WDFW - Trying to discourage attendance?

[billythekidrock]

Because we’re “on the bubble” in terms of the biological justification for reducing bear harvest,

If that is really the case why not cut back the spring bear tags? That would make more sense in my opinion.

BTKR and Yelp are you guys going to come to the meeting.

Brandon

I think spring is probably not the place to be cutting tags in most areas. IF this is a population issue I think the second tag should go first then cut the season back from elk and deer. Eliminate the incidental kills.

[billythekidrock]

Yes, maybe I am reading it wrong, but I am concerned that if we don't show how important public land is to us that we will be ran off of it next year. I am also concerned that these F&W bios don't want the Commission to see how passionate we are and how wrong they are.

In the original Proposal F&W stated that “Those data suggest bear populations are
stable to slightly declining (in a few BBMUs).”BUT  “The justification for this change is to reduce conflict with other recreational users on public lands during the summer while still allowing bears to be harvested for damage reasons”

Weeks ago Machias made a post about how they did this verything in the past and reverted to the population issue. That post made me pay attention and I have to say that I believe F&W is going to switch gears and not mention "recreational users" and go full bore with the "biological" angle next year. To add weight to this statement, take a look at the revised proposals.

I tried to copy from the revised proposal but it wouldn't let me.

Now, if you look at the revised proposal there is no mention of "recreational users" in the bear cougar section like before. Why did they take out their "justification" and change it?

Again, if the population is in jeapordy then we can handle a shorter season, but don't take August or public lands away from us. There are better ways to handle a bear population issue.

[saylean]

I completly agree with ya Billy. Take away the "recreaton" part, give it a year and say "this cant be a knee jerk decision, that was 2 years ago, its biological."

To me, the simplest way to do it is just eliminate the 2nd tag....of course, then they would be loosing some moola...

[Snapshot]

I hope no one decides to stay home. A few bunny huggers in Spandex clutching a copy of 101 Hikes in the Central Cascades could sway the Commission on this topic. If you care, you'd better go there and show it.
DS

[woodswalker]

I'll be there in the afternoon and then Saturday....have to work Friday AM til Noon

[billythekidrock]

Unfortunately due to weather 3 of us will not make it. 

[Snapshot]

Conditions & weather (from DOT): Bare & dry, wet in places & ice in places.
What's the problem? Are you early-season-only hunters?