Got opinions on WA deer management?

[huntnphool]

Permit-only draws for Muleys WTH?

exactly what needs to happen with mule deer in this state

 +1, cant wait to bring up the threads of the past when that happens, and those that were unwilling to discuss options are bitching and complaining!

[idahohuntr]

Permit-only draws for Muleys WTH?

exactly what needs to happen with mule deer in this state

[JakeLand]

So if say 1000 guys that would hunt blacktail choose to hunt mule deer because of lack of access that will have no impact on mule deer?Thats like saying a lake that had 10 guys fishing a lake would have the same amount of fish left after 100 hit it for 5 years.

OR after general east side season is over and a 1,000 more hunters with tags come over west and shoot any legal buck the last week ( and best time ) doesn’t damage the blacktail population then add every predator on top . When I’m deer hunting I shoot every coyote I see regardless if it messes my day up and fill my bear tags. And trap a double handful of cats every winter so many people bitch about predator control but will not shoot a dog cause they’re deer or elk hunting and don’t wanna screw up their hunt the best thing you can do is be pro active on controlling predator populations

[Zuus]

I didn't read through all the pages, so if this was mentioned, I apologize.
The game dept does not manage deer (or elk) they manage people. Just charging more doesn't enhance the populations.
On a recent trip to SA, I was lucky enough to visit a farm that raises gemsbok. They then sell the young animals to area farmers. That is managing animals.
I know this could be done with deer and elk.

[hunterofelk]

How about youth hunters up to age 18 hunt three point or better mule deer every year and older than 18 hunt three point or better once every three years.  Our state needs to recruit young hunters or in the future no one will care about hunting mule deer or any hunting for that matter.

[idahohuntr]

I didn't read through all the pages, so if this was mentioned, I apologize.
The game dept does not manage deer (or elk) they manage people. Just charging more doesn't enhance the populations.
On a recent trip to SA, I was lucky enough to visit a farm that raises gemsbok. They then sell the young animals to area farmers. That is managing animals.
I know this could be done with deer and elk.

Managing hunters...seasons, numbers, weapons, areas, etc is a MAJOR part of managing wildlife.  Especially when hunter harvest is a primary factor in wildlife mortality.. 

[Cervus]

Reminder: The online open house with Director Susewind is tonight starting at 6:15. There is a link to stream the event here: https://wdfw.wa.gov/ (At the top of the page, look for the red "Live Webcast" banner).

[KFhunter]

Especially when hunter harvest is a primary factor in wildlife mortality..

 

back that one up will ya, I'd like to see some science behind that notion

[Tinmaniac]

You need proof that hunter harvest is not a factor in wildlife mortality?

[Karl Blanchard]

You need proof that hunter harvest is not a factor in wildlife mortality?

you left out "primary" in your statement there.   

[Tinmaniac]

I guess if we are getting technical the statement was made "a primary factor"not "the primary factor".

[trapp01]

Permit-only draws for Muleys WTH?

exactly what needs to happen with mule deer in this state

Catch 22. Less opportunity means less hunters. Lower hunter recruitment doesn't ensure the future of the sport.
 How about open up the millions of acres of land that's locked up on the Westside and relieve some pressure on the mule herds.

[bobcat]

With 26,537 deer being killed by hunters in 2017, I'd have to say hunting is a primary factor.  And last year was a bad year. In 2015, the harvest was 37,963.

[Tinmaniac]

With 26,537 deer being killed by hunters in 2017, I'd have to say hunting is a primary factor.  And last year was a bad year. In 2015, the harvest was 37,963.

The voice of reason right there!I really didn't think anyone would actually need an explanation.

[JimmyHoffa]

With 26,537 deer being killed by hunters in 2017, I'd have to say hunting is a primary factor.  And last year was a bad year. In 2015, the harvest was 37,963.

And WDFW says there are around 2,000 cougars (low estimate) and cougars have been recorded taking 1 deer a week (low estimate--some take closer to 1 deer a day).  Those low estimates would be 100,000 deer a year just for cougars.  Add in bear, bobcat, coyotes and now wolves.