Shed hunting season?

[highcountry_hunter]

I’ll be the first to admit that I am the last one in favor of more rules and regulations, but let’s face it. Washington’s deer herds are not exactly thriving. Between extreme predation and habitat encroachment by more and more people, the deer and elk and moose have a tougher time than ever. Prodding through snow trying to find a bite to eat plus trying to keep from getting eaten by a wolf of lion makes for tough survival as a deer. Then add in guys tromping through the woods looking for sheds and pushing the deer all over the country side, unnecessarily burning up precious calories.

So, as lame as it would be, it might be better for our deer in the long run. Would anyone be in favor of a “shed hunting season” that would open somewhere around the end of April or beginning of May?


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[kentrek]

Just take a few of the influencers and pay them to look down at shed hunting and youl decrease alot of pressure...if it's not cool people won't do it

For the people that dont care about being cool and just love it i hope they can shed hunt year round

See how that goes before making rules

[MADMAX]

I’ll be the first to admit that I am the last one in favor of more rules and regulations, but let’s face it. Washington’s deer herds are not exactly thriving. Between extreme predation and habitat encroachment by more and more people, the deer and elk and moose have a tougher time than ever. Prodding through snow trying to find a bite to eat plus trying to keep from getting eaten by a wolf of lion makes for tough survival as a deer. Then add in guys tromping through the woods looking for sheds and pushing the deer all over the country side, unnecessarily burning up precious calories.

So, as lame as it would be, it might be better for our deer in the long run. Would anyone be in favor of a “shed hunting season” that would open somewhere around the end of April or beginning of May?


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Most winter ranges dont open until May 1st already, this was instituted due to your same concerns

[HillHound]

Don’t like it. Like the idea, don’t like what it opens up. Seasons for this would also give good reason to shut the woods down in winter to snowmobiling, predator hunting, etc. like already said some areas already have a May opener, let’s not push for more regulations, let push for more common sense. Quit pushing the dang deer. And if you are out there you might as well be cougar or coyote hunting While shed hunting. Maybe offset your added stress by killing a couple predators that harass them 24/7

[idaho guy]

[quote author =HillHound link=topic=276714.msg3759851#msg3759851 date=1674398645]
Don’t like it. Like the idea, don’t like what it opens up. Seasons for this would also give good reason to shut the woods down in winter to snowmobiling, predator hunting, etc. like already said some areas already have a May opener, let’s not push for more regulations, let push for more common sense. Quit pushing the dang deer. And if you are out there you might as well be cougar or coyote hunting While shed hunting. Maybe offset your added stress by killing a couple predators that harass them 24/7
[/quote] 



This. I get where you’re coming from but The regulations will limit predator hunters. Although you can’t use hounds,  I would still be out right in the MIDDLE of winter rage killing predators while I am shed hunting. The only way I usually find sheds is following a dog on a cat. I am constantly running my tracked utv through winter range and hardly bother the elk and deer. With deep snow they hardly move off the trail or road and I just drive by. A guy (unless he is a total jackwagon who chases or constantly harasses them) is the last concern for deer and elk in the winter. Nice lion in your avatar 👍 the influencers ruined shed hunting pass a regulation against social media glorifying shed hunting ha ha.

[nwwanderer]

Not to worry, with most of the genetics lost to viruses and composted in predator scat the need for a season diminishes

[buckfvr]

Unnecessary.  No new regulations, no new permits, no more money.  This is like more gun laws.