Master Hunters VOICE LOUD AND CLEAR!!!

[murphyranch]

I have to say I went through the MH last year. It took a bit of work to complete but I did. I admit that one of the reasons I went through it was for the special hunts as well as learning more about all aspect's of hunting and wildlife and ethics. But my thinking has changed somewhat since I have completed it and I have no plans in putting in for any of the special hunts.

I have instead discovered that I like volunteering some of my time to helping clean up some of our areas so we can all be able to hunt in them instead of being locked up during hunting season. Also I want to help give all of us hunters a better reputation on our state so that we don't lose our right to Hunt and Fish. I also have gotten involved in a couple organizations that help me meet other like minded folks that are working for the same thing. I want my Son and grandsons to be able to go out and hunt and fish and do the kinds of things that I have had the privilege to experience in my life so far.

If we don't get our S**t together and start acting and showing responsibility and ethics in our sport we are going to be the last of a dying breed. What really chaps my ass is the whiners that don't have the gumption to get out and do a little work to keep our wildlife and lands in order and earn the possibility of maybe getting an extra hunt that they otherwise would not. And helping sustain our wild life and lands for our children. Why do you guys bitching about the MH think that you should have this privilege just handed to you while others do the work to earn it if they so desire. What the hell is wrong with you? This is the reason our great country is in the mess it is in everyone wants something for nothing. Ok I am of my soap box now.

[RyanD]

Congrats Murphy!!  I applaud you for your dedication.  I too volunteer my time and am a member of state orgs as well as national orgs for the promotion of ethics, fair chase and the future of our sport and wildlife.

Why do you guys bitching about the MH think that you should have this privilege just handed to you while others do the work to earn it if they so desire. What the hell is wrong with you?

I am not sure who you are referring too but if you read my above post, I want no part of this program or the tags that is issues.  I don't believe we (and I did say WE) should be chasing the animals for 5-6 months out of the year.  Even if I was handed a tag to hunt the toledo Elk unit in august with a rifle.  I would choose not too.  I am the last person looking for a hand out!!!  I'll get of my soap box now.

[murphyranch]

No not directed at you Ryan we are all entitled to our opinions and not everyone has the same opinion Was workin on that for several response before you.

[KillzElk]

Looks to me after reading all the replies.

How ethical is it hunting in a farmers field. Why don't you try hunting fish in a barrel, After reading some of the replies looks to me there are many unanswered questions that are being missed .. LIKE THE WHOLE POINT OF MASTER HUNTERS.  Is this Master Hunter program offered anywhere else in the US.. WHY only Washington State ? 
Seems Fishy to me to put in place a MasterBater  program....   

[WDFW-SUX]

Utah and Oregon both have them.

[billythekidrock]

Looks to me after reading all the replies.

How ethical is it hunting in a farmers field. Why don't you try hunting fish in a barrel, After reading some of the replies looks to me there are many unanswered questions that are being missed .. LIKE THE WHOLE POINT OF MASTER HUNTERS.  Is this Master Hunter program offered anywhere else in the US.. WHY only Washington State ? 
Seems Fishy to me to put in place a MasterBater  program....   

What part of this don't you understand? This program is primarily about stewardship.
The hunting part of this program is about putting the best hunters in the best position to handle nuisance animals or to hunt in sensitive areas.

And yes, other states have similar programs.

[KillzElk]

I was unaware of the other states that are offering this same program.. I apologize for being retarded about it..

I see Success and Failure
As of 12/31/08, 11,279 people have applied throughout the history of the Program.  Only 2,633 of them successfully completed the requirements and were certified.  Some who were certified later dropped out or elected not to re-certify.   At the end of calendar year 2008, there were 1,655 Certified Master Hunters.  Why have so many applicants failed, and why have some dropped out?

Most applicants who fail to complete the requirements either don’t commit the time or don’t take the requirements seriously.  It’s tough.  It takes a lot of work and it takes a lot of initiative on your part.  You have to decide that this is for you and you have to make the commitment to do the work.  Nine months seems like plenty of time.  It is, if you stay with it until it’s done.  But if you start and stop a few times you’ll be out of time before you know it.

Master Hunters who drop out usually do so because they had the wrong impression about the Program.  Many thought it was a special opportunity to kill a trophy animal, or a chance for special hunts that the regular hunters didn’t get.  That’s not what it is.  We’re a game management tool operating in a fishbowl in full view of the public.

I still think a Master Hunter should have a challenge to hunt, Not just handed to them for taking a test.. If you study and do your home work anyone can be one..

[jager]

Not looking to get into a      match with anyone .
I do know that I was going to put in for an archery permit this year to hunt elk. I was in this area (tiny unit) last year helping scout with some friends that drew the permit.
I was so impressed with the amount of really nice bulls I saw I decided to put in this year. It is no longer a draw option!
They gave out a handful of tags last year now its over a 100 and the season is 8 months long! Ummmm. That really doesn't make to much sense to me. How can that be good for the herd? I'm sure it's a combination of the whole restructuring of our seasons and random BS.
Again, it just goes back to the apparent lack of forethought or consideration by the WDFW.

[furbearer365]

Everyone who is fighting for this horrid program has nothing but gibberish to back up their opinion.  If this program was instated to "take away the nuisance animals" why the hell are there draw tags every year, and a ton of them at that, being given to Master hunters in a walk in only area were they are able to hunt bull elk, drive in, and use a rifle.  Are you seriously telling me that in all the area that is around my town there are literally hundreds of nuisance animals that we need these so-called masters hunter to get rid of them.  Then on top of that have the ability to draw a second tag.  All the fish and game did was tell everyone that they need help and they will give you the right to kill more and kill them easier.  I don't understand why and how anyone who has hunted in this state can fight to say the this program does good for our herds.  In my opinion if it doesn't do good everywhere all the time, then we don't need it.  It is crazy to use a single example of where this program works and say that we need it around because in my area they do more damage than anything.  LOOK AT THE WHOLE PICTURE AND DON'T BE SO CONSUMED WITH WHAT JUST EFFECTS YOU PERSONALLY.

[bbarnes]

Back to my point THINK PAST YOURSELF.

[KillzElk]

I am feeling the same way on this It's always HOW WILL IT BENEFIT ME ALWAYS... ME ME ME ME ME ME

Who is a Master Hunter?
A Master Hunter is a person who possesses the desired combination of Ethics, Stewardship, Knowledge and Skill as applied to hunting and related activities.

    Ethics:
    Fair chase
    Respect for laws
    Respect for game
    Respect for landowners
    Respect for the public
    Zero tolerance for violations

    Knowledge:
    Law & Regulations
    Game
    Firearms
    Hunting heritage
    Safety
    Habitat vs Human activity

    Stewardship:
    Conservation
    Mentoring
    Service
    CORT (Crime Obs & Rept Tng)
    LNT (Leave no trace)
    Education

    Skill:
    Shooting
    Hunting & tracking
    Care of meat
    Wilderness survival

Who came up with these qualifications heck I can shoot a gun and never miss.   I know how to drink beer like them , I drive around gates. I know how to start a fire with a rock.... GIT-R-DONE..  These are all the same things 50% of the Master Hunters do does that qualify me ? ...

[Crunchy]

The way i see it is that the program is a privledge not a right.  Much like voting or driving a car.  If it is something your not interested in then dont do it.  The program is a resource for the WDFW and US Forest Service to use, and assist them on projects to free their time up to do other things.  The more educated we are in regards to hunting, wildlife and the environment the better it is for everyone.  This is just one way to educate hunters.  Of course not everyone agrees with it, and everyone has an opinion.

[luvtohnt]

Everyone who is fighting for this horrid program has nothing but gibberish to back up their opinion. If this program was instated to "take away the nuisance animals" why the hell are there draw tags every year, and a ton of them at that, being given to Master hunters in a walk in only area were they are able to hunt bull elk, drive in, and use a rifle. Are you seriously telling me that in all the area that is around my town there are literally hundreds of nuisance animals that we need these so-called masters hunter to get rid of them. Then on top of that have the ability to draw a second tag. All the fish and game did was tell everyone that they need help and they will give you the right to kill more and kill them easier.  I don't understand why and how anyone who has hunted in this state can fight to say the this program does good for our herds. IN my opinion if it doesn't do good everywhere all the time, then we don't need it. IT is crazy to use a single example of where this program works and say that we need it around because in my area they do more damage than anything.  LOOK AT THE WHOLE PICTURE AND DON'T BE SO CONSUMED WITH WHAT JUST EFFECTS YOU PERSONALLY.

Which hunt are you referring to in your post?

I know how to drink beer like them , I drive around gates. I know how to start a fire with a rock.... GIT-R-DONE..  These are all the same things 50% of the Master Hunters do does that qualify me ?

Not all MH are like that, I am one and I don't do any of that. Personally if you know them you should turn them in. That way the MH program will obtain an even better image. I have heard of others abusing this privilege, but they also get booted out (if they are caught). I would like to find out more about the unit mentioned above so I can see why there is such a big fuss.

Brandon

[bornforhorns]

Plain and simple, should not be used for "trophy opportunities".  AND IT IS.

[mkcj]