Proposals for upcoming seasons and who is behind it.

[bowhuntin]

I was over reading on the wsaa forum and happened upon this. This was part of the original post so take it for what its worth This is being circulated via email and I do not take any responsibility for its accuracy.
I do know Chip did storm out of the last GMAC meeting before the vote.


Phil Anderson                  
Interim Director
WDFW

Dear Mr. Anderson,

I am writing you this letter to inform you of my frustration with the Game division of the WDFW.  I currently and for the past 3 ½ years have been a member of the Game Management Advisory Council, (GMAC).  Nearly two years ago I was asked to sit on the Allocation Sub Committee by Dave Ware as an advocate for the Modern Firearm stakeholder group.  I reluctantly agreed to serve but because I was so extremely dissatisfied with the current Deer & Elk allocation system, I decided to participate.

Upon review of the allocation sub-committee I learned that it was comprised of the following members.  One Stakeholder each from Modern Firearm, Archery, Muzzleloader, Disabled, & the Chair of the sub-committee.  I was added to that mix with full disclosure of my advocacy for the rifle hunting community.  To say that I have been treated with contempt for my views is an understatement.  The status quo with regards to the allocation formula is absolutely what the game division and the sub-committee desire. 

It is my view that this allocation sub-committee is not comprised in a fair manner based upon license sales.  Somewhere between 70-80% of all licenses & permits sold in this state are modern firearm, yet the allocation sub-committee is comprised of only 2 members for modern firearm or a 30% stake in the group.  In addition, when you add in federal funds i.e. Pittman/Roberson funds, it is a vast amount of money brought into the agency by modern firearm users.  I believe this lack of modern firearm stakeholder representation is the reason why changes of the allocation system did not happen previously. 

The allocation sub-committee has had several meetings these past many months.  Enclosed you will find my synopsis presented to the entire GMAC committee, as well as to the WDFW commissioners using the departments own data and statistics to provide evidence to all parties supporting my views of bias against the rifle hunting community.  There is definitely a bias against modern firearm users in the current game division, and the opposite view by the department with regards to primitive weapons users.  Otherwise how could the harvest statistics become so unfair in seven short years? 

In essence, from what I can gather, initially the allocation formula was devised as a system to not over harvest the resource, (Deer & Elk).  Biologists report to the Deer & Elk section manager the amount of animals to be harvested in that unit or permit.  He then uses the allocation formula to distribute them to the user groups.  What I believe has happened to the system is that it has morphed into one that vastly favors one minority user group, (archery) over the others. The original formula does not include two key components.  It does not include Length of Season, and/or Timing of the Season (Rut Hunts).
 
So as you can see by the data over the past six years is that the Archery group has begun harvesting the majority of Mature Bull Elk & Mature Buck Deer statewide.  In addition, their general season harvest success percentages are equal to or higher in all categories with modern firearm.  How can that be if it is a primitive weapon user group?  No other Western State has a primitive weapon user group with success rates even close to a more efficient modern firearm user group!  Why is our state’s success harvest percentages just the opposite?  The allocation formula must be the reason!

WDFW has spent hundreds of thousands of tax payer dollars on public and hunter surveys, public comment at WDFW meetings and public comment at WDFW commission meetings.  All of these resulting in comments relating to the same frustration that I am expressing here with regards to the unfair treatment of the majority stakeholder group, the modern firearm users.  The game division does not seem to want to change the current system for a variety of reasons and its own agenda.

The GMAC had a meeting in December that Jerry Gutzwiler, chair, WDFW Commission attended.  The main topic of discussion was to be allocation and the new three year package recommendations.  There were three major issues that were presented and voted upon at that meeting.  They are as follows;

1.  Should archery and muzzleloader hunters expect to have similar harvest success as modern firearm users?   The GMAC vote result was overwhelmingly NO!
2.  Should additional opportunity for hunting during the rut for Deer & Elk be available for modern firearm users?  The GMAC vote result was overwhelmingly YES!
3.  Should antlered and antlerless opportunity be spread across all user groups more evenly?  The GMAC vote result was overwhelmingly NO!

With the vote results on the above issues, it was my understanding that the allocation sub-committee was to re-evaluate the allocation formula and aid in comprising the new WAC’s, etc. and report back to the GMAC in February with recommendations.

Yesterday, I briefly attended the allocation sub-committee meeting in Ellensburg to review the final WAC changes for the upcoming three year package which will be presented to the GMAC & the Commissioners in Feb.  I arrived having received the new WAC’s provided by Dave Ware on Monday at 4pm.  To say that I was disappointed with the result was an understatement.  I asked him if he had altered the allocation formula at all in awarding permit levels to user groups?  He said “no not really”.  I also asked him did he use timing of the seasons or length of season to alter these awards of permit levels?  He also said “no, not really”.  I asked him what about the votes that were taken and direction given by GMAC to him at the December meeting?  No answer by Dave… but the two Archery user group members in attendance said that the GMAC votes should never have been taken and were irrelevant. 

I informed Dave and the committee that I was not going to be a party to rubber stamping something that was so blatantly opposed to the direction that the votes from GMAC advised the game division to take.  I left the meeting without supporting any of the WAC recommendations by the department.

Are we now at the position where stakeholder group advice is not taken seriously by the department?  Why have stakeholder meetings which present solid advice to the department if they are going to ignore most of the advice and do as they see fit?  So my question is to you Mr. Anderson, are we simply at status quo again for another three years or will leadership between you and the commissioners change our course to a new direction of fairness and equality for all hunters in our state?

As license & permit revenues fall and with the upcoming budgetary cuts, how do we reverse the declining license sales and hunter number reductions?  Simple, I suggest we change the allocation system back to a more equitable system, while still maintaining strict biological restraints on sustainable use Deer & Elk management.  Increasing opportunity for quality Bucks and Bulls for rifle hunters will drive license, permit and ammunition sales across the state, thus increasing revenue to the agency.

I hope you will review all these enclosed documents/attachments and provide me with some feedback on your position and the also the direction you intend to take WDFW game division under your watch.  I appreciate your time and consideration to this matter.  I can be reached electronically at chipmcbroom@comcast.net or via telephone at 425-894-4043.  Thank you.

Respectfully,


Chip McBroom

[bowhuntin]

Allocation Comparison of Antlered Elk & Deer Hunting Data
WDFW Harvest Statistics

Respectfully Submitted by Chip McBroom
WDFW GMAC Member & Allocation Committee Member
                     




Over the past several years it has become apparent to me from data compiled by the WDFW that the allocation formula as it exists is inherently flawed.  I believe it has become outdated and biased in favor of one user group and the following WDFW Spreadsheets, Data, Charts, Statistics, and summaries will illustrate and support this opinion.  All data used is from the WDFW website and hunting pamphlets and compiled with the author’s best effort at accuracy.  I would also like to state that I have held licenses and tags in all three user groups in Washington State and enjoy all methods of harvest and the experience it offers equally.

The current allocation formula does not take into consideration the “Timing” of the season by user group or the “Length” of the season by user group or the “Antlered” game available by user group. The allocation formula also does not consider technology advancement by primitive weapons.  The following are points of contention with the current system;

1.   The fairness of distribution of general seasons and access for the general hunting opportunity and overall hunter harvest and success rates for all user groups based upon total license sales by user group.
2.   The distribution of all special antlered Deer & Elk permits to all user groups for hunting opportunity and subsequent equitable Antlered harvest rates by individual user group based upon total permit sales by user group. 
3.   The quality of the experience derived from the opportunity by user group to participate in a high quality hunt by pursuing Mature Buck Deer & Mature Bull Elk during the peak breeding season and how those opportunities are distributed by user group and permit sales.


At the conclusion of this document I will make recommendations and suggestions on general and permit hunting season changes that I feel will change the direction of hunting in Washington State.  I believe that the last several three year packages have drastically altered reasonable harvest and success rates for primitive weapon hunters in our state.  Unless the game division of WDFW and the WDFW Commissioners change the equitability of allocation in this next three year package then it will continue to spiral out of control and become a harder problem to fix in the future.







GENERAL DEER & ELK SEASONS
The distribution of License/Tags sold over the past 3 years by user group are as are follows:


         2005            2006            2007
      Deer Tags   Elk Tags   Deer Tags   Elk Tags   Deer Tags   Elk Tags
Modern            81% of Tags   69%of Tags   79% of Tags   67% of Tags   78% of Tags   67% of Tags
Archery            13%      18%      14%      19%      14%      19%    
Muzzleloader    6%      13%        7%      13%       7%      13%


These numbers by user group distributions tend to be fairly consistent over time but the recent slight rise in total hunters using archery & muzzle loading equipment is due to the following factors. Length of season for pursuit, opportunity to pursue during peak breeding seasons, increased success in mature antlered bucks & bulls, increased success and animal harvest rates due to technology advancement and overall increase in antlered age class and animal quality. Modern Firearm hunters have decreased for the exact opposite reasons!  If approximately 80% of all General Deer Tags & 67% of  all general Elk tags are sold for the modern firearm user group then it stands to reason that their portion of opportunity should be representative of that percentage or at least approach that number in some fashion. 

It also stands to reason that Modern Firearm user’s success rates on mature antlered game should be significantly higher due to the use of a modern firearm as a more efficient weapon.  However that is far from the case as you will see in the following graphs and data.  I believe many hunters shift user groups from year to year depending upon the quality of opportunity available and not necessarily due to their proficiency with that weapon.  I also believe this sets a dangerous trend toward inefficient harvesting of game and a higher percentage of wounded and lost game.  It also is assumed that some hunters are single weapon users no matter the situation and will only hunt within a single user group.  We have however seen the recent success of the multi-season tag.

The greatest discrepancy in the available data arises from a hunter with a general Elk or general Deer tag and the days in the field in which to have an opportunity to pursue these species.


Total Statewide General Deer Days in the Field by user group
         Western       Eastern         Mule Deer
Modern Firearm   23 days      31 days      9  days
Archery      61 days      49 days      34 days
Muzzleloader      32 days      27 days      18 days

Total Statewide General Elk Days in the field by user group
         Western      Eastern         
Modern Firearm    10 days      9 days               
Archery       39 days          39 days         
Muzzleloader       32 days      25 days            
 






















BULL ELK HUNTING DATA BY USER GROUP

Total Statewide Combined General/Permit Elk harvest Success Rates
        2005         2006         2007
Modern Firearm       8.7%         6.5%            7%
Archery          10.3%            10.2%           11%
Muzzleloader          10.7%         10%            8%

Mature Bull Elk Antlered Harvest Summary by Season (5 points or larger)

















 Bull Elk Antlered Harvest Summary by District (2006, 2007)







         
            













PERMIT ELK SEASONS

The following data will show the discrepancies over the distribution of quality Elk permits issued by drawing over the past 3 years by user group.  It also will expose the unfairness of the quality opportunities for modern firearm hunters even though they purchase the vast majority (67% ) of special permit Bull Elk applications.


All Quality Bull Elk Permit Rut Hunts from Sept. 8-Oct. 10 2006
              # Permits    % of opportunity      Bull Harvest      % of Quality Bull Harvest
Modern Firearm   21            4%            17 Bulls         11.5%
Archery      569       76%            80 Bulls         54%
Muzzleloader      153       20%            50 Bulls         34.5%

Totals         743 Permits               147 Bulls

All Quality Bull Elk Permit Rut Hunts from Sept. 8-Oct. 10 2007
              # Permits    % of opportunity      Bull Harvest      % of Quality Bull Harvest
Modern Firearm   21            2%            11 Bulls         7%
Archery      614       73%            88 Bulls         60%
Muzzleloader      211       25%            48 Bulls         34.5%

Totals         846 Permits               147 Bulls

As you can see the quality of opportunity for the modern firearm Elk hunter to be in the field during the breeding/bugling season barely exists in Washington State.  If 67% or nearly 130,000 of all Elk tag holders choose a modern firearm as a weapon then there should be a much greater opportunity to hunt Elk during this peak rut season. 
This illustrates the unfairness of the allocation system and formula that WDFW is currently using and has no correlation to Timing of the hunt, Length of season by user group, ultimate herd health, harvest rates, or population controls as well as herd bull to cow ratios. 

In 2007 the district graph chart on the preceding page shows success rate of 56% for those archers harvesting a bull that was a Mature 5 point Bull Elk and 34% for Modern Firearm hunters harvesting a bull!  This should point out the obvious fact that archery hunters are killing most of the quality mature bulls in Washington State, which in counter intuitive to common sense as based upon all things being equal Modern Firearm hunters should harvest a higher percentage of Mature Bulls.

This downward trend of success rates for modern firearm hunters is directly correlated to the following and will continue if not corrected in the coming 3 year package.
1.   The quality of the hunt opportunity with a modern firearm.
2.   Length of general & permit seasons, the actual days able to be in the field hunting with MF.
3.   The total length of time game is pursued by user groups other than modern firearm must be decreased as the pressure is much too intense for such an extended period of time.
4.   Modern Firearm hunters are provided with the least desirable season for greatest possible elk escapement and needs to be addressed allowing higher quality hunting opportunities.















BUCK DEER HUNTING DATA BY USER GROUP 

Total Statewide Combined General/Permit Deer harvest Success Rates

   2005           2006         2007
Modern Firearm    25.1%         23.5%          24%
Archery         24.7%            24.2%                   23%
Muzzleloader       27%         24.4%          20%         


 
2006 Buck Antlered Harvest Summary by DISTRICT




















2007 Buck Antlered Harvest Summary by DISTRICT
















03-07 Mature Whitetail Buck Antlered Harvest Summary (4 points or larger)

















03-07 Mature Mule Deer Buck Antlered Harvest Summary (4 points or larger)
















03-07 Mature Black Tail Buck Antlered Harvest Summary (3 points or larger)













As you can see from the preceding two pages of statistics, the quality of opportunity for the modern firearm Buck Deer hunter to be in the field during the general & permit season for all three species of deer in Washington State is inadequate.  If approximately 80+% of all Buck Deer tag holders choose a modern firearm as a weapon then there should be a much greater opportunity to hunt Buck Deer during general & permit seasons.  These graphs and charts also illustrate the unfairness of the allocation system and formula that WDFW is using. The allocation formula has no correlation to timing of the hunt, length of season by user group, ultimate herd health, population controls or herd buck to doe ratios.  Of all mature bucks to be taken during the hunting season then the modern firearm hunters should have the largest harvest percentage of all bucks, and the highest percentage of mature bucks harvested due to their efficiency and technological advantage along with sheer number of hunters!  This however is not reflected in the preceding pages and graphs by district and state antlered totals!

Why is the archery hunting user group receiving a higher percentage of all Quality Buck Deer hunting opportunities in Washington State and harvesting a higher percentage of Mature Bucks with hunter success rates higher than rifle hunters with a more efficient weapon?  The reason is simple…. the archery user group enjoys the best and longest seasons available to hunt mature buck deer and almost 50% of all available quality Buck Deer Permits awarded to that user group each year by WDFW!   



Summary


In closing, it is my opinion that it is imperative that WDFW restructure the Deer and Elk allocation formula and system for all user groups for the coming 3 year package.  This restructuring should also be specific to quality permit opportunities as well. By using historic data by specific GMU as shown by example in this report a very clear picture will emerge versus using generalities and general harvest statistics state wide.  This increased level of specificity will allow for a more fair & equitable distribution of opportunities by user group and an increased level of efficient herd management.


WDFW & COMMISIONER ACTION ITEMS:

1.   Increase General Season Deer & Elk Opportunities and Days in the Field for MF User Group.
2.   Increase Quality Buck Mule Deer Rut Hunt Opportunities for Modern Firearm User Group.
3.   Increase Quality Bull Elk Rut Hunt opportunities for Modern Firearm User Group.
4.   Increase Percentage of Total Harvest of Buck Deer & Bull Elk for MF User Group.
5.   Increase Hunter Success Rate Percentage for Deer & Elk Modern Firearm User Group.
6.   Decrease  Length of General Seasons for Archery User Group
7.   Decrease Quality Buck Mule Deer Opportunities for Archery user Group.
8.   Decrease Quality Bull Elk Rut hunt Opportunities for Archery User Group.
9.   Increase Quality Elk and Deer Opportunities for Muzzleloader User Group.






Attachment A


2009-2011 Washington Big Game Hunting Season Recommended Changes To Hunting Pamphlet


NEW Quality MF Bull Permits
(In addition to existing bull permits allocated for MF bull permits)


Modern Firearm Bull Permit Hunts- Only modern firearm elk tag holders may apply. (Hunt Choices 2001-2032)

Hunt        Hunt           Hunt Dates   Restrictions   Elk Tag      Boundary   Permits   
Choice        Name

2001Q   Quality Prescott    Sept.22-30      Any Bull.      EF      GMU 149      1
2002Q   Quality Blue Creek   Sept.22-30      Any Bull       EF      GMU 154      1
2003Q   Qlty Watershed    Sept.22-30      Any Bull      EF       GMU 157      1
2004Q   Qlty Dayton    Sept.22-30      Any Bull      EF      GMU 162      2
2005Q   Qlty Tucannon   Sept.22-30      Any Bull      EF      Elk Area 1014   1
2006Q   Qlty Wenaha West   Sept.22-30      Any Bull      EF      Elk Area 1008   2
2007Q   Qlty Wenaha East   Sept.22-30      Any Bull      EF      Elk Area 1009   2
2008Q   Qtly Mountain View   Sept. 22-30   Any Bull      EF      GMU 172      1
2009Q   Qlty Peola      Sept.22-30      Any Bull      EF      GMU 178      1
2010Q   Qlty Couse   Sept.22-30      Any Bull      EF      GMU 181      1
2011Q   Qlty Mission   Sept.22-30      Any Bull      EF      GMU 251      1
2012Q   Qlty Clockum   Sept.22-30      Any Bull      EF      GMU 328,329   1
2014Q   Qlty Teanaway   Sept.22-30      Any Bull      EF      GMU 335      1
2015Q   Qlty Peaches   Sept22-30      Any Bull      EF      GMU 336 only   5
2016Q   Qlty Little Naches   Sept 22-30      Any Bull      EF      GMU 346 only   10
2017Q   Qlty Oservatory   Sept.22-30      Any Bull      EF      GMU 340, 342   5
2018Q   Qlty Goose Prairie   Sept.22-30      Any Bull      EF      GMU 352, 356   5
2019Q   Qlty Bethel   Sept.22-30      Any Bull      EF      GMU 360      2
2020Q   Qlty Rimrock   Sept.22-30      Any Bull      EF      GMU 364      10
2021Q   Qlty Cowiche   Sept.22-30      Any Bull      EF      GMU 368      1
2022Q   Qlty Klickitat Mea   Sept.22-30      Any Bull      EF      Elk Area 3068   1
2024Q   Qlty Green River   Sept. 22-30   3 pnt min      WF      GMU 485      1
2025Q   Qlty Margaret   Sept. 22-30   3 pnt. min      WF      GMU 524, 520   5
2026Q   Qlty Toutle   Sept. 22-30   3 pnt min      WF      GMU 556      10
2027Q   Qlty Clearwater   Sept. 22-30   3 pnt min      WF      GMU 615      2
2028Q   Qlty Matheny   Sept. 22-30   3 pnt min.      WF      GMU 618      2
2029Q   Qlty Olympic   Sept 22-30      3 pnt min.      WF      GMU 621      2
2030Q   Qlty Skokomish   Sept. 22-30   3 pnt. min      WF      GMU 636      1
2031Q   Qlty Wynoochee   Sept. 22-30   3 pnt. min      WF      GMU 648      1
2032Q   Qlty White River   Sept 22-30      3 pnt min.      WF      GMU 653      2
2096Q   Qlty Pennisula   Sept. 22-30   3 pnt min.      WF      GMU 602, 607, 612   10
2097Q   Qlty Quinault   Sept 22-30      3 pnt. Min      WF      GMU 638      1
2098Q   Qlty Cathlamet   Sept 22-30      3 pnt. Min.      WF      GMU 506, 530, 550   10
2099Q   Qlty Packwood   Sept. 22-30   3 pnt. Min      WF      GMU 516, 560   10

TOTAL                            112
NEW Modern Firearm Quality Rut Hunt BULL ELK OPPORTUNITIES

** In preceding years of the 2009-2011 package additional tags should become available to MF user group as opportunities arise in populations of Elk across the state.  In addition, in specific units where Elk are currently hunted but no quality opportunity for MF users exist in this initial recommendation, I suggest that a hunt be instituted as science will allow.      



Not all of this one showed up in my cut and paste job but if you want to look at the graphs that are presented here is the link.

http://washingtonarchery.org/cp/Scripts/ASP/discuss/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=151&FID=1&PR=3

[luvtohnt]

 

Also the Pittman/Roberts act is from all hunting gear, Muzzelloaders and archery equipment are included in that.

Brandon

[NoBark]

The man doesn't understand that resource allocation is SUPPOSED to keep the groups as close to equal as possible in success rates......sheesh.

Here is why.   NO OTHER western state makes you choose a weapon. 

In order to reduce the horrendous opening day crowds in all weapons, the state came up with this R. A. plan.  In order for "primitive weapon" users to 'buy into' the plan, R.A. was developed so that no matter which weapon I choose, I know I have about the same chance of success. 

That to me is extremely fair.  And when it works the 80% crowd will kill 80% of the animals. What the heck more does he want?

[dreamingbig]

As far as I can tell, Chip majored in "How to lie with statistics."  I will respond with my own summary of the harvest stats and opportunities.

It should be noted that he is a lobbyist and works in real estate so he does know how to sell a story.  Problem is that his story isn't true!

[CSOUTFITTERS]

I agree with dreamingbig.  Statistics can be misconstrued in so many ways.    To say

" So as you can see by the data over the past six years is that the Archery group has begun harvesting the majority of Mature Bull Elk & Mature Buck Deer statewide.  In addition, their general season harvest success percentages are equal to or higher in all categories with modern firearm. " 

is absolutely wrong and to believe it is absolutely naive.  Saying or believing the above statement is like saying that WA fish and game uses archery hunters harvests to control wild game populations. 

At any rate I think that the hunting groups should stick together and stop bitching. Instead of fighting one another we should be battling the anti-hunting, tree hugger groups who are trying to take away out hunting privileges.

[popeshawnpaul]

Wow.  I do not agree with Chip at all.  Sounds like he stormed out and didn't take part in the vote.  Good.  If we gave Chip everything he wanted the gun hunters would have long seasons and kill all the deer and elk.  Sounds reasonable huh?

Is this why archery was gutted in the proposals?  He wasn't satisfied with the current proposals?  They kill the archery hunters.  I would think he would be ecstatic.

[bowhuntin]

Yeah, I bet he probably is ecstatic. But if we stick with status quo and resource allocation in reality nothing should change. I think the numbers will be on our side and enough of us are speaking up that all this will be in the end is a proposal and that is it.

If you guys are interested there is a petition form that we could all sign and send to WDFW. Here is the link to it.

http://washingtonarchery.org/cp/Scripts/ASP/discuss/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=152&PID=732#732

[ICEMAN]

Sorry guys, but alot of us rifle hunters like his thought process.  These same types of complaints are what many rifle guys put on their survey. 

[Wea300mag]

Sorry guys, but alot of us rifle hunters like his thought process.  These same types of complaints are what many rifle guys put on their survey. 

+1

[rasbo]

worked out for me okay, rifle and muzzy,archery wise i would still be okay with it.

[tmike]

These same types of complaints are what many rifle guys put on their survey.  Dunno

Sorry if it's been posted but where is the data that came from the surveys we all took? I'd like to see that and compare it to the proposals before I formulate my opinion on all this.

[bowhuntin]

Sorry guys, but alot of us rifle hunters like his thought process.  These same types of complaints are what many rifle guys put on their survey. 

That is okay. You guys have your say and we will have ours.

[ICEMAN]

Yeah, not trying to rub salt in anyones wound. I really think we all need to stick together and look out for each user group. A hard time, when we all are sort of competeing against each other at the same time. I have way way way more respect for other users since joining this site.

[bowhuntin]

These same types of complaints are what many rifle guys put on their survey.  Dunno

Sorry if it's been posted but where is the data that came from the surveys we all took? I'd like to see that and compare it to the proposals before I formulate my opinion on all this.

I think this is what you are looking for tmike

http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/seasonsetting/index.htm