Should ALL general season Elk hunts be canceled in favor of permit only hunting?

[KFhunter]

Some members expressed interest in discussion about Washington going to a draw only Elk state like Utah. 


discuss, keep civil.

[WAPatriot]

Can f no be an option

[trophyhunt]

Can f no be an option

Thats exactly what I was thinking, and if this was Facebook I'd spell it out!

[lord grizzly]

this will be a pretty stark example of how un informed most hunters are about management and specifically management for quality hunting experiences. if you want to save time I can let you know now what the poll results will be.

[KFhunter]

this will be a pretty stark example of how un informed most hunters are about management and specifically management for quality hunting experiences. if you want to save time I can let you know now what the poll results will be.

I'd rather see intelligent reasoned responses of why and how it should be changed (or not)

[Curly]

It probably should be permit only at least for say a 3 year period if the Yakama Indians will adhere to some realistic seasons and limits.  Give it a try for a 3 year period and see how it goes.

If the Indians don't want to change, then maybe it's time to do away with spike only for the rest of us.

[KFhunter]

It probably should be permit only at least for say a 3 year period if the Yakama Indians will adhere to some realistic seasons and limits.  Give it a try for a 3 year period and see how it goes.

If the Indians don't want to change, then maybe it's time to do away with spike only for the rest of us.

Art of the deal...

If they won't come to the table or self regulate then I'm in favor of an any Elk general season in areas such as this.  Yes, the herd will be shot to oblivion but it will rebound and we can get on with a better and more cooperative system.  There's no incentive for Yakima's (or other tribes) to come to the table for negotiations, making it permit only will just reward that behavior and punish US for being good stewards.

[lord grizzly]

why would the herd rebound with a free for all season? all that will happen is there will be no season after the elk populations cant sustain hunting. no ones willing to give anything for what they say they care so much about. telling

[kentrek]

Can f no be an option

Thats exactly what I was thinking, and if this was Facebook I'd spell it out!

  ifor you can't kill elk now,making everything a special permit sure isn't going to help

[KFhunter]

why would the herd rebound with a free for all season? all that will happen is there will be no season after the elk populations cant sustain hunting. no ones willing to give anything for what they say they care so much about. telling

My theory is a free for all season would bring the tribes to the table, a deal could then be struck, a reasonable management system could be put in place, then the Elk could rebound and we'd have cooperation with the tribes in managing it.  It's a long term solution. 

[Skillet]

I don't think elk hunting should go permit only.  My primary reason is that what I define as a quality experience is simply the opportunity to get out in the woods and hunt every year.  I don't much care about the size of any bull's rack, as long as it's legal (I don't even play the permit game anymore).

Going permit only will likely disincentivize many hunters like myself from buying licenses at all.  I'd just go over the counter in Idaho and spend my money there. I think the wdfw knows that, and will not take the chance on cutting of the revenue stream.  Instead, I believe they will continue to reduce days in the field to match the harvestable numbers of elk. 

My perspective has nothing to do with the health of the herds, increasing the size of the racks, or the meaning of "quality experience" to other people. It is just my selfish desire to be able to hunt elk every year in my home state. 

[lord grizzly]

My perspective has nothing to do with the health of the herds, increasing the size of the racks, or the meaning of "quality experience" to other people. It is just my selfish desire to be able to hunt elk every year in my home state.

why it will never get better for you guys. I just hope after this round of new regs over here Idaho jacks the out of state prices way up. there's already an increase coming for next year I believe. you guys will get just what your asking for I promise

[KFhunter]

I don't think elk hunting should go permit only.  My primary reason is that what I define as a quality experience is simply the opportunity to get out in the woods and hunt every year.  I don't much care about the size of any bull's rack, as long as it's legal (I don't even play the permit game anymore).

Going permit only will likely disincentivize many hunters like myself from buying licenses at all.  I'd just go over the counter in Idaho and spend my money there. I think the wdfw knows that, and will not take the chance on cutting of the revenue stream.  Instead, I believe they will continue to reduce days in the field to match the harvestable numbers of elk. 

My perspective has nothing to do with the health of the herds, increasing the size of the racks, or the meaning of "quality experience" to other people. It is just my selfish desire to be able to hunt elk every year in my home state.

I understand that and feel the same way, but the success rates are abysmal.  I feel that the abysmal success rates are driving away hunters too.  Also; there's nothing on the table to incentivize the tribes to cooperate in a reasonable Elk harvest.

[Skyvalhunter]

  I agree with that also like AZ practices where some areas are permit only where they actually have Quality hunting areas. Probably more $ is the result of Wa current system for now but at the current rate that won't remain.

[Skillet]

I don't think elk hunting should go permit only.  My primary reason is that what I define as a quality experience is simply the opportunity to get out in the woods and hunt every year.  I don't much care about the size of any bull's rack, as long as it's legal (I don't even play the permit game anymore).

Going permit only will likely disincentivize many hunters like myself from buying licenses at all.  I'd just go over the counter in Idaho and spend my money there. I think the wdfw knows that, and will not take the chance on cutting of the revenue stream.  Instead, I believe they will continue to reduce days in the field to match the harvestable numbers of elk. 

My perspective has nothing to do with the health of the herds, increasing the size of the racks, or the meaning of "quality experience" to other people. It is just my selfish desire to be able to hunt elk every year in my home state.

I understand that and feel the same way, but the success rates are abysmal.  I feel that the abysmal success rates are driving away hunters too.  Also; there's nothing on the table to incentivize the tribes to cooperate in a reasonable Elk harvest.

Those are good points KF.  I don't expect my take on it to be popular here, and that's ok.