it'll tell you which unit you're in, which is a good thing.

WDFW WILDLIFE PROGRAM
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
wildthing@dfw.wa.gov

Dear Southwest Washington Elk Hunter:

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, at a public meeting held in Olympia on August 8, 2014, approved a new regulation that requires hunters to leave the hooves of any elk taken in southwest Washington on site to help minimize the spread of Elk Hoof Disease, which affects the region's herds. http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/permanent.html#14-07-112 .

Under WAC 232-12-286, it is now unlawful to transport the hooves of harvested elk beyond the site where the animal was killed. A violation of this section is an infraction under RCW 77.15.160, Infractions. The Game Management Units (GMUs) affected by the new regulation are GMUs 501 through 564 and 642 through 699. You are receiving this email because your hunter reporting and special permit application history shows that you have previously hunted and/or harvested elk in one or more of these areas.

The regulation is effective immediately.

Elk Hoof Disease is a major concern for hunters, area residents, and state wildlife managers.  Minimizing the spread of the disease is a top priority. Evidence to date indicates that the disease involves a bacterial infection similar to those seen in domestic livestock.

For more information on elk hoof disease, see WDFW's recent news release at http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/jun2314a/ and the department's wildlife health webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/health/hoof_disease/ .

Other Hunting News …

    Keep your eyes open for the 2014 Hunting Prospects, available soon on our website.

    Photo Contest! The Department is accepting photos for the 2015 Big Game Hunting Pamphlet Cover Photo Contest. This year's theme is "Women: Hunting Through the Generations". We know that the world of hunting is full of grandmothers, mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives. Passing down hunting knowledge through the generations is something that brings families closer and turns hunting experiences into cherished memories. If your family includes women who know a thing or two about the hunt, we want to know about it. Capture a photo of your family experience and upload it at http://wdfw.wa.gov/sharephotos/contest.html .

    Want to have a pamphlet in your pocket while you're out hunting?  Download the 2014 Big Game Rules and Regulations straight to your smartphone for only $5.99!  If you have cell phone coverage, this application even knows what unit you are standing in. 

    Android Google Play Store:   http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sportsmanregs.biggameregs.wa2014_15&hl=en

    Apple App Store: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/washington-2014-2015-biggameregs/id874295739?ls=1&mt=8

Sincerely,

Wildlife Program
WDFW   

[Stein]

Yeah, you pay $6 for an electronic version of something that is free online and in print, but it will help you by letting you know what GMU you are in and what the regulations are.  Then, you read the disclaimer:

The regulations and maps provided in the software should not be relied upon as accurate as to the law or the area they represent.

Yet another example of fine public service.

[Stickerbush]

Does the feature do anything else? Its not very hard to know what unit you are in

[pianoman9701]

Yeah, you pay $6 for an electronic version of something that is free online and in print, but it will help you by letting you know what GMU you are in and what the regulations are.  Then, you read the disclaimer:

The regulations and maps provided in the software should not be relied upon as accurate as to the law or the area they represent.

Yet another example of fine public service.

All of the mapping software which shows GMUs or private landowner have a disclaimer like that.

[Stein]

Does the feature do anything else? Its not very hard to know what unit you are in

You can rely on it to remove $5.99 from your checking account.

It doesn't seem to do much of anything that I don't already have with a map, free GPS software and the paper copy of the regulations.

It's interesting because it looks like a third party owns the app (sportsmanregs llc) but they are using WDFW logos and WDFW is doing marketing for them.

[pianoman9701]

Does the feature do anything else? Its not very hard to know what unit you are in

You can rely on it to remove $5.99 from your checking account.

It doesn't seem to do much of anything that I don't already have with a map, free GPS software and the paper copy of the regulations.

It's interesting because it looks like a third party owns the app (sportsmanregs llc) but they are using WDFW logos and WDFW is doing marketing for them.

The WDFW routinely uses private contractors for this stuff. The licenses online are sold through a private contractor. The hunter education materials are produced and distributed by a private contractor. They don't have the manpower or budget to do the high tech stuff. I don't have a problem with them using private companies. I'd rather see a private company get the business than a government agency screwing it up because that's not their strength.

[bobcat]

Seems to me that $5.99 is a small price to pay, for the convenience of having all that info on your phone. I won't buy it myself, but I could see where it could be really useful to have at times, especially for people who are new to hunting. I'm glad to see they're charging for it. That way only those who use it are paying for it.

[BNAElkhntr]

I Bought it  I think its a waste of 6 bucks  just generally tells about seasons not any special ones   at least that's my experience

[bigtex]

As I said in my thread prior to this passing, the WA Supreme Court has set the fine for this infraction at $150. Since it is not a criminal offense an officer can issue a citation with a fine on it, no mandatory court date.

[Bob33]

I've downloaded the PDF version of the regulations to my phone for years (for free).

[bobcat]

I've downloaded the PDF version of the regulations to my phone for years (for free).

Now that's a great idea! I have it on my laptop but hadn't thought of downloading it to my phone.

[Bob33]

I've downloaded the PDF version of the regulations to my phone for years (for free).

Now that's a great idea! I have it on my laptop but hadn't thought of downloading it to my phone.

Here are the big game regulations.

Download others from here: http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/

[Sitka_Blacktail]

Leave the hooves in the woods? They think this is the solution to hoof rot? Elk migrate and they'll spread it themselves if it's caused by a virus or organism. But if it's caused by the chemicals sprayed by logging companies this does nothing.

Anybody remember the story about the cattle in eastern Washington that were losing their hooves because of a chemical they were being treated with?

[pianoman9701]

In addition to the above information from Bob, if you belong to the RMEF, you can get the Hunt WA Maps app for Iphone free. Go to the RMEF website and sign up. They'll send you a code to get the app. It's $20 without the code.

[pianoman9701]

Leave the hooves in the woods? They think this is the solution to hoof rot? Elk migrate and they'll spread it themselves if it's caused by a virus or organism. But if it's caused by the chemicals sprayed by logging companies this does nothing.

Anybody remember the story about the cattle in eastern Washington that were losing their hooves because of a chemical they were being treated with?

The bacteria which cause hoof disease (whether Leptospira or treponeme) are communicable and found commonly in wet environments like western WA. Leptospira is also a zoonoses, meaning it is communicable from animal to humans. The theory that some have is that the herbicides cause an immune deficiency in the elk which makes them susceptible to these bacteria. So, in response to your observation, un-affected elk could pick up the disease from affected elk. But, the herds in those areas a quite heavily affected. What they're trying to do by having hunters leave the hooves where they kill the animal, if I get this correctly, is keep the disease from spreading to new populations. It was pointed out by Bearpaw that it would be even better to bury the hooves. This seems to address your concern about healthy migrating elk coming in contact with the affected elk's hooves. I would bury mine if I were hunting around affected elk. I don't intend to, however.

[Sitka_Blacktail]

Leave the hooves in the woods? They think this is the solution to hoof rot? Elk migrate and they'll spread it themselves if it's caused by a virus or organism. But if it's caused by the chemicals sprayed by logging companies this does nothing.

Anybody remember the story about the cattle in eastern Washington that were losing their hooves because of a chemical they were being treated with?

The bacteria which cause hoof disease (whether Leptospira or treponeme) are communicable and found commonly in wet environments like western WA. Leptospira is also a zoonoses, meaning it is communicable from animal to humans. The theory that some have is that the herbicides cause an immune deficiency in the elk which makes them susceptible to these bacteria. So, in response to your observation, un-affected elk could pick up the disease from affected elk. But, the herds in those areas a quite heavily affected. What they're trying to do by having hunters leave the hooves where they kill the animal, if I get this correctly, is keep the disease from spreading to new populations. It was pointed out by Bearpaw that it would be even better to bury the hooves. This seems to address your concern about healthy migrating elk coming in contact with the affected elk's hooves. I would bury mine if I were hunting around affected elk. I don't intend to, however.

OK then, why limit it to elk hooves? Why not deer hooves taken in the same area? In fact how about making hunters leave their boots in the area. They are just as likely to get the bacteria on their boots while hunting as the animals that live there. Same with the loggers who work the area. They are all over on the ground there. Also could be picked up on vehicle tires.

I appreciate the thought, but I believe this is a wasted effort. Its one of those "feel good" rules that makes it look like you're doing something, but really you are accomplishing nothing.

[pianoman9701]

You're not the only one thinking it's a wasted effort. Some would suggest they're dealing with the symptoms and not the real cause.

[jongosch]

OK then, why limit it to elk hooves? Why not deer hooves taken in the same area? In fact how about making hunters leave their boots in the area. They are just as likely to get the bacteria on their boots while hunting as the animals that live there. Same with the loggers who work the area. They are all over on the ground there. Also could be picked up on vehicle tires.

I appreciate the thought, but I believe this is a wasted effort. Its one of those "feel good" rules that makes it look like you're doing something, but really you are accomplishing nothing.

 

[bobcat]

I agree that it won't do anything to control the spread of hoof rot. It seems to me they are doing this just to make it appear as if they're doing something. But, having said that, I also can't fault them for this new rule. What can it hurt? Most people probably leave the lower legs in the field anyway.

[idahohuntr]

I am unsure on the hoof rule as well...two reasons it might be better to do the opposite and require hunters to haul the hooves out of the woods:

1. Give them to wdfw to do more evaluations/data collection
2. Won't leaving them in the woods mean scavengers will come in and drag them all over the place?

I believe the intent is containment of an infectious disease, just not sure this rule achieves that. 

[workstohunt]

This all started when they quit allowing the timber companies to slash burn

[Sitka_Blacktail]

This all started when they quit allowing the timber companies to slash burn

You might have something there. Plus burning fertilizes the soil and kills off pests such as beetles. I loved hunting the old burned units.

[bigtex]

Leave the hooves in the woods? They think this is the solution to hoof rot? Elk migrate and they'll spread it themselves if it's caused by a virus or organism. But if it's caused by the chemicals sprayed by logging companies this does nothing.

Anybody remember the story about the cattle in eastern Washington that were losing their hooves because of a chemical they were being treated with?

The bacteria which cause hoof disease (whether Leptospira or treponeme) are communicable and found commonly in wet environments like western WA. Leptospira is also a zoonoses, meaning it is communicable from animal to humans. The theory that some have is that the herbicides cause an immune deficiency in the elk which makes them susceptible to these bacteria. So, in response to your observation, un-affected elk could pick up the disease from affected elk. But, the herds in those areas a quite heavily affected. What they're trying to do by having hunters leave the hooves where they kill the animal, if I get this correctly, is keep the disease from spreading to new populations. It was pointed out by Bearpaw that it would be even better to bury the hooves. This seems to address your concern about healthy migrating elk coming in contact with the affected elk's hooves. I would bury mine if I were hunting around affected elk. I don't intend to, however.

OK then, why limit it to elk hooves? Why not deer hooves taken in the same area? In fact how about making hunters leave their boots in the area.

It sounds silly, but at least one state (I believe Alaska) outruled the use of felt bottom boots/waders in some areas to prevent the spread of noxious/invasive species. With WDFW being so big on Aquatic Invasive Species right now, it may be a regulation we see in WA some day.