Spring bear shot down again. Shocking...

[vandeman17]

OLYMPIA - The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission has once again rejected petitions to reintroduce a spring black bear hunting season for the upcoming year.

https://www.yoursourceone.com/columbia_basin/spring-black-bear-hunting-season-denied-again-by-washington-fish-and-wildlife-commission/article_48780cb4-51a6-11ee-87a0-fbe14a72ebcd.html

[Special T]

The important part of the meeting is not represented in the article. WDFW staff have asked for guidance as to what the Commission felt was acceptable, or what kinds of metrics did they value. The Comissioners are playing a game where they dangle the disingenuous opportunity of a management hunt. By not providing guidance they make staff run in circles to find something acceptable and shoot it down anyway.  Commissioners are not honest brokers in this conversation.

[hunter399]

Yup ,pretty shocked right now.
Why didn't any of the petitions address tree damage.
Our commission says there is no need for the hunt.

[bearhunter99]

Unless WA sees a change in leadership (i.e. the Governor) and representation on the commission that actually holds scientifically sound game managment in regard there will never be a spring bear season again.  Feelings have no place in game management discussions....

[jrebel]

Once side show Bob get in the governors house….guaranteed we will never see a spring season again.  Be luck to keep the fall season. 

[AlpineMuley]

We should all ask for our money back for spring bear points.  The total bill will probably shock them.

[Timberstalker]

Once side show Bob get in the governors house….guaranteed we will never see a spring season again.  Be luck to keep the fall season.

Bear and cougar season will be gone in the next 30 days.
Elk will be permit only.

[hunter399]

Once side show Bob get in the governors house….guaranteed we will never see a spring season again.  Be luck to keep the fall season.

Bear and cougar season will be gone in the next 30 days.
Elk will be permit only.

Probably 🤔

[MADMAX]

Its been a great time in the great state of Washington
The fat lady is singing

[hunter399]

Once side show Bob get in the governors house….guaranteed we will never see a spring season again.  Be luck to keep the fall season.

Bear and cougar season will be gone in the next 30 days.
Elk will be permit only.

No way man!!!
Oil tag for bear ,cougar,now.

[Westsideelkchaser]

Only way for minimum chance of change is no one buys licenses in Wa…go hunt your dream out of state hunt if you can’t afford it I hate to say eat a year and see if anything changes otherwise Wa will not be a huntable state very soon unless all you want is yotes and they will end that to as fast as they can

[HillHound]

Once side show Bob get in the governors house….guaranteed we will never see a spring season again.  Be luck to keep the fall season.

Bear and cougar season will be gone in the next 30 days.
Elk will be permit only.

No way man!!!
Oil tag for bear ,cougar,now.

He is not kidding. It is happening right now. The commission is actively looking to close all bear and cougar hunting in Washington. They have the votes to do it just like they did for spring bear. It doesn’t matter what our educated biologists say because we have a bunch of old women who have never been off a established trail who know better and are the only ones who have a vote. Everyone I try to tell looks at me like I’m a conspiracy theorist but mark my words if these commissions don’t get in a plane crash together or some other Act of god we Will not be hunting bears or cougars next year in Washington. Granted over the next 10 years we will all kill way more bears and cougars… but they will be in our yard trying to eat our pets or kids and we will have to call WDFW to come get their dead animal off my property. They won’t let you keep an animal taken in the act of deprivation so all this meat will now go to the land fill. YAY commission, you will succeed in closing predator season, taking all revenue associated with the tags sold away, taking meat out of peoples freezers…. And there will still be twice as many bears and cougars killed as there are now. Game warden’s are going to be spending their entire week’s running from one deprivation case to the next shooting cougars and bears all day long. I’ve seen over 12 bears this year. Can’t imagine it after just a few years of not hunting. I wonder how their tune would chance if Smith or Rowland had a grandchild killed by a cougar or bear….. i’m sure they would just love to sit there and watch in ahh at the beauty of nature. And remember all these predators have just as many rights as people so she would have no way to try to stop that cougar from eating her grandchild. Our commission has some serious mental deficiencies. There are the same people who think they can go up and pet the bison in Yellowstone. They cannot differentiate between domesticated animals in the wild animals and have no business being in the position they’re in.  I love this state. Own a business, House, cabin, multiple properties. If they take our bear and cougar hunting away I will be looking at selling all and leaving this once great place to live.

[GWP]

Only way for minimum chance of change is no one buys licenses in Wa…go hunt your dream out of state hunt if you can’t afford it I hate to say eat a year and see if anything changes otherwise Wa will not be a huntable state very soon unless all you want is yotes and they will end that to as fast as they can

That would just be used as proof ‘No one is hunting any more. Shut it all down now’. 

[boneaddict]

I wouldnt be surprised if they yank Fall bear shortly.

[nwwanderer]

And the result is a decline in everything they claim as precious.

[baker5150]

"there will be no spring bear hunts in Washington until a new, substantiated management concern arises."

If this is a direct quote from the commission, it is dereliction of duty...

RCW 77.04.012 Mandate does not direct the commission to ONLY set a season based on a management need,
on the contrary,
It states "the commission shall ATTEMPT TO MAXIMIZE the public recreational game fishing and hunting opportunities of all citizens"

Any attempt to remove opportunity based on anything other than a conservation need, goes directly against the RCW.
   
These statements are ammo for the current law suit. 

[HillHound]

I sure hope they can get somewhere with the lawsuit but when you have the governor and the Attorney General that are best pals and agree with these commissioners I really don’t know how far it’s going to get. But I sure hope it works because I am telling you our game commission is delusional they think they live in a Disney movie where all the animals just frolic and sing together in the woods. And they don’t think all the deer and elk are going to be decimated by the predators, they think they’re going to just be able to walk out into the woods and find Mr. Pooh bear now and ask him for a pot of honey. Like I said before these are the exact same people that go to Yellowstone and try to pet an elk or a buffalo. They cannot differentiate between domesticated and wild animals and therefore think they need the same treatment and protections. Bat *censored* crazy is the only way you can describe them. It probably won’t make a difference but we need to be spamming these peoples emails spamming the comments being as big a thorn in their side as we possibly can. If they can take our hunting we can ruin their day by having to sift through all of our complaints to find what they’re actually looking for. I am not going to let this go I am going to set an alarm daily they are going to hear from me over and over and over again
and we all need to do the same. It grinds these peoples gears to hear what we have to say we can put them in a bad mood every single day by having to open these comments and emails from us that are flooding their boxes and maybe eventually it won’t be worth their time. please help save our hunting. Otherwise if this goes through I’m on a five year plan to get the heck out of the state and you guys are on your own

[ducks4days]

We can make our own commission.

With blackjack. And hookers.

[RC]

"there will be no spring bear hunts in Washington until a new, substantiated management concern arises."

If this is a direct quote from the commission, it is dereliction of duty...

RCW 77.04.012 Mandate does not direct the commission to ONLY set a season based on a management need,
on the contrary,
It states "the commission shall ATTEMPT TO MAXIMIZE the public recreational game fishing and hunting opportunities of all citizens"

Any attempt to remove opportunity based on anything other than a conservation need, goes directly against the RCW.
   
These statements are ammo for the current law suit.

The fact that they are viewing hunting only as a management tool is very concerning to me.  With that line of reasoning, what's to keep them from trying to eliminate all bird hunting while they're at it?  Does anybody have an update on how the lawsuit is going?

[Special T]

"there will be no spring bear hunts in Washington until a new, substantiated management concern arises."

If this is a direct quote from the commission, it is dereliction of duty...

RCW 77.04.012 Mandate does not direct the commission to ONLY set a season based on a management need,
on the contrary,
It states "the commission shall ATTEMPT TO MAXIMIZE the public recreational game fishing and hunting opportunities of all citizens"

Any attempt to remove opportunity based on anything other than a conservation need, goes directly against the RCW.
   
These statements are ammo for the current law suit.

The fact that they are viewing hunting only as a management tool is very concerning to me.  With that line of reasoning, what's to keep them from trying to eliminate all bird hunting while they're at it?  Does anybody have an update on how the lawsuit is going?

They are coming for it all. They are just starting with predators because it will force deer and elk into permit only. Predator protection is the perfect tool to end or greatly reduce hunting opportunity.  Logic isnt important because they are not honest brokers in discussion or negotiation.

[pickardjw]

Someone posted an article on this in a more liberal dominated forum and the comments were interesting to say the least. So many people think we should only hunt for population control or think we only cut the heads off. Don't even realize there are laws for meat retention.

One person suggested they set a select amount of permits for specific areas where the timber damage or human conflict is occurring...that's exactly what it was before they took it away!! 

[boneaddict]

You nailed it Special T

[boneaddict]

I'm waiting for this video to show up on here, but it hit my social media yesterday.   Some dude facing off with a big bear at a family picnic in Pennsylvania.   How it pertains to this is that it shows just how naive or dumb most people are in regards to predators in the first place.   Most of the comments are mind blowing how dumb the average bloke is.   

[Special T]

Someone posted an article on this in a more liberal dominated forum and the comments were interesting to say the least. So many people think we should only hunt for population control or think we only cut the heads off. Don't even realize there are laws for meat retention.

One person suggested they set a select amount of permits for specific areas where the timber damage or human conflict is occurring...that's exactly what it was before they took it away!! 

This is a failing of sportsmen in this state. We allow the animal rights crowd to drive the narrative. We do not spend the time and money on it because we are consumed with our pursuit. We have to overcome our psychological inclination as individuals and band together. To animal rights activists this is natural, to us its like trying to herd cats.

[Jake Dogfish]

And the result is a decline in everything they claim as precious.

These top of the food chain protections lead to starvation which is inhumane.  Also it leads to less wildlife overall, which they claim to be for more.  Hopefully someone will point this out in commission meetings sometime.

[pianoman9701]

Someone posted an article on this in a more liberal dominated forum and the comments were interesting to say the least. So many people think we should only hunt for population control or think we only cut the heads off. Don't even realize there are laws for meat retention.

One person suggested they set a select amount of permits for specific areas where the timber damage or human conflict is occurring...that's exactly what it was before they took it away!! 

This is a failing of sportsmen in this state. We allow the animal rights crowd to drive the narrative. We do not spend the time and money on it because we are consumed with our pursuit. We have to overcome our psychological inclination as individuals and band together. To animal rights activists this is natural, to us its like trying to herd cats.

Respectfully, I disagree, Special T. When you have a governor who ignores state law by filling the Commission with animal rights activists because they filled his pockets with donations, the sportsmen and women are ignored completely by those who make the rules. This has been shown time and time again by extremists like Lorna Smith publicly refusing to even read the comments of pro-spring bear advocates. Spending time and money on this is being done by many...to no avail. Inslee doesn't care. The activists on the Commission don't care. They refuse to listen to the sportsmen and women, and even the biologists that are hired to give them data and recommendations for management. Turning on our own people isn't the answer, but I'm unsure what the answer is at this point.

[johnbmyersii]

Someone posted an article on this in a more liberal dominated forum and the comments were interesting to say the least. So many people think we should only hunt for population control or think we only cut the heads off. Don't even realize there are laws for meat retention.

One person suggested they set a select amount of permits for specific areas where the timber damage or human conflict is occurring...that's exactly what it was before they took it away!! 

This is a failing of sportsmen in this state. We allow the animal rights crowd to drive the narrative. We do not spend the time and money on it because we are consumed with our pursuit. We have to overcome our psychological inclination as individuals and band together. To animal rights activists this is natural, to us its like trying to herd cats.

Respectfully, I disagree, Special T. When you have a governor who ignores state law by filling the Commission with animal rights activists because they filled his pockets with donations, the sportsmen and women are ignored completely by those who make the rules. This has been shown time and time again by extremists like Lorna Smith publicly refusing to even read the comments of pro-spring bear advocates. Spending time and money on this is being done by many...to no avail. Inslee doesn't care. The activists on the Commission don't care. They refuse to listen to the sportsmen and women, and even the biologists that are hired to give them data and recommendations for management. Turning on our own people isn't the answer, but I'm unsure what the answer is at this point.

Well said pianoman, just gotta keep donating to the court battle. Thats probably the only way to fight at this point unless a miracle happens and an R gets elected to governor.

[timberfaller]

Its all known as, back door tactics!  Elections have consequences!!  Vote for any D, expect this kind of insanity!!

Started decades ago, with banning Lead, ESA listings, water wars, etc etc!  Oh ya, then throw in a created pandemic!!

The pandemic exposed the EVIL that is our public school system, but don't expect any changes to occur!  As long as there is a Spokane,King and Thurston county's,  expect it to get worse!  The Ten Goals of Marxism has succeeded!

[buckfvr]

Administration of appropriate consequences (whatever that be) to all those complicit, would be a good place to start.

[Special T]

Someone posted an article on this in a more liberal dominated forum and the comments were interesting to say the least. So many people think we should only hunt for population control or think we only cut the heads off. Don't even realize there are laws for meat retention.

One person suggested they set a select amount of permits for specific areas where the timber damage or human conflict is occurring...that's exactly what it was before they took it away!! 

This is a failing of sportsmen in this state. We allow the animal rights crowd to drive the narrative. We do not spend the time and money on it because we are consumed with our pursuit. We have to overcome our psychological inclination as individuals and band together. To animal rights activists this is natural, to us its like trying to herd cats.

Respectfully, I disagree, Special T. When you have a governor who ignores state law by filling the Commission with animal rights activists because they filled his pockets with donations, the sportsmen and women are ignored completely by those who make the rules. This has been shown time and time again by extremists like Lorna Smith publicly refusing to even read the comments of pro-spring bear advocates. Spending time and money on this is being done by many...to no avail. Inslee doesn't care. The activists on the Commission don't care. They refuse to listen to the sportsmen and women, and even the biologists that are hired to give them data and recommendations for management. Turning on our own people isn't the answer, but I'm unsure what the answer is at this point.

I dont think we really disagree so let me clarify. The WDFW survey about hunting attitudes showed that only 10% were anti hunting. 30ish percents were agnostic the rest were some level of pro hunting.  Sportsmen mostly sing to the choir. As a whole we dont do a great job of promoting what hunting is to the non hunting public. The family elk camp, meals, the fire side banter. How delicious the meat is especially from Bears and cougars that the Antis portray are just Trophy hunting. How managing predators helps EVERYONE.

Yes the commission is agenda driven and most are not our advocates, even worse they are not honest brokers in the conversation. They have been able to keep us on defense instead of us fighting back. We have been focused on issues right in front of us not the long term PR campaign/fight.

[pianoman9701]

We're not far apart and I do respect your informed opinion. But my main frustration is with the governor and his minions.

[mcrawfordaf]

Its hard to focus on just one issue, let alone just our state. Federal move to expand lead bans on refuges. California trying to implement a 11% tax on law abiding ammo and gun purchasers. Oregon trying to make ALL killing of animals illegal. And then our state continuously taking hunting opportunities away. It can be seen as nothing more as an orchestrated attack on hunting and self subsistence nationally IMO...

[Special T]

We're not far apart and I do respect your informed opinion. But my main frustration is with the governor and his minions.

We dont disagree with each other then. Im just pointing out "the long game". One we dont seem to play because we are busy putting out fires.

[buckfvr]

Its hard to focus on just one issue, let alone just our state. Federal move to expand lead bans on refuges. California trying to implement a 11% tax on law abiding ammo and gun purchasers. Oregon trying to make ALL killing of animals illegal. And then our state continuously taking hunting opportunities away. It can be seen as nothing more as an orchestrated attack on hunting and self subsistence nationally IMO...

Its forced evolution from citizen to subject.  Eliminate our ability to take care of and defend ourselves in exchange for complete dependence on rulers.  No food no guns, lots of sheep.

[JBG]

Can we please please please get a Republican candidate who can be elected given this is a heavy blue state?  The MAGA crap (at least at the state level) has to stop for any of this to change. 

[Pacific Ghost]

It's time for everyone to start opening their wallets and start setting aside time to be part of stuff that will help fight these people and make a difference. I drove all the way up to the event last night in Arlington to help raise more funds for the Sportsmen's Alliance to litigate on our behalf. There is also the opportunity to show up and attend the commission meeting in Olympia on October 27th. We need thousands to go. Oh, and Semi Bird the next Governor of Washington State, was in attendance at the event last night as well. What does that tell you about what kind of advocate for hunters he would be?

[Special T]

It's time for everyone to start opening their wallets and start setting aside time to be part of stuff that will help fight these people and make a difference. I drove all the way up to the event last night in Arlington to help raise more funds for the Sportsmen's Alliance to litigate on our behalf. There is also the opportunity to show up and attend the commission meeting in Olympia on October 27th. We need thousands to go. Oh, and Semi Bird the next Governor of Washington State, was in attendance at the event last night as well. What does that tell you about what kind of advocate for hunters he would be?

 

[hunter399]

It's funny how we hear about Bob Ferguson enforcing/prosecuting
High capacity magazines.
People like our commission are protected to the hilt.
Pretty much break and change laws as they like.

Whatever happened to doing away with the commission.
Putting DNR commissioners in charge.
I think at this point in the game ,we as hunters would be better off without a commission.
I know for a fact that other states have merged wildlife with natural resources department. I don't hear about those states ending hunting.

[Special T]

It's funny how we hear about Bob Ferguson enforcing/prosecuting
High capacity magazines.
People like our commission are protected to the hilt.
Pretty much break and change laws as they like.

Whatever happened to doing away with the commission.
Putting DNR commissioners in charge.
I think at this point in the game ,we as hunters would be better off without a commission.
I know for a fact that other states have merged wildlife with natural resources department. I don't hear about those states ending hunting.

It was a parks WDFW merger 15 ish years ago. It would be a wreck.

We have not always had a commission. In 1995 referendum 45 created the Commission  instead of the director being appointed by the Govenor.  I have heard some rumblings about a move to repeal Ref 45 and delegate the authority to the legislature. I'm not sure that this is the best course of action. Forcing the Govenor to abide by RCW 77.04.040 is the best course of action.

[hunter399]

It's funny how we hear about Bob Ferguson enforcing/prosecuting
High capacity magazines.
People like our commission are protected to the hilt.
Pretty much break and change laws as they like.

Whatever happened to doing away with the commission.
Putting DNR commissioners in charge.
I think at this point in the game ,we as hunters would be better off without a commission.
I know for a fact that other states have merged wildlife with natural resources department. I don't hear about those states ending hunting.

It was a parks WDFW merger 15 ish years ago. It would be a wreck.

We have not always had a commission. In 1995 referendum 45 created the Commission  instead of the director being appointed by the Govenor.  I have heard some rumblings about a move to repeal Ref 45 and delegate the authority to the legislature. I'm not sure that this is the best course of action. Forcing the Govenor to abide by RCW 77.04.040 is the best course of action.

Maybe your right.
Maybe not.
Inslee is going to bail out.
Then you'll just have a new governor,so what happens then.

[Special T]

The governor appoints the current commission. A new governor could bring balance by following the rcw. If we got a Republican that could happen. I think folks don't understand the mechanics of how the system  works or how it could potentially with other pitfaĺls

[Stein]

A new governor is the only hope unless you have deep pockets and a decade to fight the nonsense.  The state pretty much just follow whatever laws they want and forces people to court if they want anything done.

[hunter399]

You guys are on the optimistic side.
I'm more on the reality side.
Damage control from spring bear,and recently other talks of predator hunting ending will take years to reverse.
With a "better governor".
Even with a "balanced" commission the tie vote on regulation could last for years.

The language in some of those RCW  Leaves legal loop holes.
You know who ends up governor,he will jump through those holes.
The commission mandate is part of those RCW.
It just seems to me .....
That when people are involved in illegal activities.
And they get away with it, they will continue down that path.
Which is where we sit .

[Timberstalker]

Ferguson should help us all out!