new proposals are out

[Ridgerunner]

minimal changes this year it looks like. 

[boneaddict]

Any word on the opener....did they stick to tradition?

[wsmnut]

Proposed start date for general Mule Deer is Oct. 13. (2012)
2013 starts on Oct. 12th
2014 starts on Oct. 11th

Guess I won't be needing any insulated boots.

wsmnut

[bullcanyon]

Anything on the archery opener?

[hughjorgan]

Anything on the archery opener?

Still said 4-16 from what I saw. Also luminoks were legal...

[boneaddict]

I figured that was coming.  I wonder how many will use them and then lie about them to Pope and Young.

[shanevg]

On a positive side they split up the Mt. Spokane moose herd into multiple units (therefore spreading out how many hunters will be applying in a given unit). 

They also added two new goat units including bringing back the Methow tag!  (About time!!!)  Again two units only spreads out hunters more therefore making odds better on the other units.  Nothing but good news there.  The Mt. Baker area does show 7 tags (as it has for the last 3 years) but they have only been giving 5.  It would be cool to add a couple of tags there as well.  They haven't had the Lake Ann subunit open for the last 2 seasons. 

Rifle deer seasons do suck but the early archery seasons were extended by a week in about half the units including my favorite ones, so I'm not going to complain there.

Bear seasons took another hit - no major changes to spring bear (except all eastern units open until June 15 which I think is new) but the south cascades open on September 1, northeast on September 4 (therefore skipping Labor Day weekend.) 

Cougar seasons changed quite a bit.  September 1 - March 31 for most every unit with any legal weapon.  Each unit has a "harvest guideline."  It doesn't specifically say they will close seasons after harvest guidelines are achieved but the guidelines are at least established.  Interesting...

[carpsniperg2]

Thanks for the info guys. I have yet to try to read any of the new stuff.

[boneaddict]

Methow unit is really struggling....surprised they brought that back unless they changed where folks will be hunting them.....(Harts pass etc.)

[fair-chase]

Cougar seasons changed quite a bit.  September 1 - March 31 for most every unit with any legal weapon.  Each unit has a "harvest guideline."  It doesn't specifically say they will close seasons after harvest guidelines are achieved but the guidelines are at least established.  Interesting...

Big thanks to everybody who worked towards getting this season back where it needs to be. 

[carpsniperg2]

Methow unit is really struggling....surprised they brought that back unless they changed where folks will be hunting them.....(Harts pass etc.)

As I do not know the area I will ask. Even though we know what might come with asking. What is the problem there that are hurting them. Is it the wolf population or something else?

[fair-chase]

Am I reading the right document? This is what I'm seeing...

(b) It is unlawful to have any electrical equipment or
electric device(s) attached to the bow or arrow while hunting
except for illuminated nocks.

[boneaddict]

I would bet lions and wolves both.   I spent several days trying to film them in their normal haunts and there were NONE to be found.  (Sawtooth/Gardner) They are doing good up Mazama/ Hartspass etc.  Not sure where the unit will be open.

[luvtohnt]

WAC 232-12-257 Use of decoys and calls. (1) It is unlawful
to hunt ((waterfowl,)) wild turkeys((,)) or deer with the use or
aid of battery-powered or other electronic devices as decoys.

Don't forget about big changes for waterfowl hunters. Battery powered decoys are legal now!!

Brandon

[bobcat]

Changes to night hunting rules...

(I don't like that shotguns can't use bigger than #6 shot at night)