Ban On Bear Hunting

[rainshadow1]

Brandon, I'm pretty sure one of the main reasons they want to re-establish large pretators and protect the existing ones is to do away with hunters who manage the deer and elk and etc. Their theory is that it'll manage itself. (The fact is it'll cycle wildly... some areas will be wiped clean of prey species, then several years later the predators will starve out, then nothing, then prey will migrate back in 20 years later, then predators will follow... They'd rather have wild fluctuations and complete eradication cycles of 50 years, and have deer and elk getting torn to pieces alive, then have predators killing each other and dying of starvation, than having them managed in a steady, humane, and mutually benificial way by arrows and bullets.)

[sako223]

I voted against the ban back then, but have to say there has been a measurable increase in bear & cougar hunting opportunity for many who have never seen either in a lifetime of hunting.
It also seems clear to me this is one factor in the dwindling number of deer in some areas. First time in my life to see a bear take a run at a bull elk.
The current cougar seasons are frustrating thanks WDFW.
I often wonder what the true costs associated with these issues is.
Recently I have been reading up on the sage grouse program. It is a bird to really appreciate the beauty and photos of the rituals. The question keeps popping up though can we reach the numbers they strive for and what are we spending for it. It is supported by many gov programs and by closing off hunting ground.
Now I see where they are closing a small area at ytc for bald eagle. Not sure what the thinking on this is.
Of course the wolf thing is huge on both sides.
As I see it the loudest voice with the most money is chipping away effectively getting legislation and programs in place.
There is constant chatter of disgust and concern among the groups but only the anti hunting group has a single goal. Hunters have not been good at getting on the same page. The game dept has not exactly been our friend either as there is often an attitude of it's them against us.
How do we get together and combat this without waiting for a piece of legislation slapping us while wondering which way your hunting buddies are going to vote.

[bearpaw]

very good points guys....