2018-2020 Hunting Proposals Out for Comment

[Antlershed]

209’s, New Mountain Goat hunts, and some new elk hunts, as well as the elimination of some elk hunts.

https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/

[Antlershed]

Also, no more buying OIL points for your kids. Proposal states you must complete hunters education before you can buy an application for the OIL’s.

[bobcat]

Also, no more buying OIL points for your kids. Proposal states you must complete hunters education before you can buy an application for the OIL’s.

That's a good change.

First thing I noticed that disappoints me is the reduction of youth moose tags from 18 to only 1. Just bad timing since this will be my daughter's first year to apply for permits.

[hughjorgan]

If I read that right they eliminated all Yakima early season archery cow hunts for elk and took cows away from the colockum guys. Looks like I am done with archery in this state if that happens.

[92xj]

If I read that right they eliminated all Yakima early season archery cow hunts for elk and took spikes away from the colockum guys. Looks like I am done with archery in this state if that happens.

You are reading that right.
Disappointing.

[cougforester]

I sent in comments for the spring bear seasons. Proposed adding tags for the 200 GMU series and increasing number of tags in current units. Also suggested considering an OTC tag. Also voiced support 209 primers being legal.

[vandeman17]

looks like they shortened the late season modern NE corner whitetail season too.

[bobcat]

looks like they shortened the late season modern NE corner whitetail season too.

Gotta save some for the wolves.

[hughjorgan]

If I read that right they eliminated all Yakima early season archery cow hunts for elk and took spikes away from the colockum guys. Looks like I am done with archery in this state if that happens.

You are reading that right.
Disappointing.

That's for sure, really puts a cramp on things if you are trying to put meat in the freezer. Hard winters and giving out to many cow tags to reduce the herd and archery takes the hit. Glad Idaho is only an hour drive from where I live.

[180-GRAIN]

What's with the 74 cow moose tags on mount Spokane? Is there really that many moose or are they trying to kill them off?

I also personally don't like the change to buying oil points for the young ones. They will have a hard enough time ever drawing in this state as is. I think the game department should have taken more action on the percentage of non resident oil tags allocated a year instead of taking opportunities away from the youth. Just my 

[Special T]

I'm surprised at the kids points thing... that's free money they are giving up.

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[JBar]

Anyone see replacement dates for Modern Blacktail? I'm seeing the dates scratched with no new dates...typo I hope!

[Pegasus]

Pretty sad: "Recent work has strongly suggested that moose have begun declining in abundance in most areas. We also received considerable support from the public for reducing “Youth only” hunts. Most of these specific changes reduce “antlerless moose” permits, particularly in WDFW District 2, where harvest rates have been relatively high. "

Ya don't think the wolves and grizzly populations had anything to do with this finally admitted decline do you? Same thing with the mule deer population too but I don't see them admitting to this decline yet.

[JBar]

I see they simplified the 3pt rule for elk, about time!!! Though the colorful discussions about it will go away

[jackelope]

https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/2018-2020/proposal.php?id=14

Mountain goat populations are sensitive to harvest of females, but identification of gender in the field is difficult. The department currently provides training videos and pamphlets to successful applicants for mountain goat hunting permits, but has no way of ensuring that these materials are used. The department proposes adding an online gender identification test that permit holders would be required to pass before being allowed to purchase a mountain goat hunting license. A passing score would be 80%, and permit holders could re-take the test as often as needed until they achieved a passing score.

I fully support this.

The department’s data suggests that mountain goat hunting in the Goat Rocks area has been sustainable, but almost all mountain goats taken have come from the more accessible portions of the area. Splitting the existing hunt area in two (and allocating permits approximately proportionally) would distribute harvest pressure more evenly among goats in the greater population.

2017 aerial surveys put the brunt of the goat herd in only a couple main areas. Hopefully one of those areas ends up in one hunt area and the other concentration in the other hunt area.

I don't know enough about the other areas to comment.