Samish unit/ West 90. Is this the beginning of the end?

[3Peakes]

Hello I'm  new to Hunt WA, but not so new to waterfowl hunting in the Skagit Valley.

I randomly ran across this while checking up on the progress of the previously referred to project this morning, and thought I might chime in here. First off, this is not the beginning of the end. More like the middle of the end. More on that later. Here is a link to the Skagit Valley Herald article http://www.goskagit.com/all_access/drainage-project-to-improve-popular-duck-hunt-destination/article

The project is being done to improve things on the Welts property. They are not pulling any dikes or flooding it for an estuary restoration project. What they are doing is installing water control structures so they have the ability to drain water off to improve crop planting in the spring, and flood the area during the hunting season. They have been trying to get the funding to do this project for many years, and it is now set to happen. This should be a good thing, and if everything in the design process was done correctly may even allow for corn to be planted again if they will fund it. If I had one concern with this project it would be that they could use this as a way to eliminate cereal grain plantings ie: barley, and move to a moist soil management scenario. Ideally the barley plantings and hopefully corn continue, and the east and north sides of the property are used for moist soil management. It really should be a win if the water control structures function properly.

Now for the more on that later part. For those wondering about "The beginning of the end" and grumbling about the loss of waterfowl management areas like half of the Island Unit (Deepwater slough project), Headquarters, Leque Island, and Fir Island Farms (the snow goose preserve). I really have to wonder where was the worry, the outrage, and concern ten years ago, or for that matter even five years ago when these projects first became a reality? It's not like we weren't all warned. Washington Waterfowl Association has been extremely vocal about these issues for years now, while the vast majority of local waterfowlers sat on there asses and let it happen. You reap what you sow gentlemen. Time to pull your heads out or your proverbial rear ends.

[NW-GSP]

Wow3 peaks your first post and your already stating that no one here had or has been outraged our concerned about what has happened with the public duck hunting locations?.

Your also assuming that the duck hunters on here follow the Washington water fowlers association.

I also believe that the grumbling is due to the piss poor management by wdfw when it comes to these public hunt spots, look at smith farms and how they did not even plant crops there for a few years and had people hunting pheasants in knee high grass and that since they did not have any crops the ducks had no interest in that location.

Also after headquarters was flooded how many years! Did it take wdfw to find a alternative location for a pheasant release site?, have you hunted at ebey island and seen how ridiculous it is and not to mention that there is no way you can hunt that place without your dog smelling like cow *censored*.

The false promises of alternative hunt spots after wdfw destroys the current locations is what makes me mad. Especially when its under the context that its good for the salmon.

I also forgot to mention the so called quality field hunts that wdfw is paying farmers to allow public hunting access to fields that have been harvested and they throw up some chiken wire in the middle of that field and call it a quality hunt. You stick out like a sore thumb and you have to hunt from the provided blind.

[kodiak 907]

 

[3Peakes]

Wow3 peaks your first post and your already stating that no one here had or has been outraged our concerned about what has happened with the public duck hunting locations?.

Your also assuming that the duck hunters on here follow the Washington water fowlers association.

There is no assumption on my part what so ever. Nothing I stated was personally directed at any one person here. That's an assumption on on your part. There lies the problem with the internet. Everybody tends to take things personal.

I merely made a broad generalized statement that the vast majority of waterfowlers have been entirely apathetic about changes in waterfowl management in region 4 for some time now. Those that have actually tried to get involved and stop these things from happening have been a small minority unfortunately.  Quite simply it's a little late in the game to be worrying about losing public walk in spots in the valley at this point.

[BOWHUNTER45]

You guys are sure making me re-think what I wrote to the Skagit Valley herald  I wish I would have done some research before opening my mouth ..We all know about the Samish issues ..The tribes are controlling our beaches - creeks - rivers and salt water ..At any given time when they decide they do not want us interfering with the surrounding habitat we will be shut down ..Pretty sad a guy can not find sand shrimp in any store around here because they can not get out there to dig any ..What will happen when the Pinks show up and there are no shrimp ...I think I need to retrace my thoughts and write a new letter !

[Special T]

Wow3 peaks your first post and your already stating that no one here had or has been outraged our concerned about what has happened with the public duck hunting locations?.

Your also assuming that the duck hunters on here follow the Washington water fowlers association.

There is no assumption on my part what so ever. Nothing I stated was personally directed at any one person here. That's an assumption on on your part. There lies the problem with the internet. Everybody tends to take things personal.

I merely made a broad generalized statement that the vast majority of waterfowlers have been entirely apathetic about changes in waterfowl management in region 4 for some time now. Those that have actually tried to get involved and stop these things from happening have been a small minority unfortunately.  Quite simply it's a little late in the game to be worrying about losing public walk in spots in the valley at this point.

Welcome to the site. I assume your a member of wwa and happy your part of the discussion. A huge part of the wdfw problems is communication with sportsmen and our communication with them.
I have found through my experience with Silver Arrow Bowmen archery club that it takes more than an email to members or a post on the website to effect action. Simply stated you have to go where the sportsmen are at. This forum and Facebook seem to be 2 venues that produce.
There are many members here who are spokesmen for the Org they represent. Education from a known source on here has exponential effect.

[singleshot12]

The tribes are controlling our beaches - creeks - rivers and salt water ..At any given time when they decide they do not want us interfering with the surrounding habitat we will be shut down .

 

[follow maggie]

The jist of this post is why I'm starting to spend more time hunting &fishing out of state. It's expensive to hunt & fish here, and our opportunities are being diminished.

[johnsc6]

I'm with 3peaks on this one, most people, Sporstmen included are apathetic in thier efforts to change things before it's t late.

[ghosthunter]

Quote;Also after headquarters was flooded how many years! Did it take wdfw to find a alternative location for a pheasant release site?, have you hunted at ebey island and seen how ridiculous it is and not to mention that there is no way you can hunt that place without your dog smelling like cow *censored*.

The false promises of alternative hunt spots after wdfw destroys the current locations is what makes me mad. Especially when its under the context that its good for the salmon.

They have never fulfilled their promises. The head quarters site as never been replaced and never will be. They skip us around the map on some litlte crappy peice of land like Bow release site. I attended every meeting in Mount Vernon for years. Skipped this year because of work. But my buddy went. Same old crap. Nothing.

They screw up every thing they touch.  Samish is fine the way it is ,leave the dang thing alone. If the cry babies dont like dry starters there go to canada.

Washington Waterfowlers have never spoke for me.  Just because people dont come down and throw money on your table dosent mean they don care about hunting in these areas.
The wdfw should be protecting these areas for future hunters  but no they are prostituted by big money groups. So the average guys who just want to walk in and hunt throw up their hands.

Its all crap.

[Special T]

Ghosthunter, Funny thing about Bow Hill, is it COULD have been a good spot for the pheasant hunting. I know a few people including myself that would have been willing to invest some time in the place to mow cut more trails and such if there was some kind of a long term deal to make it happen. I hunted 2 of the other release properties last year Ebey and Camano, and have to say that I actually liked Bow hill. I hunt Pheasant on the east side some and it was my first year on the release program...

In general I am of the opinion that the WDFW wants to simplify its job by shedding it management job by promoting salmon projects so that less "Work" needs doing.

[3Peakes]

Quote;Also after headquarters was flooded how many years! Did it take wdfw to find a alternative location for a pheasant release site?

0 YEARS. They started releasing pheasants at Welts the same year headquarters was put under water, and they thoroughly screwed over the duck hunting there for years by doing so.
 

Samish is fine the way it is ,leave the dang thing alone.

Really? Don't tell me you really believe this. Soils that are too wet to planted, and can't be drained make for poor crops of barley and make it impossible to plant corn. Dry ponds over run with cattails make for poor hunting. Flooded crops hunt better and make fresh water feeding habitat available for birds. Even if half of it goes to moist soil management it would be an improvement.

Washington Waterfowlers have never spoke for me.

This statement takes the cake for me. The only grassroots state waterfowl org out there that has stood up to the state, repeatedly fighting against projects like Headquarters, Leque island ect doesn't speak for you. Hmmm....? Your bitching about management of public hunting areas in Western Washington right? Who do you think picks up shells and other trash when the seasons over, builds blinds for you to park your butt in, and funds things like brush mowers to maintain your hunting areas. Here is a hint. It's not WDFW, and its not DU either.

[ghosthunter]

Quote;Also after headquarters was flooded how many years! Did it take wdfw to find a alternative location for a pheasant release site?

0 YEARS. They started releasing pheasants at Welts the same year headquarters was put under water, and they thoroughly screwed over the duck hunting there for years by doing so.
 

Samish is fine the way it is ,leave the dang thing alone.

Really? Don't tell me you really believe this. Soils that are too wet to planted, and can't be drained make for poor crops of barley and make it impossible to plant corn. Dry ponds over run with cattails make for poor hunting. Flooded crops hunt better and make fresh water feeding habitat available for birds. Even if half of it goes to moist soil management it would be an improvement.

Washington Waterfowlers have never spoke for me.

This statement takes the cake for me. The only grassroots state waterfowl org out there that has stood up to the state, repeatedly fighting against projects like Headquarters, Leque island ect doesn't speak for you. Hmmm....? Your bitching about management of public hunting areas in Western Washington right? Who do you think picks up shells and other trash when the seasons over, builds blinds for you to park your butt in, and funds things like brush mowers to maintain your hunting areas. Here is a hint. It's not WDFW, and its not DU either.

I not bitching about anything . I am saying there doesn't need to be flooding at Samish. Samish is the highest density walk in waterfowl area around. Flooding it will just displace hunters. Forcing more hunters on even tighter space.

As far as blinds, I have not used one of those blinds ever. I prefer to do my own set up. Why do you need to construct blinds out there. We have hunted that area for years without blinds. Next there will be some lame ass rule that you have to hunt from a blind.

As far as trash, think you better take a little walk around out there. I have hauled six bags of trash out of there and there is still more to pick up.

I did not say Washington Waterfowler was not a good organization or that they did not work for waterfowl. I said they. Didn't speak for me that's all.
They don't speak for a lot of hunters. They are a waterfowl organization dose t mean they represent all water-fowlers in the county or that they have the final word.

And since you. Brought up blinds. Who's bright idea was to turn the Boy Scouts loose building wood blinds out there. The Monrales blind is below the high water mark and useless when the heavy rains come. The other blind out on the SW end got started and never finished, sits there like a eye sore for the past several years.
And the handicap blind you couldn't get a handicap person into during the wet.
The wire blinds that got built are too small and are really just garbage magnets.

What's good, ? The plank crossings, mowing the ponds, porta potty, all good. Plantings.
But Ya know as far a water fowler I am nothing special. I am just guy with a dog , wants to walk out to a wet spot and shoot at a couple ducks. The Samish has offered that for many years.
We have already lost space out there because we weren't allowed to hunt the North end for past two years. We use to hunt that too.
There are plenty of wet areas around there. The only thing flooding that property will do is reduce avaiable space and make the crowding even worse.

[ghosthunter]

So just for the record.

In my 5 th post . I stated I had been to every meeting.
We are talking about pheasant release sites in the post. I was at every meeting regarding replacement pheasnts hunting sites. Promised when we lost Headquarters farmed island.

Which have still never been replaced as promised.

I have never been to. A salmon restoration meeting , and I never will go to one.
I am a gun guy and have little intrest in fish.

[3Peakes]

Well, one thing is for sure you can't please everybody. Pheasant hunting sites are a separate issue in my opinion. I have zero interest in hunting tame Chinese chickens. I don't disagree with you about some the blinds at Welts. Some of them hunt well, others aren't worth the powder to blow them to hell. Permanent blinds on public lands will always be a magnet for the slobs and the trash they leave behind.