Post by: Mallardmasher on November 28, 2017, 10:13:27 PM
Better to just say you don't have a comment, then bury a hatchet. Hunting and fishing user groups spend more time going after different groups in their sport, then the Anti's do, which plays right into their hands, weaken the masses and attack, that is what they are waiting for.
Support all aspects of hunting, even if not your forte. One day it will be your passion. United we Stand
Post by: UrbanTrapper on November 28, 2017, 10:30:24 PM
Post by: Oh Mah on November 28, 2017, 11:05:50 PM
Post by: winshooter88 on November 29, 2017, 01:22:55 AM
I am curious how the length of blacktail season means anything about baiting rules, could you please explain?
Post by: elkchaser54 on November 29, 2017, 10:36:23 AM
Post by: Stein on November 29, 2017, 10:45:55 AM
I don't see anything wrong with healthy discussion and debate, we have rules around hunting and I would think it perfectly normal and beneficial to have discussions about what those rules should be.
It isn't always cut and dried, if you allow something new or take something away it may impact the number of tags issued or the length of season which would impact the other hunters that may not be into that thing. People have the tendency to only look at their season and not take into account others and how what they want impacts more than just themselves.
Post by: AL WORRELLS KID on August 21, 2018, 11:36:00 AM
Urbantrapper,Doug
I am curious how the length of blacktail season means anything about baiting rules, could you please explain?
Someone say..... "BAIT AND SWITCH" :chuckle:
Post by: Igor on August 21, 2018, 11:47:24 AM
Post by: aman on August 21, 2018, 11:52:01 AM
Post by: Bob33 on August 21, 2018, 12:20:51 PM
I agree to an extent, but there are limits. For example, I support banning drones while hunting. If that is stabbing someone in the back, then so be it, I don't think they have any place in hunting. There could be guys that feel the same way about baiting. Without doubt, sitting over a pile of donuts or apples is a much different experience than spot and stalk or hanging out in a tree stand, so there is a possibility that some people have strong opinions against it.Agreed. What really divides hunters is the fallacy that hunters must all be of one mind on every subject, and if you don't agree with ME then you are an anti-hunter.
I don't see anything wrong with healthy discussion and debate, we have rules around hunting and I would think it perfectly normal and beneficial to have discussions about what those rules should be.
It isn't always cut and dried, if you allow something new or take something away it may impact the number of tags issued or the length of season which would impact the other hunters that may not be into that thing. People have the tendency to only look at their season and not take into account others and how what they want impacts more than just themselves.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on August 21, 2018, 12:25:11 PM
These threads usually get pretty lively :chuckle:
Post by: Lucky1 on August 21, 2018, 12:38:53 PM
Baiting of deer and elk violates the concept of fair chase. Just my 2¢.Just wondering how you feel about someone shooting elk or deer that are eating apples in a apple orchard or apple trees planted by a old homestead? Would that be “fair”?
Hunters often target animals by locating food sources and killing them coming or going or in the food plot. Is this unethical?
Why would you care how anyone else legally fills their tag? Do you want to impose your personal ethics on other hunters? If so, why?
Post by: Salmonstalker on August 21, 2018, 12:45:03 PM
Post by: StoneTrees on August 21, 2018, 01:24:58 PM
My current view on baiting is that it would lower the degree of difficulty required to harvest a deer to such a level that widespread adoption of the practice would noticeably reduce overall deer numbers year on year. If we want to continue hunting season after season, it seems like the rules around what we can and cannot do need to be focused on what's in the best interests of the overall population. If that's demonstrably wrong, please elaborate.
Post by: dwils233 on August 21, 2018, 01:30:08 PM
If that were to be true and proven, than I support getting rid of a transmission vector like that, immediately in states with CWD and as soon as a CWD case is identified in a state. I think baiting in general isn't a black and white issue and shouldn't be treated as one. I wonder what all the possible answers were on that survey? I would tihnk most hunters in this state would probably pick "option C: its complicated" than just choosing between "oppose" and "support" if it was offered
Post by: Igor on August 21, 2018, 02:07:08 PM
Baiting of deer and elk violates the concept of fair chase. Just my 2¢.Just wondering how you feel about someone shooting elk or deer that are eating apples in a apple orchard or apple trees planted by a old homestead? Would that be “fair”?
Hunters often target animals by locating food sources and killing them coming or going or in the food plot. Is this unethical?
Why would you care how anyone else legally fills their tag? Do you want to impose your personal ethics on other hunters? If so, why?
Guess I will just defer to how Boone and Crockett defines it:
FAIR CHASE, as defined by the Boone and Crockett Club, is the ethical, sportsmanlike, and lawful pursuit and taking of any free-ranging wild, native North American big game animal in a manner that does not give the hunter an improper advantage over such animals.
Post by: gaddy on August 21, 2018, 02:15:30 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on August 21, 2018, 02:17:58 PM
The definition of unfair advantage is going to be different for almost every hunter. If you ask 100 hunters 10 questions about advantages in hunting you wouldn't get more than 5 of them to give you identical answers to all 10 questions.
Post by: Igor on August 21, 2018, 02:39:57 PM
Where is the popcorn emoji?
These threads usually get pretty lively :chuckle:
(https://media.giphy.com/media/K9b2WiPZi0ZjO/giphy.gif)
Post by: huntnfmly on August 21, 2018, 02:44:21 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on August 21, 2018, 02:58:41 PM
The overall impression I've gained from other hunters in the last year or so of getting familiar with hunting is that the overall deer population in Washington is hurting. In that kind of environment, does baiting contribute to or detract from the overall health of the population?
My current view on baiting is that it would lower the degree of difficulty required to harvest a deer to such a level that widespread adoption of the practice would noticeably reduce overall deer numbers year on year. If we want to continue hunting season after season, it seems like the rules around what we can and cannot do need to be focused on what's in the best interests of the overall population. If that's demonstrably wrong, please elaborate.
Overall that's not an bad view on the situation. But in reality, baiting has always been legal here and only a fraction of hunters choose to implement it. To properly bait for deer or elk requires WAY more work than most people are willing to put into it. I don't think that baiting in Washington has any tangible effect on harvest or populations.
Post by: StoneTrees on August 21, 2018, 03:17:57 PM
Overall that's not an bad view on the situation. But in reality, baiting has always been legal here and only a fraction of hunters choose to implement it.
When was the rules on baiting changed? Genuinely curious as, since I've been on the scene, baiting has been illegal or rather defined as such by WDFW:
Quote
You cannot use bait to hunt black bear in Washington State.
In accordance with WAC 220-414-030, it is unlawful to hunt for deer and elk using any type of bait placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, scattered, or otherwise used for the purpose of attracting deer or elk with the intent to hunt them, if the volume of bait accessible to wildlife exceeds 10 gallons. Bait sites of an individual license holder cannot be placed within 200 yards from another known bait site or another bait site of the same license holder.
There are some exceptions to this rule. They include:
- Hunting on or over locally common agricultural and ranching practices, including salt or mineral distribution and feeding.
- Hunting on or over food that is available from undisturbed wild, volunteer, or planted vegetation, including fruit trees, orchards, vineyards, and food plots.
- Hunting on or over scents used for cover and attractant that are not consumed by animals.
- Hunting on or over naturally occurring mineral deposits.
- Using bait as authorized by a department permit issued to address a management objective.
The exceptions do not include accidental or intentional spills, dumping, or storage of agricultural produce, feed, or bait.
A violation of this section is punishable as an infraction under RCW 77.15.160 if no animal has been shot or killed and RCW 77.15.410 if an animal has been shot or killed.
For more information on baiting for the purposes of hunting deer or elk, see the most current Big Game hunting pamphlet, located on the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/.
Per Washington Administrative Code 220-414-090, it is illegal to hunt waterfowl, wild turkeys, or deer with the use or aid of electronic calls and battery powered or other electronic devices as decoys. This information can be found in the most recent Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game pamphlet, located on the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/.
This is taken from the help section of the WDFW website (https://wdfw.wa.gov/help/questions/331/Can+I+use+bait+when+I+go+out+hunting%3F+).
Post by: Shannon on August 21, 2018, 03:26:21 PM
Post by: idahohuntr on August 21, 2018, 03:38:41 PM
I think the best way to evaluate fair chase: Does (insert method here) still allow the animal a reasonable opportunity to detect and evade the hunter?Baiting of deer and elk violates the concept of fair chase. Just my 2¢.Just wondering how you feel about someone shooting elk or deer that are eating apples in a apple orchard or apple trees planted by a old homestead? Would that be “fair”?
Hunters often target animals by locating food sources and killing them coming or going or in the food plot. Is this unethical?
Why would you care how anyone else legally fills their tag? Do you want to impose your personal ethics on other hunters? If so, why?
Guess I will just defer to how Boone and Crockett defines it:
FAIR CHASE, as defined by the Boone and Crockett Club, is the ethical, sportsmanlike, and lawful pursuit and taking of any free-ranging wild, native North American big game animal in a manner that does not give the hunter an improper advantage over such animals.
For baiting, I argue that it is still fair chase in that nothing about baiting reduces an animals ability to detect and escape a hunter. They could be winded, see movement, escape to cover, etc. Whether it's a bear, a deer, whatever.
For long range hunting/shooting - at some point I would argue its not fair chase (and its situation dependent). Are you so far away the animal has no chance of detecting and evading you? In which case you are just shooting and not hunting.
Anyways, my :twocents:
Post by: vandeman17 on August 21, 2018, 03:46:46 PM
I think the best way to evaluate fair chase: Does (insert method here) still allow the animal a reasonable opportunity to detect and evade the hunter?Baiting of deer and elk violates the concept of fair chase. Just my 2¢.Just wondering how you feel about someone shooting elk or deer that are eating apples in a apple orchard or apple trees planted by a old homestead? Would that be “fair”?
Hunters often target animals by locating food sources and killing them coming or going or in the food plot. Is this unethical?
Why would you care how anyone else legally fills their tag? Do you want to impose your personal ethics on other hunters? If so, why?
Guess I will just defer to how Boone and Crockett defines it:
FAIR CHASE, as defined by the Boone and Crockett Club, is the ethical, sportsmanlike, and lawful pursuit and taking of any free-ranging wild, native North American big game animal in a manner that does not give the hunter an improper advantage over such animals.
For baiting, I argue that it is still fair chase in that nothing about baiting reduces an animals ability to detect and escape a hunter. They could be winded, see movement, escape to cover, etc. Whether it's a bear, a deer, whatever.
For long range hunting/shooting - at some point I would argue its not fair chase (and its situation dependent). Are you so far away the animal has no chance of detecting and evading you? In which case you are just shooting and not hunting.
Anyways, my :twocents:
I wasn't going to get in on this but thought I would add to your first point. Many guys/gals who have never baited don't realize how much work it takes and how it doesn't make it easy. Sure, you might be able to shoot a young buck or cow or something but mature animals are on full alert when around bait. Plenty will very rarely, if at all, come into them during daylight hours or when they do, every sense is 100% going.
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on August 21, 2018, 04:01:55 PM
THE BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB ON FAIR CHASE, 9/5/2016.
https://www.boone-crockett.org/pdf/On_Fair_Chase.pdf
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on August 21, 2018, 04:07:24 PM
Overall that's not an bad view on the situation. But in reality, baiting has always been legal here and only a fraction of hunters choose to implement it.
When was the rules on baiting changed? Genuinely curious as, since I've been on the scene, baiting has been illegal or rather defined as such by WDFW:QuoteYou cannot use bait to hunt black bear in Washington State.
In accordance with WAC 220-414-030, it is unlawful to hunt for deer and elk using any type of bait placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, scattered, or otherwise used for the purpose of attracting deer or elk with the intent to hunt them, if the volume of bait accessible to wildlife exceeds 10 gallons. Bait sites of an individual license holder cannot be placed within 200 yards from another known bait site or another bait site of the same license holder.
There are some exceptions to this rule. They include:
- Hunting on or over locally common agricultural and ranching practices, including salt or mineral distribution and feeding.
- Hunting on or over food that is available from undisturbed wild, volunteer, or planted vegetation, including fruit trees, orchards, vineyards, and food plots.
- Hunting on or over scents used for cover and attractant that are not consumed by animals.
- Hunting on or over naturally occurring mineral deposits.
- Using bait as authorized by a department permit issued to address a management objective.
The exceptions do not include accidental or intentional spills, dumping, or storage of agricultural produce, feed, or bait.
A violation of this section is punishable as an infraction under RCW 77.15.160 if no animal has been shot or killed and RCW 77.15.410 if an animal has been shot or killed.
For more information on baiting for the purposes of hunting deer or elk, see the most current Big Game hunting pamphlet, located on the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/.
Per Washington Administrative Code 220-414-090, it is illegal to hunt waterfowl, wild turkeys, or deer with the use or aid of electronic calls and battery powered or other electronic devices as decoys. This information can be found in the most recent Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game pamphlet, located on the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/.
This is taken from the help section of the WDFW website (https://wdfw.wa.gov/help/questions/331/Can+I+use+bait+when+I+go+out+hunting%3F+).
Like has been said, bears are off-limits, but deer & elk can be, from page 88 of the hunting regs on baiting deer & elk:
Post by: Lucky1 on August 21, 2018, 04:25:53 PM
The overall impression I've gained from other hunters in the last year or so of getting familiar with hunting is that the overall deer population in Washington is hurting. In that kind of environment, does baiting contribute to or detract from the overall health of the population?Baiting is a effective way to harvest a animal. It is legal and has been widely used in Wisconsin and Texas for years. Their deer populations seem to be stable and well managed.
My current view on baiting is that it would lower the degree of difficulty required to harvest a deer to such a level that widespread adoption of the practice would noticeably reduce overall deer numbers year on year. If we want to continue hunting season after season, it seems like the rules around what we can and cannot do need to be focused on what's in the best interests of the overall population. If that's demonstrably wrong, please elaborate.
I am not sure how competent our game managers are in this state. Getting good data on the population of Blacktail deer may be more difficult than whitetails, I don’t know.
The game department is responsible for setting season length and bag limits.
Our WDFW seems to be run by politics rather than science.
If populations are down they can shorten seasons to reduce harvest.
I don’t agree with them outlawing the hunting methods of some hunters over other the methods of other hunters. :twocents:
Done with my rambling post.
Post by: bornhunter on August 21, 2018, 04:34:46 PM
Where is the popcorn emoji?
These threads usually get pretty lively :chuckle:
(https://media.giphy.com/media/K9b2WiPZi0ZjO/giphy.gif)
:chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: bornhunter on August 21, 2018, 04:44:41 PM
Post by: bigtex on August 21, 2018, 04:51:19 PM
Can you legally bait for coyotes?You can bait for everything except bears and birds.
Post by: fishnfur on August 21, 2018, 04:55:58 PM
Overall that's not an bad view on the situation. But in reality, baiting has always been legal here and only a fraction of hunters choose to implement it.
When was the rules on baiting changed? Genuinely curious as, since I've been on the scene, baiting has been illegal or rather defined as such by WDFW:QuoteYou cannot use bait to hunt black bear in Washington State.
In accordance with WAC 220-414-030, it is unlawful to hunt for deer and elk using any type of bait placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, scattered, or otherwise used for the purpose of attracting deer or elk with the intent to hunt them, if the volume of bait accessible to wildlife exceeds 10 gallons. Bait sites of an individual license holder cannot be placed within 200 yards from another known bait site or another bait site of the same license holder.
There are some exceptions to this rule. They include:
- Hunting on or over locally common agricultural and ranching practices, including salt or mineral distribution and feeding.
- Hunting on or over food that is available from undisturbed wild, volunteer, or planted vegetation, including fruit trees, orchards, vineyards, and food plots.
- Hunting on or over scents used for cover and attractant that are not consumed by animals.
- Hunting on or over naturally occurring mineral deposits.
- Using bait as authorized by a department permit issued to address a management objective.
The exceptions do not include accidental or intentional spills, dumping, or storage of agricultural produce, feed, or bait.
A violation of this section is punishable as an infraction under RCW 77.15.160 if no animal has been shot or killed and RCW 77.15.410 if an animal has been shot or killed.
For more information on baiting for the purposes of hunting deer or elk, see the most current Big Game hunting pamphlet, located on the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/.
Per Washington Administrative Code 220-414-090, it is illegal to hunt waterfowl, wild turkeys, or deer with the use or aid of electronic calls and battery powered or other electronic devices as decoys. This information can be found in the most recent Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game pamphlet, located on the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/.
This is taken from the help section of the WDFW website (https://wdfw.wa.gov/help/questions/331/Can+I+use+bait+when+I+go+out+hunting%3F+).
Like has been said, bears are off-limits, but deer & elk can be, from page 88 of the hunting regs on baiting deer & elk:
The change to the current rules occurred about three years ago if I remember correctly, just after the survey on how hunters felt about baiting. I can't remember the possible options for an answer on the survey but it seems like it was something like "I neither agree nor disagree with baiting" as a third choice (after agree or disagree). Prior to that, I believe you could use as much bait as you wanted for deer and elk.
IMHO, it seems a bit silly to ask people to lie about their opinions on a poll. I think the result of this poll turned out to be a pretty reasonable solution. That doesn't happen often at WDFW! :chuckle:
Post by: 71Shovelhead on August 21, 2018, 08:42:31 PM
Martin Niemöller
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Post by: huntnfmly on August 21, 2018, 09:28:45 PM
Just some food for thoughtEvery time someone posts this on threads about hunters against hunters I can't help but think just how right on point this is.
Martin Niemöller
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
We are our worst enemy
Post by: yakimanoob on August 22, 2018, 11:59:56 AM
Agreed. What really divides hunters is the fallacy that hunters must all be of one mind on every subject, and if you don't agree with ME then you are an anti-hunter.THIS.
If you think it's stabbing you in the back to think your preferred way of hunting is detrimental to society, conservation, etc., then you need to get over yourself. There are plenty of people in this world who think it's government overreach to have seasons and limits in the first place. The fact that I think they shouldn't be able to go kill an elk at the Oak Creek feeding station in January doesn't mean I'm stabbing them in the back. That's nuts.
I don't have an informed opinion about baiting in the current context, but the fact that there's disagreement on whether it should be legal in no way implies we're stabbing each other in the back.
Post by: CougHunter on August 22, 2018, 12:02:09 PM
Post by: bobcat on August 22, 2018, 12:24:27 PM
Post by: bearpaw on August 22, 2018, 12:26:12 PM
"Americans are systematically advocating, legislating, and voting away each others rights. Support all user groups & quit losing opportunity!"
To expand on that:
Every time a hunter advocates for taking something away from another group of hunters your turn to lose some of your hunting methods is just a little closer to being the next to be banned.
Sadly, there are people who want to ban everything we do in the outdoors and they are winning by taking away one little thing at a time, we must support each other or we will continue to lose!
Post by: jackelope on August 22, 2018, 03:47:49 PM
Post by: boneaddict on August 22, 2018, 03:54:32 PM
Post by: 71Shovelhead on August 22, 2018, 04:35:56 PM
can be said for hunters and hunting.
HSUS and PETAs idea of divide and conquer from within is working. We hurt ourselves much worse than they do.
We did it to ourselves with bear baiting and hound hunting. The antis brought the issue to public light then set back and watched us tear ourselves apart.
Post by: b0bbyg on August 22, 2018, 04:58:39 PM
HSUS and PETAs idea of divide and conquer from within is working.
Sounds like some hunting activists should look to join up with PETA :chuckle: Might be interesting.
Post by: Mallardmasher on August 22, 2018, 06:45:40 PM
I would never begrudge any fellow Hunter on any legal activity he employ's. We need to stand united, in all aspects
Post by: steeleywhopper on August 22, 2018, 07:31:54 PM
Post by: Mallardmasher on August 23, 2018, 04:34:19 AM
Post by: Oh Mah on August 23, 2018, 02:09:23 PM
Post by: millerwheeler on August 23, 2018, 08:01:47 PM
Also I can really say i have learned more about patterns of all sorts of animals deer and predators alike
Post by: GOcougsHunter on August 27, 2018, 12:49:05 PM
I'll stand by this:
"Americans are systematically advocating, legislating, and voting away each others rights. Support all user groups & quit losing opportunity!"
To expand on that:
Every time a hunter advocates for taking something away from another group of hunters your turn to lose some of your hunting methods is just a little closer to being the next to be banned.
Sadly, there are people who want to ban everything we do in the outdoors and they are winning by taking away one little thing at a time, we must support each other or we will continue to lose!
Well said... Remember, using duck decoys is a form of "baiting" Using antlers to rattle up that buck in the rut or using estrus is a form of "baiting" Electronic calls for coyotes is a form of "baiting" We all utilize some sort of technique or method which increases our odds of harvesting animals. If it is legal and is allowed for all, it is solely up to you to make a determination if that method fits within your own personal fair chase. We should never turn on each other and should fully support the legal choices of other's techniques to hunt.
Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on August 27, 2018, 02:54:49 PM
Post by: Oh Mah on August 27, 2018, 03:01:39 PM
Post by: Stein on August 27, 2018, 03:49:20 PM
It's legal, go for it if you want to or don't if you don't like it.
Post by: Whitenuckles on August 27, 2018, 08:39:26 PM
Anyone on here fish but never use a worm in their life? :rolleyes:Amen! Most simple way I've heard it explained!
I'm all for baiting, I feed 200+ deer a year and help them all get through winter! And I am only allowed to harvest 1. If I'm lucky. Makes total sence to me! Baiting only helps our Animals, it doesn't hurt them at all!
Post by: huntnfmly on September 04, 2018, 08:13:33 PM
Bingo to bothI'll stand by this:
"Americans are systematically advocating, legislating, and voting away each others rights. Support all user groups & quit losing opportunity!"
To expand on that:
Every time a hunter advocates for taking something away from another group of hunters your turn to lose some of your hunting methods is just a little closer to being the next to be banned.
Sadly, there are people who want to ban everything we do in the outdoors and they are winning by taking away one little thing at a time, we must support each other or we will continue to lose!
Well said... Remember, using duck decoys is a form of "baiting" Using antlers to rattle up that buck in the rut or using estrus is a form of "baiting" Electronic calls for coyotes is a form of "baiting" We all utilize some sort of technique or method which increases our odds of harvesting animals. If it is legal and is allowed for all, it is solely up to you to make a determination if that method fits within your own personal fair chase. We should never turn on each other and should fully support the legal choices of other's techniques to hunt.
Post by: Jonathan_S on September 04, 2018, 08:16:46 PM
Glad to see I was wrong. :tup:
Post by: 7mmfan on September 05, 2018, 07:42:49 AM
Expected to see the annual b!tch fest about baiting.
Glad to see I was wrong. :tup:
Well, now that you brought it back up, you're giving everyone a second chance :chuckle:
Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 05, 2018, 08:08:17 AM
It may not be for you, but it may be the only way some people get to put venison in the freezer.
For many of us, this is our food and we expect to put a minimum of one animal year into the freezer. There is a massive economic and health gain by eating this food, rather than buying a lower quality meat at the grocery store. If that is the motive, and a person is legally killing their one animal in a quick manner, I don't see why hunters would waste their breath arguing about it.
Post by: nitroelk on September 05, 2018, 08:47:49 AM
Also the elk, especially, get really good at only coming in at night. We get thousands of pictures every year of elk that only eat alfalfa in the dark.
Also it seems like the bulls quit hitting the salt as soon as the antlers harden up and that the cows seem to use it less after the calves get a little bigger, like once they wean the calves they stop hitting the salt for the most part.
And as someone stated it is not all that easy and it isn't very cheap to do either.
Post by: jnordwell on September 16, 2018, 07:01:46 PM
Post by: lokidog on September 16, 2018, 10:15:58 PM
I know one ongoing critique/concern with "concentrated" baiting is that in CWD states it brings lots of animals close together and could be a source of disease transmission.
If that were to be true and proven, than I support getting rid of a transmission vector like that, immediately in states with CWD and as soon as a CWD case is identified in a state. I think baiting in general isn't a black and white issue and shouldn't be treated as one. I wonder what all the possible answers were on that survey? I would tihnk most hunters in this state would probably pick "option C: its complicated" than just choosing between "oppose" and "support" if it was offered
Many(most?) states with CWD have banned baiting altogether. WI has it banned in counties adjacent to, and in, ones where CWD has been detected but not in the other counties.
Personally, I think that WA's baiting rules are fine the way they are, especially since I only throw a few apples out at a time anyways (although right now with apple juicing going on I am putting out a bucket of pomace every couple of days). I use bait mostly to see what is coming by and when since I only have two trail cameras. I also like that it can give me, or the kids that I have come to the island to hunt, a chance to take time to make a good shot instead of just hurriedly at a deer passing quickly by.