Free: Contests & Raffles.
That's where your wrong. I have been to meetings where there are groups like the horsemen that have a great turn out and wanted certain trails built. You make your inputs on a map and sure enough the trails that were scheduled to be built were the ones they wanted due to their input. Hunters are all over the board and thus nothing gets done unless an effort is made.
Quote from: renrutbocaj on January 31, 2018, 01:38:31 PMSorry, 225, not 250. But still a big step up. You must be seeing something I'm not. IN the over 20 years I've been in the Hunters area I've seen a steady decline in the whitetail numbers. We used to winter 200-250 around my house and now see maybe 40-50. Mule deer numbers continue to climb, but still not huge numbers. Not sure how we go from recently having a 4point antler restriction to bring the numbers back and now think we need to give out 225 doe tags.
Sorry, 225, not 250. But still a big step up.
Well I am sure with the current deer and elk population the WDFW is hoping us hunters get used to the fact there is little wildlife. That way if there is even a sudden change in population they will throw one of their makes them look good statistics out. As their population proposals are so low that the only way is up. Hoping to train us like a dog and pony show.
This sums up the GMU's that will be off limits for night hunting bobcat, yes you can hunt yotes. Evidently one dude shot a lynx at night so this is the big red panic button rule.
To Bearpaw and Baldopepper...I agree that the whitetail numbers are down in our area... Hunters area especially. But I think if you were to spread those 225 doe tags out across 121, and estimate maybe 70% get used (~158) then we really are not talking about many deer across the whole GMU. Considering the numbers of bucks being harvested has increased drastically over the past 2 years (avg. 1975/yr) vs the past 5 year average (1447/yr).I have noticed in the Hunters area and have also heard from others in the Cedonia/Harvey Creek areas that the buck numbers are down big time, and not just from hunting. With the buck to doe ratio so out of whack, these bucks are forced to breed with way more does then they should have to. If a few people who would typically shoot a buck, get a doe with one of these permits, that would greatly reduce the stress on our mature bucks and allow them to winter a lot better. Around my house, I am seeing 50-60 does throughout the winter/spring months, whereas throughout the past two years, I have only witnessed (via trailcams and binos) 2-3 bucks that are over 2 years old. That is a terrible ratio of roughly 20/1. Needless to say I am fighting an endless battle with Coyotes right now as well that just killed a fawn buck behind the house, so thats not helping either. I would love to talk more if you want to shoot me a message. I always welcome great wildlife talk and conversations especially from fellow locals.
my giveadam is busted!
Quote from: Skyvalhunter on February 20, 2018, 06:41:20 PMI heard a lot of talk out there about people being upset with the proposals but didn't step up to the plate and make a comment. Exactly why we are in the situation we are in. How do you know? You assume that WDFW make decisions based on our email suggestions?
I heard a lot of talk out there about people being upset with the proposals but didn't step up to the plate and make a comment. Exactly why we are in the situation we are in.
Quote from: huntnphool on February 20, 2018, 09:34:47 PMQuote from: Skyvalhunter on February 20, 2018, 06:41:20 PMI heard a lot of talk out there about people being upset with the proposals but didn't step up to the plate and make a comment. Exactly why we are in the situation we are in. How do you know? You assume that WDFW make decisions based on our email suggestions?Its quite easy you look at the before and after proposals and read the suggestions made.
