OPPOSE ANY RESTRICTION ON BAITING - EMAIL TO WDFW

[Rainier10]

WDFW has released their final enviro impact statement. At the end they actually list the written comments from the comment periods. Virtually all the comments from the later period were pro baiting, and very well written, however I did not find my own. when you have a minute take a look and let us know if yours comments were listed.

www.wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/game/2015/

I had started reading it last night and only made it to page 35, lots of history there and insight as to their reasoning on everything from the cost of the first hunting licenses in the state to tribal hunting.  Interesting read for sure but really long winded.

[huntnphool]

anyone arrogant enough to think that their perspective is superior to my own

 OMG, how did I miss Obama personally posting on this forum?

 No time to read this whole thing right now, but this will surely be entertaining later.

[oldleclercrd]

Both mine and my wife's comments were on there. It's encouraging seeing so much support on the issue. I'm impressed that people actually took the time to write in and stand up for themselves versus just complain about it. Kudos to who made the extra effort. We'll find out what the outcome is after the April meeting...

[curlewkiller]

There could be an argument that an anti-baiting stance is a game management principle.  I am for baiting and food plots, but to think that baiting and game management are mutually exclusive is not correct in my opinion.  Carry on....

I've had a few PM's asking me to tone down my rhetoric, specifically the use of the term 'Anti-Hunter' in relation to this topic.

To be clear: If you are seeking to restrict existing hunter rights for reasons other than sound game management principles, then you are an Anti-Hunter.

If you think that is a pejorative statement and don't like how it makes you feel then I strongly suggest you rethink your position.  This is no longer  a discussion regarding opposing positions within a hunter group.  You are now trying to restrict my hunting rights and those of my friends.  You are the enemy. 

Please wake up to this and send an email in support of hunters rights

Thanks

[bowhunterforever]

WDFW has released their final enviro impact statement. At the end they actually list the written comments from the comment periods. Virtually all the comments from the later period were pro baiting, and very well written, however I did not find my own. when you have a minute take a look and let us know if yours comments were listed.

www.wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/game/2015/

After I click the link, where do I click to read all the comments?

[Dave of TDG-Farms]

Here is a topic on a public forum that I am asking for your support on but not "allowing" any oppositional comments because it means you are anit hunter?...  Really? Well for an "anti" hunter I fill my tag every year without the use of baits. Granted I dont bow hunt. Which is the only season that should be allowed to bait.

[JimmyHoffa]

WDFW has released their final enviro impact statement. At the end they actually list the written comments from the comment periods. Virtually all the comments from the later period were pro baiting, and very well written, however I did not find my own. when you have a minute take a look and let us know if yours comments were listed.

www.wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/game/2015/

After I click the link, where do I click to read all the comments?

click on the link for the final draft, (step 6).  Then go about half way down the report ~180 pages give or take.

[returnofsid]

Why do all other states that don't allow baiting, allow the use of scents? I can't imagine why Washington would need to be the only state to ban both.

They don't.  There are several states that don't allow baiting, that ALSO do NOT allow the use of any attractant, including scents, for deer hunting. 

[sirchman]

I will probably get flamed for this response but I don't care. I support any and all restrictions on baiting big game in this state. It is called "hunting" for a reason not "baiting". There are many other options to help manage our game in this state.

[JimmyHoffa]

There are many other options to help manage our game in this state.

Not flaming, but these will probably be the words used when it gets down to whatever methods you use...assuming wolves don't get them all first.

[Little Dave]

A ban on bating big game may affect all aspects of wildlife management including research projects and property damage issues.  The term bait could also be interpreted as any form of attracting game.  We generally thing big pile of food, but don't be surprised if it is also a cover scent, or something in your pack.

An unintended consequence of wanting everyone to hunt the same way you like to hunt is that they will.  And they will at the same time and same place.

Adding a new rule is more of a win for attorneys than a win for wildlife management.  What is this?  Is someone feeling some kind of urgency that we don't have enough rules yet?

[sirchman]

There are many other options to help manage our game in this state.

Not flaming, but these will probably be the words used when it gets down to whatever methods you use...assuming wolves don't get them all first.

I am almost always against new restrictions and rules but along with not agreeing with it i think it hurts the general public's overall opinion of hunting.

[Little Dave]

The public perception of hunting has more to do with sportsmanship issues than laws.  Most folks don't know what season is open, how many rounds are allowed in the chamber, so forth.  Most are surprised that the rule book is over 100 pages and are perplexed to figure out how to interpret it.  What the non-hunting public does see is littering, they see trespass.  Those are the principal issues that we should be concerned about when thinking about public perception of hunting.

If you talk to the general public about banning the baiting, some granny might cut you off with, "Oh I set some food out for a deer that comes to my yard."

[Britt-dog]

Little Dave
"An unintended consequence of wanting everyone to hunt the same way you like to hunt is that they will.  And they will at the same time and same place"

Thanks for this statement little Dave. I think many of the people responding negatively to this issue cant see the ramifications of their opinion, or more importantly the other side of the argument.

[longrangehunter338]

Just like all those videos that people go out at yell something and then a ton of pet deer come running. Baiting is a canned hunt and seen negatively by the public