Free: Contests & Raffles.
Bobcat thanks for posting the cougar map from the WDFW.I would like to point out that we have all seen the photos of the group of cougar (I think it was 8 of them), wasn't those photo taken in the middle of the white area where there are supposed to be no cougar.... If that is the case, we definitely have more cougar than WDFW claims.
Im curious as to where these overpopulated areas of cougars are that many of you speak of. I understand there are area's where more complaints are occuring and that is largly due to the urbanization of the state. If you are that worried about ungulate populations maybe you should worry about poaching and regulating specific gmu's a little better. With that said I am all for the cougar pilot program and it is a shame that it is being put aside.
I will not support a year round hunt for cougar,Aug 1st to march 15 would be fine with me...if we get the populations down to much then I believe only those with hounds will stand a chance at getting them.and I myself cannot afford to pay someone to hunt them for me...even the cats need some down time from pressure if we want to maintain a huntable amount of cats for the boot guys
HS, the very fact that there are transient Cougars in (human) populated areas clearly indicates that the "prime habitat" has a 'no vacancy' sign hanging out front. Cougars self regulate their density by their territorial nature. Historically, the only way for the population to increase is for the population to spread geographically. We know that urban growth has forced this to change a little, and the density is increasing some... but even with that, we've got transient cats (usually young males) making trouble. Clear indication that remote territories are saturated. Bios know this, but politics take the front seat.
Corruption or incompetence? You decide.