Purpose of true spike units?

[Hot Lunch]

I spent a couple days afield this year in Wa for elk and some friends gave me a heads up about knowing the difference between a true spike and spike depending on what unit I was hunting.

I under the law, but have no idea what the purpose is? Anyone know why WA has true spike regulations in some units?

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Because its a screwed up state political wise.....

[coachcw]

In a nutshell 70 % of spies are true spikes. That would eliminate 30 % from harvest exception from data is about 50 % of them will get shot any way so in the  long run it saves about ten elk from being shot if you look at a unit like 38 where 15 to 20 true spikes a year are harvested . Pretty much complete crap . Limiting the number of branched bull permits is the single best way to grow big bulls .

[nwwanderer]

To increase the number of branch antlered bulls, someone told them that would be a good idea.  Generally I agree.  Not that simple though.  Long before the spike only rules it was possible to see more than a hundred calves with a hundred cows, twinning was pretty common.  Not that those numbers are normal, I have only seen it a couple of times in more than 40 years watching, none in the last 15 or 20 years.  Cats were hound hunted, bears were taken in higher numbers and wolves were rare at best.  This last weekend I watched at least eight branch antlered bulls and saw a total of five antlerless, three cows and two calves.  One of the local elk watchers claimed 40 or 50 branch antlered bulls are wintering close by.  I would not be surprised.  His total cow count was about 20.  The branch antler kill is by draw or big money only.  Cow permits still exist by draw in this area.

[Boss .300 winmag]

To drive spike hunters crazy seeing all those big Bulls while chasing spikes around the hills.   

[hughjorgan]

The yakamas complained about not having enough branch antler Bulls to shoot and show off at the local sports men's shows...

 

[PlateauNDN]

 

[DOUBLELUNG]

In theory, to increase yearling bull escapement and increase numbers of branched antler bulls while maintaining OTC license sales. 

[cooltimber]

doublelung
                    Ive thought that for yr's.Thats why i don't hunt in those areas.escapement is paramount.They need more breeding bulls. 

[boneaddict]

It would be lovely to see the harvest statistics from the Yakamas.   Oh ya, there aren't any.   So you either have to have big money, aka.... gov tag money, be really really lucky, or be enrolled.  I think thats 1/8 now, or is it 1/16?  In other words, it's what doublelung said, but really just turned the area into a tribal bonanza. Lol

[Hot Lunch]

Excellent point Bone and thanks for shedding some light on this for me DOUBLELUNG. During the big game meetings does this issue ever get brought up that we are essentially creating extra opportunities for our co-managers??

[HUNTaHOLIC5]

I thinks it's 1/4 bone.

[PlateauNDN]

It is a good point and a valid one. Honestly, why not make it 3 pt minimum or eliminate the true spike. I hike to where I want bulls so I'm good. Also, blood quantum is still 1/4 for us Yakama though I imagine it's reducing for some of the Westside tribes, such as the Mucks and Puyallups.

Or how about less roads? Eliminate the spur roads/side roads and keep the main roads for more escapement?

[boneaddict]

I heard two were shot on the highway outside of Naches this morning, so not sure the elimination of roads is the answer, though it does slow it down some this time of year.  Right now its wanton slaughter on the winter range.   Not impressed.   At least the colvilles and the mucks know enough to pull the plug on Dec 31st.


Ya Plat, that Muck I sent you a pic of hunting looked lighter than me. LOL

[coachcw]

Tag system period.if the yaks got  one tag  that was open year round I'd be OK with it . Take the one you want and be done . No reason a deer and elk per adult wouldn't be enough for a familly. Heck throw a wild horse in too.