WDFW news update

[Kain]

What would this mean for us non-dog owners?

http://wdfw.wa.gov/do/newreal/release.php?id=jun0909a

The commission also heard briefings and took public comment on proposed changes to WDFW’s pilot cougar hunting program, including a proposal to move the season opener from Dec. 1 to Jan. 5 and remove requirements for dog ownership. The commission is scheduled to take action on proposed changes at its July 10-11 meeting.

[Machias]

Note to self, stay out of this discussion can't afford to apologise twice in one week.  

[rasbo]

Note to self, stay out of this discussion can't afford to apologise twice in one week.  

come on Fred..Not being a houndhunter.I dont understand the dog owner ship part of it..And dont like the Jan 5 opener .

[billythekidrock]

I would like Fred's input... if he is willing.

My understanding is right now you can not apply for cougar/hound permits unless you can prove ownership of dogs capable of treeing a lion. No proof, no permit.

Sounds like they may open it up to everyone regardless of ownership?

[Machias]

Ok, and if I even start to get riled up later on just remind me to take a chill pill.    As a dog ower (I can't call myself a houndsmen since I only own Leopard Curs   )  I don't want to have to compete against everyone else who does not have dogs.  There is already a long season for guys without dogs.  If it is opened up to the general public a houndsmen will hardly ever draw again and will only be able to work his dogs for someone else.  If I take someone out it would only be with the understanding that we do not shoot females or young toms.  Alot of guys would not want to walk away from a treed lion.  The current restriction about having dogs is actually a joke though.  Anyone can take a dog to the vets and say hey Doc this dog trees cats, please sign my form.  Or you can pay someone $5 for part ownership in a hound and legally get the permit, even under the current system.  It takes 2 to 3 years to get a good beginning on a dog.  Then there is feed, vet bills, housing, tracking unit, shock collars, training, driving to get the dogs in shape, etc..  I have roughly $4-5000 invested in my two mutts.  So now I only get to use my $4-5000 mutts to tree lions for guys who have nothing invested in the sport of dog hunting.  Folks complain about how unfair lion hunting is because they only see the treed lion, the shot and the happy hunter.  What they don't see is the years it takes a guy to get to that tree.  If they remove the restriction and open it up to all hunters, I won't be putting in for WA Lions anymore.    

[rasbo]

so if I draw your dogs can run a cougar for me...ok

[bucklucky]

Well said Machias.

[Kain]

I feel for you hound guys.  I have never hunted with hounds but would love to at least come along on one someday.  I thought this was going to be more opportunity for me to get a tag but this will only effect Pilot Cougar Hunt With The Use of Dogs - Hunt Choices 9010-9014.  While I would be able to apply I would not have the time to put into a hunt in those areas.  Doesnt make sense to me to have a pilot hound hunt then open it up to guys without hounds.  I guess they could hire some hounds or have a buddy with hounds.    I can write a letter if you want me to.  

[Machias]

so if I draw your dogs can run a cougar for me...ok

I can, if your good with leaving small toms and females alive in the tree. 

[Kain]

so if I draw your dogs can run a cougar for me...ok

I can, if your good with leaving small toms and females alive in the tree.  

Hell I would love just seeing the cats!  Cat in a tree is a successful hunt in my opinion.  Cant afford a rug or mount anyways.

[bucklucky]

The quota will get met too fast anyway because of all the young cats and females that get blasted, plan on persuit only . Isnt that about how it works? I dont even waist my time, stupid me. Dogs would love to tree a lion 

[boneaddict]

Seems to me there was a reason I had this hound penned up out here. LOL  Haven't drawn in 5 years or so.

[Machias]

The quota will get met too fast anyway because of all the young cats and females that get blasted, plan on persuit only . Isnt that about how it works? I dont even waist my time, stupid me. Dogs would love to tree a lion  

Very true actually.

[stumprat]

When the cougar hunt programs first started people without dogs would apply for a permit. Either animal rights people trying to hoard tags, or guys with no dogs but hopes of finding a houndsman desperate to run his dogs for them. Too many of the tags went unfilled. In areas deemed necessary for a successful harvest to get a handle on the population. Then they made the ownership requirement.

This hunt was designed to successfully control population, and catch problem lions WITH THE USE OF DOGS. Therefore it only makes sense for a dog owner only hunt after the general season guys have hunted.

[rasbo]

so if I draw your dogs can run a cougar for me...ok

I can, if your good with leaving small toms and females alive in the tree. 

Im cool with that I would like a big tom.Its the only full mount I would like now..