More Methow Valley News about Deer season

[wsmnut]

More from the Methow Valley News:

2009 was good year for deer hunters
By Patrick Hannigan

All anecdotal indicators suggest that the 2009 deer hunting season in the Methow was significantly better than 2008.

For example, in the four days the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife operated a check station up the East Chewuch, agents checked through 75 deer, which was an 88 percent increase over 2008.

The numbers from the annual Antlers Saloon and Café buck contest in Twisp confirm the trend. This year the wall was covered with pictures of 84 different hunters posing with their deer. That’s up significantly from last year, when the wall sported only 57 photos. Still, this year’s Antlers numbers were down substantially from the gravy year of 2004, when 140 successful hunters brought their deer to the saloon to pose for pictures.

According to WDFW biologist Scott Fitkin, he personally saw no record-breaking animal in the harvest, but he did say that the deer taken this year tended to be older and larger than average.

“We saw a lot of big-bodied, very healthy and fat animals this year,” said Fitkin.

While Katie Russell did get not out hunting, she was as busy as anyone during the 10-day hunting season, which began Oct. 17 and ended Oct. 25. The 25-year old Twisp resident has an interest in hide tanning and she offered to skin deer for any hunters.

In total, she skinned 27 deer last week and has an additional 25 hides that hunters dropped off for her to tan and use.

“My wrists are really sore and my hands are all swollen, but I’m very happy,” said Russell. “It was really fun meeting all the hunters and seeing all the deer.”

Russell employs a technique called “brain tanning” that uses the brains of an animal to tan its own hide. From the hides she plans on fashioning clothes and accessories for herself, friends, and perhaps sale.

“I’m still working on my wardrobe,” said Russell.

With hunting season comes the inevitable flood of law enforcement complaints. During the 10-day season, Sgt. Jim Brown of the WDFW said his officers responded to 125 violations in Okanogan County – most of which were in the Methow Valley.

In addition to the usual slew of trespassing and alcohol violations, this year a few hunters got busted by a robotic deer. More specifically, law enforcement agents busted five different hunters who shot at the deer decoy.

The robotic decoy deer was placed in different poses along roadsides around the county and the Methow Valley at night. Hunters that shot at the decoy were ticketed by agents, who staked out the deer, for breaking several laws, including rules against shooting deer at night and shooting from a public roadway.

“There are a certain percentage of people who are predisposed to break the law,” said Brown. “If they choose to shoot the deer, they are willfully breaking the law.”

Now that hunting season is over, valley residents are ready for a quiet fall.

“I’m looking forward to doing some hikes that I wouldn’t have done during hunting season,” said Callie Fink who lives in Winthrop.

 
 

 
It wasn't better for me...if that check station is "scientific", then we are in a lot of trouble.

[huntnphool]

Still, this year’s Antlers numbers were down substantially from the gravy year of 2004, when 140 successful hunters brought their deer to the saloon to pose for pictures.

Scott thinks hunters are idiots, the reason the numbers were higher in 04 is because the season ended almost a week later, on the 28th.

[saylean]

I've seen that "free deer skinning" sign between twisp winthrop...I am surprised a 25 yr old girl is behind it.

I know I am up on Antlers wall...I didnt even know bout the contest till this year...

[Wacenturion]

Still, this year’s Antlers numbers were down substantially from the gravy year of 2004, when 140 successful hunters brought their deer to the saloon to pose for pictures.

Scott thinks hunters are idiots, the reason the numbers were higher in 04 is because the season ended almost a week later, on the 28th.

minor detail....lol.   

[Dipsnort]

Wait, so it was a good year for deer hunting in the Methow?  I assume this is one thread Wolfbait (and others) won't mention how the herd has been decimated by the wolf population.

[Skyvalhunter]

I think things are twisted around a bit. I talked to a few wardens up there and for them to check 50+ hunters and one legal buck seems to me that would reflect pretty poor odds.

[mossback91]

Im gonna smack fitkin

[Skyvalhunter]

Can I watch? please

[MtnMuley]

Ya, were still seeing the effects of the 04 extended week long mule deer massacre!  Moss, come to the meeting at the agriplex next Monday the 9th at 6 pm if you want to see Fitkin squeel in his pants!  He'd better be there!

[WDFW-SUX]

                 
Scott Fitkin

[BLKBEARKLR]

Wait, so it was a good year for deer hunting in the Methow?  I assume this is one thread Wolfbait (and others) won't mention how the herd has been decimated by the wolf population.

LMAO

[huntnphool]

I think things are twisted around a bit. I talked to a few wardens up there and for them to check 50+ hunters and one legal buck seems to me that would reflect pretty poor odds.

Hey if its in print or posted on the internet then it must be true right? We took a drive through the Beaver Creek camp area, which was packed as usual, and only saw 3 bucks hanging. Of course they could have been in the town locker but I doubt it. The last saturday of the season I sat there in the morning and didn't hear a single shot the entire morning, and you can hear them echo down the canyon for a few miles.

Don't let them twist it, the season was just as bad as it has been the last couple years, IMO it was worse but then again my name isn't Scott.

[boneaddict]

Sounds like an election campaign, or a man trying to save his job.  Anecdotal evidence is just that....I have plenty that says the opposite.  Banner year of 04 and its just now recovering from that stupid WDFW mistake.  First year there are mature bucks behind every bush........at least according to Fitkin.  I sure saw A LOT of hunters with nothing in there camps.  I purposely looked.   Sure didn't hear many shots either.  That check station is also the biggest joke in the valley.  Go one way and you can be at the bar or home.  Go the other way and you get searched and have to be questioned.  hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[huntnphool]

or a man trying to save his job

 

[huntnphool]

All anecdotal indicators suggest that the 2009 deer hunting season in the Methow was significantly better than 2008.
For example, in the four days the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife operated a check station up the East Chewuch, agents checked through 75 deer, which was an 88 percent increase over 2008.

What happened to the "Twice as good" as last season?

According to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist Scott Fitkin, hunters took approximately twice as many deer as last year as measured by numbers from the WDFW check station on the East Chewuch Road.

This clown is just throwing out numbers to have people hear what the want to hear. How does the saying go? "42.7 percent of all statistics are made up 80% of the time."

[wolfbait]

Wait, so it was a good year for deer hunting in the Methow?  I assume this is one thread Wolfbait (and others) won't mention how the herd has been decimated by the wolf population.

No it was a bad year for huntin in the Methow, but next year will be worse. You can believe s.fitkin till hell freezes over, every year it will be worse.

[boneaddict]

I agree 

[WDFW-SUX]

yup yup.

[wolfbait]

One other thing that might be a factor in more bucks being taken in the Chewuk area is wolves really haven't hit that area as hard yet. Where as the Twisp river drainage and surounding country has been slammed fairly hard. This summer a pack of 9 was seen in Thompsom Ridge area. Wolves have been seen as far down as Black Canyon. So as the wolves start spreading out in seach of more game, you can guess how the rest of the Methow Valley will be like hunting. Or if you are s.fitkin you can just keep telling the same windys to the public, but at some point in time all the lies regarding the wolves and the deer will catch up.

[Idabooner]

I fully agree wolfbait, the Chewuck area has always been a high game producing area and could be used as a rule of thumb year after year for the Methow Valley in the past, before the introduction of wolves. But now it's no longer a usefull tool with heavy wolf population in other areas, and not the Chewuck.  Actually the Chewuck is a very small portion of the Methow Valley.

[hawksfan75]

Sorry if anybody knows her, but this is a quality quote to take completely out of context: "“My wrists are really sore and my hands are all swollen, but I’m very happy."

Congrats to all who were able to harvest. I'm picking out seasonings for my tag soup…

[mulehunter]

One other thing that might be a factor in more bucks being taken in the Chewuk area is wolves really haven't hit that area as hard yet. Where as the Twisp river drainage and surounding country has been slammed fairly hard. This summer a pack of 9 was seen in Thompsom Ridge area. Wolves have been seen as far down as Black Canyon. So as the wolves start spreading out in seach of more game, you can guess how the rest of the Methow Valley will be like hunting. Or if you are s.fitkin you can just keep telling the same windys to the public, but at some point in time all the lies regarding the wolves and the deer will catch up.

  to S.Fitkin  

I agree with Wolfbait.  Only worst place is in Twisp, Carlton and southwest of Wintrop.  Great deer hunting Outside of this three Town.  Soon Wolves will Move outside due to low Population.

I am very VERY CURIOUS about someone who got Permittee this winter 2009 as houndman who doesnt know nothing about Wolves in some area... I hope they dont loose some of their dogs to Wolves.  Maybe Donny M should go up there and TRY IT himself.    I hope he hired me!  

Because We lost one BEST cougar dog  to Wolves in Twisp, Wa On Matt's Permit, also other best dog BARELY DIED but alive with EXPENSIVE VET EXPENSE.



This pic of  Bonnie (Blacktan) got killed by Wolves when we found her.  


Mulehunter  

[Dipsnort]

Wait, so it was a good year for deer hunting in the Methow?  I assume this is one thread Wolfbait (and others) won't mention how the herd has been decimated by the wolf population.

No it was a bad year for huntin in the Methow, but next year will be worse. You can believe s.fitkin till hell freezes over, every year it will be worse.

Why do you assume I believe this Fitkin guy?  My comment is simply an attempt to instill a little credibility into your claims.  You have declared the Methow a disaster in terms of the deer population due to wolf predation.  Fitkin has declared the herd in great shape.  I'd guess the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

[huntnphool]

You have declared the Methow a disaster in terms of the deer population due to wolf predation.  Fitkin has declared the herd in great shape.  I'd guess the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

And there in-lies the problem, we should be able to believe what Scott has to say but admittedly even you don't believe him. Scott is being payed, and payed well I might add, to do a job, you shouldn't have to guess.

[boneaddict]

I'm running 50% LESS than last year.  From winter, from wolves, from mismanagement, who cares........
If I am 50% less next year....you sort it out.