WDFW No Money from Me in 2019! First time since forever.

[300rum]

This is the first time in 33 years I did not buy a license in Washington State.  I have been disgusted on how things have gone the last decade or so.  I felt a little guilty the last few years giving more tax money to WDFW to turn around and use it against me so this year I made it, I didn't buy anything, no Fishing lisc., no small game, no migratory bird, no deer tag, no elk tag, no stupid special permits that I don't have a chance for, no OIL lottery, nothing!  I also didn't buy anything for my daughters, including their stupid points! 

Folks, I'm done, I never thought I would say it but they have lost me, I am out!   

It's a shame, I have hunted in Washington since before I could walk, Dad road hunted Pheasants with me the year I was born!  I took my daughters out too, their first year of life.  I broke decades of tradition this year, I turned down many offers to go, I could have, it wasn't about money or time, it is about the principal of it. 

I hunted Montana and Idaho too, I took my girls out of state this year (Big Game) and felt that the cost was well worth it.  I will keep doing on doing that. 

I championed Washington opportunities for years, stood up for the chances in this state and all of that, but now I'm out.

I wonder if I will go back?  Maybe, maybe not, I don't have much hope.   

       

[KFhunter]

Idaho already got my money this year, and Wyoming too most likely.   

As for Washington, I'm really torn on just buying bear, cougar and small game + fresh water fish. 

Or if I want it all to crash and burn and not buy a thing! 

[Bango skank]

Idaho already got my money this year, and Wyoming too most likely.   

As for Washington, I'm really torn on just buying bear, cougar and small game + fresh water fish. 

Or if I want it all to crash and burn and not buy a thing!

If nothing else, buy bear tags.  It really is the best quality hunting opportunity we have now.

[follow maggie]

I bought a bear tag but didn’t go out because I didn’t want to drive all the way to Montesano if I got one. I guess in hind site I should have gone and just reported no harvest even if I got one. I also bought a duck license but haven’t been out yet. 2019 is the first year since the 1980s that I haven’t hunted/fished in Washington. By contrast this year I’ve hunted/fished/hiked/camped in Idaho Montana Wyoming North Dakota and Minnesota. Probably never will again since I’m working on moving this winter/spring

[Bango skank]

I bought a bear tag but didn’t go out because I didn’t want to drive all the way to Montesano if I got one. I guess in hind site I should have gone and just reported no harvest even if I got one. I also bought a duck license but haven’t been out yet. 2019 is the first year since the 1980s that I haven’t hunted/fished in Washington. By contrast this year I’ve hunted/fished/hiked/camped in Idaho Montana Wyoming North Dakota and Minnesota. Probably never will again since I’m working on moving this winter/spring

I dont understand.  Did you think you would have to check the bear in or something?

[follow maggie]

I read the regs & it says you have to bring a tooth to a wdfw office to submit it. I wrote in asking about that and never heard back.

[Bango skank]

I read the regs & it says you have to bring a tooth to a wdfw office to submit it. I wrote in asking about that and never heard back.

Wrong.  You have to submit a tooth, but not in person.  Just call your regional office and ask them to send a tooth envelope to you in the mail.  The envelope is postage paid.  You just fill out the info on the envelope, put the tooth in, and stick it in your mail box.

But now, new rule for 2020, spring bears will have to be checked in.  Hide and skull.  But not necessarily at a regional office,  you can meet a game warden at a gas station parking lot or wherever you can talk one in to meeting you, and have the hide sealed, tooth pulled.  Same program with lions.

[KFhunter]

Ya, there's some changes now you gotta bring em a pelt + evidence of sex + that tooth.  <--for the spring hunt. 

but you don't have to bring it to a main office, you can call and arrange something easier and meet up with a "designated official" or a WDFW officer themselves.   


What I'm going to clarify before this spring or next fall if I don't draw is do they gotta have the WHOLE pelt?   I don't think so!   So how much pelt is enough?   

Can I bring them half a nutsack with a small patch of pelt and a tooth?   I think so, but I want to check first.


I think this requirement will be for the fall hunt also at some point.   I just hope people are smart enough not to bring them a grizzly pelt,  I kinda wonder if that's why the requirement for the spring hunt....checking to see if people accidently got a grizz 

[follow maggie]

I wish they would have answered me because I want a bear bad. Going to be trying for one in Idaho this spring.

[Bango skank]

Ya, there's some changes now you gotta bring em a pelt + evidence of sex + that tooth. 

but you don't have to bring it to a main office, you can call and arrange something easier and meet up with a "designated official" or a WDFW officer themselves.   


What I'm going to clarify before this spring or next fall if I don't draw is do they gotta have the WHOLE pelt?   I don't think so!   So how much pelt is enough?   

Can I bring them half a nutsack with a small patch of pelt and a tooth?   I think so, but I want to check first.

So far hide sealing requirement is for spring bears only, not fall.

[KFhunter]

Thanks yes you're correct, I modified my post. 


I wonder if the pelt requirement is to check if people accidentally shot a grizzly?  The tooth pouch is kinda anonymous, either doesn't get sent in or tracked enough in house for a conviction ya?


But if a gamie met you for a pelt sealing requirement, and someone was dumb enough to have a skinned out spring grizzz    

[300rum]

Guys, this is (part of) the problem.  There are so many rules that it is impossible to know them all!  It is a mess of Bureaucracy. 

I read the regs & it says you have to bring a tooth to a wdfw office to submit it. I wrote in asking about that and never heard back.

Wrong.  You have to submit a tooth, but not in person.  Just call your regional office and ask them to send a tooth envelope to you in the mail.  The envelope is postage paid.  You just fill out the info on the envelope, put the tooth in, and stick it in your mail box.

But now, new rule for 2020, spring bears will have to be checked in.  Hide and skull.  But not necessarily at a regional office,  you can meet a game warden at a gas station parking lot or wherever you can talk one in to meeting you, and have the hide sealed, tooth pulled.  Same program with lions.

[Bango skank]

Thanks yes you're correct, I modified my post. 


I wonder if the pelt requirement is to check if people accidentally shot a grizzly?  The tooth pouch is kinda anonymous, doesn't get sent in or tracked enough for a conviction ya?


But if a gamie met you for a pelt sealing requirement, and someone was dumb enough to have a skinned out spring grizzz   

The tooth envelopes have your info on them, theyre not anonymous.  At least if you fill them out.  They know who you are.  And whats the point of submitting a tooth if you dont put your info on it?

[Bango skank]

I wish they would have answered me because I want a bear bad. Going to be trying for one in Idaho this spring.

in idaho all bears do have to get checked in, hide sealed.  If thats something you wanted to avoid hassling with, i suggest making a shorter drive and hunting bears in the northeast corner in august.

[Bluemoon]

Very proud of you 300Rum.
We are in the same club.

[KFhunter]

Thanks yes you're correct, I modified my post. 


I wonder if the pelt requirement is to check if people accidentally shot a grizzly?  The tooth pouch is kinda anonymous, doesn't get sent in or tracked enough for a conviction ya?


But if a gamie met you for a pelt sealing requirement, and someone was dumb enough to have a skinned out spring grizzz   

The tooth envelopes have your info on them, theyre not anonymous.  At least if you fill them out.  They know who you are.  And whats the point of submitting a tooth if you dont put your info on it?

I'm talking for prosecution, there's no chain of custody for evidence and no way to prove it didn't get mixed up, and does the aging process even determine what the species is?

I'm talking about once the envelope is opened by the lab, would anything from there out be admissable if it were discovered they had a grizz tooth?

I'm not sure, but I do know that it would be easier to prosecute someone with a grizz hide in the back of their truck with a game warden standing there 

Warden:  "did you shoot this" 
Hunter:  "yes I did"
Warden:  "where was it shot?"
Hunter:  "GMU 113 up near whatever creek/mtn"

It's all part of building a case, I'm not sure a tooth submittal has enough to build a case, I'm not familiar with in house handling of the tooth and chain of custody within. 

Just speculation on my part 

[Bango skank]

Understood.  Just clarifying that its not anonymous.

[Bango skank]

Guys, this is (part of) the problem.  There are so many rules that it is impossible to know them all!  It is a mess of Bureaucracy. 

I read the regs & it says you have to bring a tooth to a wdfw office to submit it. I wrote in asking about that and never heard back.

Wrong.  You have to submit a tooth, but not in person.  Just call your regional office and ask them to send a tooth envelope to you in the mail.  The envelope is postage paid.  You just fill out the info on the envelope, put the tooth in, and stick it in your mail box.

But now, new rule for 2020, spring bears will have to be checked in.  Hide and skull.  But not necessarily at a regional office,  you can meet a game warden at a gas station parking lot or wherever you can talk one in to meeting you, and have the hide sealed, tooth pulled.  Same program with lions.

The hide sealing requirement is supposedly because not enough people report harvest / send in teeth.  Seems to be a common theme that people think you have to go to a regional office in person and pick one up.  If they really want more teeth submitted / harvest reports completed, why the hell dont they just issue a tooth envelope with each bear tag purchased?  How hard would that be?  How much of an expense?  You want the things submitted, make it simple for people.  Automatically supply an envelope with the tag.

[Twispriver]

In contrast with 300rum I bought a lot of licenses , tags and permit apps again this year and I still consider it a good use of my money. I didn't draw anything but I got to go deer hunting, elk hunting, grouse hunting, clam digging and crabbing. All within a couple of hours from home. I bought a bear tag in case I had trouble in the orchard and a small game and trapping license in case the coons and bobcats get after the chickens this winter. I've been a hunter and fisherman in this state for over 40 years and I get that things aren't as good as they once were but I still have a lot of fun outdoors and I'm happy to pay for the privilege.

I also hunted Montana this year so I understand taking advantage of our of state opportunities as well.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Have to agree with you sir 300rum. Every point you make is spot on! 14 years strong  for our family of 4 going to ID. Kids are a couple years out from big game hunting.  It's going to be epic when they do!

[follow maggie]

I wish they would have answered me because I want a bear bad. Going to be trying for one in Idaho this spring.

in idaho all bears do have to get checked in, hide sealed.  If thats something you wanted to avoid hassling with, i suggest making a shorter drive and hunting bears in the northeast corner in august.

It wasn’t avoiding the submittal I was after. The top of 5e reg page says you have to submit a tooth & that envelopes are available at regional offices, so I took that to mean I have to go to a regional office to do it. I was not wanting to waste a day of my life driving to Montesano and back to do it.  I imagine Idaho has a better process.

[Bango skank]

I wish they would have answered me because I want a bear bad. Going to be trying for one in Idaho this spring.

in idaho all bears do have to get checked in, hide sealed.  If thats something you wanted to avoid hassling with, i suggest making a shorter drive and hunting bears in the northeast corner in august.

It wasn’t avoiding the submittal I was after. The top of 5e reg page says you have to submit a tooth & that envelopes are available at regional offices, so I took that to mean I have to go to a regional office to do it. I was not wanting to waste a day of my life driving to Montesano and back to do it.  I imagine Idaho has a better process.

 
  Gotcha.  But now you know, for next year, you can just csll the regional office and ask them to mail tooth envelopes to you.

As fsr as idahos requirements, dont imsgine, just check it out.  Its just like cougar or now spring besr requirements here.  You need to take the bear in either to a idfg office, a game check station, or get a game warden to meet you somewhere.  Theyll sesl the hide snd pull a tooth.

[follow maggie]

Thank you.

[Jonathan_S]

Washington is still worth it to me. I can hunt coyotes year round, bear and cougar from August to March, deer, grouse and elk from September to December. I've been expanding out of state hunting the past 5 years but in the past two years we've had Washington 2 bears, an elk, dozens and dozens of grouse, a pile of turkeys and 3 deer in our freezer and I've shot and trapped thousands of dollars in fur.

I can also fish multiple lakes within 30 minutes of me and my nephews.

I get that the state is going down the crapper but for the time being I can still tangle with a lot of game close to home

[hunter399]

I still do hunt WASHINGTON ,still on the fence about how much greener the grass is across the border.But each year as a family we have been buying less each year.My wife and one son won't buy there tags.Didn't last year for the first time.And I have been buying less permit each year.
So although I'm still giving them money ,I do try to limit the amount they get from my wallet and still take advantage of most seasons.

[Special T]

Thanks yes you're correct, I modified my post. 


I wonder if the pelt requirement is to check if people accidentally shot a grizzly?  The tooth pouch is kinda anonymous, either doesn't get sent in or tracked enough in house for a conviction ya?


But if a gamie met you for a pelt sealing requirement, and someone was dumb enough to have a skinned out spring grizzz   

The pelt/sex/tooth requirement is because  they say we arnt reporting enough of our harvests, and in 3 units we killed to many female bears.

I think this will deter people from hunting them. And that this is the first step in doing so state wide.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Bango skank]

Thanks yes you're correct, I modified my post. 


I wonder if the pelt requirement is to check if people accidentally shot a grizzly?  The tooth pouch is kinda anonymous, either doesn't get sent in or tracked enough in house for a conviction ya?


But if a gamie met you for a pelt sealing requirement, and someone was dumb enough to have a skinned out spring grizzz   

The pelt/sex/tooth requirement is because  they say we arnt reporting enough of our harvests, and in 3 units we killed to many female bears.

I think this will deter people from hunting them. And that this is the first step in doing so state wide.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

The new hide sealing requirement is only for spring bear.  If it deters some from hunting spring bear, good.  Permits will be easier to draw.  If they were doing it to intentionally try to get people to hunt bears less, then why didnt they make the requirement apply to fall bear too?  And why did they just give us a longer fall season and 2 bear limit on the east side?  If theyre trying to get us to stop hunting bear, making the season open a month earlier and doubling the bag limit sure is an odd way to go about it.  They want to check all spring bears because not enough reports, and the people opposed to spring bear increases state their main concern as sows with young cubs getting killed in the spring.  So if the new requirement gets a vast majority of killed bears checked, and people arent wholesale slaughtering nursing sows like the opposition believes, then their main argument against increased spring bear hunting will be proven to be unfounded, and we can then move forward with more of a push for otc spring bear, or increased permit numbers, and additional units.

[hunter399]

Thanks yes you're correct, I modified my post. 


I wonder if the pelt requirement is to check if people accidentally shot a grizzly?  The tooth pouch is kinda anonymous, either doesn't get sent in or tracked enough in house for a conviction ya?


But if a gamie met you for a pelt sealing requirement, and someone was dumb enough to have a skinned out spring grizzz   

The pelt/sex/tooth requirement is because  they say we arnt reporting enough of our harvests, and in 3 units we killed to many female bears.

I think this will deter people from hunting them. And that this is the first step in doing so state wide.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

The spring bear reporting is a direct result of our new fall season .WDFW doesn't like it .
Spring bear has always had record low harvest.So they are making sure you report,soon fall will be the same.So they can say too much harvest ,to change the fall season back or worse.They will not change spring seasons to change harvest .They make a ton of money with very little harvest ,it works out great.

Of coarse this is speculation,and off topic.
Sorry.

[Alan K]

Could have just made it that your next license would not be sold to you unless you have reported, submitted your tooth, whatever, rather than create a massive hassle for everyone.  Not really sure what they were thinking... 

And how do they know there were too many females harvested in some units when they dont even know how many bears there are to begin with?

[Bango skank]

Could have just made it that your next license would not be sold to you unless you have reported, submitted your tooth, whatever, rather than create a massive hassle for everyone.  Not really sure what they were thinking... 

And how do they know there were too many females harvested in some units when they dont even know how many bears there are to begin with?

Its a percentage.  They want under a certain percentage of harvest to be female.  So all they have to go off is submitted reports.  Problem is, if only a fraction of people are reporting, the percentage theyre getting could be wrong.  More completed reports = more accurate count of male / female ratio.

And as for the not selling you a license if you dont report, never gonna happen.  They want that money.

[Birdgetter]

So was the tooth submission deadline December 1st?

[Bango skank]

So was the tooth submission deadline December 1st?

The regs say hunters are encouraged to submit teeth by dec 1st.  But better late than never  . if you have one, call your regional office and ask them to mail an envelope to you.  Cant hurt.

[Special T]

Could have just made it that your next license would not be sold to you unless you have reported, submitted your tooth, whatever, rather than create a massive hassle for everyone.  Not really sure what they were thinking... 

And how do they know there were too many females harvested in some units when they dont even know how many bears there are to begin with?

Its a percentage.  They want under a certain percentage of harvest to be female.  So all they have to go off is submitted reports.  Problem is, if only a fraction of people are reporting, the percentage theyre getting could be wrong.  More completed reports = more accurate count of male / female ratio.

And as for the not selling you a license if you dont report, never gonna happen.  They want that money.

In one of the other threads about bears I posted  the relevant section in the 2017-19 status and trends report.  30% reporting/sample size, less than 40% female are the main sticking points.

I make the assumption that this will discourage bear hunting with the mandatory reporting. There are folks that are saying they are hanging up thier gear or wont comply.  I dont think I'm that far off base but we will know when the number come back.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Bango skank]

Could have just made it that your next license would not be sold to you unless you have reported, submitted your tooth, whatever, rather than create a massive hassle for everyone.  Not really sure what they were thinking... 

And how do they know there were too many females harvested in some units when they dont even know how many bears there are to begin with?

Its a percentage.  They want under a certain percentage of harvest to be female.  So all they have to go off is submitted reports.  Problem is, if only a fraction of people are reporting, the percentage theyre getting could be wrong.  More completed reports = more accurate count of male / female ratio.

And as for the not selling you a license if you dont report, never gonna happen.  They want that money.

In one of the other threads about bears I posted  the relevant section in the 2017-19 status and trends report.  30% reporting/sample size, less than 40% female are the main sticking points.

I make the assumption that this will discourage bear hunting with the mandatory reporting. There are folks that are saying they are hanging up thier gear or wont comply.  I dont think I'm that far off base but we will know when the number come back.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Once again, the new check and hid sealing requirements are for the spring hunt only.  No additional burden on fall bear reporting.

[Special T]

Could have just made it that your next license would not be sold to you unless you have reported, submitted your tooth, whatever, rather than create a massive hassle for everyone.  Not really sure what they were thinking... 

And how do they know there were too many females harvested in some units when they dont even know how many bears there are to begin with?

Its a percentage.  They want under a certain percentage of harvest to be female.  So all they have to go off is submitted reports.  Problem is, if only a fraction of people are reporting, the percentage theyre getting could be wrong.  More completed reports = more accurate count of male / female ratio.

And as for the not selling you a license if you dont report, never gonna happen.  They want that money.

In one of the other threads about bears I posted  the relevant section in the 2017-19 status and trends report.  30% reporting/sample size, less than 40% female are the main sticking points.

I make the assumption that this will discourage bear hunting with the mandatory reporting. There are folks that are saying they are hanging up thier gear or wont comply.  I dont think I'm that far off base but we will know when the number come back.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Once again, the new check and hid sealing requirements are for the spring hunt only.  No additional burden on fall bear reporting.

Yes spring bear, and I clarified the facts I read and where I got them.

I think our only disagreement is if it discourages hunters.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[justyhntr]

In contrast with 300rum I bought a lot of licenses , tags and permit apps again this year and I still consider it a good use of my money. I didn't draw anything but I got to go deer hunting, elk hunting, grouse hunting, clam digging and crabbing. All within a couple of hours from home. I bought a bear tag in case I had trouble in the orchard and a small game and trapping license in case the coons and bobcats get after the chickens this winter. I've been a hunter and fisherman in this state for over 40 years and I get that things aren't as good as they once were but I still have a lot of fun outdoors and I'm happy to pay for the privilege.

I also hunted Montana this year so I understand taking advantage of our of state opportunities as well.

  . My wife and I love hunting Washington. We've talked about other states but always come back to let's hunt what we know. We spend all year out in the woods either scouting or hunting, mostly both. As other have said the bear hunting is almost a sure thing, blacktail are tough but there are still good numbers and we always manage to get opportunity every year just don't always fill tags. Then there's the predator hunting, plenty of those to keep us busy year around. Am I saying WDFW is doing a good job, no, just saying I'm still happy with the opportunity this state offers.

[wags]

OP, this is my second year with no money to the WDFW. Feels good doesn't it?

[Mr Mykiss]

There will be many applications NOT PURCHASED for me this year.

[Cougartail]

OP, this is my second year with no money to the WDFW. Feels good doesn't it?

As good as that might feel.. I love to hunt predators. Are you hunting big game in Alaska? I own a cabin up there and focusing on hunting there.

[Slenk]

I started hunting in washington in 1953. I have not bought a license here for 3 years. But still do for Idaho.

[KFhunter]

I've decided to just buy the bare minimum for WA that'll get me out hunting predators. 


and I'll go for spring bear since I got pts built up.

[buckfvr]

We are fast approaching the point where gross mismanagement is going to result in wdfw getting ass bit hard.  I know several local hunters who are beyond fed up with smoke screens and inaction.  Me included.

[Jingles]

Much like many others I am fed up with the mismanagement of wildlife by WDFW and the state allowing voters to manage the game instead of the people that are supposed to.  After over 50 years of hunting 2019 marks the date WA has gotten the last of my money for hunting licenses.   2017 for fishing licenses as with the restrictions on selective gear rules on so many of the lakes, even ice fishing,  and catch and release only in so many of the rivers and streams, If I can't keep the fish why buy a license?  Won't even bother with small game to hunt predators, getting impossible to get away from skinney skiers, even 5 miles off the road

[Bango skank]

Much like many others I am fed up with the mismanagement of wildlife by WDFW and the state allowing voters to manage the game instead of the people that are supposed to.  After over 50 years of hunting 2019 marks the date WA has gotten the last of my money for hunting licenses.   2017 for fishing licenses as with the restrictions on selective gear rules on so many of the lakes, even ice fishing,  and catch and release only in so many of the rivers and streams, If I can't keep the fish why buy a license?  Won't even bother with small game to hunt predators, getting impossible to get away from skinney skiers, even 5 miles off the road

If that was all you were wanting to do, a small game license is $40.50.  Just to hunt yotes and bobs.  But yotes can be hunted with either a big game or small game license.  So you could save $16.50 by just buying a $24.00 cougar or bear license.  Then you could hunt cougar or bear, plus you could hunt yotes year round.  Way better deal that way, unless youre dying to hunt bobcats.

[Cougartail]

Much like many others I am fed up with the mismanagement of wildlife by WDFW and the state allowing voters to manage the game instead of the people that are supposed to.  After over 50 years of hunting 2019 marks the date WA has gotten the last of my money for hunting licenses.   2017 for fishing licenses as with the restrictions on selective gear rules on so many of the lakes, even ice fishing,  and catch and release only in so many of the rivers and streams, If I can't keep the fish why buy a license?  Won't even bother with small game to hunt predators, getting impossible to get away from skinney skiers, even 5 miles off the road

If that was all you were wanting to do, a small game license is $40.50.  Just to hunt yotes and bobs.  But yotes can be hunted with either a big game or small game license.  So you could save $16.50 by just buying a $24.00 cougar or bear license.  Then you could hunt cougar or bear, plus you could hunt yotes year round.  Way better deal that way, unless youre dying to hunt bobcats.

With the Cougar tag you can buy the reduced priced Small Game tag. Best value by far!

[Bango skank]

Much like many others I am fed up with the mismanagement of wildlife by WDFW and the state allowing voters to manage the game instead of the people that are supposed to.  After over 50 years of hunting 2019 marks the date WA has gotten the last of my money for hunting licenses.   2017 for fishing licenses as with the restrictions on selective gear rules on so many of the lakes, even ice fishing,  and catch and release only in so many of the rivers and streams, If I can't keep the fish why buy a license?  Won't even bother with small game to hunt predators, getting impossible to get away from skinney skiers, even 5 miles off the road

If that was all you were wanting to do, a small game license is $40.50.  Just to hunt yotes and bobs.  But yotes can be hunted with either a big game or small game license.  So you could save $16.50 by just buying a $24.00 cougar or bear license.  Then you could hunt cougar or bear, plus you could hunt yotes year round.  Way better deal that way, unless youre dying to hunt bobcats.

With the Cougar tag you can buy the reduced priced Small Game tag. Best value by far!

Yeah, thats an extra $22.  But if you really dont want to have to pass up a bobcat, its the way to go for sure.  I know me personally, if i cheaped out on the small game thing and called in a prime winter bobcat, id be kicking myself in the ass for not spending the extra $22.  I really want to get a bob.  Just one and ill be happy.  But i cant hardly find a damn track this year.  May have something to do with the fact that the hare population seems to have suddenly crashed real hard this year.  My limited understanding of it is that snowshoe hare populations cycle pretty significantly.  Ill keep being a sucker and buying small game until i call in and kill a bobcat.  After that, im done buying small game.  I think im just a couple years away from buying nothing but bear and lion tags here.  I just have a couple bucks that i need to see dead first.

[Widgeondeke]

The only license I purchased in '19 was freshwater fishing, so I could fish small streams with my son. I will continue to fish in WA.

I plan to apply for hunting Wyoming this year.

[Cougartail]

Much like many others I am fed up with the mismanagement of wildlife by WDFW and the state allowing voters to manage the game instead of the people that are supposed to.  After over 50 years of hunting 2019 marks the date WA has gotten the last of my money for hunting licenses.   2017 for fishing licenses as with the restrictions on selective gear rules on so many of the lakes, even ice fishing,  and catch and release only in so many of the rivers and streams, If I can't keep the fish why buy a license?  Won't even bother with small game to hunt predators, getting impossible to get away from skinney skiers, even 5 miles off the road

If that was all you were wanting to do, a small game license is $40.50.  Just to hunt yotes and bobs.  But yotes can be hunted with either a big game or small game license.  So you could save $16.50 by just buying a $24.00 cougar or bear license.  Then you could hunt cougar or bear, plus you could hunt yotes year round.  Way better deal that way, unless youre dying to hunt bobcats.

With the Cougar tag you can buy the reduced priced Small Game tag. Best value by far!

Yeah, thats an extra $22.  But if you really dont want to have to pass up a bobcat, its the way to go for sure.  I know me personally, if i cheaped out on the small game thing and called in a prime winter bobcat, id be kicking myself in the ass for not spending the extra $22.  I really want to get a bob.  Just one and ill be happy.  But i cant hardly find a damn track this year.  May have something to do with the fact that the hare population seems to have suddenly crashed real hard this year.  My limited understanding of it is that snowshoe hare populations cycle pretty significantly.  Ill keep being a sucker and buying small game until i call in and kill a bobcat.  After that, im done buying small game.  I think im just a couple years away from buying nothing but bear and lion tags here.  I just have a couple bucks that i need to see dead first.

Got my first bob with a rifle this year. I haven't seen may this year even with my thermal..