Just received this e mail from WDF&W. There will be no changes as far as antler restrictions in unit 660 Minot Peak.
"Attention GMU 660 (Minot Peak) Deer Hunters,
Following extensive public input, WDFW is not recommending any major changes to the deer seasons in GMU 660 (Minot Peak) for the 2018-2020 seasons.
Sportsmen met with HQ and Regional staff on October 2nd, for a public meeting and focus group in Elma. Approximately 45-50 members of the public attended in addition to state representatives Brian Blake, rep. Jim Walsh, and WDFW commissioner Baker. After a review of 3 year package proposals, the group focused on the topic of deer management in GMU 660. Primary topics covered the relative values and local interest for managing the GMU to produce more mature and heavy antlered bucks (e.g. trophy). Attendees were generally opposed to making changes to the GMU 660 and provided a wide-range of concerns specific to the local community.
This meeting culminated an in-depth process that included: 1) Preliminary survey of hunters at the Puyallup Sportsmen Show. 2) Direct mail questionnaire sent to over 350 deer hunters who identified GMU 660 as their primary hunting area in 2016. 3) An online comment period for hunters throughout the state as part of the 3 year package process.
A majority of GMU 660 deer hunters who answered the direct mail questionnaire (56%) believe their chances to harvest a trophy black-tail are ‘poor’ or ‘very poor”. However, these same hunters appeared to be more opposed than supportive of making changes to the GMU 660 deer seasons (44% opposed, 27% supported and 28% “maybe”) that could improve the number of 4 pt or better bucks harvested in the unit.
Approximately 37% of statewide hunters who responded to the online survey question about deer hunting in Minot Peak preferred the “No change” option. About 58% of respondents to the online survey selected one of the 5 options available for changing the season. However, none of those individual options received more support than the “No Change” option (see questions and response summary attached).
Thanks to all those individuals who responded to the surveys or attended the meeting."
