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

[vandeman17]

I would be for the Colorado system. Personally, I am more concerned about the health of our herds then I am about killing big bucks.  If a new system helped the long term prospects of hunting in this state not only for myself but for the next generations, I am all for it. Like was mentioned before, for it to actually work ALL hunting groups would need to adhere to the rules. That, imho, is the biggest obstacle.

[Jimmy33]

I dont like it but i fully support a species tag or east/west tag like rlk


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[Bango skank]

  If a new system helped the long term prospects of hunting in this state not only for myself but for the next generations, I am all for it.

We can improve the hunting in our state by adding opportunity, not limiting it.  Its called effective predator management. 

[boneaddict]

No thanks.   there are a lot of other things to fix before we take that step. 

[kirkl]

Nope, I want to hunt every year. If you want to shoot trophys every year go outta state. There seems to be a few guys on here who shoot nice bucks every year with no state wide hunt with permit only.

[BackCountryJunki]

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.

Couldn't have put it better.
No need for more regulation. We have ample critters to chase. Just so happens they get smarter every year.


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[greenhead_killer]

I'd be game for it. How could you not want to go out and have a healthier, less pressured experience. Sure let them all hunt, but break it up to the three different general seasons and the permit would be fourth season. Put your hunt choice for what season in order and go from there. Run it like they do the permits but only allow so many people per season. I would rather have quality rather than quantity. Even states like co still provide Otc tags for some seasons/species. Also, not sure if already in affect, but allow landowner tags. Sorry if it's going this way, but it's going to get more $$$$. Also allow leftover tags to be sold otc too. Wa could/should be as great a state as the other top ones are but this free for all mindset limits us. Not going to last long term imo

[lewy]

Do you know how much Washington could do for our f&g if even just a bigger chunk of our generated sportsmen's $ went back into what it should!? Let alone all of it! F the crooks in Olympia

[crabcreekhunter]

As for now don't limit the opportunity for everyone I feel I can see the writing on the wall where someday it will have to be permit only but it is not that time, as said above I would like to see a east and west tag for deer like elk, make you decide what you want to hunt but have the special apps where you can buy your west side deer tag but apply for east wa late permits and vice versa.  I know a lot of people won't like that but it's my opinion!

[fish vacuum]

Permits: no
Having to choose an east or west tag: yes

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[ghosthunter]

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.

Couldn't have put it better.
No need for more regulation. We have ample critters to chase. Just so happens they get smarter every year.


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I agree
I honestly think it would adversely effect hunting in this state. We need to retain hunter numbers. There are thousands of hunters that go to the same camp group every year. A permit draw would kill the established camps.
I put a lot of time into a good camp each year for elk and deer. A four day hunt wouldn't be worth the effort.
The state is already having trouble getting all the seasons in now and making the groups happy. Adding three more? I doubt it.
Also family hunting is a huge draw. That would be gone.

I hunted elk in the Nile black powder , never saw another hunter in the woods.
I hunted a popular mule deer area. Saw maybe three or four other hunters in the woods and still killed a four point. I could care less about trophies. I would shoot a spike if I could.
We have a lot of hunters but ,I bet less than half are serious hunters. They go a weekend or two that's it.
I just don't see the pressure everyone complains about.

Not for a permit only system.

[Ingwe]

I am a blacktail hunter but have several friends who hunt mule deer in eastern Washington. It has been a family tradition to hunt and camp for several days every year. Going to permit would probably make many of them give up hunting, especially the older guys. Bad idea because of traditions.

[vandeman17]

  If a new system helped the long term prospects of hunting in this state not only for myself but for the next generations, I am all for it.

We can improve the hunting in our state by adding opportunity, not limiting it.  Its called effective predator management.

I am fine with that too.  Like I said, anything that helps the long term health of the mule deer herds I am all for. Since bringing back more predator hunting options doesn't seem to be on the horizon, exploring other options isn't a bad idea.

[WildlifeAssassin]

I enjoy hunting all 3 species almost every year. I do not support limiting opportunity or increasing the permits and cost of hunting. We already have late archery and special permits for those who are interested in "quality" mulie hunts. The mule deer herds are doing just fine as it is. The 2015 season showed just how many mature bucks are out there already, we don't have the same genetics as Colorado or Idaho, we never will. Making the system more complicated and restrictive is not the answer.

[WAPatriot]

First of all I think last year more trophy mulies hit the dirt than I have seen ever. Limit opportunity this sounds anti hunting. Let's focus on non anti hunting proposals that improve hunting like predator management or tribal management.