Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Hound Hunting => Topic started by: t6 on April 19, 2014, 02:52:16 PM

Title: Contract hunting
Post by: t6 on April 19, 2014, 02:52:16 PM: How many houndsmen contract hunt for timber companies? Do you contract for a number of bears or an area? On average how many bears do you take in a year?

Would you contract hunt if the timber company charged to an access permit fee?

Would you support fellow hunters by refusing to contract hunt for timber companies who are going to charge hunters access fees?
Title: Re: Contract hunting
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on April 19, 2014, 03:04:47 PM: This will either be a very interesting or a very lonely thread....
Title: Re: Contract hunting
Post by: CementFinisher on April 19, 2014, 03:22:04 PM: :DOH: will be a very lonely thread
Title: Re: Contract hunting
Post by: t6 on April 19, 2014, 09:51:12 PM: Maybe hound hunters would be received better by other hunters if we all banded together.
Title: Re: Contract hunting
Post by: Tbar on April 19, 2014, 10:17:22 PM: Quote from: t6 on April 19, 2014, 09:51:12 PM
Maybe hound hunters would be received better by other hunters if we all banded together.
How exactly are Hound hunters received by other hunters? Last I checked they are welcome at my camp, come to think of it I don't know of a camp they aren't welcome. :dunno:
Title: Re: Contract hunting
Post by: t6 on April 19, 2014, 10:41:01 PM: When I was younger, I was taught that many were taught that houndsmen were not legitimate hunters. I've learned through my experiences that this is not true. Hound hunting is difficult and has its merits. If I were in better physical condition (not so much hardware) I would love to take it up.

I know that hound hunting got a very bad name when pursuing Bears and Cats became illegal in WA and that because it was made illegal that many people still believe it is still a cruel way to purse game.

My point is that although hound hunting for big game is presently illegal, houndsmen have found a niche in contract hunting for the timber companies to control the populations of bears.

If we banded together as HUNTERS and gave ourselves a collective voice, we may be able to effect changes.

Rather than removing bears, let the population grow so the timber companies may be more willing to allow hunter access without charging hundreds of dollars. Also when populations grow, we may be able to convince the state of the necessity of having a regular hound hunting season.
Title: Re: Contract hunting
Post by: Humptulips on April 19, 2014, 11:03:43 PM: I think if hound men don't do it WFPA and APHIS will step in with bear snareing. I've already heard reports of timber companies going that route because they don't want the hound men on there ground.
Title: Re: Contract hunting
Post by: plottwalker on April 21, 2014, 09:03:27 AM: houndsmen wont stop contract hunting, the list is a mile long of guys ready to hunt bear or cat. you cant blame them. once you own a pack of dogs and cant stand to see them sit on the chain for 6 months, you do what it takes to keep them on game.