Changes to Spring Bear season - WE HAVE A SPONSOR!!!

[Blacktail Sniper]

WE HAVE A BILL SPONSER!!!

Representative MacEwen's office contacted me yesterday and informed me that the Representative has agree to sponsor, and has already written up a bill and submitted it for assignment of a bill number, and a public hearing date!   

As soon as I get that information, I will post the bill number and hearing date, then it will be time to really push the phone calls, emails and letters!  However, this time they need to be to your respective Representatives/Senators asking their support for Representative MacEwen's bill.

Home stretch guys & gals!!!  If we don't work together on this one and support each other by actually taking individual action and picking up the phone, sending an email, etc. and this fails, there is truly no one else to blame, it is all on us now.  I have said all along, with 15000 or so members, we have a deafening voice that would be almost impossible to ignore! 

So, as soon as I get a bill number, I will update all the associated threads with it in addition this one, to be sure that everyone that commented on any of them get the update, I don't want to miss any because it gets lost in the shuffle.

[Blacktail Sniper]

All the other threads related to this have been updated with a link back here. 

Here we go, let's make this happen!!!!

[jrebel]

Tag

[Fl0und3rz]

Can we get a quick summary of changes hoped for or to be in the bill?

[D-Rock425]

Maybe i dont want to draw this year.

[h20hunter]

 

[jackelope]

Can we get a quick summary of changes hoped for or to be in the bill?

+

Some may remember that back when WDFW was taking proposals for changes to the next three year period game management plan, I submitted a proposal for bringing baiting back for hunters to use during the spring damage permit hunts.

I chose only the spring hunts, because their purpose it to protect/prevent damage to timber by bears peeling, and they are a limited, permit only hunt. But are available to anyone who cares to apply and is lucky enough to draw a permit.

As I was aware, and was pointed out at that time, this is a change that would need to occur by legislative action.  But my intent at the time was to get it into the hands of the policy setters at WDFW while they were actively requesting input from hunters and the public in general.

On Oct 1, I received an email from Donny Martorello, WDFW Carnivore Manager, eagerly requesting additional information about my proposal.  Due to other obligations, deer season and scheduling, I was finally able to connect with him yesterday. After a very informative conversation, I am now ready to move forward.  I was told that he would strongly support my proposal and that WDFW would be 100% behind my plan, the only caveat being getting the legislature to act in our favor. That is where Hunt Wa and the power of letter writing & emails will come in down the road a bit.  But first, over the next few weeks, I have a little more ground work to lay.

So for now, enjoy the rest of deer season and good luck during elk, I will be posting an update with more information and the next steps in this process in the next few weeks.

Here is what I submitted to WDFW:

OVERVIEW

The purpose of this proposal is to establish guidelines allowing spring, damage control special permit black bear hunters to establish and utilize bait stations to aid in the taking of bear in areas determined to be causing sufficient damage to warrant a special hunt draw and spring season.

WHO CAN BAIT?

Only those hunters who have successfully drawn a WDFW special permit for one of the established spring black bear damage permit hunts may purchase a Bait Station Permit, to place, maintain and hunt over a bait station for spring black bear.
Hunters must have passed a WDFW approved Hunter’s Safety course or qualify for the Hunter’s Safety Course exception by having been born before January 1, 1972, and have all proper licenses, permits and transport tags to hunt black bear in the State of Washington prior to establishing a bait station.

BAIT STATION GUIDELINES

Bait stations may be established no earlier than 15 days before opening day of the respective season.
Hunters may not attach any device, barrel, box or other container  holding bait material to any tree (standing dead, down falls & stumps excluded), in a way that damages or may cause damage during mounting, use or removal.
Bait containers must be attached or secured in such a manner that they are easily removable at the close of the permit hunter’s season or conclusion of hunt, no permanent bait or feeding stations are permitted.
Bait containers may be a single metal or plastic barrel not larger than 55 gallon sized, wooden box, or made from natural materials found on site.  No tires are allowed.   
At the conclusion of the permit holder’s hunt or no later than five (5) days after the close of the respective season, the area must be returned to as close to natural as possible by removing all bait containers, non-consumed bait material, and any material used to conceal the hunter’s observation location (stand material, blind, etc.).

BAIT MATERIALS

Bait may consist of any natural or commercially processed meats, vegetables, fruits or grains (wastage and unlawful use of game animals, birds and fish laws apply).  Bait may not contain any metal, plastic, paper, Styrofoam, glass or any other substance which may harm or injure an animal feeding from the bait station.
If commercial processed substances such as breads, doughnuts, cakes, or other pastry items are used, the commercial wrappers must be completely removed from each product before being placed in the bait container or the area around it.
Natural or processed honey, molasses, jams, jellies or similar substances may be used as an additive or attractant in or around a bait station. 
Restaurant or other cooking oils or grease may not be used at a bait station.

BAIT STATION PERMITS

Only successful spring bear permit hunters may purchase a WDFW Bait Station Permit. 
For each bait station that a hunter wishes to establish, he/she must have a separate WDFW Bait Station Permit, and the permit number must be attached to each bait station so to be visible to WDFW or other authorized person upon physical inspection of the site.
WDFW Bait Station permits are available for purchase from the Olympia Headquarters only.  Only successful, special permit draw spring black bear hunters are eligible and may purchase Bait Station Permits.
Bait Station Permits are $10.00 each and are valid fifteen (15) days before the opening day of the special permit season and expire five (5) days after the end of the respective spring permit hunt end date.
Bait stations in place, whether active or not, 16 or more days prior to the established opening date of a spring bear special permit hunt or after the expiration date on the Bait Station Permit shall be considered to be in violation of the prohibition of baiting bears as defined in Washington R.C.W. 77.15.245.
Hunting over a bait station without a valid, spring bear special hunt permit and a valid Bait Station Permit in the hunter’s name, shall be considered to be in violation of the prohibition of baiting bears as defined in Washington R.C.W. 77.15.245.

PLACEMENT OF BAIT STATION

Bait stations cannot be placed closer than 50 yards from any natural body of water or natural running stream, creek or river.
Bait stations must be at least 100 yards from any traveled road, public or private, regardless of surface or use, or established hiking, horseback riding, bicycle or other off road vehicle use trail.
Bait stations may not be placed within 500 yards of any dwelling, regardless of whether it is a private residence or commercial building.
Bait stations illegally placed on private property, may be removed by the property owner and the permit holder’s Bait Station Permit may revoked by WDFW.

 

[Fl0und3rz]

Thanks.  Just saw that in one of the othe threads.  Sounds reasonable.

[BULLBLASTER]

Ill write my reps and support!

[HighCountryHunter88]

so do you think that if this passes and permit holders can bait thus increasing their success rate would be cause for fish and game to lower permits available? dont they come up with how many permits to offer based on hunter success rate? low success rate high number of permits in order to kill the target amount of bears?

im all for baiting, its just a question ive been pondering

[bearpaw]

Good work Blacktail Sniper! 

[grundy53]

Nice!

[RB]

Very Cool!!

[elk247]

Tag 

[Eli346]

Cool. Just goes to show that one voice can make a difference. Now we have to make it a chorus. Great work. Thank you!!!

[huntingcl]

tag

[6haase6]

Would that apple blocks designed for deer that have the plastic hanging loop in them be legal in this? From the way I read it no unless you broke it up and got the loop out? Just curious.

[lokidog]

Would that apple blocks designed for deer that have the plastic hanging loop in them be legal in this? From the way I read it no unless you broke it up and got the loop out? Just curious.

Really?   

This sounds like potential good news, keep us posted.

[Cap.Silver]

I admire your perseverance Blacktail sniper and thank you for the good work .

[Blacktail Sniper]

Thanks everyone!!!

The number is HB 1838, introduced by Rep. Drew MacEwen. 

Link to bill:

http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2015-16/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1838.pdf


Now is the time to start calling, emailing, writing your local Representatives and Senators and ask them to vote in favor of HB 1838.

[Blacktail Sniper]

All related threads are updated with link to bill....

Here we go!!!!!!!!!

[Blacktail Sniper]

so do you think that if this passes and permit holders can bait thus increasing their success rate would be cause for fish and game to lower permits available? dont they come up with how many permits to offer based on hunter success rate? low success rate high number of permits in order to kill the target amount of bears?

im all for baiting, its just a question ive been pondering

Generally, I think that the largest impact will be on the hound hunters who have enjoyed running their dogs all summer long these past almost 20 years since the ban was voted in.  The spring damage hunts are more about mitigating property damage more so than overall population control. 

More successful spring hunters, less need for summer hound hunts, not going to make the hound hunters happy, but just seems more fair and balanced to me. 

Don't get me wrong, it is not intended to replace the use of hounds during the summer, as I am sure some will not want to or believe in using bait, some will not do it right and not be successful, etc.

Just trying to level the playing field a bit and give something back to the sportsmen & sportsladies that are restricted buy the current law to boot hunting only in one form or another.

[Blacktail Sniper]

Rep MacEwen's office just informed me the public hearing is set for Feb 10th @ 10:00, House Hearing Rm B, John L O'Brian building. 

As many able to stop in, it sucks it is during the day, but it is when it is, that would be willing and able to show support would be great.

Hope to see some of you there, and if you haven't already, contact your local area lawmakers and ask for theirvsupport.  We are close, let's see if we can finish it off!

Thanks all, Dennis ""Blacktail Sniper."

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

 

[Man Tracker]

Congrats BTS for all your hard work.  A spring baiting season to help reduce damage is a great way to harvest some bear AND help the timber companies.  I found most timber companies (in Region 4 at least) had more damage than they realized, but several were reluctant to allow the use of hounds to deal with the damage issue.  Hopefully more areas would open to hunting w/bait under this proposal?  Baiting and hunting in a stand of damaged trees should hopefully target peeling bear and have the potential to be more beneficial than hounds that may or may not target "peelers".  But a word of caution, an increased success rate (if that happens) could lead to a smaller number of permits as biologists are concerned about the total number of bears removed from some areas.  The private timber companies who feed bear in the spring could potentially save some $$ by have hunters bait as opposed to buying feed.  That would be a win/win for everyone.  In a normal year, bear quit peeling by July 1 as other food sources come on line.  DFW quits giving damage permits for hounds at this time.  (or at least they did)

[huntnnw]

way I read it this will not include NE WA or the Blues?

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

I would think theyd do it for all spring areas.  Atleast give the option.

[Netminder01]

tag

[bigtex]

And some bad news.

The fiscal note (how much does this bill cost) was released today by the Office of Financial Management (OFM).

Under the bill WDFW MAY not must, will, shall, etc issue the bear bait permits.

According to the fiscal note issued by OFM, WDFW will NOT issue bait permits. However, if the "may" is turned into another word (basically forcing the hand of WDFW) then obviously permits will have to be issued.

"Section 2(1) allows the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to issue bait station permits and to assess a fee
of $10 per permit.

With the bill’s permissive language, WDFW would not implement the bait station permits.  If, however, the bill
specified narrower situations in which black bear baiting were allowed by permit, WDFW would implement the
program.  In that case, WDFW estimates that 55 permits would be issued each year, resulting in cash receipts of
$605: $550 for the permit and $55 for the transaction fee.  Costs would be approximately $22,000 in the first
year, and $11,000 each year thereafter."

https://fortress.wa.gov/binaryDisplay.aspx?package=39287

[bigtex]

way I read it this will not include NE WA or the Blues?

If this bill were to take effect only the following spring bear hunts would be eligible for baiting:

-North Skagit
-Monroe
-Copalis
-Kapowsin

The reasoning is the bill only allows for spring damage hunts to be eligible for the baiting permit. Under the proposed big game hunting laws, those 4 areas are the only damage hunts.

[D-Rock425]

Sounds like a deal.

[eldplanko]

 In that case, WDFW estimates that 55 permits would be issued each year, resulting in cash receipts of
$605: $550 for the permit and $55 for the transaction fee.  Costs would be approximately $22,000 in the first
year, and $11,000 each year thereafter."

https://fortress.wa.gov/binaryDisplay.aspx?package=39287

Kind of sad when it costs more to implement the fee than what the fee takes in. Why not have the Timber Co. (or DNR) that benefits from the reduction in tree damage pony up the remaining?

[onetrapper]

Humane society is considered a stake holder...and then there's Frank Chopp right? just saying but we have to keep trying.