Cougar hunting by Mulehunter

[LRP]

Good morning, reviewed last posts. First, I do not have an opposing view.  I just added some info that was missing.  So, if that puts me on the other side, be it so.  Some do not want to hear the whole story.  Sometimes I'm in the right place at the right time and I do ask questions (old guys do that).  My information came from Mulehunters friends that he was hunting with, the bio and volunteer and my own observations.  I don't have to be standing next to you to hear what you say or see what you are doing.  Mulehunter verified what I said about him releasing his hounds on the track after I added that info.  I don't have answers to all your questions, but I know as much as Mulehunter and just added what was missing.  Its easy to jump on the band wagon, but to add info that slows down the wagon gets under some folks skin.  I'm not trying to do either.  But to see folks with an agenda without all the information and not speak up, to me is wrong.  As I said, I just added information you did not have.  People look but don't see.  You have a photo of vehicles with WDFW decals, you instantly believe its a state vehicle.  Did it have state plates?  No.  Not trying to offend anyone here, just make sure you don't put that wagon in a rut or on the wrong road.    LRP

[Hornseeker]

Nice post LRP...

[shoot-em-dead]

Good morning, reviewed last posts. First, I do not have an opposing view.  I just added some info that was missing.  So, if that puts me on the other side, be it so.  Some do not want to hear the whole story.  Sometimes I'm in the right place at the right time and I do ask questions (old guys do that).  My information came from Mulehunters friends that he was hunting with, the bio and volunteer and my own observations.  I don't have to be standing next to you to hear what you say or see what you are doing.  Mulehunter verified what I said about him releasing his hounds on the track after I added that info.  I don't have answers to all your questions, but I know as much as Mulehunter and just added what was missing.  Its easy to jump on the band wagon, but to add info that slows down the wagon gets under some folks skin.  I'm not trying to do either.  But to see folks with an agenda without all the information and not speak up, to me is wrong.  As I said, I just added information you did not have.  People look but don't see.  You have a photo of vehicles with WDFW decals, you instantly believe its a state vehicle.  Did it have state plates?  No.  Not trying to offend anyone here, just make sure you don't put that wagon in a rut or on the wrong road.    LRP

Sorry but I couldn't help but read that post except with one persons voice in mind. Read it again and put Obamas voice to it.

[mulehunter]

I know what truth is about saturday morning. On saturday I got upset by see all biologist people flexing their muscles .  I never seen or heard five rigs work for one biologlist. Obviously they were there to make a point!!

 I should have wrote every rig lic plates. Some aren't govt. But it look all govt to me.

I am just mad because i lost perfect oppertunity to fill my tag, one that i have waited so long for and worked so hard for.

I will do better next time.  I am not mad anymore. Next time i just turn loose and let the dogs do their thing...

Mulehunter

[grundy53]

Good morning, reviewed last posts. First, I do not have an opposing view.  I just added some info that was missing.  So, if that puts me on the other side, be it so.  Some do not want to hear the whole story.  Sometimes I'm in the right place at the right time and I do ask questions (old guys do that).  My information came from Mulehunters friends that he was hunting with, the bio and volunteer and my own observations.  I don't have to be standing next to you to hear what you say or see what you are doing.  Mulehunter verified what I said about him releasing his hounds on the track after I added that info.  I don't have answers to all your questions, but I know as much as Mulehunter and just added what was missing.  Its easy to jump on the band wagon, but to add info that slows down the wagon gets under some folks skin.  I'm not trying to do either.  But to see folks with an agenda without all the information and not speak up, to me is wrong.  As I said, I just added information you did not have.  People look but don't see.  You have a photo of vehicles with WDFW decals, you instantly believe its a state vehicle.  Did it have state plates?  No.  Not trying to offend anyone here, just make sure you don't put that wagon in a rut or on the wrong road.    LRP

I still don't see how this changes anything? It was still b.s what happened to him. That group is just lucky it was someone with a level head and an even temper. I know a lot of guys that it would have been different. It could have got really ugly.

[Curly]

Well, I hope what Boneaddict says comes true:

It will all work out in the end as Scott will get a bigger Kitty and will have more hunts under his belt.   This is what he lives for. 

I can't wait to see more pics.  Go get a big one, Mulehunter. 

We are all living vicariously through you.   

[Machias]

Good luck Scott, we are all rooting for you.

LRP, welcome back, I hope you stick around.  Sorry for the crappy welcome that I gave you.

[Special T]

I want to point out 2 events that involve the WDFW after i have had some time to digest a few comments... We all remember the Elk hunting "fiasco" in Johnson farms Field from last year archery season near Concrete  Hwy 20.. The WDFW did away with a general season for archers who obeyed the law  but didn't obey the "Hunters code of conduct".... And i quote "Remember the future of hunting depends on HUNTERS and non hunters alike. Be considerate on nonhunters sensibilities, and strive to leave them with positive images of hunting and hunters."

So if we hunters are penalized for following the law, but not the CODE OF CONDUCT, What should happen to the WDFW bios and their "Volunteers"?  If they forget that the future of hunting depends on hunters what should we do? Beside the foot in the ass? Shouldn't the WDFW do something to its bio's and "Volunteers" that fail to ad hear to similar conduct?

Even if it is "legal" for them to be out collaring when season is open it is stupid to do so... From the WDFW own actions, Which speak much louder than their print or words, they hold us hunters in low regard... I know many of you thought that the WDFW merger with the DNR would be bad, but i think the only way to shake things up is to wipe as much deadwood from this agency as possible...

The WDFW ran to us for help to save their HIDE from the merger, and since they have done little to show us they are worthy of out trust...

[Hornseeker]

Another comment..I've done this a fair bit, sledding for cats. There were times when we took off from the truck without the dogs, just on sleds to try and cut a track. We knew dam good and well that if someone showed up at that track with dogs and we didn't have ours...we were screwed... 9 outta 10 times we just load up and take the dogs and such, unless its a real short road system....

The bio/volys were in the wrong, period, and Mule Hunter deserves an apology from them, period... and possibly more than an apology...

[Hyde]

Next time i just turn loose and let the dogs do their thing...
Mulehunter

   That's what I'm talking about! 

[LRP]

 Mulehunter, you are a reasonable guy. I don't believe you would do anything to make yourself or other hunters look bad, none of you would.  But we all must remember we as hunters are being watched all the time.  Our conduct speaks loudly.  Poacher give us all a real bad name, look how many articles have been in the paper lately.  It really makes me mad when we are all put into the poaching category because we hunt.  We have lost hunting opportunity and methods of hunting because of a few, and negative campaigns by anti's. We lost hound hunting and baiting for bear.  Cougar hunting is open for hounds only in a few counties.  I don't want to lose any hunting opportunity.  I know I'm going to probably take some heat for this next piece.  I did some digging into DFW operations, please read this and think about it. 

RCW 77.15.360
Unlawful interfering in department operations — Penalty. 

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful interfering in department operations if the person prevents department employees from carrying out duties authorized by this title, including but not limited to interfering:

     (a) In the operation of department vehicles, vessels, or aircraft; or

     (b) With the collection of samples of tissue, fluids, or other bodily parts of fish, wildlife, and shellfish under RCW 77.12.071.

     (2) Unlawful interfering in department operations is a gross misdemeanor

[LITTLEBUCK]

I Guess we have two RCW's fighting against each other on this one. The hunter harassment RCW and the one listed above. I think it just comes down to some common sense here or the lack of with the WDFW bio's. The season is open to pursue cougar with hounds which Scott has. Stay out of the area until season is over. Why tag a cat today that can be killed tomorrow. Sounds like wasted money to me. Go get a big one Scott we are all cheering for you.

[bobcat]

Well said Littlebuck.

[boneaddict]

Thats essentially the reason I put my post that if I had been with him I would have went to jail.   I would have released, too bad I am sad, and according to that would have been in trouble though I think I would have been in the right.  

I think Mule did the right(smart) thing by pulling out.   I think the reasonable thing to do would be for them to wait until the quota is met and then pursue their project.   There will be plenty of time for them.   There are folks out their with well earned, well sought after tags.   There is no reason they can't do it during pursiut season.

I believe this would alleviate some of the hard feelings, and negative feedback that can occur because of this sort of confrontation.

[Houndhunter]

i dont think anyone would end up in jail because they wernt doing anything wrong, ya you can take lrp's posted rcw out of context so that it fits with this incident but it would never stand up in court. he knows that and we know that.

i hope you shoot one with a nice bright shiny new collar, they prob named him too