washington deer tag choose ONE

[longwalker]

I don't like the quality over quantity argument...because what would happen in 20 years ? Next thing you know deer will be just like elk and people would want to do the entire state permit only......whose gona start hunting if you have to invest all this money to not get to hunt ? Hunter numbers would surely drop

There doesn't have to be a giant buck around every corner to make hunting fun...

Not saying that's what you wish longwalker but I can't help but think that's what it would trend into eventually

I'd love the whole state to be permit but that's a way longer streach . I'd actually consider this a compromise between the two camps

[BULLBLASTER]

. If drawn for a permit, The permit is all you get, no general season. 

this is a great idea! I have thought about this a lot also. If you draw in multiple categories you need to choose one. I would also be on board with only being able to apply for oils OR deer and elk like idaho. Either would go a long ways to increqsing peoples draw odds.

[pd]

Re: Washington deer seasons. The system ain't broke, don't fix it.

[Woodchuck]

Re: Washington deer seasons. The system ain't broke, don't fix it.

The system is very broke IMO

[longwalker]

Re: Washington deer seasons. The system ain't broke, don't fix it.

The system is very broke IMO

Yup

[Tbar]

It's a choice made by the masses.  It is definitely quantity over quality.  I do much the same as you, I head east with little intention on harvesting a deer(I pass many small legal bucks). I would say that for me the blacktail season is nearly a guarantee at opportunity, so I chose Westside deer. 
I agree when you factor in population densities, hunter densities, and the lack of access,  the best option is state wide permit only.

[kentrek]

I don't like the quality over quantity argument...because what would happen in 20 years ? Next thing you know deer will be just like elk and people would want to do the entire state permit only......whose gona start hunting if you have to invest all this money to not get to hunt ? Hunter numbers would surely drop

There doesn't have to be a giant buck around every corner to make hunting fun...

Not saying that's what you wish longwalker but I can't help but think that's what it would trend into eventually

I'd love the whole state to be permit but that's a way longer streach . I'd actually consider this a compromise between the two camps

I was talking about the drop in hunter numbers and lack of new hunters....obviously no one wishes for that but I can't help but think that's what would happen

There's already very few young people hunting ! 

If you think it will help hunting as whole then I cant blame ya for wanting the change but I think it will just help the few hunters that stick around manage to get a decent buck every few years

[longwalker]

I like your idea longwalker.

It's one I plan on Pursuing with f&g I know it's a long process but I'd love to be a part of getting something like this in front of them in some official type manner

[Tbar]

I actually have thought about this alot. I would be for a system where hunters had to choose say 4 GMU's that they will hunt for the general seasons. They would also be restricted to applying for special hunts within those same GMU's. If drawn for a permit, The permit is all you get, no general season. 

4 gmus would suffice me if I start hunting Entiat, go visit friends in Colville, then head home hunt my favorite blacktail gmu, and still a different blacktail area for late buck (this is actually a season I experienced before I had a family).

[CoryTDF]

Some people are meat hunters not horn hunters. So.... this could really screw them.  Personally I’m not in favor of it as I feel if you have paid the money to hunt a for a deer you should get to have a fair opportunity. If you are hunting the breaks of the Snake River and you stumble onto a pesky whitetail buck that has gotten lost you should be able to harvest said buck if you desire. From a management standpoint that is not a bad idea as whitetails are already encroaching on mule deer territory as it is.

[longwalker]

no reason you still couldn't be a meat hunter? in fact it would probably be easier to draw your doe tag or have less pressure in in GMU's with non trophy class animals. those guys that didint shoot a mule deer wouldnt be over trying to shoot the same 2 point blacktail meat buck your looking to harvest as a meat hunter

[huntnphool]

Yup that's the knee jerk reaction. Now look at it from a management and quality stand point. I'd rather have quality than quantity

 The problem with your idea is most hunters here prefer quantity over quality. Lots don't care about anything except being able to go every year, http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,86231.msg1080089.html#msg1080089 regardless what the long term outcome is.

 I believe we will be permit for everything soon, and then those that refused to look at alternatives will be whining the most, but only have themselves to blame!

[longwalker]

Yup that's the knee jerk reaction. Now look at it from a management and quality stand point. I'd rather have quality than quantity

 The problem with your idea is most hunters here prefer quantity over quality.

I think they could have it. Seasons could certainly be extended after a study of hunter dispersion. I imagine white tail seasons could get pretty liberal

[huntnphool]

Yup that's the knee jerk reaction. Now look at it from a management and quality stand point. I'd rather have quality than quantity

 The problem with your idea is most hunters here prefer quantity over quality.

I think they could have it. Seasons could certainly be extended after a study of hunter dispersion. I imagine white tail seasons could get pretty liberal

 You are assuming everyone wants to hunt whitetail.

[h20hunter]

I see where you are going and don't disagree with your line of reasoning. However, I can't vote until I'm forced to make a choice. Here is why. Basically, I'm not a passionate hunter for just muleys, or blackies...I like to hunt. I look forward to time off every year. However, your proposal would make it impossible for me to be as "general" as I like to do. For example. This year I'm bowhunting. I'd like to go for a few walks with my boy. If we see a legal blackie and the shot is there I might take it simply because he is with me. Now, if we don't, i've already got time set aside to hunt muleys/whitetail later in September. I'll be hunting where I can hold out for a buck or make some meat. I may stick the first legal animal I see or hold out. Just depends. Right now, I have the option to do it all. With your proposal it would remove that choice. So, for now, I'll follow the discussion with interest but would be agaist any permit only for now.