Advanced Hunters your thoughts on them.

[Weatherbyfan]

Ok weve had threads on native hunters , poachers , anti-hunters,and every hunter in between what is everyones veiw on Advanced Hunters and the program.

[BlackRidge]

...Whats an advanced hunter? Do you mean Master Hunters?

[Weatherbyfan]

Master hunter same program , i forgot they changed the name.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I think the thought was good, I just have met a couple that have passed the requirements, that I would not want to hunt with.
I understand there are a few bad apples in every batch, but I thought the whole purpose in AHE was to reduce negative hunter image to the general public, not empower slob hunters to claim "master Hunter" status, and give them increased opportunity to embarrass the rest of us.
I applied during the second year of program and got a lot of paraphernalia about dealing with the "non-hunting public" and "anti's", almost nothing near as educational as NBEF, or even the standard "Hunter Ed"
although it was my lack of participation that caused me not to finish the process, did not complete the "volunteer"  portion. My priorities are different now, might try it again.......
Origionally there were 3 categories, "Conservationist", "Marksman", and "Master Hunter" did they do away with them ?

[Weatherbyfan]

As far as i know they did away with all but the Master hunter program , there seems to be alot more negative around this program as far as the hunters than there has been good comments.

[MtnMuley]

Bad seeds in every bunch.  I personally think it was a good idea, but needed different framework to decided if you were "advanced" or a "master hunter".   A lot of folks were jealous that others had put in the time and were qualified as "master hunters" and could get special seasons or put in for draws that others couldn't.     

[high country]

been in it for a long time now. there was a big shake up a couple years ago and the restructure eliminated a lot of guys. there is always a few that need to be culled and there are always a jealous few. if you want to change the image join up and become a mentor, or share with the dept your concerns. those that complain about them are really hurting the whole huntingcomunuty by proxy, since this is supposed to be WA most ethical bunch.

there are things that go on that would seem fishy to the not knowing, like keys to locked blm gates to drive around and shoot coyotes to protect sharpies and sage grouse. the kittitas hunt gets a lot of press because not everyone fully understands the goal and $ involved....my self sometimes included.

if you are looking for a good excuse to get out and hunt more and meet many landowners, it is a good program. there are long seasons that look great, but there is a lot of drama that can go along with that....that is where the afore mentioned dealing with the anti's comes to play.

[CP]

Master Hunters rock, they are the coolest of the cool.
 

[Skyvalhunter]

They are an awesome bunch of guys!! They do alot of volunteer work and don't seem to get much advantage in the hunting end of it. I hear there is quite a bit of studying required and volunteer work done that probably wouldn't get done.  to them guys

[jstone]

I don't know i am up in the air about it. Master hunter doesn't mean much, I thought about it but said screw it. They shoot the cows out of the clockum that the archery hunters used to be able to shoot?? The elk herd is suffering but they get to harvest the cows?? There are bad seeds in all but i don't think that you need to take a test to be a master hunter to Harvest animals late in the season. Make it someway people get the opportunity to do it. Permit each year i don't know. Just thinking..

[kirkl]

Kinda contradicting your self arent you? They shoot the cows that the archery guys use to be able to shoot and the elk herd is suffering but they get to harvest cows. I take that as its ok if the archery guys were still able to hunt them but not the master hunters? People that dont know anything about the area think the 3911 elk area is a cake walk. ive been up there probably 10 times this year and have yet to see an elk as with alot of other people i have talked to. if im not seeing elk that means the program is doing what it is intended to do, keep the elk out of the farm lands.

I don't know i am up in the air about it. Master hunter doesn't mean much, I thought about it but said screw it. They shoot the cows out of the clockum that the archery hunters used to be able to shoot?? The elk herd is suffering but they get to harvest the cows?? There are bad seeds in all but i don't think that you need to take a test to be a master hunter to Harvest animals late in the season. Make it someway people get the opportunity to do it. Permit each year i don't know. Just thinking..

[jstone]

That means all weapons sorry for just the archery comment. Grew up in eastern washington in the orchard industry. My family chased the animals out, without killing them. Didnt collect any money from the state. We didnt need it then. I am just thinking out loud. Looking for info to make up my mind.

[Buckrub]

The shake up a couple of years ago was due to master hunters caught poaching.....

I think more education for all hunters is a good idea and drop the MH program.

[whiteeyes]

Here in the Kittitas Valley they have become more of a problem then the elk. lol  We have to keep an eye on our property lines for they are always trying to chase the elk into the sage brush so they can harvest them.. The program MIGHT have been a good idea at the beginning.?  Talking to one of the farmers that live on the north side of the valley the other day at the feed store and he said theirs been over 30 elk taken this year buy the Master Hunter Program. Personally, I think they need to move the boundaries so that they cant make kills in the sage brush and has to be above the power lines. For the Kittitas Valley they should have to be called buy a farmer and that said farmer can hand them one permit. As it is now they dont have to be called buy the chief master hunter they just drive up and down the roads untill they see elk and then chase is on.   

[rasbo]

just another label for someone to wear,more power to those that need it..not my gig at all...