Methow Wildlife Area Winter Closure

[MADMAX]

I'm confused here. I seem to remember a whole bunch of complaining about all of the recreational pressure from the spandex crowd in these wintering areas back when these discussions and surveys first started taking place. Now that they actually appear to be doing something about it, and they even proposed dates that would still accommodate the late hunts, we still don't like it?

I like that they are doing something

If you have never been up on Lewis butte
You should go take a look
Dogs hikers and Mt bikes no orange usually
General season and permit season
Crazy

[wolfbait]

Back in the 80s they shut down hunting in Alta for three years so no one shot their precious wolves that weren’t here yet. 😂

There was also a period in which they shut down coyote hunting during modern.   Do you really think it was about the coyotes? 

They obviously will do what they want, but it would sure be cool if they were upfront about it.

This is not about deer, last winter was a hell of a bad winter, people that live here 50-60 years fed deer for the first time, where the Hell was WDF&Wolves? They never fed at all that I know of. They have done everything to eliminate deer, they protect wolves above all else, with no hound huntin, the same can be said for cougars and bears.

In the winter most of what's left of the deer are in town or on the outskirts, hanging next to people who feed stock, it isn't like the old days when we saw deer in the foothills.

My guess, these closures will be a step towards more closures, perhaps with the same BS excuse.

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Much of the land in the wildlife area was purchased to protect migratory corridors and mule deer winter range. Protecting these areas also benefits songbirds, mammals, salmon, and other wildlife.

With the increasing impacts of climate change, including higher intensity wildfire, mule deer winter range has been decreasing while the demand for outdoor recreation has been increasing.

“We’re seeing less quality habitat available for wildlife and more human disturbance during those critical winter and early spring months, when food is scarce,” said Brandon Troyer, Methow Wildlife Area Manager. “This proposed closure is intended to reduce that disturbance. We know how important the Methow Wildlife Area is for visitors, and it’s important to us that we work with the public as we consider this closure.”
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There is more then enough "habitat" for the amount of deer we have.

[wolfbait]

For those of you who think WDF$Wolves are "protecting deer",  you should read this:

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,281460.0.html

[Skyvalhunter]

Or this so you can find out how well your local wolf pack is doing!!
https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/at-risk/species-recovery/gray-wolf/updates/monthly-wolf-report-august-2023

[Okano-gun]

Associated survey


https://publicinput.com/j8587

[hunter399]

I know this is about methow.....

Here in NE Washington and colville national Forest.
They have a bunch of gates that get closed seasonal.
December -April they close the gate. You are still allowed to recreational activities. But you must walk to keep from disturbing wintering wildlife.
Along with some very old roads that have been tank traped for years.And are basically just an overgrown ATV trail at this point.

I don't mind it the way we do it here. Gate is open in the summer,for firewood,berry picking,and all the activities, December hunting may suffer after the gate gets closed. But your still allowed to walk in and hunt .
I think it works for hunters and wildlife.

[Dick in the Dirt]

Back in the 80s they shut down hunting in Alta for three years so no one shot their precious wolves that weren’t here yet. 😂

There was also a period in which they shut down coyote hunting during modern.   Do you really think it was about the coyotes? 

They obviously will do what they want, but it would sure be cool if they were upfront about it.

Sadly I remember this closer, and never did see the benefits from this. Look who sits on the game commission and there is your answer. It's not about the deer. it's the anti's using the back to to get what they want.