collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: What would you do?  (Read 13475 times)

Offline baldopepper

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2010
  • Posts: 2606
What would you do?
« on: November 06, 2023, 07:19:26 AM »
I read constantly what a terrible job wdfw does in managing our deer herds, so just wondering what you would do if you had 100% control over deer management decisions?  Shorter season/longer seasons, more specific unit management, more aprs, more/less quality units-what would you suggest?  Obviously some are going to scream only more predator control,  but we all know that's not the only answer. Let's hear it, if you were the management king, what's your plan?

Offline JakeLand

  • WA State Trappers Association
  • Trade Count: (+35)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2011
  • Posts: 4502
  • Location: Wet side
Re: What would you do?
« Reply #1 on: November 06, 2023, 07:23:43 AM »
2 point minimum for all blacktail

Offline Rainier10

  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Explorer
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2010
  • Posts: 16001
  • Location: Over the edge
Re: What would you do?
« Reply #2 on: November 06, 2023, 07:28:45 AM »
Certainly increase predator hunting.

I would also increase enforcement officers. I think poaching makes a huge impact on game numbers. Estimates of poached animals versus legally harvested animals are sickening.

More funding for wildlife fencing and creating safe corridors.

We spend a ton of money on improving salmon habit and making sure they can return to spawn each year but are doing very little to protect migrations routes and winter range for ungulates.
Pain is temporary, achieving the goal is worth it.

I didn't say it would be easy, I said it would be worth it.

Every father should remember that one day his children will follow his example instead of his advice.


The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HuntWa or the site owner.

Offline timberfaller

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2014
  • Posts: 4159
  • Location: East Wenatchee
Re: What would you do?
« Reply #3 on: November 06, 2023, 09:21:22 AM »
Since its only "deer" management being asked,  bring back hound and bait hunting on bears and cats,  stop doe hunting, remove the three point or better reg.   Make biologist spend 95% of their time out in the field and require them to have animal husbandry experience of at least 10 years.  The best thing that could happen is, remove all governor's input/placement of people that make decisions concerning hunting and shooting sports!

That would be a good start, IMHO :tup:
The only good tree, is a stump!

Offline pianoman9701

  • Mushroom Man
  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 44795
  • Location: Vancouver USA
  • WWC, NRA Life, WFW, NAGR, RMEF, WSB, NMLS #2014743
    • www.facebook.com/johnwallacemortgage
    • John Wallace Mortgage
Re: What would you do?
« Reply #4 on: November 06, 2023, 09:27:18 AM »
Increased predator hunting should be a part of all ungulate recovery. Pass a referendum which says that seasons, antler restrictions, and tag allotments must be determined by the boots-on-the-ground biologists and wildlife managers, not the commission. Pass another referendum that the WDFW be guided by the North American Wildlife Conservation Model and force the commission to follow that guide.
"Restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens based on the actions of criminals and madmen will have no positive effect on the future acts of criminals and madmen. It will only serve to reduce individual rights and the very security of our republic." - Pianoman https://linktr.ee/johnlwallace https://valoaneducator.tv/johnwallace-2014743

Offline Bows4huntn

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 130
  • Location: Wenatchee
Re: What would you do?
« Reply #5 on: November 06, 2023, 09:37:33 AM »
For starters, eliminate multi season tags.

Offline buckfvr

  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (+7)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 4515
  • Location: UNGULATE FREE ZONE UNIT 121
Re: What would you do?
« Reply #6 on: November 06, 2023, 09:54:53 AM »
Public vote by region for regional managers who only answer to a rotating regional resident board of commissioners.  Input only accepted by licensed  hunters/fishers, no out of region out of state input.

All complaints reviewed by randomly ricked committee of residents who make recommendations directly to manager who is required to take action determined by selected random committee.

Every region does not share the same management needs.


In other words, turn the tables on the current method of politicized management.

Offline Rutnbuxnbulls

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Aug 2018
  • Posts: 315
  • Location: Spokane, WA
Re: What would you do?
« Reply #7 on: November 06, 2023, 10:00:44 AM »
Liberal predator seasons, hound hunting in certain GMU's where cat kills are a major issue.  Spring bear season special tags re issued.  WDFW mandatorily guided by sound science and biologist/woodsman input.  We have some of the best research available with game cams and cell phone cams.
No doe hunts period.  No 2nd deer (which is a doe tag) period.  Unless, the unit needs a deer reduction (not likely the case except maybe some islands)
Antler point restrictions on the NE whitetail herd.  For a few years there we had some sweet bucks and a lot of them, this was during the 4 pt restrictions.
I would rotate units for OTC mule deer hunts, maybe close some popular unit (ex: Swakane) for a season and let things come around and rotate that theory (If it works) to the next popular unit.  Select West/East deer tag just like elk.  Plenty of Blacktail for the west siders to go after! ;)
Just some thoughts on improvement, not trying to stir a hornets nest at all.  Oh, and more federal incentives for farmers to leave areas fallow or plant native trees/shrubs along drainages in the Palouse to keep deer herds healthy.  It'd be nice to see more cover for deer and upland birds.  It might also keep water around into the drought seasons, maybe stave off blue tongue die offs.
My 2  :twocents:

Offline hunter399

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Feb 2014
  • Posts: 8739
  • Location: In Your Hunting Spot
  • Groups: NRA RMEF
Re: What would you do?
« Reply #8 on: November 06, 2023, 10:52:18 AM »
For starters, eliminate multi season tags.
Some reduction on the deer side I would agree with.
I hate to totally take opportunity away.
At the same time a reduction may be in order.
When you have to sell leftovers,that may be a red flag that your issue too many.
Like 500 elk
500 deer might be a good round number reduction.
« Last Edit: November 06, 2023, 11:13:58 AM by hunter399 »

Offline hunter399

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Feb 2014
  • Posts: 8739
  • Location: In Your Hunting Spot
  • Groups: NRA RMEF
Re: What would you do?
« Reply #9 on: November 06, 2023, 10:52:47 AM »
Public vote by region for regional managers who only answer to a rotating regional resident board of commissioners.  Input only accepted by licensed  hunters/fishers, no out of region out of state input.

All complaints reviewed by randomly ricked committee of residents who make recommendations directly to manager who is required to take action determined by selected random committee.

Every region does not share the same management needs.


In other words, turn the tables on the current method of politicized management.
Totally agree

Offline hunter399

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Feb 2014
  • Posts: 8739
  • Location: In Your Hunting Spot
  • Groups: NRA RMEF
Re: What would you do?
« Reply #10 on: November 06, 2023, 10:53:22 AM »
Liberal predator seasons, hound hunting in certain GMU's where cat kills are a major issue.  Spring bear season special tags re issued.  WDFW mandatorily guided by sound science and biologist/woodsman input.  We have some of the best research available with game cams and cell phone cams.
No doe hunts period.  No 2nd deer (which is a doe tag) period.  Unless, the unit needs a deer reduction (not likely the case except maybe some islands)
Antler point restrictions on the NE whitetail herd.  For a few years there we had some sweet bucks and a lot of them, this was during the 4 pt restrictions.
I would rotate units for OTC mule deer hunts, maybe close some popular unit (ex: Swakane) for a season and let things come around and rotate that theory (If it works) to the next popular unit.  Select West/East deer tag just like elk.  Plenty of Blacktail for the west siders to go after! ;)
Just some thoughts on improvement, not trying to stir a hornets nest at all.  Oh, and more federal incentives for farmers to leave areas fallow or plant native trees/shrubs along drainages in the Palouse to keep deer herds healthy.  It'd be nice to see more cover for deer and upland birds.  It might also keep water around into the drought seasons, maybe stave off blue tongue die offs.
My 2  :twocents:
Totally agree

Offline BTobsession

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Pilgrim
  • *
  • Join Date: Nov 2016
  • Posts: 18
  • Location: West of East Lewis county
Re: What would you do?
« Reply #11 on: November 06, 2023, 11:08:48 AM »
2 point minimum for all blacktail
I like it.
I'd maybe even do 3 point min/ youth any buck.

Offline 2MANY

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jun 2013
  • Posts: 5059
  • Location: Yup
Re: What would you do?
« Reply #12 on: November 06, 2023, 11:14:10 AM »
Sub Contract the management out to a private firm that specializes in such things and run it like an accountable business.

There is ZERO accountability in Government anything.

Offline salmosalar

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Oct 2019
  • Posts: 416
Re: What would you do?
« Reply #13 on: November 06, 2023, 11:20:48 AM »
Increased predator hunting should be a part of all ungulate recovery. Pass a referendum which says that seasons, antler restrictions, and tag allotments must be determined by the boots-on-the-ground biologists and wildlife managers, not the commission. Pass another referendum that the WDFW be guided by the North American Wildlife Conservation Model and force the commission to follow that guide.

I appreciate that you understand that a referendum or similar would be required for these things.

Many people want to bring back hound hunting. Hound hunting was stopped by referendum. It's here to stay unless a different referendum is passed. 

The wording of the 2nd referendum would be difficult at best and I would fear that opening that can of worms would be detrimental in the end. Quite simply, I doubt that it could be a communicated in a manor palatable to the majority of the electorate. When you open these things up for change, you do run a risk.

There are ways to do this outside of referendums. However, I believe that it would take either bipartisanship or and working with the tribes to apply pressure on the next governor and state Rep's.

I know little about eastside deer issues. I know that there are plenty of blacktails where I hunt. That is not to say that there is no problem, just that I do not have a grasp on what problems there may be. I don't hunt BT much at all. I see tehm when elk hunting though. There are a lot on my game cameras to. Tghey certainly are nocturnal buggers.

Offline jackelope

  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+29)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 50306
  • Location: Duvall, WA
  • Groups: jackelope
Re: What would you do?
« Reply #14 on: November 06, 2023, 11:46:17 AM »
I’d go back to 4 point restrictions in the NE.

I’d think real hard on going to a permit system for mule deer where people draw every other year or so. Unit to unit could go up or down as far as permit numbers based on deer herd health.

I’d increase predator harvest but that’s not black and white either.

I’d put restrictions on commission members. Background checks or whatever to determine that they are people who would follow the science and not follow their opinion and feelings on things.
:fire.:

" In today's instant gratification society, more and more pressure revolves around success and the measurement of one's prowess as a hunter by inches on a score chart or field photos produced on social media. Don't fall into the trap. Hunting is-and always will be- about the hunt, the adventure, the views, and time spent with close friends and family. " Ryan Hatfield

My posts, opinions and statements do not represent those of this forum

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Yard bucks by Boss .300 winmag
[Yesterday at 11:20:39 PM]


Yard babies by Feathernfurr
[Yesterday at 10:04:54 PM]


Pocket Carry by bb76
[Yesterday at 08:44:00 PM]


Seeking recommendations on a new scope by coachg
[Yesterday at 08:10:21 PM]


Sauk Unit Youth Elk Tips by high_hunter
[Yesterday at 08:06:05 PM]


Jupiter Mountain Rayonier Permit- 621 Bull Tag by HntnFsh
[Yesterday at 07:58:22 PM]


KODIAK06 2025 trail cam and personal pics thread by Boss .300 winmag
[Yesterday at 07:07:33 PM]


MOVED: Seekins Element 7PRC for sale by Bob33
[Yesterday at 06:57:10 PM]


3 pintails by metlhead
[Yesterday at 04:44:03 PM]


1993 Merc issues getting up on plane by Happy Gilmore
[Yesterday at 04:37:55 PM]


A lonely Job... by AL WORRELLS KID
[Yesterday at 03:21:14 PM]


Unit 364 Archery Tag by buglebuster
[Yesterday at 12:16:59 PM]


In the background by zwickeyman
[Yesterday at 12:10:13 PM]


A. Cole Lockback in AEB-L and Micarta by A. Cole
[Yesterday at 09:15:34 AM]


Willapa Hills 1 Bear by hunter399
[Yesterday at 08:24:48 AM]


Bearpaw Outfitters Annual July 4th Hunt Sale by Threewolves
[Yesterday at 06:35:57 AM]


Sockeye Numbers by Southpole
[July 03, 2025, 09:02:04 PM]


Selkirk bull moose. by moose40
[July 03, 2025, 05:42:19 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal