New Black Bear Season

[Wenatcheejay]

It seems they plan to move the opening of Bear season to the middle of Aug. Soon, it will be Sept 1st. Then, "Private Land Only," just like they planned it. IMHO


http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/2010/wsr_10-04-125_revisions.pdf

Bear is on page 49.

[bobcat]

Yes, I saw that. The Game Management Advisory Council member who was at the last Commissioner's meeting (March 13) got up and spoke against that change. We should all be writing letters on that issue as well, in addition to the special permit issue.

[Bob33]

Recall they tried to move it to Sep 1 in 2009 after the woman was shot by the 14 year old bear hunter.  They relented because of the overwhelming number of letters written opposed to that idea.

Like typical politicians, they decided to lay low and hope the people would forget.

[bigtex]

The reason why they are moving a couple of the areas openers to the middle of August is because those areas have seen a decrease in the bear population. At first look it seems to be that those areas they want to shorten the season have a large tribal bear take, just a thought. I don't really see a big problem with it, but then again I don't disagree with WDFW on every issue like many of you do.....

[bobcat]

bigtex, Now that you say that I remember that's what they talked about at the meeting... that it was due to a decrease in the bear population. Of course the question is, how do they know there has been a decrease? And is that really the reason for shortening the season. I don't know. It really doesn't affect me, as I won't be hunting bears in those areas. But for those who do, if you've got an opinion on the change, it wouldn't hurt to write and let your feelings be known.

[Bob33]

In 2009 they ultimately fessed up to admitting that a big part of the reason for wanting to move the season was to avoid conflicts between hunters and recreational users like hikers.

[bigtex]

In 2009 they ultimately fessed up to admitting that a big part of the reason for wanting to move the season was to avoid conflicts between hunters and recreational users like hikers.

I agree with you on that, however the areas they proposed changing are areas that are pretty rural. It is not like they are changing the Issaquah or Snoqualmie units which gets a lot of pressure from hikers and hunters, if they did change those units then I think the writing on the wall would be easier to see.

[bobcat]

I wish I had paid more attention at the meeting, but I didn't attend for that issue. It will be interesting to see if the Commission approves the shorter season, after the GMAC member spoke so strongly against it, due to a "loss of hunting opportunity" (or something similar to that.)  Apparently the GMAC has a strong influence on WDFW decisions, so we will see....

[bearpaw]

They have wanted to do this for years. Worst thing is to let them quietly get away with eliminating something they don't like.

[colockumelk]

I wish I had paid more attention at the meeting, but I didn't attend for that issue. It will be interesting to see if the Commission approves the shorter season, after the GMAC member spoke so strongly against it, due to a "loss of hunting opportunity" (or something similar to that.)  Apparently the GMAC has a strong influence on WDFW decisions, so we will see....

I have come to learn that the WDFW commission only pays lip service to the GMAC and also to the WDFW Bio's.  You would think that they would listen to them since the bios and the GMAC are literally subject matter experts.  But instead the commission often times "listens" to them and then goes ahead and does whatever their agenda is anyways.  It's not the bio's fault or the GMAC's fault.  It's the corrupt commissions fault. 

[Bob33]

I have come to learn that the WDFW commission only pays lip service to the GMAC and also to the WDFW Bio's. 

Sometimes that's not such a bad thing.  I do hope the Commission ignores WDFW's proposal (blessed by GMAC) to mess up the deer and elk draws.

[bobcat]

I have come to learn that the WDFW commission only pays lip service to the GMAC and also to the WDFW Bio's. 

Sometimes that's not such a bad thing.  I do hope the Commission ignores WDFW's proposal (blessed by GMAC) to mess up the deer and elk draws.

 

It seems the GMAC doesn't necessarily represent the majority of hunters anyway.

[Houndhunter]

i would have a very hard time believing that there is a decrease in the bear populations, unless they came out and showed some type of credible evidence of it which i know wont happen (because there is no declining bear population). this really sucks cause august is my main time to hunt bear and now half of it is gone in my favorite areas to hunt. im surprised they didnt add the north cascades also since there is alot of hiking areas up there as well.

anyone have a link or e-mail address we can send a letter too?

[Bob33]

Contact the Commission

Mailing Address
600 Capitol Way N.
Olympia, WA 98501-1091

Phone: 360-902-2267
Fax: 360-902-2448
commission@dfw.wa.gov

[saylean]

If it was due to a decline in bear pop, why not make a bag limit of 1 instead of two?