Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on October 17, 2017, 02:45:17 PM
"Attention GMU 660 (Minot Peak) Deer Hunters,
Following extensive public input, WDFW is not recommending any major changes to the deer seasons in GMU 660 (Minot Peak) for the 2018-2020 seasons.
Sportsmen met with HQ and Regional staff on October 2nd, for a public meeting and focus group in Elma. Approximately 45-50 members of the public attended in addition to state representatives Brian Blake, rep. Jim Walsh, and WDFW commissioner Baker. After a review of 3 year package proposals, the group focused on the topic of deer management in GMU 660. Primary topics covered the relative values and local interest for managing the GMU to produce more mature and heavy antlered bucks (e.g. trophy). Attendees were generally opposed to making changes to the GMU 660 and provided a wide-range of concerns specific to the local community.
This meeting culminated an in-depth process that included: 1) Preliminary survey of hunters at the Puyallup Sportsmen Show. 2) Direct mail questionnaire sent to over 350 deer hunters who identified GMU 660 as their primary hunting area in 2016. 3) An online comment period for hunters throughout the state as part of the 3 year package process.
A majority of GMU 660 deer hunters who answered the direct mail questionnaire (56%) believe their chances to harvest a trophy black-tail are ‘poor’ or ‘very poor”. However, these same hunters appeared to be more opposed than supportive of making changes to the GMU 660 deer seasons (44% opposed, 27% supported and 28% “maybe”) that could improve the number of 4 pt or better bucks harvested in the unit.
Approximately 37% of statewide hunters who responded to the online survey question about deer hunting in Minot Peak preferred the “No change” option. About 58% of respondents to the online survey selected one of the 5 options available for changing the season. However, none of those individual options received more support than the “No Change” option (see questions and response summary attached).
Thanks to all those individuals who responded to the surveys or attended the meeting."
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 17, 2017, 02:54:27 PM
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on October 17, 2017, 03:06:34 PM
Post by: N7XW on October 17, 2017, 04:12:25 PM
Post by: SeatoSummit88 on October 17, 2017, 05:02:48 PM
Sorry to change thread topic. Just a thought!
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 17, 2017, 05:41:12 PM
I figured you'd like that Tom. Are you hunting this week? If so, I'll be looking for you.Unfortunately my week for deer is used for Idaho now, but I'll be out on sat,sun,Mon
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on October 17, 2017, 05:54:29 PM
Thats awesome. Great news and thanks for sharing that update! It would be nice to meet fellow 660,672,658 hunters from Hunt-WA. Maybe post season we can grab beers in Aberdeen or beers on the beach in Westport?
Sorry to change thread topic. Just a thought!
I'm in! I live in Hoquiam so Aberdeen is good for me.
Post by: fishnfur on October 17, 2017, 08:36:23 PM
I still like the idea of a two point minimum though.