Post by: gutsnthegrass on July 25, 2018, 07:45:31 AM
Post by: boneaddict on July 25, 2018, 07:52:19 AM
If this state is truly in financial need, they should concentrate on their abundance of predators. Think how much money they could make selling wolf raffle tickets.
Post by: gallion_t on July 25, 2018, 08:06:09 AM
Post by: h20hunter on July 25, 2018, 08:10:21 AM
Post by: Timberstalker on July 25, 2018, 08:10:49 AM
I would pay a lot more than 10.....I'd go 50 bucks.
At least. They would sell plenty of tags.
Post by: Jonathan_S on July 25, 2018, 08:15:22 AM
More bears dead in the spring, more dead bears in the fall but not interfering with the zoo of modern firearm season.
Post by: X-Force on July 25, 2018, 08:16:29 AM
If its strictly a money thing they could easily offset that by offering an add on tag for the spring. Buy your normal fall bear tag, but for $10 extra you can also use it during the spring. If people are willing to pay $6 for a chance at being able to hunt in the spring they would certainly spend $10 to be guaranteed to be able to hunt them.
That's a good way to do it but like h20hunter says bump the price $30-$50 and it could be done like an unlimited permit even an unlimited permit with a quota like cougars. If the state has concerns about over harvest in a particular GMU just have a quota system setup and a 24 hotline or webpage to call.
Id be game.
Post by: JimmyHoffa on July 25, 2018, 08:21:36 AM
My guess is that WDFW is trying to protect the bears. In the spring, I see so many more bears and they are down low in more accessible areas. They're eating new shoots, skunk cabbage and peeling trees (and fawns) low in valleys and along rivers. Once the plants up high sprout and then berries start coming in, the bears are really spread out...so much so they aren't found nearly as easily.
Post by: gallion_t on July 25, 2018, 09:32:29 AM
If its strictly a money thing they could easily offset that by offering an add on tag for the spring. Buy your normal fall bear tag, but for $10 extra you can also use it during the spring. If people are willing to pay $6 for a chance at being able to hunt in the spring they would certainly spend $10 to be guaranteed to be able to hunt them.
That's a good way to do it but like h20hunter says bump the price $30-$50 and it could be done like an unlimited permit even an unlimited permit with a quota like cougars. If the state has concerns about over harvest in a particular GMU just have a quota system setup and a 24 hotline or webpage to call.
Id be game.
I agree, I would pay more than $10. I figured that number would be a close representation of what it would take to offset the permit application fees. Thinking more of a keep the revenue the same rather than grow it. The quota system would be a great idea as well. I'm sure part of the concern is over harvesting in the spring so if it is capped that concern goes away. Allow open harvest for the first month of spring, and then if the quota has not yet been hit for the GMU all it to stay open for another month on a day by day basis.
Post by: BreezyBear on July 25, 2018, 09:54:22 AM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on July 25, 2018, 10:00:12 AM
Even just a spring special draw for any, and every GMU with bears could be a starting point, we will pay if the opportunity is there :twocents:I agree. For the coast, you have to get a tree farm permit that is only good for the spring bear permit dates. At least the general GMU wouldn't limit to a farm.
Post by: boneaddict on July 25, 2018, 10:42:29 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on July 25, 2018, 10:53:20 AM
1000 dollar predator package(tag)......good for two of the following, cougar, bear or wolf
Don't give Montana any ideas
Post by: BearCreekCookBook on July 25, 2018, 11:21:18 AM
Since they don't announce spring bear until the previous years season is over they could really target harvest in areas where not enough bears were harvested the previous season. Spring seasons on the edge of winter ranges would really save a lot of fawns / calves as well.
Post by: fillthefreezer on July 25, 2018, 01:36:05 PM
Make the spring season general April 15-June 30. Double the permits but move them to a shortened fall season - baiting allowed -Sept 1-October 10.While I agree a lot of areas could support an otc spring hunt, and would happily pay more $$ ($50 seems reasonable)for a spring tag, I would not support These changes.
More bears dead in the spring, more dead bears in the fall but not interfering with the zoo of modern firearm season.
Post by: Molon5labe on July 25, 2018, 04:32:27 PM
1000 dollar predator package(tag)......good for two of the following, cougar, bear or wolf
So turn 2 bear tags, OR, 1 bear tag & 1 cougar tag, which would be $48 total into $1000? I think that would lead to even greater numbers of predators because a vast majority of people, I think, wouldn't even buy tags at that point.
How about just leave bear and cougar alone and offer some wolf tags already? Way past due.
I'm still scratching my head about WDFW pulling the spring bear hunt for the Monroe unit >:(
Post by: wheels on July 25, 2018, 05:53:00 PM
Post by: DeerThug on July 25, 2018, 06:01:41 PM
But seriously - i do think an open spring season may go to far, but a quota or every other year you can do it based of your birthday or some sort of limiting factor. There is way more bear hunting opportunity than we are given.
Post by: Hunter mike on July 25, 2018, 07:32:35 PM
I don't think it is a money thing, as I would guess there would be more in sales of OTC tags than the small amount of permits available now. If opened, spring bear would be the only thing other than turkey and maybe some fish for that time of year.
My guess is that WDFW is trying to protect the bears. In the spring, I see so many more bears and they are down low in more accessible areas. They're eating new shoots, skunk cabbage and peeling trees (and fawns) low in valleys and along rivers. Once the plants up high sprout and then berries start coming in, the bears are really spread out...so much so they aren't found nearly as easily.
I'm frosted that the Copalis area tag is 638 OUTSIDE the national forest! Why the freebie for timber companies?
Post by: Jonathan_S on July 26, 2018, 07:52:50 AM
Make the spring season general April 15-June 30. Double the permits but move them to a shortened fall season - baiting allowed -Sept 1-October 10.While I agree a lot of areas could support an otc spring hunt, and would happily pay more $$ ($50 seems reasonable)for a spring tag, I would not support These changes.
More bears dead in the spring, more dead bears in the fall but not interfering with the zoo of modern firearm season.
Which changes @fillthefreezer? just the baiting or? It's just something I threw out but I'm probably up for any change that reduces predators at this point.
Can't have healthy populations of 3 Apex-Predators and still have so many black bears too, I should think.
Post by: hunter399 on July 26, 2018, 08:33:47 AM
I think quota system work great with otc spring hunt.most gmu not even close to harvest with spring permits.And do believe that bears in some area need to be thinned ,quota system would be perfect and bring more money for wdfw.If its strictly a money thing they could easily offset that by offering an add on tag for the spring. Buy your normal fall bear tag, but for $10 extra you can also use it during the spring. If people are willing to pay $6 for a chance at being able to hunt in the spring they would certainly spend $10 to be guaranteed to be able to hunt them.
That's a good way to do it but like h20hunter says bump the price $30-$50 and it could be done like an unlimited permit even an unlimited permit with a quota like cougars. If the state has concerns about over harvest in a particular GMU just have a quota system setup and a 24 hotline or webpage to call.
Id be game.
Post by: Big6bull on July 26, 2018, 10:07:19 AM
Post by: buglebrush on July 26, 2018, 10:55:30 AM
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on July 26, 2018, 11:43:27 AM
Resource allocation, private timber companies, and non-hunting voters have been tirelessly reducing opportunities for the average hunter.
It is easier for private timber companies to pay individuals to control bears (using hounds AND "feeding") behind locked gates than it is to allow access to the general public.
Post by: wheels on July 26, 2018, 06:56:43 PM
Post by: Longbowz on July 29, 2018, 11:44:48 AM
So if a lot of hunters pushed very hard during the season setting meetings it may not get a general season but perhaps more permit units as a start. Problem is lots of people complain on forums like this but few show up to meetings where it counts.
Post by: ghosthunter on July 29, 2018, 02:21:15 PM
Only a few of us remember the days when not only was there a general spring bear season, but bait and hounds were legal.
Resource allocation, private timber companies, and non-hunting voters have been tirelessly reducing opportunities for the average hunter.
It is easier for private timber companies to pay individuals to control bears (using hounds AND "feeding") behind locked gates than it is to allow access to the general public.
Some hunters contribute to the company’s feeding behind gates. I here grumbles every year that hunters who draw spring bear tags are trying to cherry pick the bears they shoot as far as trophy quality and passing on average bears.
It is a damage hunt, they want bears killed. Not to pass on legal bears. There also is number of Hunters who apply and draw but don’t get out and hunt.
We are our own worse enemy. Don’t scout for tags we apply,don’t secure time for the hunts,don’t put in the range time to make the clean shot, etc.
Post by: bkaech on July 29, 2018, 02:25:50 PM
According to the game deptment the reason for ending the spring season years ago was public perception. Meaning the anti hunters convinced them to end it.
So if a lot of hunters pushed very hard during the season setting meetings it may not get a general season but perhaps more permit units as a start. Problem is lots of people complain on forums like this but few show up to meetings where it counts.
Exactly! The WDFW does not read this forum. You have to show up to make changes/stop changes. Complaining online does nothing if it brings no action.
Therefore, the real question is how do increase spring bear opportunities????
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on July 29, 2018, 05:51:10 PM
Quote
Some hunters contribute to the company’s feeding behind gates. I here grumbles every year that hunters who draw spring bear tags are trying to cherry pick the bears they shoot as far as trophy quality and passing on average bears.Then when I was drawn why did WH restrict access, and only relay information on bears OUTSIDE the permit area?
It is a damage hunt, they want bears killed. Not to pass on legal bears. There also is number of Hunters who apply and draw but don’t get out and hunt.
We are our own worse enemy. Don’t scout for tags we apply,don’t secure time for the hunts,don’t put in the range time to make the clean shot, etc.
And "cherry pick" bears w/o being able to bait?
Sure a few might not purchase tags, or otherwise not put 100% into the hunt, but success rates should be better for those that do.
I know a guy that feeds for WH, and have talked to guys with hounds in their trucks.
No shortage of bears, just access...
Post by: ghosthunter on July 29, 2018, 06:34:55 PM
QuoteSome hunters contribute to the company’s feeding behind gates. I here grumbles every year that hunters who draw spring bear tags are trying to cherry pick the bears they shoot as far as trophy quality and passing on average bears.Then when I was drawn why did WH restrict access, and only relay information on bears OUTSIDE the permit area?
It is a damage hunt, they want bears killed. Not to pass on legal bears. There also is number of Hunters who apply and draw but don’t get out and hunt.
We are our own worse enemy. Don’t scout for tags we apply,don’t secure time for the hunts,don’t put in the range time to make the clean shot, etc.
And "cherry pick" bears w/o being able to bait?
Sure a few might not purchase tags, or otherwise not put 100% into the hunt, but success rates should be better for those that do.
I know a guy that feeds for WH, and have talked to guys with hounds in their trucks.
No shortage of bears, just access...
Most of my info I have is in regards to Skagit. Acess in Skagit is good , with Spring Hunters getting combos to gates and Evan maps highlighting trouble areas. Several hunters in that unit over the past few years have told hunt Cordinators that they passed on bears they didn’t think were big enough. On the day I shot mine I saw two bears no clear look at the first. My buddy shot the first one he saw which turned out to be a good size bear.
Post by: Bango skank on July 29, 2018, 06:42:36 PM
Post by: bkaech on July 30, 2018, 06:58:13 PM
Conspiracy theory: Perhaps WDFW wants the bear population to continue to grow and encroach on cities so that it forces the general population/legislatures to understand that hounds and baiting is necessary for bear and cougar hunting and finally get that law reversed.?
Also: I support increased spring bear opportunities, a first step would be for the WDFW to give a large number of statewide draw permits.
Post by: tchoutacabouffa on July 30, 2018, 09:31:33 PM
I think that's the gist.Lol
If this state is truly in financial need, they should concentrate on their abundance of predators. Think how much money they could make selling wolf raffle tickets.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: huntnnw on July 30, 2018, 10:02:52 PM
I talked with a guy from INWC in Spokane last spring about spring bear permits in NE WA and it sounds like there could be a significant increase in 2019 and 2020 being OTC
Post by: Jonathan_S on July 31, 2018, 06:11:08 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on July 31, 2018, 06:21:30 AM
I think it has to stay permit only in spring, they are just too easy to find that time of year. That said they should open most if not all gmus to permit hunting. I have never heard a good reason why there is no spring season on the east slopes of the cascades.Agree, OTC spring bear hunts would ruin the Special part of spring bear hunting, seeing bears. It would ruin how special certain areas are, the areas would be flooded with hunters, I do think it should be state wide for permits and I also think a baiting permit should be formed. Hunting cougar with dogs also needs to be allowed, these are all dreams of ours that will may never see.
Since they don't announce spring bear until the previous years season is over they could really target harvest in areas where not enough bears were harvested the previous season. Spring seasons on the edge of winter ranges would really save a lot of fawns / calves as well.
Post by: huntnnw on July 31, 2018, 06:37:23 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on July 31, 2018, 07:27:47 AM
I'm not going to prioritize the 1/7 years that I have a Sherman bear tag over the mule deer, whitetail, elk, moose, and caribou :twocents:
Post by: buglebrush on July 31, 2018, 08:02:25 AM
I'm not really interested in the quality of bear hunting anyway, I'm interested in the management of predators in general and spring bear in particular.
I'm not going to prioritize the 1/7 years that I have a Sherman bear tag over the mule deer, whitetail, elk, moose, and caribou :twocents:
Exactly. Besides, if the whole state was OTC spring bear it would totally spread the hunters out like in Idaho. It's downright criminal that there's no spring season at all in 113.
Post by: huntnnw on July 31, 2018, 08:18:43 AM
Post by: DWP on August 02, 2018, 09:05:28 PM
A statewide spring season with different quotas in specific areas seems to make sense, as does a combination of a spring general season in some areas and a draw in others. Either of these would generate some quality revenue.
All I know is that we seem to have too many bears ( and cougars & wolves) and not enough harvesting to control their numbers.
Post by: h2ofowlr on August 02, 2018, 09:52:57 PM
I have no idea why certain areas do not have spring bear opportunities (Monroe comes to mind as well as many others).
A statewide spring season with different quotas in specific areas seems to make sense, as does a combination of a spring general season in some areas and a draw in others. Either of these would generate some quality revenue.
All I know is that we seem to have too many bears ( and cougars & wolves) and not enough harvesting to control their numbers.
They pulled the Monroe one because out of all the draws only 1 or 2 bears were harvested.