It is evident that I handled this incorrectly. I was simply trying to create some awareness while maintaining as much anonymity as possible for the individual I spoke with. This in no way was meant to call into question IDFG, much to the contrary. There is no speculation on my part that “unethically viewed” incidents occurred this past season involving hunters originating from Western Washington as it pertains to this conversation. I could be accused of speculation in my original comment that “Western Washington hunters stood out above others”. That is where the conversation went, and I “presume” that to single out a specific demographic, under these circumstances, implies significance. I do not claim to, nor do I know, what happened, when it happened, how often or who was involved as I did not pursue it and honestly would not expect them to divulge that information for fear of unnecessary repercussion or scrutiny. (Mostly because someone like myself will go and post it on a forum.)
I appreciate having any F&G department as a resource tool and do not wish to be categorized as unethical to start off that conversation due to actions of others. I do not have a problem with asking a potential hunting partner if they are ethical hunters. Therefore, I don’t have a problem being asked, regardless if it is a state run agency. I don’t pay taxes there, I go there as a visitor, by my choice, but I will continue to self-police anywhere I visit as if it were my home. If this conversation results in one individual making more ethical decisions in the field going forward, then it worked.
