Washington State Mule Deer Hunting Future (poll)

[huntnphool]

 I thought I'd throw this up before the 2017 general season begins, so those that still don't see a problem can vote now and see if they change their minds by the end of the year.

 There are those that couldn't care less what the herds look like, their only concern is being able to purchase a tag every single year and hunting. Then there are those that see the clear picture and understand the only way things are going to improve are with restrictions and pred control.

 The poll is set up so you may change your vote later.

 What say you?

[vandeman17]

I voted yes. Unless there is a clear and determined change in predator control, along with other factors, the mule deer herd is going to continue to decline. I am game for whatever it takes to ensure the health of the herd in the long run

[Stein]

If it takes that to help bump the herd back to objectives then I vote yes.

[idahohuntr]

I would definitely favor greater harvest restrictions on mule deer...hunter harvest is a big factor in the GMU's I hunt.  In fact if it weren't for existing 3pt restrictions - I don't think a single buck would survive! 

[bigmacc]

A big yes from me phool, you know my feelings, if I could vote a "thousand" yes, s I would

[superdown]

I voted yes and will stick with that vote.I hunt an area that is a mix of whitetail and mule deer the quality and quantity of mule deer has gone down drastically since i started going to the area in 1992 and started hunting it in 1995.Would i like to be able to buy a tag and hunt every year of course but i would like to see recovery much more.I feel that white tail should be any deer and otc and mule deer should be draw.

[swanny]

I'm not sure what the herd "used" to be necessarily. I can say that after just coming back from Montana, they have some HUGE mule deer over there.

I'm not opposed to a every other year situation across species. In my idea you could hunt mule deer one year and elk the next, eliminating the need (I'd hope) for having to choose what side of the state you hunt for elk.

[huntnphool]

 Several people that voted "yes" giving reasons why they vote that way, can we hear some of the reasons why some of you that voted "no"? I'm sure your reasons are as valid from your standpoint as anyone else's, let's hear them.

[huntnphool]

I'm not sure what the herd "used" to be necessarily. I can say that after just coming back from Montana, they have some HUGE mule deer over there.

I'm not opposed to a every other year situation across species. In my idea you could hunt mule deer one year and elk the next, eliminating the need (I'd hope) for having to choose what side of the state you hunt for elk.

 Remember this discussion?

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,86231.msg1080089.html#msg1080089

[boneaddict]

Let me say, I have been against this since day one. Mostly because I didn’t want to sit out a season waiting to be drawn, but I have completely flipped.  Our herd is in horrible shape.  I can’t eloquently express how bad they are.  If we don’t do something soon, they are done.   No doe tags, no late hunts for a couple years. Shut down units, something has to be done.

[runamuk]

I don't support every other year or draw only I do support pick a side like elk. And I support specific area closures.  I also support increasing east side bear tags to 2 and upping the cougar quotas by quadrupule.

[Special T]

I haven't voted because I don't think it matters.

I'm pretty sure if you make it draw only for mule deer the wolves and cats will eat what ever number you think your going to save.

A bandaid on a pumping artery isn't going to change much.

[180-GRAIN]

I like Oregons system. Draw only for hunting mule deer. Set an amount of tags to be issued off population surveys. There are enough whitetail and blacktail hunting opportunities in this state to support everyone that does not draw. Just my 

[hunter399]

I do like over the counter tags,so no to draw,new system, But I would say yes to more restrictions on mule deer,like a 4pt min just on this site alone ,i see a lot if 3x2 that get harvested that could be nice deer if let live another year.No doe harvest at all for the whole state.That's youth,disabled,draw,doesn't matter no mule deer doe at all ,just plain illegal to shoot mule deer doe,with restrictions like these it might take a few years but herds would recover .

[jnordwell]

How about stopping the Indians from killing year round. That would help.  When I was kid they couldn’t or didn’t kill to fill orders for people. In Trout lake you can get them to kill you a deer for 100$ and a elk for 250$ or there about until this changes nothing will help. We limit our rights and they continue to do what they want.
Side note like the gill netting in the Columbia. That was gonna stop but yet they still do it. The sport guys need to change but not the gill net crew.. (non Indian)