Washington Mule deer hunting by permit only...???

[Branden]

I feel if you made it draw for all deer species you could still hunt every year. Do it so if you applied for what is the normal general season then you get a tag for sure. If you apply for what is now a permit hunt then you might not get a tag. That way people that want to hunt can hunt, and people that want a better chance at a mature buck can hunt more. Less competition for draw tags and less crowding during general season.

Washington can be as good or better then Colorado I believe since there are the three deer species. Some guys will want to hunt close to home, some guys will want to travel and kill a mule deer or whitetail. Just limiting it to species specific would be a huge start compared to what is in place right now.

Regards, Branden

[huntnphool]

I feel if you made it draw for all deer species you could still hunt every year. Do it so if you applied for what is the normal general season then you get a tag for sure. If you apply for what is now a permit hunt then you might not get a tag. That way people that want to hunt can hunt, and people that want a better chance at a mature buck can hunt more. Less competition for draw tags and less crowding during general season.

 It's already like that for a lot of guys, self imposed anyway. For a lot, if they don't draw a permit, they don't hunt here, they go out of state.

[Bango skank]

as a means to reduce overcrowded hunting areas and improve the quality of the hunt. Maybe permits and a couple seasons to spread hunters out.

There are lots of good mule deer areas that recieve very little pressure.  If somebody is hunting a crowded area and doesnt like it, he should make an effort to find a better spot, rather than expect lots of people to go without tags

[jrebel]

Not in favor at all. 

[jackelope]

Horrible idea!

Why??!

[jackelope]

as a means to reduce overcrowded hunting areas and improve the quality of the hunt. Maybe permits and a couple seasons to spread hunters out.

There are lots of good mule deer areas that recieve very little pressure.  If somebody is hunting a crowded area and doesnt like it, he should make an effort to find a better spot, rather than expect lots of people to go without tags

Not necessarily saying anyone go without tags. Maybe everyone gets tags split up throughout 3 shorter seasons. Just throwing it out there. It's the off season. I know there's going to be folks who think it's a great idea and folks who think it's a horrible idea.
Personally I didn't see another soul where I was last year. 2 different areas of the state.

[jackelope]

as a means to reduce overcrowded hunting areas and improve the quality of the hunt. Maybe permits and a couple seasons to spread hunters out.

There are lots of good mule deer areas that recieve very little pressure.  If somebody is hunting a crowded area and doesnt like it, he should make an effort to find a better spot, rather than expect lots of people to go without tags

Depends what's your idea of good mule deer areas. Lots of deer? I could kill legal mule deer every year.

[Bango skank]

Yeah, so the most common knowledge spots are overcrowded.  Thats no reason to regulate the whole state.  Guys who dont care enough to find better hunting grounds can deal with the pumpkin patch.  Effort = reward

[jackelope]

Thanks for the input.

[bobcat]

There needs to be some kind of change to decrease the hunting pressure. We can't just continue on forever with the non-management we have now. I'd support just about anything that would do that. Pick your species, pick east or west, can only buy a deer tag every other year, regional quota, draw only, etc.

I have to believe mule deer are going to receive more and more hunting pressure every year as timber company land here on the west side of the state continues to be  shut down to the general public. Myself and many others will begin to go east to where the majority of our public land is located.

So the state will eventually need to control the number of hunters. As it is now the state has absolutely no control over how many people hunt mule deer, or in which unit they hunt. It would be nice if they'd do something about it before it becomes a major crisis.

[Bango skank]

as a means to reduce overcrowded hunting areas and improve the quality of the hunt. Maybe permits and a couple seasons to spread hunters out.

There are lots of good mule deer areas that recieve very little pressure.  If somebody is hunting a crowded area and doesnt like it, he should make an effort to find a better spot, rather than expect lots of people to go without tags

Depends what's your idea of good mule deer areas. Lots of deer? I could kill legal mule deer every year.

Low hunter density, good opportunity at success, and reasonable opportunity at taking a good mature buck, if youre willing to pass on the little guys

[3nails]

 I'd be interested to see everyones opinion after the next hunting season. We just came off of a tremendous year with some dandy bucks taken due in part to a lot of the migrating herd already down. Hunters feel pretty good about things right now. I believe next season is going to be VASTLY different. The snow pack is good so there should be feed up high all summer. There are fewer mature bucks due to this years success and if you spread them out over the whole normal range they are going to be hard to find. Time will tell.

[PolarBear]

Make it 4 pt or better as well.

[Kazekurt]

Several of the answers posted sum up my thoughts.  First and foremost hunting is an experience and I just don't see the advantage of sitting out seasons.  When permits get involved, many traditions and group hunts suffer because not everyone draws and to me that and substansnce are the root of hunting.  Secondly, I'm not sure the system is broken.  I hunt almost entirely OTC on public land and have filled my tag 22 out of 24 years and I usually only shoot 4pt or better.  We already have like 5 seasons they just involve different weapons and their are numerous permit opportunities for those who want that plus multi tags.  If you scout and are flexible on hunt days you can almost always find areas to hunt with limited crowding; especially if you're willing to get off the beaten path. 

[jrebel]

Several of the answers posted sum up my thoughts.  First and foremost hunting is an experience and I just don't see the advantage of sitting out seasons.  When permits get involved, many traditions and group hunts suffer because not everyone draws and to me that and substansnce are the root of hunting.  Secondly, I'm not sure the system is broken.  I hunt almost entirely OTC on public land and have filled my tag 22 out of 24 years and I usually only shoot 4pt or better.  We already have like 5 seasons they just involve different weapons and their are numerous permit opportunities for those who want that plus multi tags.  If you scout and are flexible on hunt days you can almost always find areas to hunt with limited crowding; especially if you're willing to get off the beaten path.

 

Well said!!