Is there a better way to reduce cougar numbers?

[pianoman9701]

I love that you want to find a solution. I fear that you're missing the point and basis for our predator problems in WA.

Before you can effectively reduce cougar numbers, the WDFW has to become better at their counts. The quotas are based on a percentage take of 14% +/- 2% to maintain healthy cougar populations. Recent studies in ID have shown that cougar populations may be at least twice as high as current modeling allows. So, if our numbers aren't accurate, either will the targets, by half. At current quotas, if the ID studies are correct, cougar populations will continue to meet or exceed "maximum" population levels.

There are so many challenges which face us if effective cougar management is to take place, and a great many of them are simply out of our hands - the WDFW's ability (inability), to accurately estimate populations, Jay Inslee's propensity to suck up to animal rights activists with deep pockets (he doesn't give a crap about the animals, but the money he gets from HSUS...wow!), so-called university biologists who are willing to falsify data to forward personal agendas, and the media which, with astounding ignorance, pounces at every opportunity to portray our predators as unfairly pursued, cuddly, and at any given moment, on the verge of extinction to those ignorant of conservation and the truth. I believe that the predator spiral in WA will continue out of control until the ungulates are severely reduced (or gone like the woodland caribou), and more granola eaters' children are attacked and killed.

[bearpaw]

A 8 year old female. Just rechecked tooth data.

Thanks, she was a pretty wide ranging female!

She probably wasn't counted in the state since she was a transit who crossed borders.   

  well we are a sanctuary state...

And that explains the wolves up there as well. 

 

[Ridgeratt]

You could always let the cattle rancher's deal with them when they see them.

Wouldn't count towards quota just collateral damage. Same as calf loss to cougars but on the other foot.

I still favor this since they are out everyday could be effective. 

[eastsidemallard74]

We could just overpay a biologist like $4mill a year, to help"regulate", seems to be working with the wolves issue.  . Sarcasm for those that don't get it. I think until the cougars/wolves start wandering the streets of Olympia, Bellevue, Kirkland, it won't be big issue on why/how to fix. i said it in another post. Get a tranquilizer, shoot 5-6 of them and release in these areas. Than it will become a big deal when the $2500 purse dog/cat disappears. 

[timberfaller]

  and MORE the better!!

[bearpaw]

We could just overpay a biologist like $4mill a year, to help"regulate", seems to be working with the wolves issue.  . Sarcasm for those that don't get it. I think until the cougars/wolves start wandering the streets of Olympia, Bellevue, Kirkland, it won't be big issue on why/how to fix. i said it in another post. Get a tranquilizer, shoot 5-6 of them and release in these areas. Than it will become a big deal when the $2500 purse dog/cat disappears. 

I would like to think that people would see the light when attacks happen but multiple attacks in California prove that theory isn't as strong as we would think. I see by the public comments regarding the cougar attack in North Bend that even though cougar are hunted very little in WA, some people think hunting caused the attack to happen. I'm afraid WA is too much like CA to expect much support for more management.

[JimmyHoffa]

CA doesn't have any cougar hunting.  They got rid of all of it years ago.  They have lots of problems with them....goes agianst the WSU crackpot's theory of older cats keeping the young ones in line.

[jasnt]

I for one have switched from Deer and elk to focus solely on bear and cougar.  When my tags are filled I’ll focus on getting friends and family tags filled.  Then anyone that will go with me.  We kill a lot of predators every year, does it make a dent but it’s my passion and I like to think it helps.

For those interested in hunting the hunters
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,185537.0.html