4 pt. restriction 117/121

[baldopepper]

Looks like they are going  to rescind the 4 pt whitetail restriction in 117/121.  I kind of have mixed thoughts on it.  It's been nice seeing the reduction in hunters its' brought about, but I really question whether it's doing any good or not.  No question the whitetail are rebounding in the area, but I'm not sure if it's from the restriction or the milder winters.  It also looks like they're planning on issuing more antlerless permits for the areas which I am adamantly opposed to.  I don't know how you go from a 4pt restriction to bring the herds back and then jump into an increase in antlerless permits.  I'm no biologist but that doesn't compute in my pea brain. I know some of the local businesses have suffered from the hunter reduction in the area and it appears that's a good part of the decision.  Guess time will tell.

[vandeman17]

Where did you hear this? I actually liked the restriction and was seeing more mature bucks on my cameras. Like you said, I can't say for sure it is because of the restriction but it can't hurt.

[baldopepper]

I was looking at the agenda for the upcoming Wildlife Comm. meeting and reading under the summary portion.  Looks like they are in favor of lifting the restriction and usually that type of thing just gets rubber stamped in these final meetings.

[bobcat]

Did you get some inside info? The proposal has option A and option B listed, for units 117 and 121. Option A is to keep the 4 pt minimum, and option B is "any white tailed buck."

I'd guess that they have already made a decision, but we don't know yet what that may be. The Fish & Wildlife Commission meeting next Thursday is when that decision will be made public.

[baldopepper]

According to the summary info the department is in favor of lifting the restriction.  At this point I'm betting that's what they'll do.  Look under the agenda portion of the upcoming meeting (April 9-10) and then read the summary portion. It's the Deer Season and Special Permits session on the agenda.

[bobcat]

Okay, I found it and you're right. It sounds like it will be going to any buck.

[bearpaw]

First I want thank the Commission for supporting and trying the 4pt rule and for reducing doe harvest throughout the NE so herd numbers could build back faster.

WDFW never liked the restriction from the beginning. It took a lot of work to get the 4 pt rule approved by the Commission. We recently compared data for 117/121 with data from surrounding units and the rule seems to be resulting in greater herd/buck recovery than in surrounding GMU's. It also appears that the hunter ratio hunting in the 4 pt area is practically back to pre-rule numbers. Another words the lost hunter revenue for local business is disappearing.

I agree with the Dept that deer numbers are rebounding and I think some doe hunting will not hurt. That would especially benefit youth hunters who live in the area who cannot easily hunt other areas. I would also suggest allowing youth hunters to take any buck now that buck numbers are improving.

In theory once deer numbers recover equal numbers of doe and buck need to be taken or the result will be more does in the herd, which is a low buck to doe ratio.

If the commission will keep the rule for another 3 years I think there will be a clearer picture of the results.

[Bigshooter]

Okay, I found it and you're right. It sounds like it will be going to any buck.

Can you post the link.

[Bean Counter]

Thanks for your hard work on this, Bearpaw!   

[bobcat]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/meetings/2015/04/apr09_2015_15_summary.pdf

[buglebrush]

   I love the restriction!  IMO every area should have a 4 point restriction with antlerless opportunities to keep the herd balanced.  Also have a youth/senior any deer tag. 

Why don't they do a 6 point restriction instead of spike on elk?  Seems like a no brainer to me!

[Bigshooter]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/meetings/2015/04/apr09_2015_15_summary.pdf

Thanks.  Can you post the same link for elk.  I can not find it.

[bobcat]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/meetings/2015/04/apr09_2015_14_summary.pdf

[Bigshooter]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/meetings/2015/04/apr09_2015_14_summary.pdf

Thank you.

[bearpaw]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/meetings/2015/04/apr09_2015_15_summary.pdf

Thanks for the links bobcat. 

This rule is like every other rule in hunting, there are some who agree and some who disagree. It will be interesting to see what the commission decides.