Picking a side of the state for deer hunting

[ljsommer]

You're kind of topic hopping Lj

I keep typing responses but by the time I am done, we've taken another left

As a true OTC state, the points system doesnt have any real bearing on general pressure. Although it does have it's own problems

Who is the we?

I don't mean to topic hop. I understand this issue as "hunting pressure". Is that accurate? If so, we're discussing ways to distribute load via more control over tags. If we tighten up tag allowances for OTC, I believe we should also change the general messaging that I've heard since before I even got involved in the sport: "We (WDFW/sportsmen) want more hunters."
We (sportsmen) don't. We (WDFW) just want money from tag sales.

Again if I have misunderstood the topic of the poll/thread, please correct me. I understand it as discussing how to address pressure on our deer herds.

[Skyvalhunter]

Do away with the multi season tags.

[X-Force]

Do away with the multi season tags.

with the review generated they will never do that.

[Jonathan_S]

There's a lot of different attitudes of sportsmen.  Those of us genuinely interested in reducing overall pressure on each herd are not doing so because we don't want you to kill a deer.

[BULLBLASTER]

Do away with the multi season tags.

with the review generated they will never do that.

If it were my choice to make they would be gone right away

[Jonathan_S]

Doubt the multi is going away unfortunately. It's a million dollars in license sales alone

[idahohuntr]

I would go a step further than picking a side or species - I'd make all deer tags available only via a draw.  Managers could set tag numbers and hunts for individual or groups of GMU's - and I would expect tag numbers to be quite liberal in some areas and seasons...more restrictive in others.  I think this would vastly improve the quality of hunting in Washington - but it would come at the cost of possibly not being able to hunt every year. 

[ljsommer]

I would go a step further than picking a side or species - I'd make all deer tags available only via a draw.  Managers could set tag numbers and hunts for individual or groups of GMU's - and I would expect tag numbers to be quite liberal in some areas and seasons...more restrictive in others.  I think this would vastly improve the quality of hunting in Washington - but it would come at the cost of possibly not being able to hunt every year.

I am so very on board with this. Honestly it feels like I am being sold snake oil when OTC tags are available to all with no restriction, but our herds are being crushed. Like, what exactly are you selling me here? The opportunity to go for a hike? I sure don't have to pay you money for a deer tag to go walk around in the woods.

I'd very very happily take one or even multiple years off hunting entirely if it meant the actual quality of the hunt were improved.

[Karl Blanchard]

Its insanity that the state that has the least amount of public land and the smallest game deer population is the only one that has completely unbridaled otc hunting.  Its insulting that there isnt some science based quotas per gmu

[BULLBLASTER]

I would go a step further than picking a side or species - I'd make all deer tags available only via a draw.  Managers could set tag numbers and hunts for individual or groups of GMU's - and I would expect tag numbers to be quite liberal in some areas and seasons...more restrictive in others.  I think this would vastly improve the quality of hunting in Washington - but it would come at the cost of possibly not being able to hunt every year.

I wouldn’t be against that.

[greenhead_killer]

I don’t see why it should even come down to us as hunters taking it in the rear because the fng has pisspoorly managed this state to the point we are at now. Maybe we need to start addressing the real issues and start asking why they are letting the state tank.

[Rainier10]

I would go a step further than picking a side or species - I'd make all deer tags available only via a draw.  Managers could set tag numbers and hunts for individual or groups of GMU's - and I would expect tag numbers to be quite liberal in some areas and seasons...more restrictive in others.  I think this would vastly improve the quality of hunting in Washington - but it would come at the cost of possibly not being able to hunt every year.

I am so very on board with this. Honestly it feels like I am being sold snake oil when OTC tags are available to all with no restriction, but our herds are being crushed. Like, what exactly are you selling me here? The opportunity to go for a hike? I sure don't have to pay you money for a deer tag to go walk around in the woods.

I'd very very happily take one or even multiple years off hunting entirely if it meant the actual quality of the hunt were improved.

You know that you have that option, right?  Apply for out of state hunting.  Or move to a state that has the type of management that you are wanting.

Nobody is required to stay in this state with the OTC hunting opportunity that we have here.  Anyone can move to another state and pick the one that has the management plan that you prefer.

[grundy53]

Its insanity that the state that has the least amount of public land and the smallest game deer population is the only one that has completely unbridaled otc hunting.  Its insulting that there isnt some science based quotas per gmu

No kidding. Most real mule deer states have quotas and caps on licenses. But not the muledeer state with the second highest population...

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[Rainier10]

Playing devils advocate here but if these other "real mule deer" states have such a great plan why not move there?  If you are joe the plumber they need plumbers in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.

[ljsommer]

Playing devils advocate here but if these other "real mule deer" states have such a great plan why not move there?  If you are joe the plumber they need plumbers in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.

Playing devil's advocate here, but what would it take for you to change your tune on that? How low would the herds have to go before you changed your mind?
Not being snarky/malicious, genuine curiosity.