Post by: FOsteology on July 27, 2007, 10:37:24 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on July 28, 2007, 06:45:06 AM
This years regs do not mention it, but in the past it stated that bait ment food or attractent, natural or manmade.
A couple years after the bait/hound ban I asked a gammie the same question and he told me that cover scents were ok, attractants were not. If it represents a food source it would be illegal. So I had another question for him.
Since I mostly call for bears in elk areas I like to use a cow call and a elk cover scent wafer. Would this be legal?
He stated that as far as he was concerned that would be against the law, as the cover scent and calls represent a food source. He also said it may be a judgement call by other officers.
I still use the coverscent wafers on my hat depending on the area and how I want to hunt.. Do not hang them from a tree/bush, etc. This could be considered baiting.
If you guys stay on the flat (where I met you and the area where you camp) I would use them. The wind usually is steady, but it can swirl a bit. If you guys are going back up to the other unit that you hunt, I wouldn't worry to much about it. Usually the thermals will keep your scent away.
Post by: Machias on July 28, 2007, 08:38:24 AM
That guy is full of it if he is saying calling and cover scents equal baiting. I'll call WDFW HQ on Monday. Baiting has to be something the bear can eat, plastic wafers are NOT a food item, just becasue your adding the audio signal doesn't change that fact. So, if you step out of your car and you are eating an apple or have a sandwich in your posession, according to this guy you can be charged. BS!
Post by: billythekidrock on July 28, 2007, 09:06:24 AM
Quote
That guy is full of it if he is saying calling and cover scents equal baiting. I'll call WDFW HQ on Monday. Baiting has to be something the bear can eat, plastic wafers are NOT a food item, just becasue your adding the audio signal doesn't change that fact. So, if you step out of your car and you are eating an apple or have a sandwich in your posession, according to this guy you can be charged. BS!
I agree, but that is what he told me. The wafers could be construed as an attractant and that would be illegal.
Straight from the Initiative.
(d) As used in this subsection, "bait" means a substance placed,
exposed, deposited, distributed, scattered, or otherwise used for the
purpose of attracting black bears to an area where one or more persons
hunt or intend to hunt them.
I choose to wear them as a cover scent to mask my odor and I use cow/calf/fawn vocalizations to cover the noise I make while moving through the woods. But any over zealous fish cop could make a case that I was "distributing an attractant" by doing so.
Remember, it is the interpretation of the law by the officer that gets you a ticket and you have to prove you did nothing wrong...isn't that how it works now days?
Let me know what you find out and make sure to get names.
Post by: billythekidrock on July 28, 2007, 12:19:02 PM
http://wdfw.wa.gov/
Post by: Machias on July 28, 2007, 04:58:58 PM
Best way is to send e-mails and then keep the responses for future court dates :)
Post by: billythekidrock on July 28, 2007, 06:04:16 PM
I wasn't doubting you Billythekidrock. :)
Best way is to send e-mails and then keep the responses for future court dates :)
Didn't think you were.
Great advice on the email.
Post by: billythekidrock on July 28, 2007, 06:05:14 PM
E-mails have already been sent out to the directors office, enforcement office, regional office, and fish and wildlife commission for clarification.
Great.. looking forward to the response.
Post by: WDFW Hates ME!!! on July 28, 2007, 07:29:01 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on July 28, 2007, 08:12:13 PM
Post by: high country on July 28, 2007, 09:45:42 PM
Post by: WDFW Hates ME!!! on July 28, 2007, 10:29:16 PM
If i could put up with the smell i would just fill my pockets with rotten shad. Are they going to arrest me for using myself as bait???
Post by: billythekidrock on July 29, 2007, 06:25:51 PM
Ice, that is what i was thinking...
If i could put up with the smell i would just fill my pockets with rotten shad. Are they going to arrest me for using myself as bait???
Uh, excuse me sir.. Is that you or do I smell shad?
Post by: littletoes on July 29, 2007, 07:29:11 PM
Wish they would get this stuff straight!!!
Like said elsewere (and this realy pisses me off!) THE SUBJECT OF THE LAW IS UP TO THE WARDEN ON SIGHT!
HORSE-HOCKY.
Thats why we have lawyers, 'cause none of us can interpret it!
Post by: billythekidrock on July 29, 2007, 07:50:59 PM
Post by: Curly on July 29, 2007, 08:03:17 PM
You might be able to bait a bear in. You probably want to be willing to get a ticket and take it to court too, though.
Post by: billythekidrock on July 30, 2007, 08:24:56 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on July 30, 2007, 08:44:58 PM
The Monte office is region 6.
Post by: WDFW Hates ME!!! on July 30, 2007, 08:48:30 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on July 30, 2007, 09:08:14 PM
Quote
I was surprised that whomever fielded my inquiry failed to identify them self. Very unprofessional.
Yes, I was a bit surprised as well.
Post by: Machias on July 30, 2007, 10:33:43 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on July 31, 2007, 05:30:32 AM
You guys realize it is NOT illegal to bait lions.
Same for coyotes
Post by: sisu on July 31, 2007, 05:48:05 AM
Actually I keep my hunting clothes outside during the season, and I try to find as many cow pies and road apples as I can to walk in in and out of a hunt to cover my foot scent ( I have stinky feet :chuckle:) I've tried the scent removal stuff and don't know if it works or not. I've had deer walk up to me with and without it.
Post by: ICEMAN on July 31, 2007, 06:14:36 AM
You guys realize it is NOT illegal to bait lions.
Same for coyotes
So how does this work...? "Yes officer, I was coyote hunting with bait, and this bear came in, I shot it..."
Post by: Machias on July 31, 2007, 10:45:05 AM
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on January 18, 2009, 01:45:17 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on January 18, 2009, 01:49:31 PM
What about if you are down the trail a piece?
I have a pretty good idea that a citation would be issued if you were hunting on a trail that led to a bait pile.
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on January 18, 2009, 02:00:20 PM