Muzzleloader Hunters act now!

[washelkhunter]

The comment period for the setting of the next 3 years of hunting seasons and rules ends on Sept. 22nd. It is imperative that ML hunters express what they would like to see happen. The AR guys are trying to steal the ML season out from underneath us. They already get the longer season, all the best GMU's and the most liberal of harvests and special draw permits. Last year they were able to get archery even added to the ML season over the objections and sound reasoning and arguements of the ML community, and now they want our season dates as well. Tell the WDFW that enough is enough. Tell them we want more liberal opportunities and get back to the 11-12 day season for elk. Open GMU's 560 and 346 to the general ML season as well. Also check the box to keep AR in its present season. 

http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/aug1314c/

[bobcat]

342 is open for general muzzleloader. And most hunters don't want to switch the seasons, all they want is for the archery season to be a little later than it is currently. That change really won't affect the muzzleloader season.

I do agree it would be nice to have a few more GMU's open for muzzleloader season. And to have even just a couple on the east side for a late season. Because right now there is NOTHING open for late season if you have an east side tag. Except a couple GMUs that are nearly 100% private land and have very few elk.

[ghosthunter]

I filled out the survey a week ago. Everyone wants later seasons. Global warming is making hot for both bow and early muzzy season.
It looks right now that we will not have fires again for the 2 nd year in. A row.

All the seasons need to be moved back.

But bow hunters already have the best seasons.
Bow hunters should be careful what they wish for. They are apt to get more bow hunters also.

Our elk camp numbered 14 last year. Over half own a bow but hunt muzzy.
I myself almost bought a bow this year.
It wouldn't take much to switch our whole camp over to bow.
There are many other groups in the same boat.

[bear hunter]

I used to hunt Rifle,and archery for deer and elk. Now I hunt rifle for elk and muzzleloader for deer. The archers can hunt early and late for almost 2 months. We only have 9 days for deer and 7 for elk during the early season. And yes I wish we had more late hunts and GMUs open. I don't mind the that I can use archery with my muzzle tag. I think its a plus just like rifle hunters. They can use any weapon so I think muzzle can use one step back and use archery and archery can use a knife. 

[washelkhunter]

342 is open for general muzzleloader. And most hunters don't want to switch the seasons, all they want is for the archery season to be a little later than it is currently. That change really won't affect the muzzleloader season.

I do agree it would be nice to have a few more GMU's open for muzzleloader season. And to have even just a couple on the east side for a late season. Because right now there is NOTHING open for late season if you have an east side tag. Except a couple GMUs that are nearly 100% private land and have very few elk.

I meant GMU 346, we used to have opportunity in there.

[hughjorgan]

The comment period for the setting of the next 3 years of hunting seasons and rules ends on Sept. 22nd. It is imperative that ML hunters express what they would like to see happen. The AR guys are trying to steal the ML season out from underneath us. They already get the longer season, all the best GMU's and the most liberal of harvests and special draw permits. Last year they were able to get archery even added to the ML season over the objections and sound reasoning and arguements of the ML community, and now they want our season dates as well. Tell the WDFW that enough is enough. Tell them we want more liberal opportunities and get back to the 11-12 day season for elk. Open GMU's 560 and 346 to the general ML season as well. Also check the box to keep AR in its present season. 

http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/aug1314c/

How are archers trying to steal your season out from under the muzzle loaders? And how does having the choice to use a bow during muzzleloader season affect anyone but the guy that chooses that over the muzzleloader? They are only limiting their range even more.

[adamR]

I think they should close the 342 to early muzzleloader and open it for a 4 day late season for cows and spikes two weeks after general season is over and before late archery starts

What would this accomplish?  Take away one of the few areas we have for general and make it a shorter season later?  Bethel and Nile will be packed!!!

I don't mind the general seasons as they are, muzzle gets first crack at umtanum and bethel for elk and archery gets little naches... I would like to see more permit opportunities for muzzle elk and deer though.

[bobcat]

342 is open for general muzzleloader. And most hunters don't want to switch the seasons, all they want is for the archery season to be a little later than it is currently. That change really won't affect the muzzleloader season.

I do agree it would be nice to have a few more GMU's open for muzzleloader season. And to have even just a couple on the east side for a late season. Because right now there is NOTHING open for late season if you have an east side tag. Except a couple GMUs that are nearly 100% private land and have very few elk.

I meant GMU 346, we used to have opportunity in there.

Oh yes, there was a late season. I hunted that once back in the mid 80's. I wish that was still an option.

[LDennis24]

Sounds to me like the archery hunter's came up with the idea of trading early season dates with muzzleloading early season dates, that could be considered them trying to steal the season away from muzzleloader's couldn't it?  They shouldn't be trying to take the muzzleloader's season dates away from them for the sake of archery hunter's. If you hunt archery and don't like the season, change weapon's. Don't try to take something from the other guy because you want it. That's stealing. I got tired of all the jackwagon's running around in suburbans during rifle season so I started hunting muzzleloader and I see alot less people now. Solved my problem without taking from someone else...

[bobcat]

I did see that swapping the archery and muzzleloader seasons was an option on the WDFW survey. But, I don't think I've heard one person say they're in favor of that.

Actually, it would be a great deal for muzzleloader hunters. If I were only a muzzleloader hunter I'd probably vote for it. But I hunt both. I pick whatever's best for me each year. If the muzzleloader season moved to September then I guess I'd be buying a muzzleloader tag more often than an archery tag.

[ctwiggs1]

I did see that swapping the archery and muzzleloader seasons was an option on the WDFW survey. But, I don't think I've heard one person say they're in favor of that.

Actually, it would be a great deal for muzzleloader hunters. If I were only a muzzleloader hunter I'd probably vote for it. But I hunt both. I pick whatever's best for me each year. If the muzzleloader season moved to September then I guess I'd be buying a muzzleloader tag more often than an archery tag.

   Give me first access with a ML?  Seems like a no brainer.  Heck yeah I'd take it.

[hughjorgan]

Sounds to me like the archery hunter's came up with the idea of trading early season dates with muzzleloading early season dates, that could be considered them trying to steal the season away from muzzleloader's couldn't it?  They shouldn't be trying to take the muzzleloader's season dates away from them for the sake of archery hunter's. If you hunt archery and don't like the season, change weapon's. Don't try to take something from the other guy because you want it. That's stealing. I got tired of all the jackwagon's running around in suburbans during rifle season so I started hunting muzzleloader and I see alot less people now. Solved my problem without taking from someone else...

Sounds more like a swap to me... I am not sure what the big deal is most archery guys just want a set date like it was 4 or so years ago. I also believe archery used to start in October in the past and muzzleloader was in September, so the proposal in the survey isn't really a new idea.

[ghosthunter]

It is going to be 90 degrees over there this  weekend. I am going over scouting.

I would not want first chance if it met you were hunting ML in the heat every year.

And I suspect that's, why there was a proposal to swap the seasons.

I got no problem with a guy hunting a muzzy tag with a bow.

I sure do not think a four days season is a good idea. Not worth the time and effort to scout and put up a camp. Might be ok if you lived close by.

[washelkhunter]

That 4 day hunt midweek in mid Nov in GMU 346 was awesome! A fabulous area, snow, cold days, freezing nights and elk everywhere. 

[WSU]

I did see that swapping the archery and muzzleloader seasons was an option on the WDFW survey. But, I don't think I've heard one person say they're in favor of that.

Actually, it would be a great deal for muzzleloader hunters. If I were only a muzzleloader hunter I'd probably vote for it. But I hunt both. I pick whatever's best for me each year. If the muzzleloader season moved to September then I guess I'd be buying a muzzleloader tag more often than an archery tag.

   Give me first access with a ML?  Seems like a no brainer.  Heck yeah I'd take it.

Killing a bull would be too easy.

[bbarnes]

560 is already hunted to death by elk hunters the elk never get a break.Theres a cow season for m l there now.Im a hunter that likes all weapons and put in every for the multi season tags but we need some conservation.Your right about hunter days with different groups it's totally unfair.I personally don't think there should be rut hunts.

[washelkhunter]

Last chance! Survey closes at midnight tonight.

[pianoman9701]

WDFW wins again. Archery v. ML guys and who gets the beefcake. God I hate our system. 

[washelkhunter]

I was shocked to see that one of the proposals was to actually switch the seasons between  AR & ML. I did comment tho that if the AR crowd gets the Sept 8 start date then AR should be limited to a 7 day season just like ML.   

[pianoman9701]

I was shocked to see that one of the proposals was to actually switch the seasons between  AR & ML. I did comment tho that if the AR crowd gets the Sept 8 start date then AR should be limited to a 7 day season just like ML.   

Um, no.

[Russ McDonald]

I have been watching all the threads about everyone complaining about dates and how long their hunt season is.  I was thinking and looking at this.  How would this work Early archery starts the first Saturday in September and lasts 16 days.  The would be deer and elk. Early ML First Saturday in October also 16 days long also deer and elk.  The biggest thing is for ML they need to open more GMU's.  Modern would be following the same pattern first Saturday in November and 16 days long both for deer and elk.  Late ML and archery season same thing but go with the last Saturday in November and that is already deer and elk. 

I don't know if there is some scientific things that they judge the season on but I am thinking with those dates should work out to benefit everyone.  Hey if it was up to me I would like to have Minnesota archery season.  It starts in September and ends in December.

[washelkhunter]

I'd sign off on that Russ. It's silly to not run deer and elk together. The staggered system now just blows.

[ghosthunter]

I have been watching all the threads about everyone complaining about dates and how long their hunt season is.  I was thinking and looking at this.  How would this work Early archery starts the first Saturday in September and lasts 16 days.  The would be deer and elk. Early ML First Saturday in October also 16 days long also deer and elk.  The biggest thing is for ML they need to open more GMU's.  Modern would be following the same pattern first Saturday in November and 16 days long both for deer and elk.  Late ML and archery season same thing but go with the last Saturday in November and that is already deer and elk. 

I don't know if there is some scientific things that they judge the season on but I am thinking with those dates should work out to benefit everyone.  Hey if it was up to me I would like to have Minnesota archery season.  It starts in September and ends in December.

I like it.

[Russ McDonald]

What WDFW has all confusing is starting season on specific dates.  They really should be started on specific days. 

[pianoman9701]

What WDFW has all confusing is starting season on specific dates.  They really should be started on specific days.

Except that's what they do now and it's not working very well. In addition, it seems every time they change the dates, they take away a day. 

[Russ McDonald]

What WDFW has all confusing is starting season on specific dates.  They really should be started on specific days.

Except that's what they do now and it's not working very well. In addition, it seems every time they change the dates, they take away a day. 

What I am saying is lock in the day and leave it alone.  Everyone gets 16 days in the main season and ml and archery get a 16 day late season. 

I don't remember last year's deer and elk season starting on a Monday and Tuesday.  This setup would allow you to plan your vacation time because you know exactly when your hunting season is.  First Saturday of the month and lasts 16 days.  If you look at that it gives you 3 full weekends to hunt.

[Russ McDonald]

What WDFW has all confusing is starting season on specific dates.  They really should be started on specific days.

Except that's what they do now and it's not working very well. In addition, it seems every time they change the dates, they take away a day. 

What I am saying is lock in the day and leave it alone.  Everyone gets 16 days in the main season and ml and archery get a 16 day late season. 

I don't remember last year's deer and elk season starting on a Monday and Tuesday.  This setup would allow you to plan your vacation time because you know exactly when your hunting season is.  First Saturday of the month and lasts 16 days.  If you look at that it gives you 3 full weekends to hunt.

I got back to my computer to look at the regs over the last 3 years.  Deer season archery/ml are pretty started on the same date take a day.  Elk season started on the same date 2 of the last 3 years. 2013 and that only started one day later for ML same went for Archery.  So by the regs they are starting season by dates and not days for example Deer early archery started September 1st the last 3 years.

[pianoman9701]

As it is now, archery elk season starts the Tuesday after Labor Day each year. Next year it starts on the 8th. You're correct that deer is set dates.

[bobcat]

Early muzzleloader deer and elk starts on a Saturday, and so does modern firearm deer and elk seasons. The "high hunt" is September 15th. Late archery deer and elk and late muzzleloader elk starts the day before Thanksgiving. Late muzzleloader deer starts on Thanksgiving. (West side, not necessarily east).  Late blacktail modern season always starts on Thursday and goes to Sunday.

So, it's some of both. It's actually much less common for a season to begin on a specific date every year. Early archery deer being September 1st is one of those rare occurrences. 

[Russ McDonald]

Wouldn't you all agree though starting during and week day other then and Friday is dumb.  I was looking at early archery the last 3 years and it started on the first all 3 years but no worries I am usually wrong  .  So let take the date and day of what I said and throw it away.  Lets start our seasons on a Saturday or a Friday.  I picked Saturday because it gives you that nice round number of 16 days.  To me it looks pretty logical season starts the first Friday or Saturday of the month.

[pianoman9701]

Wouldn't you all agree though starting during and week day other then and Friday is dumb.  I was looking at early archery the last 3 years and it started on the first all 3 years but no worries I am usually wrong  .  So let take the date and day of what I said and throw it away.  Lets start our seasons on a Saturday or a Friday.  I picked Saturday because it gives you that nice round number of 16 days.  To me it looks pretty logical season starts the first Friday or Saturday of the month.

If you start the 1st Friday or Saturday, that will conflict with Labor Day for 3 seasons out of every 7. They start it after Labor Day specifically because the woods are so full of people for that weekend that many hunters would lose opportunity for camp sites. Then, if they started it the Second Saturday, that would really cut into ML season when the start is as late as the 11-13th.

[Russ McDonald]

Wouldn't you all agree though starting during and week day other then and Friday is dumb.  I was looking at early archery the last 3 years and it started on the first all 3 years but no worries I am usually wrong  .  So let take the date and day of what I said and throw it away.  Lets start our seasons on a Saturday or a Friday.  I picked Saturday because it gives you that nice round number of 16 days.  To me it looks pretty logical season starts the first Friday or Saturday of the month.

If you start the 1st Friday or Saturday, that will conflict with Labor Day for 3 seasons out of every 7. They start it after Labor Day specifically because the woods are so full of people for that weekend that many hunters would lose opportunity for camp sites. Then, if they started it the Second Saturday, that would really cut into ML season when the start is as late as the 11-13th.

Sorry forgot about labor day but hey there is a couple holidays around the hunting seasons but your correct Labor Day is a busy time in the woods.  So there is not conflict in starting it at all the second Saturday of the month.  Your just shifting each season to the second Saturday of the month.  Still 16 days long and maybe cut the late season archery/ml season down to 15 days.  That would be the only one to use dates.  Start the 1st of December and end the 15.  Starting on a Saturday and staying with the 16 days long season it gives you 3 full weekends to hunt.  Now if you started on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or a Thursday and stay with 16 day long season you won't get that full 3 weekends to hunt.