Illegal to feed big game animals??

[billythekidrock]

You don't need trapping in the middle of nowhere to regulate the population of a species.  The land will only hold a finite amount of animals.

While the land can only hold so much, there are times when we need to regulate a species out in the middle of nowhere. Take bears and the damage they do to timber for example.

[tlbradford]

While the land can only hold so much, there are times when we need to regulate a species out in the middle of nowhere. Take bears and the damage they do to timber for example.

Right, which brings us back to damage control.

The only things I disagree with Houndhunter on is that recreational trappers are doing it to just to kill animals or make money.  I also disagree with his statement that trapping is not a survival skill, when it is a means to provide you with food and clothing.

[billythekidrock]

While the land can only hold so much, there are times when we need to regulate a species out in the middle of nowhere. Take bears and the damage they do to timber for example.

Right, which brings us back to damage control.

The only things I disagree with Houndhunter on is that recreational trappers are doing it to just to kill animals or make money.  I also disagree with his statement that trapping is not a survival skill, when it is a means to provide you with food and clothing.

I agree and by reading your posts in the past I realize that you know this as well. My post on your quote was more for the uninitiated.

[Houndhunter]

there killing them to regulate populations, you really think theres money in trapping?? i dont think theres a trapper out there thats doing it for money, they do it, as me, because its enjoyable and the money is really just a extra

trappers arnt around today for teaching survival and passing on a tradition to show people how it used to be

I trap because i like it, keeps the predators down, brings up #'s of delicate animals such as grouse or rabbits, and helps out the overal eco system

[billythekidrock]

I trap because i like it, keeps the predators down, brings up #'s of delicate animals such as grouse or rabbits, and helps out the overal eco system

So you passed your test? When and where did you take it? I read the material, but never set up a test. Too hard to get any help from F&G.

[tlbradford]

Hound, I think you may be reading my post a little too quickly, or I may not be explaining clearly???  Either way, we are mostly in agreement.

[Houndhunter]

i know what ya mean, its hard to get across what you want when your typing

no worrys, we'll have to crack open a cold one sometime

[M_ray]

no worrys, we'll have to crack open a cold one sometime

You can't do that? your profile say's you're only 17! I know I never drank a beer when I was 17! 

[popeshawnpaul]

 

[M_ray]

When I saw that pope had replied and my last sentance had the word "BEER" in it I thought? " this is going to be good"


Ok you got me 

[popeshawnpaul]

I'm drinking two beers as I type this...   

[Outfitter]

I have to start Turkey season tomorrow at 3:00 am so I believe I'll drink 6 or so tonight!

[popeshawnpaul]

I can't wait to go turkey hunting Joe.  It's going to be a blast.  I'm going to take a bunch of pictures.  Looking forward to it.

Shawn

[groundhog]

Man you guys got off the subject.
If you read my original post I nicely asked for opinions from both sides of the subject on feeding big game. I figured this was a good cross section of hunters and I respect your opinions on a subject that concerns me. I didn't expect to be attacked by anyone.
Outdoorguy- I never mentioned baiting or complained about lack of game or not harvesting animals. I pass on alot of animals every year and my freezer is as full as I want it. You said I was a game hog because I am concerned about the welfare of our wildlife??? You can go screw yourself.

As for the Indians the only way to solve that problem is to convince them to self regulate.

For the record for the rest of you guys
.
I think we all need to stick together as much as possible. There is plenty of room for different opinions. If we start fightin amongst ourselves we are playing right in to the antis plan. Divide and conquer.

IMO folks should be more supportive of a persons weapon of choice. All three are just as deadly and effective (or ineffective) in the right (or wrong) persons hands. It is all about knowing your range and ability. Folks need to respect others choice of weapon and not point fingers and give the Antis any ideas or ammunition.

On baiting. I voted against the bear bait ban and I think baiting bears was a better way to selectively manage bear. Baiting Deer and Elk is not my cup of tea but I guess to each his own. I knew it was legal but I didn't think many people were doing it.....

I also voted against the outlaw of hounds for Bear and Cougar. Houndsman will generally only take large males or mature animals and in my opinion hounds were a better way to selectively manage. That being said I respect Robodads opinion and thoughts on the subject of baiting and hounds.
 
Ya know I got fed up a few years ago and started writing letters to the WDFW about subjects that concern me. Guess what?? They actually listen!!! The biologist that I have been in touch with are good guys that are concerned about the welfare of our wildlife. Like I said before they actually listen. The reason for my original post is that I didn't want to suggest something without thinking it through and hearing from both sides on the subject. I am still not sure on the idea to ban the private feeding of big game. I guess the verdict is still out but it seems that most folks don't feel there is a problem.

This is a good site and I think it is possible that as a group we could accomplish alot by banning together to make good rational suggestions to the WDFW. We will never accomplish a thing if all we do is complain  and point fingers and fight amongst each other like a bunch of school kids......

[Guy]

"I believe everything should be left natural. No feeding. Our elk herds are trained."

Problem is - it's already not natural. We built cities and developed farmlands in the natural wintering grounds... I don't mind feeding the critters to make up for that and help ensure we have game to hunt in the fall.

Are we feeding the Methow deer herd? What was the real mortality up there this winter? Would more have survived if there had been a better feeding program.

I dunno. No game biologist here, but I do know that there are mule deer browsing in my front yard here in Wenatchee in the winter. I need to plant something they like more...

Regards, Guy