Baiting on the chopping block

[Bob33]

Email sent.

[Rainier10]

Just sent this,

I am an avid hunter, an instructor for hunter education and a member of the Master Hunter program.
 
I am writing to you in response to rumors that I have heard about a push to ban or limit baiting of wildlife.  I know that this was a topic for the last three year cycle meeting and I made my comments and concerns known then.  I was happy to see that baiting was left as is for this new cycle.  I would like to readdress those items and let you know that my opinion has not changed.
 
I believe that baiting has its place in hunting.  I believe that there are times that baiting is a benefit to wildlife and enables the hunter to view multiple animals and take the older age class.  I believe it has a real benefit to youth and senior hunters.  I think it is a great tool for first time hunters to get experience of having game in front of them.  I think that each hunter should be free to chose what works best for them and if baiting is a practice that they wish to partake in I am all for it.

I know that there are instances where this practice may be abused but I believe that to be true of every hunting method, there are always going to be exceptions or instances where rules are abused.
 
I have yet to see any type of evidence that baiting is having an adverse affect on the wildlife population or the carrying capacity of the habitat.  If there are isolated areas where baiting is having an impact on the land I am sure there are already regulations in place that could be used to counter that damage.  If there are areas where too many animals are being taken because of the use of bait a small adjustment in hunting dates or permit quotas could be made in those specific areas versus a broad stroke of banning or even limiting baiting statewide.
 
I think if you look at what is really hurting wildlife more than anything, loss of habitat would have to be at the top of the list followed by overharvest illegally by poachers.
 
I think these are the areas that should have more focus than putting more restrictions on hunters and how some may chose to hunt.
 
Thank you for your time and I hope each of you has a happy holiday season,

[grundy53]

Hunters eating their own once again.

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[Bob33]

More often than not, I believe it’s a case of the silent majority of hunters not caring as much about protecting their rights and privileges as others are of taking them away. Only a small minority of our state’s population hunts, but a majority tend to support legal hunting.

However, those opposed to hunting are organized, dedicated, and in it for the long haul.

[grundy53]

More often than not, I believe it’s a case of the silent majority of hunters not caring as much about protecting their rights and privileges as others are of taking them away. Only a small minority of our state’s population hunts, but a majority tend to support legal hunting.

However, those opposed to hunting are organized, dedicated, and in it for the long haul.

I would agree. However, not in this case. This is happening because of fellow hunters.

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[Bob33]

More often than not, I believe it’s a case of the silent majority of hunters not caring as much about protecting their rights and privileges as others are of taking them away. Only a small minority of our state’s population hunts, but a majority tend to support legal hunting.

However, those opposed to hunting are organized, dedicated, and in it for the long haul.

I would agree. However, not in this case. This is happening because of fellow hunters.

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I interpreted the quote a previous post as suggesting otherwise but I could be wrong. I know that hunters have pushed for some restrictions.

"Just when we thought a common sense compromise was going to be reached, a measure to just limit the amount of bait at each bait site, the anti's decided to send out an email to everyone on the committee stating we needed to start over and push for an outright ban on all baiting.".

[grundy53]

More often than not, I believe it’s a case of the silent majority of hunters not caring as much about protecting their rights and privileges as others are of taking them away. Only a small minority of our state’s population hunts, but a majority tend to support legal hunting.

However, those opposed to hunting are organized, dedicated, and in it for the long haul.

I would agree. However, not in this case. This is happening because of fellow hunters.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

I interpreted the quote a previous post as suggesting otherwise but I could be wrong. I know that hunters have pushed for some restrictions.

"Just when we thought a common sense compromise was going to be reached, a measure to just limit the amount of bait at each bait site, the anti's decided to send out an email to everyone on the committee stating we needed to start over and push for an outright ban on all baiting.".

Yes, the anti's want a full ban now. But it was only on the agenda in the first place because other hunters.

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[bobcat]

The problem is, how many hunters use bait for deer or elk? Maybe 1 in 100? The hunters who don't bait, don't care if it is banned.

I'm still hopeful that they'll only place a limit on the quantity that can be used.

[Bob33]

If all the hunters who care about keeping baiting legal were to take the time to write a brief email or letter to the WDFW Commission respectfully expressing their opinions, it is likely to make a difference.

If they get 300 emails from people opposed to baiting and 10 in support of it, hunters need to look in the mirror for part of the blame if restrictions are implemented.

[grundy53]

The problem is, how many hunters use bait for deer or elk? Maybe 1 in 100? The hunters who don't bait, don't care if it is banned.

I'm still hopeful that they'll only place a limit on the quantity that can be used.

The problem is the hunters that made it an issue. It would of flown under the radar. Especially since few hunters do it.

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[grundy53]

If all the hunters who care about keeping baiting legal were to take the time to write a brief email or letter to the WDFW Commission respectfully expressing their opinions, it is likely to make a difference.

If they get 300 emails from people opposed to baiting and 10 in support of it, hunters need to look in the mirror for part of the blame if restrictions are implemented.

I agree with you there.

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[Jonathan_S]

Among everything else, baiting just makes sense as a way to effectively hunt more urban areas where deer populations are too high.  Places that are given 2nd deer tags but there is no way to hunt other than sitting on a tiny plot of land with bait 

The problem is, how many hunters use bait for deer or elk? Maybe 1 in 100? The hunters who don't bait, don't care if it is banned.

I hope you're wrong.  I do think that it's a good deal more than 1%.  I also hope that people who don't bait have the brains to oppose the restriction.

The dumbest thing I've heard is this... "well you can't bait in Idaho either so why should you be able to in Washington?"  In Idaho you can hunt does with an OTC tag and hunt every weapon season from September to December.  With our short seasons, weapon selection, APRs and crowded areas, baiting should NOT be eliminated. 

I might actually skip Washington next year if they ban baiting.  Again it's not because I am a consistent baiter, master or otherwise.

[Bob33]

"Reply #221"

I wonder if 221 emails have been to the Commission yet by those in support of baiting?

[Blacktail Sniper]

The problem is, how many hunters use bait for deer or elk? Maybe 1 in 100? The hunters who don't bait, don't care if it is banned.

I'm still hopeful that they'll only place a limit on the quantity that can be used.

And that is exactly why we will never win in the long run. Too many attitudes of "it don't effect me so I don't care," well once all these little issues are taken away, do you really think the anti's will be happy and stop?

Any one who thinks their adgenda is anything less that all hunting stopped, is foolish, naive or just not able to step outside their selfish attitude and think long term.

It is clear what their tactics are, take it away piece-by-piece, untill there is nothing left. They are in it for the long run, and have a united front, you don't see bickering amongst them.

Pick a subject regarding a legal method...baiting, road hunting, crossbows, anything!! Then start a thread and sit back and watch hunters turn on each other...oh wait, there are already plenty of those examples on here already...

Too many selfish, my way is the right way attitudes to ever make a united stand.

[Stein]

 

If you think the anti's will retire after baiting is banned you need to have your head examined.  The only way they can ban hunting is to chip around at the edges until there is nothing left.