Careful what you are shooting at!

[D-Rock425]

what happen to if it flies it dies.  just joking. 

[Dustin07]

I don't waterfowl hunt.  Don't really ever plan to.

I was reading this and thought this must be what the other post was talking about when he said there are a lot of judmental pricks on this site. 

Yes there are, however... shooting a doe in a 3 point only GMU, shooting a swan, snagging salmon, poaching an Elk, all of these things are bad for the game and bad for hunters reputations. the game regs are really complicated, I admit that, but blatantly shooting something like a swan is just too obvious and a great way to get an entire area shut down to hunters. By the time my son is in his 20's I'm sure the only land he will be able to hunt will be private land. A walk in the forest is going to cost $150/day + forest protection class or something. we're not that far away from it.

[h2ofowlr]

This is why it is important to make good shots on birds as it can be easy to mistake them if you don't spend time in the field studying up.  If your off on the bag limit, ex. 2 hens, 1 can, 2 reds, 1 harli, 4 scoters and 2 sprags.  Then you get a ticket or the guys stuff them in the grass that don't know what they are doing. No different than big game like mentioned.  Identify it before you shoot it.  If you want to just go out and kill birds, I believe starlings are open year around.

[CoryTDF]

in my opinion you have to be a idiot to mistake the two.

[Dustin07]

This is why it is important to make good shots on birds as it can be easy to mistake them if you don't spend time in the field studying up.  If your off on the bag limit, ex. 2 hens, 1 can, 2 reds, 1 harli, 4 scoters and 2 sprags.  Then you get a ticket or the guys stuff them in the grass that don't know what they are doing. No different than big game like mentioned.  Identify it before you shoot it.  If you want to just go out and kill birds, I believe starlings are open year around.

agreed. I've passed a lot of opportunities for game that was probably legal, just because I wasn't 100% certain before pulling the trigger.

[rainshadow1]

For those who don't know, a Swan could carry a snow goose under each wing and still fly without much difficulty. I honestly don't think even idiots could mistake them. I doubt they're being shot at by accident.

The one time I was on the mouth of the Skagit I saw it happen, disgusting.

[Schmalzfam]

If you just sit and watch the birds for awhile as a bird watcher before you hunt you are better off. I know some guys are new and anxious but, that can get you in trouble. The swans and snow geese fly way different! Not to mention the size difference. Now, my son's classmate was hunting off of  in Mount Vernon not near Fir Island more towards Best Rd. He shot a bird..it was banded!! He came to school bragging about his banded snow goose. He was king S#!t amongst all his friends. Well, the WDFW called him last week at lunch to notify him or his ticket that will be arriving shortly in the mail and all the possible fines, for shooting a juvie whistling swan. Idiot!
Wasn't feeling so hot now...I really hope they sock it to him.

My son is always telling/showing me pics of their hunts of overlimits and mixed bags of "whatever". So, karma got him..pretty funny he ratted himself out.

That is exactly why, 14/15 year olds should never hunt with out an adult!!! When will that go into law anyways?

[carpsniperg2]

  get him h2ofowlr, i think it is someone trying to stir the pot talking. why even pipe in if you don't waterfowl hunt? let people who do, explain things kick back and relax dude. and its not being pricks just trying to prevent someone from getting in trouble. maybe someone will read are posts that don't hunt much, and then pass on the next flock of white swans that fly over his spread. 
 

[Schmalzfam]

I don't waterfowl hunt.  Don't really ever plan to.

I was reading this and thought this must be what the other post was talking about when he said there are a lot of judmental pricks on this site. 

Well, if it was put in terms of animals you hunt..would you understand? Does that make you ignorant? or Judgemental as others?
This forum is for opinions, experience, stories and help!!
However, of course you are going to get flack for shooting the wrong animal..or doing so out of season.
Ethical hunters don't take to kindly to those who aren't! A lot of us take pride in teaching our kids or who ever the right way.
I don't think that's being a Prick..

[Ragged Outdoors]

For those who don't know, a Swan could carry a snow goose under each wing and still fly without much difficulty. I honestly don't think even idiots could mistake them. I doubt they're being shot at by accident.

                                               

[Curly]

For those who don't know, a Swan could carry a snow goose under each wing and still fly without much difficulty. I honestly don't think even idiots could mistake them. I doubt they're being shot at by accident.

                                               

Well, there are some real idiots out there.........  I know for a fact that the case of swan killing I'm aware of (20+ years ago) was by accident.  The father and son were rookies at waterfowl hunting and were clueless.

People shooting at swans purposely would be morons too........ you can spot swans flying from miles away and if they started dropping out of the sky, it would be easy to catch the culprits.

[Dustin07]

For those who don't know, a Swan could carry a snow goose under each wing and still fly without much difficulty. I honestly don't think even idiots could mistake them. I doubt they're being shot at by accident.

                                               

Well, there are some real idiots out there.........  I know for a fact that the case of swan killing I'm aware of (20+ years ago) was by accident.  The father and son were rookies at waterfowl hunting and were clueless.

I've passed up a number of nice bucks that were probably legal, but if I didn't for sure without a shadow of a doubt see that 3rd point, I didn't shoot. I think sometimes people don't take birds as seriously when it comes to poaching because they are smaller and seem less significant.

[haus]

Damn the Bald Eagles better watch the hell out around Skagit

I don't waterfowl hunt.  Don't really ever plan to.

I was reading this and thought this must be what the other post was talking about when he said there are a lot of judmental pricks on this site. 

put down the spoon and step away from the pot