Self Control or State Control

[bobcat]

Actually don't the laws already on the books apply to shed hunting where people are pushing animals around on winter range and stressing them out? Isn't that called "wildlife harassment?"  I believe there's already a law against that.

Wonder why they don't enforce it  

Oh...I bet I know, the WDFW Law Enforcement officers are probably too busy going after steelhead/salmon fishermen this time of year.   

[509er]

There you go Duck.

[turkey slayer]

TALK TO GAME WARDEN OUT OF GRANT CO. LAST FRUDAY AND HE SAID IT IS  ENFORCED, AND THAT THEY ARE THINKING OF CLOSING 2 AREA SOUTH OF I-90 BUT HE DIDN'T KNOW WHEN THAT WAS GOING TO BE APROVED.AND IT IS WILDLIFE HARASSMENT

[Gobble Gobble]

I started a thread a week or so ago asking about snow levels in the Dayton area as I wanted to do some hiking with my wife for the day (alone time) while the baby was with grandparents. I mentioned shed hunting as well and the  hit the fan. I was told to stay away as my presents in the mountains would pressure the already over pressured animals, that I should just find a park at home to walk around and not think of sheds or the mountains till at least May. Some were cool and suggested I go to a particular area where a lot of day hikers like to go.

Until I started deer hunting I always thought there was a shed season and it was illegal to pick up a shed outside the season. Now that I know the rules and know there isn't one I would have picked up a shed or two in the past.

My  on this topic is this... Yes, there should be a season but if I want to go spend the day in the mountains enjoying Gods country I will no matter what time of year it is. Yes, there are bad apples who chase the animals and cause problems but I'm not one of them. If I see an animal I'll enjoy it from where I spot it but to tell me just stay away altogether,  on you. I personally feel its those people who want sheds for themselves. I have only picked up one 2 pt shed and I found that this year while stalking a group of deer up a draw I wish to never have to clime again.

To prevent motorized vehicles from causing problems signs need to be put up. Sure some will ignore them like some do with closed gates. I like to block the road with logs and rocks so they have to work to get themselves back out of an area they shouldn't have been driving in to begin with. I did it to some Natives on a closed road once, it was fun.

[groundhog]

A shed season is not the answer. Just ask Utah. You can't discriminate against one user. You can't say shed hunters stress wildlife but photographers, rock hounds, bird watchers, Four wheelers and Snowmobile riders don't. The big game doesn't know or care what you are doing on the mountain. If it is a critical wintering area that is seeing too much use and animals are getting too much stress than it needs to be closed to ALL access.
A shed season could actually end up putting more stress on wildlife. The shed hunters would still go but they would stash sheds or kick them into a bush and then come back and get them once the season is open. In effect putting twice as much pressure on the area. This is what happened in Utah. Who me? No I am just lookin for rocks and taken pictures of the scenery. A shed season will not benefit wildlife. If there is a problem than the area needs to be closed to all access!

[6x6in6]

A shed season is not the answer. Just ask Utah. You can't discriminate against one user. You can't say shed hunters stress wildlife but photographers, rock hounds, bird watchers, Four wheelers and Snowmobile riders don't. The big game doesn't know or care what you are doing on the mountain. If it is a critical wintering area that is seeing too much use and animals are getting too much stress than it needs to be closed to ALL access.
A shed season could actually end up putting more stress on wildlife. The shed hunters would still go but they would stash sheds or kick them into a bush and then come back and get them once the season is open. In effect putting twice as much pressure on the area. This is what happened in Utah. Who me? No I am just lookin for rocks and taken pictures of the scenery. A shed season will not benefit wildlife. If there is a problem than the area needs to be closed to all access!

Yup.
Once again, it boils down to access.
Close off all the areas heavily used by our wintering game to all access and increase the buffer around said areas to insure a lack of disturbance.  The areas that see less activity at least motorized vehicle access would help immensely.
Easier I would think to enforce an access rule vs. an I'm looking for pretty rocks and plants walk in the park.

[bowtech721]

Wow... i didnt know that that many people actually go specifically shed hunting to cause such a big problem... Is there really much $$$ to be made from selling them???

[bow4elk]

For many, it is about $$, but for me and I'm sure countless others, it's about the fascination with antlers and the thrill of finding them.  The first 5 minutes with a fresh antler is pretty cool.  Your mind wanders and you look around and take in the moment where that buck/bull stood.  It's crazy and may be strange to some but I don't care...and it's a great way to get your kids outside doing something fun.

[509er]

 

I would never sell any of mine.  bow4elk pretty much summed it up.

[elkaholic]

Great restraint and hope many newbies who read the threads will follow suit.