Elk Permits - allow east and west apllication

[Curly]

It's not gonna happen.

Why did they even ask the question if they don't intend to do it?  They have a survey that shows support for the idea, so they can do it and say there was support.

[400out]

It's not gonna happen.

Why did they even ask the question if they don't intend to do it?  They have a survey that shows support for the idea, so they can do it and say there was support.

Free country, If they don't ask then they get overturned because they didn't ask 

[trophyhunt]

It's not gonna happen.

I also hope your right, but what scare's me is when they seem to ask a question they already know the answer and they already know what they are going to do.

[Bob33]

It seems simple to me.  If their studies show they could sell more special permit applications, they will do it.  Asking what hunters think is window dressing and will have little effect on the decision.

[KillBilly]

I've read most of these posts and I guess I will add my opinion to this Topic. I have been a resident of Washington for 64 years. I have lived and hunted on both east and west sides. In my opinion I should be able to hunt anywhere in this state that I can afford to buy tags for. I never agreed to "stay on my side" , that decision was forced upon me. I want the freedom of choice back.   I believe that Freedom of Choice is still one of our basic Tenants. So I am all for it.. In fact I demand it be returned to all citizens of the State of Washington.

If it comes right down to it, the eastside would have their own Wolf Problems and westside would have theirs... Naw, I believe we would come help you even though you don't want us there for other reasons.....

[bullcanyon]

Unfortunately the two sides are managed differently. Therefore we can't just make it open season on the elk. The way we are doing things now keeps the harvest numbers where they want them. That will change on the west side and in turn we will have to lower pressure in future seasons. Permit only is not out of the question........

[bobcat]

Killbilly,

You do have "freedom of choice". You can choose to hunt the west side one year, and the next year you can choose to hunt the east side. They could go to permit only elk hunting statewide. Which would you prefer?

[huntnphool]

They could go to permit only elk hunting statewide. Which would you prefer?

 And yet you laughed at my idea. When it goes to permit only, and you only get to hunt every three to four years, hunting elk one year and deer the next won't seem so bad.

[colockumelk]

If this happens our state WILL wind up permit only across the state for elk.  It may take ten years but it WILL happen.  One thing is for certain though.  An east side elk tag will be harder to draw than Arizona or Utah.  So why apply for a tag which will coinside with a general season and hope to maybe shoot a 300" bull, all the while paying for a license and special permit fee, when you could apply for Arizona or Utah etc and draw just as often but have a chance at a 350-400" bull? 

Like I said if this happens I will apply for the Observatory which is the easiest archery tag to draw, burn my points and hunt out of state for elk.  I will take my money to a state that cares.  I already do this for deer.  I only buy a deer tag if I can come home and hunt elk.  And no I am not a "trophy" hunter.   

[Elkaholic daWg]

Killbilly,

You do have "freedom of choice". You can choose to hunt the west side one year, and the next year you can choose to hunt the east side. They could go to permit only elk hunting statewide. Which would you prefer?

 Killbilly....Forgive him for He knows no other!

[colockumelk]

Ahhh you old timers are always picking on us youngsters.  Bully's all of ya! 

[KillBilly]

Killbilly,

You do have "freedom of choice". You can choose to hunt the west side one year, and the next year you can choose to hunt the east side. They could go to permit only elk hunting statewide. Which would you prefer?

My preference is to have it back like it once was....

anything other than that is less than true freedom. We managed wildlife and habitat before WDFW was a pup. Now they dictate to us. Besides the wolves will have the eastsiders over here soon if we can't manage them.

[Bob33]

If this happens our state WILL wind up permit only across the state for elk.  It may take ten years but it WILL happen.  One thing is for certain though. 

Maybe.  I'm just wondering if we'll run out of elk or run out of hunters first.

[colockumelk]

That is a good question bob. 

[400out]

If this happens our state WILL wind up permit only across the state for elk.  It may take ten years but it WILL happen.  One thing is for certain though. 

Maybe.  I'm just wondering if we'll run out of elk or run out of hunters first.

sad, but I have thought the same thing  We maybe living in the good old days my kids will tell their kids about! Now that's scary isn't it!