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

[kellama2001]

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!!

    Agree 100%

[Rainier10]

Great question that has generated a great deal of comments with a variety of reasons to not go to permit only.

I agree with so many of them that I can't quote them all but basically I agree with the majority on this thread that there is no need at this time to go to permit only.

[trophyhunt]

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.

also agree, well said. 

[Gringo31]

I think our "pubic comments" or concern regarding WDFW should be actual management structure first, details second.  We have the wrong people in charge.  I'll go further and say our current commissioner is proving to be a very large disappointment. 

IF we focus on putting the right people driving the bus, many of these details will be sorted out on their own.  Predators, enforcement of laws, balance between enforcement and admin (as far as $$$ drain) are a few examples.   

[baldopepper]

Utah has had the permit system for several years now.  I have most of my family there and , if I draw, I go down every year.  Honestly think there's good and bad to it.  Biggest problem is that it does break up family/friends hunting traditions.  Seems about half our group doesn't draw out on a yearly basis and while some still go just to get out, most just skip the hunt.  That, for us, is the biggest problem.  It has cut down on hunter density and has stopped the huge 2nd weekend migration to closer in areas.  (groups would go out for the opening weekend and if they didn't get anything they'd stay closer to home for the 2nd weekend causing very heavy pressure on those areas). Game managers claim it better enables them to manage herds and makes it easier for enforcement.  I suspect there's some validity to that.  It also seems to weed out those hunters that want to make a last minute decision to go and seems more avid hunters are out.  Split seasons, I'm just not sure about.  Most areas in Utah start with the archery hunt in August and end with the rifle hunt in late October-seems like enough pressure on the animals to me.  I saw the results years ago of the late hunts (December and even into January) and they were devastating to the herds-not just the animals killed but the pressure on already winter traumatized animals.  I'll bet Washington goes to the permit system eventually. 

[Bill W]

Here's my idea to reduce overcrowding when hunting.   Don't hunt where the crowds are hunting.

We used to hunt an area where sometimes lots of hunters showed up.   Some even camped in the prime areas.   What we'd do is get up earlier than them on opening morning, sneak out to the far edge of the hunting area and then let the hunters get up when hunters are supposed to get up and drive the deer to us.

I call this "thinking outside the box".

All a person has to do is hunt 10% harder than the rest to do good.   Look at maps and try to figure out where the deer will be driven to and hunt those areas.

[jkthomps]

Tagging in

[jstone]

Ya i dont agree either. Why does it always have to be we have to give up on stuff and change. There are lots of things that need to be fixed that could make things better. I also thought that there are less hunters than there used to be? I am willing to give up on the Multi season before anything else. That seams to put more people out there that normally would not be out there? Archery and Muzzy seasons?. Correct??

[jackelope]

I guess a couple things to clarify from my end.
I never thought about the point where groups and big camps of guys would get split up. I agree, that's no good.
I don't have a problem getting away from crowds. Like I said earlier, I didn't see another soul out in the woods last year while I was hunting. I like to hike, I try and backpack in somewhere for at least a few days every year.
I'm not asking these things for my benefit. I'm more thinking along the lines of improving hunting experiences for everyone in this state. If nothing else, I was trying to get some thoughts rolling. I agree that if there is an overcrowding issue, then go somewhere else...but what happens when that "somewhere else" gets overcrowded??
If nothing else, I think at least some changes need to happen in Washington if we're going to have any sort of quality hunting in the future. The free for all it is now is not going to do anything to maintain deer herds for my kids and their kids, and that's what we should be working towards. Just my thoughts. If you guys are ok with hunting for a week In a sea of orange and 1 out of 4 of you in your camp kill a young 3 point, then I'll back down and not say another word, but I don't want to hear you complaining if or when it comes to that.

[Gringo31]

It's pretty clear to me you are all wrong 




You fools keep thinking this is about the deer.   



This IS about the money.



Just let multi season tags sink into your heads.  It does the opposite of what you are all talking about.  Adds people, adds pressure, adds harvest.   

[jackelope]

It's pretty clear to me you are all wrong 




You fools keep thinking this is about the deer.   



This IS about the money.



Just let multi season tags sink into your heads.  It does the opposite of what you are all talking about.  Adds people, adds pressure, adds harvest.   

Wow. Fools? Didn't mean to start a name calling thread.
I agree re: the multi season permits. Maybe we should push to get rid of them.
I'm just trying to figure out where the hunters of Washington state stand.

[Gringo31]

I was totally just playing...


I too am a fool.  I keep thinking WDFW has the same interests that I do in managing our fish and game.  I find myself hopeful only to then be disappointed......over and over and over again.  Yep, a fool indeed. 

But, back on track of this topic, why not remove mule deer from multi-season permit holders?   

[jackelope]

I was totally just playing...


I too am a fool.  I keep thinking WDFW has the same interests that I do in managing our fish and game.  I find myself hopeful only to then be disappointed......over and over and over again.  Yep, a fool indeed. 

But, back on track of this topic, why not remove mule deer from multi-season permit holders?   

Ok. I think we're on the same page then.

[rtspring]

Be careful what you wish for! I know for me I didnt invest 20k dollars to MAYBE draw a tag and go hunting!!!

I invested to go every year!


Here is a problem that never gets addressed!  Since when do you have to go out and shoot a 200" inch muley?  You dont but everyone seems to want to change rules just so they can go shoot bigger and bigger and bigger deer!   Its getting to the point where I just dont care to hear a score anymore!  If we keep going the way were headed, hunting will only be a rich mans game. 

What a disgrace.  No way will I ever agree to a draw only hunting. 

[Gringo31]

Just a tid bit to add...


About 1/3 of all the deer harvested in Washington state every year come from the NE corner.