Free: Contests & Raffles.
Quote from: CplRaines on May 14, 2012, 06:31:00 PMHere's my opinion. I can say the same thing about those that complain about hunting here and those that complain about the rain and weather here. Ya don't like it - Arizona (or any other state for that matter) is that-a-way. ->Don't like it, leave. And especially for those that have moved here from elswhere - quite trying to change "here" to be more like the $H!Thole you left. I'm jist sayin.
Here's my opinion. I can say the same thing about those that complain about hunting here and those that complain about the rain and weather here. Ya don't like it - Arizona (or any other state for that matter) is that-a-way. ->Don't like it, leave. And especially for those that have moved here from elswhere - quite trying to change "here" to be more like the $H!Thole you left. I'm jist sayin.
Quote from: bearpaw on May 15, 2012, 12:27:26 PMI like to hunt every year and from hunter surveys I have seen that is what most WA hunters want.You could hunt every year under my plan. I recently had a good conversation about hunter crowding with some residents from the Ellensberg area and the continuing decline of deer herds and elk hunting opportunity in that area. From what I was told there definitely needs to be something done to address the problems in that area, but that doesn't mean hunter crowding is that big of a problem in every area of Washington. I think you need to look at specific areas for the problems in that area, I do not believe "one size fits all" management is the answer for the problems in every area of the state.My suggestion to you is that you come up with a trial plan for a unit or two that hunters will agree needs a change in management and then try to unite hunters to support the new management plan, then lobby the commission and dept and try to make it happen. But I don't think you will gain much support by asking to change the management style of the whole state on a whim. You need to take a measured approach and let hunters see how a new management model may benefit the herds and hunters in a small area first. The problem with picking out just a couple units and making them totally limited to reduce harvest, overcrowding, etc. Is that then you promote those things in the adjacent units by adding the additional hunters to surrounding units. Also a lot of guys hunt the same areas year after year, and by changing to pick your unit you could still hunt your traditional hunt every year if you want.Answer's in red. I realize this idea isn't popular here. But every state is going to management strategies like this of some sort or another. Why? My guess is because then you can actually manage units. Why does it work in other states, but wouldn't work here? Nevada upped their deer licenses about 35% this year. That is pretty good when almost every other states deer herds are declining in the west. bearpaw said something like, "blanket management doesn't work" I agree, and neither does not managing units at all.
I like to hunt every year and from hunter surveys I have seen that is what most WA hunters want.You could hunt every year under my plan. I recently had a good conversation about hunter crowding with some residents from the Ellensberg area and the continuing decline of deer herds and elk hunting opportunity in that area. From what I was told there definitely needs to be something done to address the problems in that area, but that doesn't mean hunter crowding is that big of a problem in every area of Washington. I think you need to look at specific areas for the problems in that area, I do not believe "one size fits all" management is the answer for the problems in every area of the state.My suggestion to you is that you come up with a trial plan for a unit or two that hunters will agree needs a change in management and then try to unite hunters to support the new management plan, then lobby the commission and dept and try to make it happen. But I don't think you will gain much support by asking to change the management style of the whole state on a whim. You need to take a measured approach and let hunters see how a new management model may benefit the herds and hunters in a small area first. The problem with picking out just a couple units and making them totally limited to reduce harvest, overcrowding, etc. Is that then you promote those things in the adjacent units by adding the additional hunters to surrounding units. Also a lot of guys hunt the same areas year after year, and by changing to pick your unit you could still hunt your traditional hunt every year if you want.
Quote from: 3nails on May 15, 2012, 05:14:42 AMBranden- Are there places with overcrowding? Besides the fuzzy-butt hills I mean? I'm actually surprised how few of hunters I see each year. Maybe it's a east side problem? Ever been to Vail?
Branden- Are there places with overcrowding? Besides the fuzzy-butt hills I mean? I'm actually surprised how few of hunters I see each year. Maybe it's a east side problem?
I dont think predator management is a WDFW issue at this point.Yeah, they helped in losing hound hunting, but US the voters are equaly or more to blame for that than they are.Right now cougar season is pretty darn libral. Coyote is open all year, and Bear also has very libral seasons.The WDFW has all but handed us the predator management keys. Within their budget and ability they have done their part. We shouldnt complain about predators unless we have killed so many they have to shut down the season to keep us from iradicating them.Who's willing to bet with the new system they wont be needing to close the late season for cougars? Will that be their fault, or ours?Have you killed a predator lately? I know I havent done my part, but I get a few of the song dogs a year. I'm not sure where I stand on feeding, but I dont think thats part of this conversation.