WDFW seeking input on Coyote contests

[ELKBURGER]

WDFW seeks public comments on proposed hunting contest rule changes


Date


Jun 17, 2020


Contact



Sam Montgomery, 360-688-0721




OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public comments on proposed recommendations for hunting contest and hunting restriction rules.

From June 17 through July 14, WDFW will accept written public comments on the proposed rule changes. The proposals and comment forms will be posted on the department’s website.

The two proposals are related to hunting contests. The first excludes species that do not have bag limits from hunting contests. The second makes it illegal to participate in a hunting contest that the department has not permitted.

“We’ve heard from the public that they are concerned about holding certain contests, which award prizes to the person that kills the most animals,” said Anis Aoude, WDFW game division manager. “If the Commission approves the rule proposals, then these types of contests will no longer be permitted.”

These proposed changes only affect hunting contests and do not change general hunting regulations for species that have no bag limit, including but not limited to bobcats, coyotes, crows, foxes, or raccoons. Fishing contests and field trials are not affected by this proposed rule change.

“Six other states currently have some form of ban on wildlife killing contests,” Aoude added. “We remain committed to providing hunting opportunities that are consistent with the hunting community’s stewardship values.”

The public can submit written comments via email or mail to:

Wildlife Program
 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
 PO Box 43200
 Olympia, WA 98504

The Commission, which sets policy for WDFW, will also accept public comments on the proposed recommendations at its July 30 – Aug. 1 webinar. Final action by the Commission is scheduled at their Aug. 21 webinar.

WDFW is the primary state agency tasked with preserving, protecting, and perpetuating fish, wildlife, and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing and hunting opportunities.

Persons with disabilities who need to receive this information in an alternative format or who need reasonable accommodations to participate in WDFW-sponsored public meetings or other activities may contact Dolores Noyes by phone (360-902-2349), TTY (360-902-2207), or email (dolores.noyes@dfw.wa.gov). For more information, see https://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommoda

[Stein]

I'll submit an opinion, I think this is a slippery slope as one could argue there isn't much difference between a coyote contest and a salmon derby.

[bearpaw]

Bottom Line: It's just another way for WDFW to further restrict predator hunting. 

[Stein]

Bottom Line: It's just another way for WDFW to further restrict predator hunting. 

Kind of, but I see it as another example of WDFW likely standing by and letting whatever happens happen.  Whoever squeeks gets an audience and we are unfortunately not very squeeky or not squeeking on the right channel.

[ELKBURGER]

Bottom Line: It's just another way for WDFW to further restrict predator hunting. 

Kind of, but I see it as another example of WDFW likely standing by and letting whatever happens happen.  Whoever squeeks gets an audience and we are unfortunately not very squeeky or not squeeking on the right channel.

All we can do as a collective effort is squeak ourselves.

[DOUBLELUNG]

This is very reminiscent of when WDFW unilaterally decided they should prohibit the hunting of coyotes with dogs because of "public perception".  Pushed it through like a milkshake through a lactose-intolerant toddler. 

It's more than a slippery slope, it's more of the trend of unelected, appointed bureaucrats creating public policy through administrative rules - it's part of the cancer affecting overproliferation of regulations at all levels of government.  This is the back door approach for antihunting/trapping/fishing activists to pick off small groups of users and weaken support for consumptive uses of fish and wildlife. 

[Stein]

Yeah, the other thing I have noticed is that by the time they seek public input, the decision has been made and everything is ready to go other than to check the box on the powerpoint showing public input was received and they have cherry picked what they want to list.

[bigtex]

WDFW enacting regulations for activities which are largely unregulated currently is a way to essentially fend off a radical approach from the legislature we wont like. It's essentially a "hey we're regulating this, so you don't have to" approach. A legislator could come in with the mindset of WDFW doesn't really have any contest regs and pass a bill which bans all contests. Then we're screwed, just like we are with hounds and bear baiting, only the legislature can fix it. With the current proposal WDFW can say they are at least regulating contests to an extent, which will hopefully fend off legislators.

I know several California game wardens and they said this exact approach is what led to the ban on bobcat hunting, trapping, and lead shot in their state. CDFW really didn't regulate that much on those activities, as a result the legislature saw it and took a radical approach with total bans.

[bearpaw]

Contests are already regulated, you cannot have one without a permit and you must submit your contest rules which must be approved. I see this as a step to eliminate contests!

[buckfvr]

Perfunctory, obligatory, protocol following way to end yet another harmless hunting activity that puts the antis panties in a bunch.

[Special T]

WDFW enacting regulations for activities which are largely unregulated currently is a way to essentially fend off a radical approach from the legislature we wont like. It's essentially a "hey we're regulating this, so you don't have to" approach. A legislator could come in with the mindset of WDFW doesn't really have any contest regs and pass a bill which bans all contests. Then we're screwed, just like we are with hounds and bear baiting, only the legislature can fix it. With the current proposal WDFW can say they are at least regulating contests to an extent, which will hopefully fend off legislators.

I know several California game wardens and they said this exact approach is what led to the ban on bobcat hunting, trapping, and lead shot in their state. CDFW really didn't regulate that much on those activities, as a result the legislature saw it and took a radical approach with total bans.

So what kind of solution do you propose? We have to get a permit to hold a contest.... I agree that they want to ban all contests. My question is what do you think will show "Management through regulation" that doesnt hamper the ability to do have a contest?

[Stein]

I would like WDFW to say that coyote hunting contests are regulated, licensed and managed the same way fishing contests and any other consumptive wildlife is and clarify the issue that it's regulated, permitted and part of the management program and has been going on for a long time concurrent with healthy populations.  The opponents will surely spin it as a free for all that will deplete the coyote population. 

What happens when people don't like to see deer shot or fish bonked?  Probably should ban those too?  At what point would WDFW actually bring some honesty and science to the table and help manage the wildlife?

It's pretty clear whatever the anti-hunters and anti-fishermen want, they get.  Science doesn't play any part in any of these decisions, either from the party of science or the department that is supposed to use science to manage the state's wildlife resources.

We have an infection of elected officials at the state and federal level that coerce their employees to abandon what they are supposed to be doing and do their personal bidding and an unlimited number of employees willing to do whatever the boss wants no matter who or what gets roasted in the process.

[dmv9]

Here's the link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/July2020FWC

[Miles]

They already know what they’re going to do.   This is a feel good exercise for you guys.   Once you feel good that you’re opinion was heard, they do what they want.

[Special T]

They already know what they’re going to do.   This is a feel good exercise for you guys.   Once you feel good that you’re opinion was heard, they do what they want.

I dont share your defeatist attitude, and if your unwilling to fill out a 2 question survery and take 5 min to send a note your not very dedicated to preserving the sport.

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[Machias]

Sorry, but Miles is 100% correct.

[Machias]

WDFW enacting regulations for activities which are largely unregulated currently is a way to essentially fend off a radical approach from the legislature we wont like. It's essentially a "hey we're regulating this, so you don't have to" approach. A legislator could come in with the mindset of WDFW doesn't really have any contest regs and pass a bill which bans all contests. Then we're screwed, just like we are with hounds and bear baiting, only the legislature can fix it. With the current proposal WDFW can say they are at least regulating contests to an extent, which will hopefully fend off legislators.

I know several California game wardens and they said this exact approach is what led to the ban on bobcat hunting, trapping, and lead shot in their state. CDFW really didn't regulate that much on those activities, as a result the legislature saw it and took a radical approach with total bans.

I'm a big fan of yours Bigtex, but totally believe this is a line of bull.

[millerwheeler]

WDFW enacting regulations for activities which are largely unregulated currently is a way to essentially fend off a radical approach from the legislature we wont like. It's essentially a "hey we're regulating this, so you don't have to" approach. A legislator could come in with the mindset of WDFW doesn't really have any contest regs and pass a bill which bans all contests. Then we're screwed, just like we are with hounds and bear baiting, only the legislature can fix it. With the current proposal WDFW can say they are at least regulating contests to an extent, which will hopefully fend off legislators.

I know several California game wardens and they said this exact approach is what led to the ban on bobcat hunting, trapping, and lead shot in their state. CDFW really didn't regulate that much on those activities, as a result the legislature saw it and took a radical approach with total bans.

I'm a big fan of yours Bigtex, but totally believe this is a line of bull.

I second the BULL

[Special T]

The reality is this. The WDFW is up against bad optics, just like hound hunting, trapping and such. They wont defend hunters because of our Gubner, and some in the department are not sportsmen.

The Commission and our legislators have some sway. There are a couple of commissioners that are animal rights folks but a good portion of them have a grasp of the situation. McIsiac is smart as a whip and not some pointy headed PHD. You can tell by the very precise questions he asks folks at comission meetings.

If your not willing to take 5 min to write up a support statement and send to the commission you have given up. WE ALL have pissed away more than 5 min on Hunt  Wa. If you have time to complain on here you have time to make a simple statement of support.

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[Stein]

Everyone should respond, regardless of whether it will do anything or not.

WDFW should respond as well, but if we don't we can't really complain too much.

Hunting is regulated, coyote contests are regulated, there should be no discussion on that.

[Machias]

The reality is this. The WDFW is up against bad optics, just like hound hunting, trapping and such. They wont defend hunters because of our Gubner, and some in the department are not sportsmen.

The Commission and our legislators have some sway. There are a couple of commissioners that are animal rights folks but a good portion of them have a grasp of the situation. McIsiac is smart as a whip and not some pointy headed PHD. You can tell by the very precise questions he asks folks at comission meetings.

If your not willing to take 5 min to write up a support statement and send to the commission you have given up. WE ALL have pissed away more than 5 min on Hunt  Wa. If you have time to complain on here you have time to make a simple statement of support.

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I always take the time to respond.  I always ask my wife to put in her 2 cents.  I'm just being pessimistic due to past experiences.

[RB]

Never been to a contest, nor have I shot a Coyote, but did take the survey and disagreed with the proposal. The second part if a hunter was caught in a contest that did not have a permit they would be issued a citation, how do you show intent, or participation if there is no paperwork? So if a few guys went out and had a great day predator hunting and were stopped would it be assumed they were having a contest?

[Stein]

Never been to a contest, nor have I shot a Coyote, but did take the survey and disagreed with the proposal. The second part if a hunter was caught in a contest that did not have a permit they would be issued a citation, how do you show intent, or participation if there is no paperwork? So if a few guys went out and had a great day predator hunting and were stopped would it be assumed they were having a contest?

It's pretty simple, if you have a contest you get the permit for the event and people sign up.  If you don't enter a contest, you aren't in a contest.

WDFW could easily check with the contest organizer to see who is in and who isn't.  My understanding is that the contest organizer is the entity that needs the permit, not the people participating, but I could be wrong there as I haven't been in one before and have no plans to do so.

[Jake Dogfish]

I’ll take hunting contests over poison bombs please.

[Special T]

Never been to a contest, nor have I shot a Coyote, but did take the survey and disagreed with the proposal. The second part if a hunter was caught in a contest that did not have a permit they would be issued a citation, how do you show intent, or participation if there is no paperwork? So if a few guys went out and had a great day predator hunting and were stopped would it be assumed they were having a contest?

It's pretty simple, if you have a contest you get the permit for the event and people sign up.  If you don't enter a contest, you aren't in a contest.

WDFW could easily check with the contest organizer to see who is in and who isn't.  My understanding is that the contest organizer is the entity that needs the permit, not the people participating, but I could be wrong there as I haven't been in one before and have no plans to do so.

Anyone whom has participated in coyote madness on here has been in a coyote contest. I was informed that usually less than 6 permits a year are issued for coyote derbies and most take place on the east side. The Department has stated this has nothing to do with particular species it is PR

[trophyhunt]

They already know what they’re going to do.   This is a feel good exercise for you guys.   Once you feel good that you’re opinion was heard, they do what they want.

I dont share your defeatist attitude, and if your unwilling to fill out a 2 question survery and take 5 min to send a note your not very dedicated to preserving the sport.

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I agree with miles but I'll fill out the questionnaire, seems every time wdfw asks for our opinion they already have their decision made, maybe except for the grizzly relocation, which was shocking.