Are we losing elk and deer permits to big timber companies in SE Washington??

[jackelope]

Anyone recognize the whereabouts of this gate/sign?

[huntnphool]

Anyone recognize the whereabouts of this gate/sign?

That may be the one on Berg.

[SemperFidelis97]

That would be a pretty nice sign for a neighbor to have made up just to stir up trouble.  I just don't understand how one landowner can receive very good tags for allowing access to their 9000 acres, while other land owners in the area get squat some of which allow access to far more land than Bennett.  The whole system needs a revamp to something that would give real incentive to these land owners for allowing access.  Maybe on a graded system by how much opportunity they give to the program they can give points to each landowner going towards a lottery for a couple of select tags.  I have sent my thoughts to the commission, how many others on here have done the same?  A little bit of pressure from the folks on this site could get the dialogue going towards fixing a pretty screwy system, and ultimately open up more opportunity for everyone.

[dreamunelk]

 

[KDB]

The land manager for Guy Bennett lumber is a close friend of mine. I'll call him and find out what's going on.

[Whitpirate]

I think they should make it a lottery just like all others for the folks enrolled.  No guaranteed tags for any one property owner, you go in the hopper.  You get drawn you get some tags, then you don't get to draw again for 2-4 years..... spread the love around.  Incentivize all folks to enroll and provide access.  Complaints or audits of things like Bennett is rumored to be doing disqualify you for 10 years.

[jackelope]

The land manager for Guy Bennett lumber is a close friend of mine. I'll call him and find out what's going on.

That would be neat to hear straight from the horse's mouth. Thanks. Look forward to your follow up.

[SemperFidelis97]

I think they should make it a lottery just like all others for the folks enrolled.  No guaranteed tags for any one property owner, you go in the hopper.  You get drawn you get some tags, then you don't get to draw again for 2-4 years..... spread the love around.  Incentivize all folks to enroll and provide access.  Complaints or audits of things like Bennett is rumored to be doing disqualify you for 10 years.

I think some incentive like you mention would be a great benefit for landowners to open up more of their land.  I would gladly give up a sought after tag for two if it would open up more opportunity for folks on a year to year basis.  Lack of access is what is killing our sport so anything that increases it would be a huge positive in my book.  As it sits most landowners are just getting signs, and insurance against anyone who might hurt themselves on their land in exchange for access.  I don't know about you, but for me that would not be worth the trouble.  Landowners are fielding tons of calls, dealing with trash left behind, dealing with people who tear up agricultural area's with their vehicles, as well as damaged property like fences, and gates.  It seems it would be easier just to boot everyone off, and start having trespass tickets written for everyone who steps foot on your land. 

[SemperFidelis97]

The land manager for Guy Bennett lumber is a close friend of mine. I'll call him and find out what's going on.

I also would be curious to see what the story is behind the signs.  Posting your land is your right, but Bennett is being given prime tags for opening up some of their land.  Those signs do not mention anything about how to go about gaining access to their property, they instead make it look like Bennett lands are shut down to the public period.

[camp-cook]

How is it legal for WDFW to give state property (elk tags and deer tags) to private entities to profit from.  WDFW will say they can't sell the tags but they can sell access. 

[Mr Mykiss]

The land manager for Guy Bennett lumber is a close friend of mine. I'll call him and find out what's going on.

When were you planning on calling him? Mitch or Dave or Someone else?

[KDB]

Dave Fritts. I'll call him next week

[SemperFidelis97]

How is it legal for WDFW to give state property (elk tags and deer tags) to private entities to profit from.  WDFW will say they can't sell the tags but they can sell access.

Sounds a little like having your cake, and eating it too.  It does make you wonder why out of all of the landowners in a part of the state that is mainly privately held would one landowner get such special treatment?  This should be a bigger deal to people, these are some of the best tags the state has to offer, and yet there are the same handful of people on here discussing the subject.  No one else even bothers to join the discussion they would rather post on the bigfoot thread instead of being proactive about issues that directly affect the opportunities we have as sportsman.

[kentrek]

How is it legal for WDFW to give state property (elk tags and deer tags) to private entities to profit from.  WDFW will say they can't sell the tags but they can sell access.

Sounds a little like having your cake, and eating it too.  It does make you wonder why out of all of the landowners in a part of the state that is mainly privately held would one landowner get such special treatment?  This should be a bigger deal to people, these are some of the best tags the state has to offer, and yet there are the same handful of people on here discussing the subject.  No one else even bothers to join the discussion they would rather post on the bigfoot thread instead of being proactive about issues that directly affect the opportunities we have as sportsman.

People only care if it directly affects them.....just like watching the stella unit get over ran with hoof rot...nobody cared...or when the tree farms started going permit only...east siders didn't care...so it shouldnt be a suprise that no body except the people directly affected care about this

"I don't hunt there why should I care ?"

It's a bad mentality that we all are guilty of

[SemperFidelis97]

There are some who care unfortunately the handful of us that take the time to send a few emails, or donate time, and resources to the cause are in the minority.  The hope is by talking about all of these things that some others will wake up, and start to take a proactive stance towards protecting our outdoor heritage.