Anti's Youtube Video regarding Skagit Elk Hunt

[Ray]

It's not a matter of ethics. It's a matter of sense. The public doesn't see it all in the same light until it is forced on their television set by some tree hugger who distorts the truth. Fact is - yes these things will happen. Should we not avoid these events if we can see they are about to happen?

[Axle]

I find it interesting the a reporter/photographer just happened to be driving by at the right time.

There are some really screwed up anti hunters out there. I would also bet that those who were against the harvest eat meat on a daily basis.

I have known people who, if this was Indians doing this, they would say - 'oh look at that, the Indians are hunting to feed their families'.

[Broken Arrow]

Lots of folks who don't like what others do, be it hunting, politics, religion, etc.  My grandfather used to say...."if everyone in the world all thought the same, wouldn't it be a boring place?" Hunting is a way of life for many of us, and we will never change the views who believe differently. Its easier for me to just focus on what i can control, try to live a good life, be ethical, follow the laws and educate when you can. The rest God can figure out in the end.

[rasbo]

I feel the same about the hunting videos..much as I love to hunt and harvest an animal,I dont need to show off the kill shot or the death scene to enjoy it.thats just me Im not pushing an attitude.But the more publicity given to the antis the tuffer it will be down the road for all of us...

[WDFW-SUX]

Should we not avoid these events if we can see they are about to happen?

People can choose to watch or not to watch.  its up to them.  There is a legitimate reason for these type of hunts.  If you dont like them just drive on by.

[COUG]

I am a bow hunter and that was just the wrong solution to the problem.  

Imagine the call the head of the game dept. got after that one.  

This is not what we needed.

COUG

[Ray]

There are lines where something becomes REAL fuel for the anti hunting community. I'm not sure I can draw all of those lines in the sand but this incident definitely was one of them. They had several elements to fuel a good fire. Most photos or videos would not bother the general public.

[Ray]

Should we not avoid these events if we can see they are about to happen?

People can choose to watch or not to watch.  its up to them.  There is a legitimate reason for these type of hunts.  If you dont like them just drive on by.

They are really not choosing to watch when it is brought into their living room on the news channel unannounced.

Nobody has questioned legality. You keep referring to that.

[Bearhunter]

The game department could have stepped in and called it a safety hazard?  The fact of the matter is there was plenty of time to fiqure out what to do.  The Elk were there from Daylight 7:30ish until after 12:00 noon.  

[Hillbilly270]

are they just questioning bowhunting?  what if they shot'em with rifles?

[WDFW-SUX]

Its an interesting issue.  Highly public area and real damage complaints..what do you do?  The game dept decided that low KE weapons were the ticket to ensure public safety but didnt realize the social implications of killing with arrows.  

Is killing with arrows in public ethical?

There probably isn't an answer to this problem that wont piss someone off...

[the1rod]

The only thing i see questionable about this hunt, is why is it archery? if it is a damage control hunt, and they jsut want to get them out of there why not use rifles? i mean dont most bow hunters hunt with a bow for the increased challenge? it jsut seems to me that a rifle season would better fit the need. other than that, the anit's were way out of line. couldent some of the hunters thay they show sue for slander? man i would love to see that.

[COUG]

If I ruled the world...

Expand the current hunting regulations for the unit until the numbers start to decline.  If this doesn't work round then up and euthanize.  Give the meat to the needy.

[hunt4]

The only thing i see questionable about this hunt, is why is it archery? if it is a damage control hunt, and they jsut want to get them out of there why not use rifles?

Because east to west you could almost shoot a rifle from one end of the unit to the other ...almost.  and i am sure you could shoot a rifle over the unit the other direction north to south
and there are plenty of houses

[Shootmoore]

The only thing i see questionable about this hunt, is why is it archery? if it is a damage control hunt, and they jsut want to get them out of there why not use rifles?

Because east to west you could almost shoot a rifle from one end of the unit to the other ...almost.  and i am sure you could shoot a rifle over the unit the other direction north to south
and there are plenty of houses

Pretty much this.  Most of the properties are the 5 to 10 acre variety.  0 field of safe fire in any direction.  Even muzzys in the past were a little to long ranged in my opinion.

I'm hoping that they come up with something next year, weather its a limited draw or they start thinking outside the box.  something like the quality goose hunt writ large or something to this affect.  The herd needs to be thinned but I don't want hunters to loose the op to hunt it.  (maybe West side tag holders could toss there name in before the season for dated hunts or something)

Shootmoore