Next three year season setting process, we need a change.

[Mallardmasher]

This is the time to contact all the commissioners and WDFW, and request a change for the next three years of ML seasons.
My request was as follows:


Dear (name of recipients)

I would like to ask the WDFW and Commission, to consider moving the start of early Muzzle Loading Elk season statewide. To start the Saturday closest to Oct 1st, and run 9 consecutive days. This would accomplish a few things and avoid conflicts as listed below.
     1.  It would give ML elk hunters two weekends to enjoy their passion, like both other user groups.
     2.  It would put 5 weekdays between the end of ML elk season and the start of general deer season.
          - Currently ML elk season has to end on a Friday, to accommodate the start of general Deer season the following Saturday. Resulting in just one weekend and only 7 days of elk hunting for early ML elk season.
     3. Days afield could be shifted from late season to early season, so our total number of days afield remain in the states framework. This would only be a two day shift.

Thank you for your time and consideration in the upcoming season setting process.
Sincerely,
(Name here)

 
We can make a difference, if we make some noise, or we can settle for status quo. Archers are very vocal and represented at the meetings, and get seasons reflecting their desires. Let's make things happen. You can copy and paste my letter or make your own, but please, we need to do something,
Also copy and paste this on all ML forums you visit, I am only a member here.
Thanks,
Matt

[cem3434]

 It would be great to see the smokepole season get extended.

[Mallardmasher]

Yes it would, and it makes since, feel free to send to the ones that set the seasons. Or we will get what we have.

[SuperX]

I thought the seasons were set based on hunter effectiveness as well as other factors?  you muzzy hunters are just too good! 

[winshooter88]

A large part of the season setting process is based on success parity between the different user groups. There may be some minor changes to seasons, this was discussed at the last GMAC meeting earlier this month. more will be known when the new rules show up later this year.

[Mallardmasher]

Not asking for more days afield, just shifting two from the late season to the early season, success should not change much if any. Give give family's and kids more time afield. Without missing school and sports. The overall frame work would remain the same.

[brutus1]

I  like  what you are  saying now print out a bunch of copies and give it to every  muzzleloader  person  you know send have them send one in with  their name and phone number. ..

[Mallardmasher]

I have, and have received correspondence from both the commission and WDFW.
But I only know a handful of ML hunters, so feel free to copy and paste mine and send with your details. And everyone pass out to all their friends. Numbers matter.

[brutus1]

Will do...I  like that your a wire man also

[boneill]

Great idea. Can't score if you don't shoot. Any recommendations on who to specifically send it to? Would you think just to the regional office of where you hunt, or to a specific person? I have one printed off and signed, just not sure who the best person to get it to would be. Thanks for getting this rolling.

[winshooter88]

Send it to the Washington state Wildlife Commission and to Anis Auode (not sure of spelling), the head of the wildlife division at least, and anyone else you can think of.

[boneill]

Send it to the Washington state Wildlife Commission and to Anis Auode (not sure of spelling), the head of the wildlife division at least, and anyone else you can think of.

Done!

[Mallardmasher]

If someone is a member on Ifish, copy and paste the letter there and ask for people to send it in, they seem to be big on bombarding the department on that forum,
Thank,
Matt

[floatinghat]

Let me give you this twist.  More days in the field increases the number of animals harvested. Higher harvest makes it look easier.   Many people like it easy, whether easy girls, guys ( not that there is anything wrong with that), or any easy freezer full of elk.  People who like everything easy tend to be slobs, why because they aren't willing to work hard or challenge themselves.  They now think muzzy is the golden ticket and buy a muzzy. 

If it's a longer season you want why not just nail the dates make it 8 days.  Say Oct 3rd every year Monday or a Sunday whatever day of the week it doesn't mater some years two weekend days some 3 weekend days?   

I would be more infavor of opening some addtional units during early and late season than extending the early season.  Perhaps have some unit open during early that are not open to archery so the critters are undisturbed.  The units that only have an elk or 2 taken every year shouldn't really count as opportunity (407,448,624,633,663).   

Maybe a little of a rant but it's called hunting and should have some challenge. I would have no issue for extended dates for disabled vets.


[Mallardmasher]

It is not extending the season, if you take two days from late season, that ends Typically mid week, and move them to early season, So you can have two weekends to hunt with your families and youth. And how does spending two extra days early season afield with my daughter, make it not hunting.