TIRED OF PC HUNTING (WDFW RANT)

[plugger]

I agree, No matter your choice someone has it better. Its not all that uncommon for the elk to be doing there talking at night. Maybe the hot weather, Pressure over the years, I don't no. But what can you do about the weather, I been burned more than once from elk crossing a creek that was to high for me to cross because of all the rain in Nov. It is what it is.

[grizzlyadams]

I don't think I would whine too much if I were still archery hunting, I have always believed they have had the best opportunity to be successful if they choose to put their time in, ML have always been the ones getting screwed, rifle hunters if they get drawn for special permits have a greater chance of all user groups at being successful but what are the chances of being drawn, if I am not drawn my hunting season is basically winter camping which I still enjoy very much, I hope they remove the early hunt for elk and deer in unit 346 in the near future that will give you something to whine about

 

I am actually making the move to archery next year no matter what the changes are.

 I don't know where you get this pre-rut stuff. There is absolutely NO rut going on during rifle season. I have been hunting Washington elk modern season for 15 years now and in all that time I have never......not even once....had the opportunity to call in a bull or hear one bugle, and not because there haven't been elk in my area. The years I have been successful, it was spot and stalk. I might be mistaken but no one I know or have ever hunter with during modern season has ever been able to call in a bull.

Whoever said that about some modern hunters not getting out of their truck is probably mostly right, but archery does have a much stronger opportunity quotient.........

[shorthair15]

look at the muzzleloading seasons if you think you are getting screwed and the units that are open its slim pickings.

[lokidog]

I don't think I would whine too much if I were still archery hunting, I have always believed they have had the best opportunity to be successful if they choose to put their time in, ML have always been the ones getting screwed, rifle hunters if they get drawn for special permits have a greater chance of all user groups at being successful but what are the chances of being drawn, if I am not drawn my hunting season is basically winter camping which I still enjoy very much, I hope they remove the early hunt for elk and deer in unit 346 in the near future that will give you something to whine about

 

I am actually making the move to archery next year no matter what the changes are.

 I don't know where you get this pre-rut stuff. There is absolutely NO rut going on during rifle season. I have been hunting Washington elk modern season for 15 years now and in all that time I have never......not even once....had the opportunity to call in a bull or hear one bugle, and not because there haven't been elk in my area. The years I have been successful, it was spot and stalk. I might be mistaken but no one I know or have ever hunter with during modern season has ever been able to call in a bull.

Whoever said that about some modern hunters not getting out of their truck is probably mostly right, but archery does have a much stronger opportunity quotient.........

I think he was talking about the special permit modern hunts, not the general season.

We heard elk and had them come in but could not close the deal.  I wouldn't mind seeing the archery season a week later because of access issues/fire danger and possibly cooler temps for better meat care.

[DBHAWTHORNE]

  If you really want to see who is getting screwed how about you check out the ML hunts over here on the East Side....... We have lost all but 7 days for mule deer (at the end of sept.).....and don't even get me started on elk.....took away all late season hunts.....split the best unit up and gave us the worse side.....ohhh and a whole 7 days for a spike!
SO once again....... 

Can't the ML purchase a MF tag instead of a ML tag? Same for us archers if the seasons are so much better?    I will say that I am tired of them screwing with the seasons. I do believe there are some positives to the whole user group concept but I think the negatives is that it results in a lot of in-fighting amongst hunters....and of course someone gets the short end of the stick....usually ML or Archery.

[bigpaw 77]

I can understand your frustration. But muzzleoader guys get one weekend and 5 days to hunt elk. And we are limited to a few units. I can't even hunt in the blues where I spend my 1 week deer season and a week bear hunting. Those units are open for archery. For much longer than 1 week. Sorry but I have a hard time feeling sorry for archery hunters that get to hunt where I can not.

[DBHAWTHORNE]

I can understand your frustration. But muzzleoader guys get one weekend and 5 days to hunt elk. And we are limited to a few units. I can't even hunt in the blues where I spend my 1 week deer season and a week bear hunting. Those units are open for archery. For much longer than 1 week. Sorry but I have a hard time feeling sorry for archery hunters that get to hunt where I can not.

Can't you hunt there with a ML if you purchase the MF tag instead of the ML tag? Same concept for Bowhunters who want to hunt during the days of the MF season?

[bigpaw 77]

I could hunt rifle season, but it is a zoo down there in the rifle season. After being scoped by some *censored* and then moving in to a small elk herd just to have someone shoot to damn close to me I gave up hunting elk with a rifle. I shouldn't have to hunt in the rifle season just to be able to hunt elk.

[bobcat]

The other option to what we have now is to go to all elk hunting by draw only. Actually that is what I would like to see.

[remington300mag]

The other option to what we have now is to go to all elk hunting by draw only. Actually that is what I would like to see.

sad to say it has come to it but I agree.....Even if it is an every other year type deal.....I would gladly wait a year to only have half the pressure!!

[jager]

The other option to what we have now is to go to all elk hunting by draw only. Actually that is what I would like to see.

Do you not think that the "regulations" should be different in regards to east/west WA. Maybe particular areas?


I guess I have a hard time with draw only. I hunt any elk unit(s) in NE WA.

Never hunted the west side but I sounds like there are plenty of guys out at any given time....obviously..that's where the population "base" is


I'd be pretty bummed if I couldn't hunt elk every year with my bow...although I put in for the modern draw this year...and got drawn!
I guarantee these units (NE) are not hit too hard from a success standpoint 

I do think the muzzy guys get hosed...I am on the edge of buying a muzzleloader right now but I just don't think I'd get enough use out of it..
I much prefer to hunt archery because of the crowds...but WDFW caters to the majority (modern)

[dblungshot]

It's easy to point fingers at each group but the bottom line is not what weapon you choose but who is dictating the seasons.  ML & MF guys don't appreciate what it takes to get consistantly 40 yrds or less to an animal or have an animal in your site but just can't get close enough with a bow.  This could be a small twig or grass that sticks don't fly through unlike bullets. 

Using a long-bow adds another dimension.  Most dedicated archery guys feel that this is their calling...using another weapon is not their conviction or a choice.  It's a life dedicated to fair chase and being one with your arrow.  Unless you archery hunt I don't believe that you have a voice or can understand our limited window to succeed.  I've hunted MF for deer after archery hunting for elk and I felt like a cheater.  To be able to shoot x yards felt to easy.  I ended up shooting a buck on the run @ 150 yards that could of never been done with a bow. 

I'm fine with WDFW making money.  Just about every government agency is running their books backwards so they need too.  I propose that they make 8-10 GMU's special permit with extended hunting seasons that run to the end of September.  This proposal can be treated like the any weapon draw (pre-season and can be added on your badge for an option)

I believe the WDFW needs to extend archery hunter opportunity.  I also believe that archery hunters are more successful given the weapon not because of the season dates (which helps sometimes) but because they are more in-tune with the game they are pursuing and are better hunters.   

Just like MF & ML the elk get pressured and can scoot out of areas.  Getting the extra time to re-locate these timber ghosts can take more time than the season may allow.  Not to mention weather (this can add another tweak with time).  I love archery hunting and won't quit.  I enjoy other archery hunters that I meet on the trail and commonly see great respect for people, equipment, and hunter ethics.  I've yet to find a sour archery guy (not that I won't). 

For a side note:  I've scored every year for the last 8 years except last year for my childs birth.  I'm not whining but I feel it's best for the WDFW to correct their timelines for better opportunity and make some money while doing it.  Very few people harvested animals in the area I was in and deeply shared the same concern with the timeline.  I heard two buggles which occured the last day and that was it.  Elk where there.  No doubt.  Just not ready.  Eastside.

Any petitions or interest groups that feel to pursue WDFW feel free to contact me for support.  For all of you who shoot MF or smoke poles your method is not wrong, your timing is, WDFW is the one who makes this choice and needs to correct it.  Keep shooting your guns....please. 

[remington300mag]

dblungshot    How about they take away half of the archery opportunity and give it to the Muzzy guys....that way we can get more "in-tune" with the animals?
You might not have found a sour archery guy......but have you found any extremely arrogant ones??? I believe we all just have!!!
"Unless you archery hunt I don't believe that you have a voice"   Are you serious??? You really are a pompous ass aren't you?!?!

Maybe if you are so mighty with stick and string.....your season should get cut down to 1 day......I mean you are sooooo in-tune..... You are what I like to call a Self Appointed Elitist!!

 

[bobcat]

 

   For a side note:  I've scored every year for the last 8 years except last year for my childs birth.  I'm not whining but I feel it's best for the WDFW to correct their timelines for better opportunity 

100% success rate- now THAT is why I will be switching to archery elk hunting next year.   

The bulls bugle constantly so you know exactly where they are. It's so easy you can hardly call it hunting. It's more like shooting fish in a barrel. The WDFW needs to provide better opportunity? Why? You're killing elk every year with the seasons as they are now. Why change a good thing?

[Miles]

Rem, What's gotten in to you lately?  Every time I look at a thread with your posts, you are all pissed off and telling people how wrong they are. 
 
Oh, and you really don't need all this:
 
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 to get your point across. 
 
Three periods indicate a pause, other than that one question mark or period will suffice.