Antlerless Deer Hunt Opened in the Methow

[silverdalesauer]

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Big-wildfire-poses-problem-for-Washington-deer-275059601.html

WINTHROP, Wash. (AP) - State biologists are worried about how deer are going to survive this winter in the Methow Valley, where the largest wildfire in Washington history blackened 400 square miles.

The lightning-sparked Carlton Complex fire destroyed hundreds of homes after it started in July. It also left little for deer to eat.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is opening an antlerless hunting season this fall to allow hunters to kill an extra 200 to 300 of the animals, and officials are also preparing to supply food to the herds if it looks like a massive die-off is likely.

Fish and Wildlife biologist Scott Fitkin says that over the next six weeks, cold and snow in the mountains will send thousands of deer into lowland areas, where they'd normally munch on brush to survive the winter.

If nothing is done, officials fear the deer will move into farm and orchard lands, which can cause serious agricultural damage, or scavenge for whatever brush is available, inhibiting the land's natural ability to recover after wildfires.

[spin05]

im assuming this is for Modern firearm??

[duckmen1]

I'd like to know more about this topic. Is it gonna be a drawing and what weapon choice will be used on this hunt? They didn't post full details on the article and can't find it on wdfw website.

[winshooter88]

This will be a permit only hunt, they are going to select from hunters who put in for tags in that area this year. This is according to what the WDFW has already said at meetings.

[duckmen1]

Got it. Thanks
Dang that means I'm outa the game. I didn't put in for that area on permits. Lol

[jason stevens]

Verified they will be starting with youth who did not draw and put in for certain areas then disabled and senior.so excited might kid might draw.

[nw_bowhunter]

Verified they will be starting with youth who did not draw and put in for certain areas then disabled and senior.so excited might kid might draw.

That sounds ok starting with the youths and diabled, I'm glad they didn't just hand out all the tags to the general modern firearm season. I feel they should also  open up some for archery/muzzerloader as well. 

[steen]

Maybe it will trickle down to me!  I put in for one.

[boneaddict]

 

[jason stevens]

From what I was told today from olympia is they will be contacting people to make sure they can participate. If they can't they move on who knows but I'm still hoping.

[Fishnfowler]

At first this really bummed me out.  My 13 y/o drew a youth tag and the extra competition wouldn't be welcome.  But, I have two other kids who also applied for this, so who knows, I might have my hands full.

[Skyvalhunter]

I can't say I agree with how the WDFW is going about this situation on an already hurting herd. But I am sure Fitkin is giving them some top notch advise!!

[boneaddict]

 

[C-Money]

I put my little girl in for an Entiat late buck, any chance she will be getting a call? I'd sure like her to get a chance at a deer, and this ould help. Not sure this is a good idea for the deer herd though....

[jason stevens]

If youth put in for anterless tags in affected areas but didn't draw be expecting a phone call.if they didn't put in don't.