Trappers be aware

[Special T]

Ive had some pretty mixed feelings following this discussion. I have taken something different away from it that most (I assume). A general trend from the WDFW seems to be changing its mission and land use to mirror the Wa Parks department. Dog walkers, mountain bikers, hikers and cross country skiers should take precedence over Department land purchased with sportsmen dollars for conservation and hunting purposes. While a lot of discussion on here has been made about the Prudence of this trappers choice of location, we should list a series of other restrictions and infringements that are talking place. Some of them might restrict opportunities from sportsmen because of the need to use more discretion.

1 Plenty of conflict has occurred at the Stillwater unit in the Snoqualmie valley over dog walkers interrupting and unleashed dogs running the hunting fields during the season.
2 No shooting ordnances instituted in Thurston county (and elsewhere) 300 yards, 500 yards in Kitsap county to prevent duck hunters from hunting. Safety is stated but really its noise. They tried to completely ban Duck hunting in Drayton Harbor near Blaine but failed
3 The legal private land hunting that took place on the Johnson's farm adjacent to Hwy20 for elk in Skagit county. We no longer have an open archery season on the valley floor as a result.

Stillwater is an interesting one. There's basically a walking/bike trail running right down the entire border of the property. Those things don't happen as much at Cherry Valley or Crescent Lake and they're just a few  miles away. Same type of areas. Just no walking trail right alongside them.
CV did have the dog in the conibear incident a few years ago.

Part of my point is that certain lands are bought paid for or DONATED for express purpose of hunting. Anything above and beyond that is  just extra. Treating WDFW lands like a State, County or City park runs contrary to the norms of this state. other states allow some kinds of hunting and trapping in those public places but Washington does not.  So when the public treats these lands like a park who is at fault? Sure sportsmen should be more cautious and discreet about our actions and how they will likely be used against us. Does this mean we shouldnt hunt hunt or trap? Especially on WDFW lands?  I have not fully read the 10 year recreation strategy plan for WDFW lands. It does lean harder towards multiple use treating it more like National forests used to be. If we combine this with the Wildlife for All strategy, and they have been influencing commissioners, the overall plan is laid out. https://wildlifeforall.us/why-it-matters/solutions/a-new-paradigm/  Our political enemies want to reduce Sportsmen's influence in order to snuff out hunting.

[timberfaller]

"Treating WDFW lands like a State, County or City park runs contrary to the norms of this state." quote of Special T

I've ranted here and in-front of WDFW at a Hunter Ed IST a few years ago.   The WDFW needs to abandon and future land purchases and start selling off previous purchases!!   BUT that will never happen under the cloud of stupidity of the department heads and Olympia.  The Big Valley and the old LLoyds Logging ranch are prime examples(waste of monies).   You'd have to know the "behind the scene players" and WHAT is now public lands and how they are used.   There are to many special interest groups pushing the buttons that make these land grabs happen.  WDFW is more of a "pawn" then a player.

Having to deal with all the "pest" on the Big Valley for years, it was for only one reason, I couldn't find trappers.  The department was useless.  I had a few early on that would come in every winter and run trap lines.  Since the beavers in the valley are a "migrating" animal.   Come in, make a mess, then leave, only to come back the next fall and start all over.   When pelt prices disappeared, so did the trappers.  Back to the trustee ole Sako.  Jingles loves that gun!!   I sure miss it!   The Valley has drifted so far away from what it used to be,  Its not a surprise to me and a host of other, the court ruling concerning the tree huggers.  They've over taken the valley and they enjoy every special treatment given them which in turn brings more in.  Watch out for the MVCC too!

The gals should have had the book thrown at them,  but you need to know who the "power broker's" are to understand why it didn't happen!!   Until the "hunting" community, unites, its only going to get worse.   This is no different then the "wolf" fiasco of years ago.  The WDFW didn't stand behind the land owner, they helped set him up for the fall and the rest is history.  How was it a set up?  A "special person" told me so and if he was ever to be called by his employer, he said he would have to be a "hostile witness"!

Wake up people!  Defend Traditions, weather you are into them or not!  WE will all benefit from them.  Unless you are into supporting D's.

[Special T]

Most land the department has purchased was done with Federal grants and cannot really be sold.  If we want to defend the resource and our hunting heritage we need to protect the conversion of these lands into park like settings. If they were in fact purchased as important wintering habitat paid for with sportmens dollars  then that is how we need to defend them.

[timberfaller]

I can agree to a point, BUT the Big Valley was a total farce!!  They didn't want the winter range!  And pastures don't sustain mule dear during the winters!  They purchased 900 acres(irrigated pastures) for the same price they would have gotten the total ranch 1900+ acres.  AND most of the old rearing ponds were ignored too(300 acres)!!  NOW anyone knows that its critical habitat that needs protected, this purchase did neither.  They didn't even want the equipment or shop etc etc.   I would be safe in calling the purchase a scam!  But then I was just a hard working citizen and hunter.  The owner got what he wanted, the powers that be got what they wanted, the "groups" got what they wanted BUT the rest including wildlife and sportsmen got the shaft!

I still remember the day when the one eyed bandit pulled me aside and told me to go along with the sale, "it would put me in a revolving door of continued work and money".   Didn't happen!!  I read the new lease agreement, over a half inch thick and see the "out" clause!!! Then got to watch it unfold until I was sent packing!!

[Humptulips]

My view on the original topic:
Of course, everyone should be willing to share the outdoors, but the problem arises like in this case when you run into someone that won't. Jingles was in the right from the start but gets criticism because he didn't give way. I have run into similar situations and did just that, but every situation is different and maybe it would be giving up to give way. There was snow and who's to say the problem wouldn't have followed him or maybe snow limited access, so the choices were limited for his trapping. Other things come to mind but the point is should trappers or other sportsmen lay down automatically when confronted?
Probably smart to, most of the time, but to not do so is understandable.
I'm glad she was convicted and even though a small fine, better than would happen most of the time. Now is the time to put it in the past. If she didn't learn her lesson the Judge will likely make her rue the day if she comes before him again.
Even though, some vigilante justice is talked about in the heat of the moment, that is a line that should never be crossed, and I think most feel the same way. Any talk on here about doing the lady harm IMO is just internet tough guy talk.
Go back to sharing the woods and greeting everyone you meet with a cheerful greeting. Most people are willing to get along with you IMHO.

[jackelope]

My view on the original topic:
Of course, everyone should be willing to share the outdoors, but the problem arises like in this case when you run into someone that won't. Jingles was in the right from the start but gets criticism because he didn't give way. I have run into similar situations and did just that, but every situation is different and maybe it would be giving up to give way. There was snow and who's to say the problem wouldn't have followed him or maybe snow limited access, so the choices were limited for his trapping. Other things come to mind but the point is should trappers or other sportsmen lay down automatically when confronted?
Probably smart to, most of the time, but to not do so is understandable.
I'm glad she was convicted and even though a small fine, better than would happen most of the time. Now is the time to put it in the past. If she didn't learn her lesson the Judge will likely make her rue the day if she comes before him again.
Even though, some vigilante justice is talked about in the heat of the moment, that is a line that should never be crossed, and I think most feel the same way. Any talk on here about doing the lady harm IMO is just internet tough guy talk.
Go back to sharing the woods and greeting everyone you meet with a cheerful greeting. Most people are willing to get along with you IMHO.

Very well said, sir.

[northwesthunter84]

Just saw this article.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/photos-space-show-11-000-221546256.html

[KFhunter]

Just saw this article.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/photos-space-show-11-000-221546256.html

wear a beaver pelt and do your part to help stop global warming