GMAC meeting notes 3-7

[idahohuntr]

My personal, unofficial notes of todays meeting:

Really not a lot new to report.  The main focus was the upcoming 3 year hunting rule package and there was nothing new that has not been discussed thoroughly on this forum.  Most all of the changes will be moving forward.  The biggest discussion was on baiting.  GMAC voted 17-0 (and 1 abstaining vote) recommending that WDFW not make any changes to baiting rules for deer and elk.  Everyone that spoke regarding baiting presented very strong arguments about maintaining baiting.  In the last round of public comments, 85% of respondents supported maintaining status quo on deer/elk baiting. 

Other issues discussed:

-New Game Manager Mike Cope was introduced to the group today.
-We discussed  Sage Grouse issues and concerns about ESA listing status and some of the proactive measures WDFW and others are wanting to pursue. 
-Grizzly introduction was briefly discussed.  WDFW is engaging with feds as a cooperating agency so they can have a seat at the table.  WDFW is very concerned about the alternatives that involve translocating bears.  They think wolves are enough of an issue right now and that even talk of grizzly introduction is horrible timing and they don't support such alternatives.
-Hoof disease study is ongoing, they captured 78 elk and put radio collars on them.  58 "limpers" and 20 "control" elk so they can evaluate survival and productivity differences.  Very interesting...in collaring the elk they observed some animals that appeared to have healed...the hoof was severely damaged or missing, but instead of a bloody stump that the elk was limping on...the hoof/leg had healed shut, no signs of limping etc.  Not a lot of details, but an encouraging sign for SW elk herds to know that perhaps this disease is not certain death. 
-Bennett Lumber land will be entering a landowner hunting permit system that is a little different...instead of just a handful of permits, they will be enrolling in hunt by reservation system which will provide access to hundreds (instead of a few) hunters.
-Point system...last meeting Dave Ware discussed a new system where higher point holders would be guaranteed a portion of tags (a significant portion!)...today, Nate Pamplin said that issue is dead.  No new schemes will be explored.

Lots of other stuff I'm sure I missed and others can probably fill in or add...but virtually all of the topics were things already covered on this site.

[denali]

Thanks for the update

[jackelope]

Great news regarding the baiting.

Thanks for the notes.


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[dreamingbig]

Thanks for the report.


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[Rainier10]

Thanks for the update.  Hopefully there is strong support for status quo on baiting at the meeting next weekend, if so I think it will stay status quo.  That would be great for those that use it as an option.

[bearpaw]

Thanks for the report, I like the direction WDFW is going on most issues this year. 

[idahohuntr]

Thanks for the update.  Hopefully there is strong support for status quo on baiting at the meeting next weekend, if so I think it will stay status quo. That would be great for those that use it as an option.

I agree...the only real possible way I see this getting de-railed at this point is if the March 20-21 commission meeting in Moses Lake is lopsided by anti-baiters. 

[Curly]

Great news on the point system; hopefully with Dave Ware concentrating on wolves now, he will keep his hands out of the point system.

[dreamingbig]

Anyone else worried about Ware messing up the wolf issue?  Does he help or hurt the situation?


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[DBHAWTHORNE]

Great news! Thank you for posting. Will you be able to make the next meeting?

[Rainier10]

Thanks for the update.  Hopefully there is strong support for status quo on baiting at the meeting next weekend, if so I think it will stay status quo. That would be great for those that use it as an option.

I agree...the only real possible way I see this getting de-railed at this point is if the March 20-21 commission meeting in Moses Lake is lopsided by anti-baiters.

And I think that is a very real possibility.  If you are for baiting it is important to make sure you attend this meeting, this is last opportunity to have your voice be heard.  As we all saw after the first survey said no change a quick phone survey changed their minds and restrictions were back on the table.

If the last comments on the subject are for no change or even a mixed audience I think they will table the changes.  If there is just a turnout in favor of restrictions I could see them getting approved.

[BULLBLASTER]

Are the meeting agendas out for the moses lake meeting yet? Im hoping to make it.

[bobcat]

Are the meeting agendas out for the moses lake meeting yet? Im hoping to make it.

It just got put up today. If the discussion on baiting is what you're interested in, that will be from 9:00 to 10:00 on Saturday, March 21st.

[BULLBLASTER]

Are the meeting agendas out for the moses lake meeting yet? Im hoping to make it.

It just got put up today. If the discussion on baiting is what you're interested in, that will be from 9:00 to 10:00 on Saturday, March 21st.

thanks bobcat.

[trophyhunt]

Great news on the point system; hopefully with Dave Ware concentrating on wolves now, he will keep his hands out of the point system.

I have to disagree with you, I have always liked the idea of a good percentage of tags going to guys with the most points.  Like Wyoming does.  I wish they would at least have a wait period for those who do draw, at least 5 years.  I've always wanted this but I don't see it ever happening.