Post by: elkrack on November 29, 2018, 10:31:12 AM
Post by: X-Force on November 29, 2018, 10:41:23 AM
https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/2018-2020/wac/220-415-080.pdf (https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/2018-2020/wac/220-415-080.pdf)
Post by: boneaddict on November 29, 2018, 12:13:23 PM
Post by: addicted1 on November 29, 2018, 01:06:06 PM
Post by: elkrack on November 29, 2018, 01:13:45 PM
I think I have 12 points. Is that a "sure thing"
:yike: 12 points I’ve never ran into anyone with that many spring bear points! I love that hunt hopefully this year will the year :tup:
Post by: lewy on November 29, 2018, 01:39:02 PM
Post by: Jonathan_S on November 29, 2018, 01:40:48 PM
im assuming you’ve been putting in for points only to acquire that many
Pretty sure @RadSav had max points until he drew a couple years ago
Post by: lewy on November 29, 2018, 01:44:27 PM
Post by: X-Force on November 29, 2018, 02:02:19 PM
Post by: h20hunter on November 29, 2018, 02:08:06 PM
I'll have 6. Area you are putting in? I think I've seen you with some nice bears.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on November 29, 2018, 03:04:04 PM
I think I have 12 points. Is that a "sure thing"Not at all. If lady luck skipped you 12 times a 13th is likely. But I have buddies that draw every 3rd year. :dunno:
Post by: bobcat on November 29, 2018, 03:28:42 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on November 29, 2018, 04:26:46 PM
I have 9 and will probably apply only for a point again, like I usually do. Just waiting until I have more time to hunt. Wish they'd give out some permits in Capitol Forest again, as I'd be able to hunt it on the weekends. The other units that are a 7 hour drive I'd have to take a week off work and that might not even be enough time when I'm hunting an unfamiliar area.A week is plenty, it's all about the timing. It usually takes me 5 to 6 years to draw, only have 3 points this year.
Post by: elkrack on November 29, 2018, 05:37:36 PM
I have 9 and will probably apply only for a point again, like I usually do. Just waiting until I have more time to hunt. Wish they'd give out some permits in Capitol Forest again, as I'd be able to hunt it on the weekends. The other units that are a 7 hour drive I'd have to take a week off work and that might not even be enough time when I'm hunting an unfamiliar area.A week is plenty, it's all about the timing. It usually takes me 5 to 6 years to draw, only have 3 points this year.
Umm... didn’t you draw 2 tags in 3 years Jerry! :mgun:
Post by: trophyhunt on December 02, 2018, 06:01:03 PM
Post by: Johnny Doe on December 12, 2018, 12:55:31 PM
I think I have 12 points. Is that a "sure thing"
:yike: 12 points I’ve never ran into anyone with that many spring bear points! I love that hunt hopefully this year will the year :tup:
A rough estimate of draw odds...12pts only gives you about a 15% chance of drawing in one popular E. Washington hunt and up to 50% in some others. So, No..not a "sure thing."
Spring bear odds are almost as bad as quality elk odds :yike: That being said I'm hoping I can draw with 7pts
Post by: elkrack on December 13, 2018, 11:19:31 AM
I think I have 12 points. Is that a "sure thing"
:yike: 12 points I’ve never ran into anyone with that many spring bear points! I love that hunt hopefully this year will the year :tup:
A rough estimate of draw odds...12pts only gives you about a 15% chance of drawing in one popular E. Washington hunt and up to 50% in some others. So, No..not a "sure thing."
Spring bear odds are almost as bad as quality elk odds :yike: That being said I'm hoping I can draw with 7pts
Well that’s depressing I only have 4! Ya never know though🙏
Post by: D-Rock425 on December 13, 2018, 12:15:52 PM
They will basically be the same as last year. 2019-20 proposal didnt have any drastic changes besides dropping monroe.can I have My Monroe hunt back?
https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/2018-2020/wac/220-415-080.pdf (https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/2018-2020/wac/220-415-080.pdf)
Post by: h20hunter on December 13, 2018, 12:22:36 PM
Post by: X-Force on December 13, 2018, 12:43:53 PM
They will basically be the same as last year. 2019-20 proposal didnt have any drastic changes besides dropping monroe.can I have My Monroe hunt back?
https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/2018-2020/wac/220-415-080.pdf (https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/2018-2020/wac/220-415-080.pdf)
talking with WDFW it doesnt sound like it will come back any time soon and that opportunities on the west side wont open up for a couple years at least.
Post by: KFhunter on December 14, 2018, 09:26:51 AM
Post by: boneaddict on December 15, 2018, 11:36:27 AM
Post by: Guy on December 15, 2018, 08:00:12 PM
Now I see you guys piling up points and I'm thing "Oh my goodness! Maybe I should have kept applying!"
Naw... General season starting Aug 1st is good enough for me.
Best of luck to all you Spring Bear applicants! And honestly, I mean that. I hope you all draw and tag out!
Guy
Post by: MHWASH on December 16, 2018, 08:40:39 AM
Now I see you guys piling up points and I'm thing "Oh my goodness! Maybe I should have kept applying!"
Naw... General season starting Aug 1st is good enough for me.
Best of luck to all you Spring Bear applicants! And honestly, I mean that. I hope you all draw and tag out!
Guy
Spring is a such a wonderful time to be out in the mountains though. And in my opinion, August is not!
I'll be hunting spring bears in Idaho again. If I draw a WA tag, I'll be hunting both.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on December 17, 2018, 05:42:49 AM
Now I just wish they would open up ten more west side units so people would quit applying over here and not showing up...😢😢😢😆😆😆
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Post by: huntnnw on December 17, 2018, 06:19:02 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on December 17, 2018, 06:23:34 AM
Without a doubt one of my favorite hunts of the year. Can. Not. Wait!:yeah: :yeah: Hey Travis, I think you and I should be grandfathered in for spring bear, OTC for us every year forever!! :chuckle: The very first year they had spring bear I drew, then the next couple years. After a few years it started getting pretty difficult.
Now I just wish they would open up ten more west side units so people would quit applying over here and not showing up...😢😢😢😆😆😆
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Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on December 17, 2018, 06:51:39 AM
Without a doubt one of my favorite hunts of the year. Can. Not. Wait!:yeah: :yeah: Hey Travis, I think you and I should be grandfathered in for spring bear, OTC for us every year forever!! :chuckle: The very first year they had spring bear I drew, then the next couple years. After a few years it started getting pretty difficult.
Now I just wish they would open up ten more west side units so people would quit applying over here and not showing up...😢😢😢😆😆😆
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I’d support that! 👌
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Post by: bowhunterforever on December 17, 2018, 05:31:01 PM
I have talked to 2 different people with the INWC and both have said NE WA bear units are suppose to be increasing tags this year and moving toward otc down the roadI sure hope that's the case. Way to many bears in the NE
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 17, 2018, 06:27:28 PM
I have talked to 2 different people with the INWC and both have said NE WA bear units are suppose to be increasing tags this year and moving toward otc down the roadI sure hope that's the case. Way to many bears in the NE
The whole state should be over the counter, spring and fall seasons. :twocents:
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on December 17, 2018, 06:29:33 PM
I have talked to 2 different people with the INWC and both have said NE WA bear units are suppose to be increasing tags this year and moving toward otc down the roadI sure hope that's the case. Way to many bears in the NE
The whole state should be over the counter, spring and fall seasons. :twocents:
Um...no.
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Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 17, 2018, 06:32:21 PM
I have talked to 2 different people with the INWC and both have said NE WA bear units are suppose to be increasing tags this year and moving toward otc down the roadI sure hope that's the case. Way to many bears in the NE
The whole state should be over the counter, spring and fall seasons. :twocents:
Um...no.
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Well what’s your opinion as why not? :dunno:
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on December 17, 2018, 06:35:27 PM
I have talked to 2 different people with the INWC and both have said NE WA bear units are suppose to be increasing tags this year and moving toward otc down the roadI sure hope that's the case. Way to many bears in the NE
The whole state should be over the counter, spring and fall seasons. :twocents:
Um...no.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Well what’s your opinion as why not? :dunno:
Because a lot of the spring hunts could be considered a quality hunt IMO. (If bears are your thing) and cluttering up the woods with every Tom Dick and Harry would ruin that. There’s like 3.5 months of general season, leave the spring alone...
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Post by: Johnny Doe on December 18, 2018, 09:41:12 AM
I have talked to 2 different people with the INWC and both have said NE WA bear units are suppose to be increasing tags this year and moving toward otc down the roadI sure hope that's the case. Way to many bears in the NE
The whole state should be over the counter, spring and fall seasons. :twocents:
Um...no.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Well what’s your opinion as why not? :dunno:
Because a lot of the spring hunts could be considered a quality hunt IMO. (If bears are your thing) and cluttering up the woods with every Tom Dick and Harry would ruin that. There’s like 3.5 months of general season, leave the spring alone...
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:yeah: I'm down with more tags in every unit (the spring season is 2 months long), but not OTC
Post by: MHWASH on December 18, 2018, 09:45:36 AM
I have talked to 2 different people with the INWC and both have said NE WA bear units are suppose to be increasing tags this year and moving toward otc down the roadI sure hope that's the case. Way to many bears in the NE
The whole state should be over the counter, spring and fall seasons. :twocents:
Um...no.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Well what’s your opinion as why not? :dunno:
Because a lot of the spring hunts could be considered a quality hunt IMO. (If bears are your thing) and cluttering up the woods with every Tom Dick and Harry would ruin that. There’s like 3.5 months of general season, leave the spring alone...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Could not agree more!
Post by: trophyhunt on December 28, 2018, 04:12:29 PM
agree!!! It’s a very special hunt, it should stay that way.I have talked to 2 different people with the INWC and both have said NE WA bear units are suppose to be increasing tags this year and moving toward otc down the roadI sure hope that's the case. Way to many bears in the NE
The whole state should be over the counter, spring and fall seasons. :twocents:
Um...no.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Well what’s your opinion as why not? :dunno:
Because a lot of the spring hunts could be considered a quality hunt IMO. (If bears are your thing) and cluttering up the woods with every Tom Dick and Harry would ruin that. There’s like 3.5 months of general season, leave the spring alone...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: trophyhunt on December 28, 2018, 04:14:05 PM
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on December 28, 2018, 04:30:39 PM
https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/permits/spring_bear/
Post by: Mr Mykiss on December 28, 2018, 09:20:57 PM
Post by: h20hunter on December 28, 2018, 09:24:00 PM
Actually, we need far more Dick's in the woods. Some you can ask "hey, do you have a pencil Dick?" He may or may not. You don't know unless you ask.
Post by: hunter399 on December 28, 2018, 10:04:08 PM
I support more tags in every unit. Not enough for every Tom, Dick and Harry but just enough for the Tom’s and Harry’s because we certainly don’t need anymore dicks in the woods.Our state could easily support OTC spring bear tags with a quota system.Look at harvest reports when 15 permits are filled out of a hundred.Us as hunters are not meeting harvest that needs to happen for tree damage,and fawn survival.Honestly it needs to happen, spring bear is a damage hunt ,not quality.
Permit=To many people put in that don't harvest.
Post by: nwwanderer on December 29, 2018, 06:46:08 AM
Post by: D-Rock425 on December 29, 2018, 06:55:39 AM
@D-Rock425
Actually, we need far more Dick's in the woods. Some you can ask "hey, do you have a pencil Dick?" He may or may not. You don't know unless you ask.
Post by: Ghost Hunter on December 29, 2018, 07:29:18 AM
Post by: bowhunterforever on January 02, 2019, 11:24:53 PM
Now that I have a permanent NE camp, I'll be putting in with one point. Anybody with 12 points want to join me? :fishin: ;) :chuckle:What gmu?
Post by: Ghost Hunter on January 03, 2019, 12:53:00 PM
Now that I have a permanent NE camp, I'll be putting in with one point. Anybody with 12 points want to join me? :fishin: ;) :chuckle:What gmu?
PM sent.
Post by: bornhunter on January 03, 2019, 01:21:37 PM
Post by: ljsommer on January 14, 2019, 08:03:28 AM
I have no points, so my odds are extremely low (and that's ok) I just don't know what unit I should be submitting for. Based out of Tacoma.
Post by: 7mmfan on January 14, 2019, 08:25:58 AM
Well this is my first year applying for this, and I am a bit lost. If anyone has any recommendations for a unit to put in for spring bear, please let me know.
I have no points, so my odds are extremely low (and that's ok) I just don't know what unit I should be submitting for. Based out of Tacoma.
The NE units have the highest bear densities, but they are the furthest away. The SE units have some monsters, and beautiful color phase bears, but it's basically as far away as the NE units and extremely tough terrain. There are only a few west side areas available to apply for, and it's definitely a tougher hunt. The plus side is that it's close to home and you can spend more time in the woods taking advantage of the tag. Use it as an excuse to learn a new area for deer/elk.
Look up the harvest stats for spring bear special permits on the WDFW site. It will be blatantly obvious which units have the highest success rates.
Post by: hunter399 on January 14, 2019, 08:46:57 AM
:stirthepot:
Post by: KFhunter on January 14, 2019, 11:49:13 AM
Post by: grundy53 on January 14, 2019, 01:03:05 PM
I understand your point. However I think it would be beneficial to our deer population if it were OTC. Our deer herd needs the help.I have talked to 2 different people with the INWC and both have said NE WA bear units are suppose to be increasing tags this year and moving toward otc down the roadI sure hope that's the case. Way to many bears in the NE
The whole state should be over the counter, spring and fall seasons. :twocents:
Um...no.
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Well what’s your opinion as why not? :dunno:
Because a lot of the spring hunts could be considered a quality hunt IMO. (If bears are your thing) and cluttering up the woods with every Tom Dick and Harry would ruin that. There’s like 3.5 months of general season, leave the spring alone...
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Post by: grundy53 on January 14, 2019, 01:04:08 PM
Please!They will basically be the same as last year. 2019-20 proposal didnt have any drastic changes besides dropping monroe.can I have My Monroe hunt back?
https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/2018-2020/wac/220-415-080.pdf (https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/2018-2020/wac/220-415-080.pdf)
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Post by: bobcat on January 14, 2019, 01:16:20 PM
Please!They will basically be the same as last year. 2019-20 proposal didnt have any drastic changes besides dropping monroe.can I have My Monroe hunt back?
https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/2018-2020/wac/220-415-080.pdf (https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/2018-2020/wac/220-415-080.pdf)
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Capitol Peak too.
Post by: MLHSN on January 14, 2019, 01:16:30 PM
So when did WDFW make the spring bear group limited to only 2 people? I used to put in for 3 people.
Crap, I was planning on putting in with 3. Does #3 just not pop up until you have entered #2?
Post by: bobcat on January 14, 2019, 01:21:28 PM
So when did WDFW make the spring bear group limited to only 2 people? I used to put in for 3 people.
Crap, I was planning on putting in with 3. Does #3 just not pop up until you have entered #2?
I looked at the hunting pamphlets back to 2010 and every one has two people as the maximum group size for a spring bear application.
(Page 13 in the 2018 pamphlet)
Post by: MLHSN on January 14, 2019, 02:49:14 PM
So when did WDFW make the spring bear group limited to only 2 people? I used to put in for 3 people.
Crap, I was planning on putting in with 3. Does #3 just not pop up until you have entered #2?
I looked at the hunting pamphlets back to 2010 and every one has two people as the maximum group size for a spring bear application.
(Page 13 in the 2018 pamphlet)
Post by: Antlershed on January 14, 2019, 03:17:41 PM
:yeah: Seems odd, that so many people complain on here about the lack of predator management by WDFW, yet some people would be against more predator hunting opportunities. :twocents:I understand your point. However I think it would be beneficial to our deer population if it were OTC. Our deer herd needs the help.I have talked to 2 different people with the INWC and both have said NE WA bear units are suppose to be increasing tags this year and moving toward otc down the roadI sure hope that's the case. Way to many bears in the NE
The whole state should be over the counter, spring and fall seasons. :twocents:
Um...no.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Well what’s your opinion as why not? :dunno:
Because a lot of the spring hunts could be considered a quality hunt IMO. (If bears are your thing) and cluttering up the woods with every Tom Dick and Harry would ruin that. There’s like 3.5 months of general season, leave the spring alone...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Post by: Duckslayer89 on January 14, 2019, 03:45:23 PM
:yeah: Seems odd, that so many people complain on here about the lack of predator management by WDFW, yet some people would be against more predator hunting opportunities. :twocents:I understand your point. However I think it would be beneficial to our deer population if it were OTC. Our deer herd needs the help.I have talked to 2 different people with the INWC and both have said NE WA bear units are suppose to be increasing tags this year and moving toward otc down the roadI sure hope that's the case. Way to many bears in the NE
The whole state should be over the counter, spring and fall seasons. :twocents:
Um...no.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Well what’s your opinion as why not? :dunno:
Because a lot of the spring hunts could be considered a quality hunt IMO. (If bears are your thing) and cluttering up the woods with every Tom Dick and Harry would ruin that. There’s like 3.5 months of general season, leave the spring alone...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
:yeah: either have quality predator hunts or quality deer and elk hunting. Hard to have both...
Post by: KFhunter on January 14, 2019, 05:19:58 PM
Post by: Ridgeratt on January 14, 2019, 05:29:48 PM
I have a hard time being convinced that OTC spring bear would lower the quality of the hunt, quality of the bear or make much of a measurable impact.
This last fall I spoke with a person who indicated that the Bear Id test required every year was going to become a fee test (thought it would be 5 or 10 bucks) instead of the free it has been.
Post by: Bango skank on January 14, 2019, 05:31:46 PM
I have a hard time being convinced that OTC spring bear would lower the quality of the hunt, quality of the bear or make much of a measurable impact.
It would mostly be locals getting the bears in this area. Not like everybody in wa would be killing bears in the ne corner. Look what happens every year, guys from the coast draw ne permits, get on here saying theyve never hunted the area, where do i go etc etc, then they may come up (usually too early) for a few days once or maybe twice, if at all, and thats it. They eat the tag. Thats not everybody who draws, but its a large percentage. The spring bear permits go largely unfilled every year. I think guys that know damn well they cant and/or wont put in the time and effort to come out here and work to fill the tag just apply anyway so they can feel like they won something when they get drawn, because aside from multi deer its one of the higher odds permits to draw. Lot of wasted spring bear permits every year. I wish guys would be honest with themselves about whether or not theyll actually drive across the state to actually hunt in the spring to fill the tag. Lots of guys around here that would love to have those permits, and would put them to good use.
Post by: hunter399 on January 14, 2019, 05:39:54 PM
:yeah:I have a hard time being convinced that OTC spring bear would lower the quality of the hunt, quality of the bear or make much of a measurable impact.
It would mostly be locals getting the bears in this area. Not like everybody in wa would be killing bears in the ne corner. Look what happens every year, guys from the coast draw ne permits, get on here saying theyve never hunted the area, where do i go etc etc, then they may come up for a few days once or twice, and thats it. They eat the tag. Thats not everybody who draws, but its a large percentage. The spring bear permits go largely unfilled every year. I think guys that know damn well they wont put in the time to come out here and work to fill the tag just put in anyway so they can feel like they won something when they get drawn, because aside from multi deer its one of the higher odds permits to draw. Lot of wasted spring bear permits every year. I wish guys would be honest with themselves about whether or not theyll have the time to actually drive across the state and spend time hunting in the spring to actually fill the tag. Lots of guys around here that would love to have those permits.
X10
Post by: buckfvr on January 14, 2019, 05:47:04 PM
Post by: hunter399 on January 14, 2019, 05:51:19 PM
:chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: KFhunter on January 14, 2019, 05:58:35 PM
I have a hard time being convinced that OTC spring bear would lower the quality of the hunt, quality of the bear or make much of a measurable impact.
This last fall I spoke with a person who indicated that the Bear Id test required every year was going to become a fee test (thought it would be 5 or 10 bucks) instead of the free it has been.
Good thing I've already taken it for this spring, now if only I could get my printer to work :bash:
I shrink it down to 2" x 2" and tape it to the backside of my bear tag.
Post by: Bango skank on January 14, 2019, 06:02:26 PM
I have a hard time being convinced that OTC spring bear would lower the quality of the hunt, quality of the bear or make much of a measurable impact.
This last fall I spoke with a person who indicated that the Bear Id test required every year was going to become a fee test (thought it would be 5 or 10 bucks) instead of the free it has been.
Good thing I've already taken it for this spring, now if only I could get my printer to work :bash:
I shrink it down to 2" x 2" and tape it to the backside of my bear tag.
I just tried to take it for this year, but it says already taken. But that was last years.
Post by: KFhunter on January 14, 2019, 06:03:17 PM
I've taken it twice now, have you purchased a bear tag yet?
Post by: Bango skank on January 14, 2019, 06:05:16 PM
Post by: KFhunter on January 14, 2019, 06:06:34 PM
Post by: Bango skank on January 14, 2019, 06:08:12 PM
Post by: KFhunter on January 14, 2019, 06:17:19 PM
Post by: Bango skank on January 14, 2019, 06:26:23 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 14, 2019, 06:32:49 PM
When im at work, my shift is usually 1200-1600 & 0000-0400.Had that shift as marine engineer. Argh. Never knew whether it was morning or night.
Post by: Bango skank on January 14, 2019, 06:40:12 PM
When im at work, my shift is usually 1200-1600 & 0000-0400.Had that shift as marine engineer. Argh. Never knew whether it was morning or night.
Ya, dont see a lot of sun in the engine room. At least my watch is spent in the wheelhouse, so i know if its day or night.
Post by: RB on January 18, 2019, 08:32:35 PM
Post by: zackmioli on January 21, 2019, 06:53:12 AM
Post by: 7mmfan on January 21, 2019, 11:18:14 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on January 21, 2019, 11:25:14 AM
Post by: Ghost Hunter on January 21, 2019, 01:35:02 PM
Post by: snake on January 21, 2019, 07:59:59 PM
Post by: KFhunter on January 21, 2019, 08:01:04 PM
Shouldn't be a such thing as a "Quality" predator hunt.
mic drop :o
true dat!
Post by: Antlershed on January 21, 2019, 08:34:27 PM
:yeah:Shouldn't be a such thing as a "Quality" predator hunt.
mic drop :o
true dat!
Post by: hunter399 on January 21, 2019, 09:08:22 PM
Post by: Bango skank on January 21, 2019, 09:16:14 PM
One thing that seems wrong is there are more permits for east side state .But the Westside allows you to harvest two bears on there side a year.So why don't they have more spring permits on Westside of the state?
No, the real question is, why cant we take 2 bears on the east side? And have an aug 1st opener so we have time to focus on bears before archery season starts?
Post by: hunter399 on January 21, 2019, 09:19:59 PM
:yeah:One thing that seems wrong is there are more permits for east side state .But the Westside allows you to harvest two bears on there side a year.So why don't they have more spring permits on Westside of the state?
No, the real question is, why cant we take 2 bears on the east side? And have an aug 1st opener so we have time to focus on bears before archery season starts?
Post by: pd on January 21, 2019, 09:22:21 PM
:yeah:I have a hard time being convinced that OTC spring bear would lower the quality of the hunt, quality of the bear or make much of a measurable impact.
It would mostly be locals getting the bears in this area. Not like everybody in wa would be killing bears in the ne corner. Look what happens every year, guys from the coast draw ne permits, get on here saying theyve never hunted the area, where do i go etc etc, then they may come up for a few days once or twice, and thats it. They eat the tag. Thats not everybody who draws, but its a large percentage. The spring bear permits go largely unfilled every year. I think guys that know damn well they wont put in the time to come out here and work to fill the tag just put in anyway so they can feel like they won something when they get drawn, because aside from multi deer its one of the higher odds permits to draw. Lot of wasted spring bear permits every year. I wish guys would be honest with themselves about whether or not theyll have the time to actually drive across the state and spend time hunting in the spring to actually fill the tag. Lots of guys around here that would love to have those permits.
X10
PM to both of you.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 21, 2019, 09:57:49 PM
Shouldn't be a such thing as a "Quality" predator hunt.
I disagree. 🤷🏻♂️ There is already a nearly statewide, 3 month season. I’m not sure why we feel the need to open the spring up as well.
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Post by: Bango skank on January 21, 2019, 11:35:05 PM
Shouldn't be a such thing as a "Quality" predator hunt.
I disagree. 🤷🏻♂️ There is already a nearly statewide, 3 month season. I’m not sure why we feel the need to open the spring up as well.
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Why open up the spring? Well, unlike the westside that enjoys an august 1st opener and a 2 bear limit, here we have a september 1st opener and a 1 bear limit. We dont get an entire month to focus on bears before deer and elk opens like you guys do. Also, by sept 1st most of our berries are pretty dried up, while west side units get lots of prime berry time. Not to mention you dont have the wolf problems we do. Our herds are hurting, and killing more bears would help. Opening up spring bear here would increase the bear harvest. If i could hunt here in august you bet your ass id be out hunting bears that month in all of my free time, but when bear opens up sep 1st, thats the opener of deer season. Now if we had a aug 1st opener and a 2 bear limit then id say sure, leave spring draw only. A guy who put a little effort in could go out and shoot 2 bears in august here if it were legal, but its not.
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 22, 2019, 06:54:40 AM
Shouldn't be a such thing as a "Quality" predator hunt.
I disagree. 🤷🏻♂️ There is already a nearly statewide, 3 month season. I’m not sure why we feel the need to open the spring up as well.
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Why open up the spring? Well, unlike the westside that enjoys an august 1st opener and a 2 bear limit, here we have a september 1st opener and a 1 bear limit. We dont get an entire month to focus on bears before deer and elk opens like you guys do. Also, by sept 1st most of our berries are pretty dried up, while west side units get lots of prime berry time. Not to mention you dont have the wolf problems we do. Our herds are hurting, and killing more bears would help. Opening up spring bear here would increase the bear harvest. If i could hunt here in august you bet your ass id be out hunting bears that month in all of my free time, but when bear opens up sep 1st, thats the opener of deer season. Now if we had a aug 1st opener and a 2 bear limit then id say sure, leave spring draw only. A guy who put a little effort in could go out and shoot 2 bears in august here if it were legal, but its not.
I agree but only with the bolded text
Post by: nwhunter on January 22, 2019, 07:50:23 AM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 22, 2019, 07:57:48 AM
Shouldn't be a such thing as a "Quality" predator hunt.
I disagree. 🤷🏻♂️ There is already a nearly statewide, 3 month season. I’m not sure why we feel the need to open the spring up as well.
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Why open up the spring? Well, unlike the westside that enjoys an august 1st opener and a 2 bear limit, here we have a september 1st opener and a 1 bear limit. We dont get an entire month to focus on bears before deer and elk opens like you guys do. Also, by sept 1st most of our berries are pretty dried up, while west side units get lots of prime berry time. Not to mention you dont have the wolf problems we do. Our herds are hurting, and killing more bears would help. Opening up spring bear here would increase the bear harvest. If i could hunt here in august you bet your ass id be out hunting bears that month in all of my free time, but when bear opens up sep 1st, thats the opener of deer season. Now if we had a aug 1st opener and a 2 bear limit then id say sure, leave spring draw only. A guy who put a little effort in could go out and shoot 2 bears in august here if it were legal, but its not.
I live in the Tri Cities, so I’m not a “them,” I’m an “us.”
Additionally, nothing is stopping you from hunting west of the PCT, that being said, I’d support opening East side units to August 1st or 15th...
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Post by: hunter399 on January 22, 2019, 09:16:51 AM
Post by: grundy53 on January 22, 2019, 09:58:17 AM
To kill predatorsShouldn't be a such thing as a "Quality" predator hunt.
I disagree. 🤷🏻♂️ There is already a nearly statewide, 3 month season. I’m not sure why we feel the need to open the spring up as well.
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Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 22, 2019, 10:13:43 AM
To kill predatorsShouldn't be a such thing as a "Quality" predator hunt.
I disagree. 🤷🏻♂️ There is already a nearly statewide, 3 month season. I’m not sure why we feel the need to open the spring up as well.
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I think we will just agree to disagree on this topic. I don’t think there’s any common ground to debate...
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Post by: Bango skank on January 22, 2019, 01:07:26 PM
I agree with an Aug 1 opener on the eastside like we have here on wetside. The only reason I can think that wdfw doesn't want it is enforcement issues and the risk of poachers being able to be out legally with a rifle
Newsflash dude. Its perfectly legal to be out in the woods with a rifle in august anyqhere you want. You know you can go hunt coyotes with a .300wm in the blues or the ne or wherever in august, or just hike around with a loaded rifle because of this little thing called the 2nd amendment.
Post by: snake on January 23, 2019, 07:39:11 PM
This is a prime example of how things like 1639 pass.I agree with an Aug 1 opener on the eastside like we have here on wetside. The only reason I can think that wdfw doesn't want it is enforcement issues and the risk of poachers being able to be out legally with a rifle
Newsflash dude. Its perfectly legal to be out in the woods with a rifle in august anyqhere you want. You know you can go hunt coyotes with a .300wm in the blues or the ne or wherever in august, or just hike around with a loaded rifle because of this little thing called the 2nd amendment.
Post by: trophyhunt on January 23, 2019, 07:58:12 PM
Pretty sure Scott knows that, but not too many guys are out just walking in the woods w their .300 mag just because they can or looking for coyotes in August. I promise you nwhunter is well informed.I agree with an Aug 1 opener on the eastside like we have here on wetside. The only reason I can think that wdfw doesn't want it is enforcement issues and the risk of poachers being able to be out legally with a rifle
Newsflash dude. Its perfectly legal to be out in the woods with a rifle in august anyqhere you want. You know you can go hunt coyotes with a .300wm in the blues or the ne or wherever in august, or just hike around with a loaded rifle because of this little thing called the 2nd amendment.
Post by: snake on January 23, 2019, 08:11:20 PM
Its about numbers and population control, not days in the season. Come over NE for a while, you will understand.To kill predatorsShouldn't be a such thing as a "Quality" predator hunt.
I disagree. 🤷🏻♂️ There is already a nearly statewide, 3 month season. I’m not sure why we feel the need to open the spring up as well.
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I think we will just agree to disagree on this topic. I don’t think there’s any common ground to debate...
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Post by: KFhunter on January 23, 2019, 08:58:12 PM
Pretty sure Scott knows that, but not too many guys are out just walking in the woods w their .300 mag just because they can or looking for coyotes in August. I promise you nwhunter is well informed.I agree with an Aug 1 opener on the eastside like we have here on wetside. The only reason I can think that wdfw doesn't want it is enforcement issues and the risk of poachers being able to be out legally with a rifle
Newsflash dude. Its perfectly legal to be out in the woods with a rifle in august anyqhere you want. You know you can go hunt coyotes with a .300wm in the blues or the ne or wherever in august, or just hike around with a loaded rifle because of this little thing called the 2nd amendment.
Who was that guy on HW that was doing just that, walking down a trail with his AR, enjoying his 2A rights, scared a bunch of snowflakes, they called the cops and he was met at the trail head?
can't remember his name, it'll come to me...
Post by: emac on January 23, 2019, 09:15:11 PM
Trophyhunt i have followed your post for years cause you like to talk about the blues. You dont want it to be a otc for spring bear but if my memory serves me right, and i might be off so sorry if i am, you complained how long it takes to get drawn for an elk tag there. Which i do believe you got drawn a couple years ago. But now with 35 tags getting eliminated it is going to be impossible to get drawn for a tag. Like i have said i grew up in the blues and my dream is to shoot a blues bull bit i realize that will probably never happen.
But if they opened up spring bear otc maybe it would help the elk population there. Because we all know wdfw isnt going to do a damn thing about the cougar and wolves
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Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 23, 2019, 09:39:49 PM
To the guys that think the blues shouldnt be an otc spring bear tag, i have grown up in the blues my whole life born and raised there. Something needs to be done and killing more bears would be a good start. Cougars are number one priority but bears need to taken out. If you look at the new proposed elk tags you will see they are taking away 35 quality bull tags and completely eliminating cow tags. So the predator control hunters can do the better.
Trophyhunt i have followed your post for years cause you like to talk about the blues. You dont want it to be a otc for spring bear but if my memory serves me right, and i might be off so sorry if i am, you complained how long it takes to get drawn for an elk tag there. Which i do believe you got drawn a couple years ago. But now with 35 tags getting eliminated it is going to be impossible to get drawn for a tag. Like i have said i grew up in the blues and my dream is to shoot a blues bull bit i realize that will probably never happen.
But if they opened up spring bear otc maybe it would help the elk population there. Because we all know wdfw isnt going to do a damn thing about the cougar and wolves
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The cats and wolves are doing significantly more damage than the bears are...
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Post by: Bango skank on January 23, 2019, 09:41:58 PM
To the guys that think the blues shouldnt be an otc spring bear tag, i have grown up in the blues my whole life born and raised there. Something needs to be done and killing more bears would be a good start. Cougars are number one priority but bears need to taken out. If you look at the new proposed elk tags you will see they are taking away 35 quality bull tags and completely eliminating cow tags. So the predator control hunters can do the better.
Trophyhunt i have followed your post for years cause you like to talk about the blues. You dont want it to be a otc for spring bear but if my memory serves me right, and i might be off so sorry if i am, you complained how long it takes to get drawn for an elk tag there. Which i do believe you got drawn a couple years ago. But now with 35 tags getting eliminated it is going to be impossible to get drawn for a tag. Like i have said i grew up in the blues and my dream is to shoot a blues bull bit i realize that will probably never happen.
But if they opened up spring bear otc maybe it would help the elk population there. Because we all know wdfw isnt going to do a damn thing about the cougar and wolves
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The cats and wolves are doing significantly more damage than the bears are...
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You can tell all the way from enumclaw huh?
Post by: 270Flat on January 23, 2019, 09:52:20 PM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 23, 2019, 09:52:43 PM
To the guys that think the blues shouldnt be an otc spring bear tag, i have grown up in the blues my whole life born and raised there. Something needs to be done and killing more bears would be a good start. Cougars are number one priority but bears need to taken out. If you look at the new proposed elk tags you will see they are taking away 35 quality bull tags and completely eliminating cow tags. So the predator control hunters can do the better.
Trophyhunt i have followed your post for years cause you like to talk about the blues. You dont want it to be a otc for spring bear but if my memory serves me right, and i might be off so sorry if i am, you complained how long it takes to get drawn for an elk tag there. Which i do believe you got drawn a couple years ago. But now with 35 tags getting eliminated it is going to be impossible to get drawn for a tag. Like i have said i grew up in the blues and my dream is to shoot a blues bull bit i realize that will probably never happen.
But if they opened up spring bear otc maybe it would help the elk population there. Because we all know wdfw isnt going to do a damn thing about the cougar and wolves
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The cats and wolves are doing significantly more damage than the bears are...
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You can tell all the way from enumclaw huh?
I am not sure why you’re acting hostile?
I live in the Tri Cities, and spend, have spent, and will continue to spend quite a bit of time in the blues.
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Post by: steeleywhopper on January 23, 2019, 10:33:29 PM
Worse thing that ever happened was the Seattlites voting away our hound hunting.
Post by: Timberstalker on January 24, 2019, 04:33:14 AM
To the guys that think the blues shouldnt be an otc spring bear tag, i have grown up in the blues my whole life born and raised there. Something needs to be done and killing more bears would be a good start. Cougars are number one priority but bears need to taken out. If you look at the new proposed elk tags you will see they are taking away 35 quality bull tags and completely eliminating cow tags. So the predator control hunters can do the better.
Trophyhunt i have followed your post for years cause you like to talk about the blues. You dont want it to be a otc for spring bear but if my memory serves me right, and i might be off so sorry if i am, you complained how long it takes to get drawn for an elk tag there. Which i do believe you got drawn a couple years ago. But now with 35 tags getting eliminated it is going to be impossible to get drawn for a tag. Like i have said i grew up in the blues and my dream is to shoot a blues bull bit i realize that will probably never happen.
But if they opened up spring bear otc maybe it would help the elk population there. Because we all know wdfw isnt going to do a damn thing about the cougar and wolves
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The cats and wolves are doing significantly more damage than the bears are...
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The bears are clubbing calves in the spring.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 24, 2019, 05:00:30 AM
To the guys that think the blues shouldnt be an otc spring bear tag, i have grown up in the blues my whole life born and raised there. Something needs to be done and killing more bears would be a good start. Cougars are number one priority but bears need to taken out. If you look at the new proposed elk tags you will see they are taking away 35 quality bull tags and completely eliminating cow tags. So the predator control hunters can do the better.
Trophyhunt i have followed your post for years cause you like to talk about the blues. You dont want it to be a otc for spring bear but if my memory serves me right, and i might be off so sorry if i am, you complained how long it takes to get drawn for an elk tag there. Which i do believe you got drawn a couple years ago. But now with 35 tags getting eliminated it is going to be impossible to get drawn for a tag. Like i have said i grew up in the blues and my dream is to shoot a blues bull bit i realize that will probably never happen.
But if they opened up spring bear otc maybe it would help the elk population there. Because we all know wdfw isnt going to do a damn thing about the cougar and wolves
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The cats and wolves are doing significantly more damage than the bears are...
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The bears are clubbing calves in the spring.
I am aware, but I still don’t think that justifies opening up the spring season there. I’d be much more supportive of opening more spring units to draw, and bumping the blues season back 15-30 days.
I also continue to not understand why, if people are so concerned about the bear population decimating the elk herds, they don’t go out in the fall and kill them.
I’m not sure I have anything more to add to this conversation without repeating myself. 🤷♂️ Good luck on your spring draws!
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Post by: trophyhunt on January 24, 2019, 05:37:08 AM
To the guys that think the blues shouldnt be an otc spring bear tag, i have grown up in the blues my whole life born and raised there. Something needs to be done and killing more bears would be a good start. Cougars are number one priority but bears need to taken out. If you look at the new proposed elk tags you will see they are taking away 35 quality bull tags and completely eliminating cow tags. So the predator control hunters can do the better.My thoughts are this on otc spring bear. We have had spring bear in the blues now for what 18-20 years? Before that, there was no spring bear hunts. Elk in the blues hit their peak prob 8-10 years ago? All approx guesses here, I’d say the wolves have made a huge impact, more than the bears who at least get hunted. If I believed the elk herds would bounce back to early 2000 numbers w otc spring bear, I’d be good with that. But I’m just not convinced it would. Emac, your making me feel guilty for passing up a bear 2 years ago in the blues, I was hoping my dad would get it! :chuckle: I think the elk are suffering from all angles, poaching, unmanageable native hunting, wolves, cats and bears. Maybe a few more tags for bear in the blues would help? But I don’t believe it will come close to solving our problem. I do feel with the more cover on the westside that we could easily have otc spring bear on the westside. Spring time in the mountains is special, especially in the blues hunting bears, I’d hate to see it look like some park in Seattle on a Saturday. And yes eMac, I drew spring bear 2 years ago, still waiting for elk....
Trophyhunt i have followed your post for years cause you like to talk about the blues. You dont want it to be a otc for spring bear but if my memory serves me right, and i might be off so sorry if i am, you complained how long it takes to get drawn for an elk tag there. Which i do believe you got drawn a couple years ago. But now with 35 tags getting eliminated it is going to be impossible to get drawn for a tag. Like i have said i grew up in the blues and my dream is to shoot a blues bull bit i realize that will probably never happen.
But if they opened up spring bear otc maybe it would help the elk population there. Because we all know wdfw isnt going to do a damn thing about the cougar and wolves
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Post by: emac on January 24, 2019, 06:54:03 AM
You are right i stand correct on the quality elk tag. Not trying to make you feel guilty, i think i drew the same year as you and was unable to connect also. So i know what unit you are mostly referring to and i would be for that unit staying draw but open the other units around it to otc. There are enough bears to go around. I personally don't think you would see a huge amount of people hunting in the spring. Sure you would have your die hards and your weekend warriors but for the most part i think you would have people throwing a rifle in and driving the roads hoping to see one. Kinda like how most people hunt them during the fall.To the guys that think the blues shouldnt be an otc spring bear tag, i have grown up in the blues my whole life born and raised there. Something needs to be done and killing more bears would be a good start. Cougars are number one priority but bears need to taken out. If you look at the new proposed elk tags you will see they are taking away 35 quality bull tags and completely eliminating cow tags. So the predator control hunters can do the better.My thoughts are this on otc spring bear. We have had spring bear in the blues now for what 18-20 years? Before that, there was no spring bear hunts. Elk in the blues hit their peak prob 8-10 years ago? All approx guesses here, I’d say the wolves have made a huge impact, more than the bears who at least get hunted. If I believed the elk herds would bounce back to early 2000 numbers w otc spring bear, I’d be good with that. But I’m just not convinced it would. Emac, your making me feel guilty for passing up a bear 2 years ago in the blues, I was hoping my dad would get it! :chuckle: I think the elk are suffering from all angles, poaching, unmanageable native hunting, wolves, cats and bears. Maybe a few more tags for bear in the blues would help? But I don’t believe it will come close to solving our problem. I do feel with the more cover on the westside that we could easily have otc spring bear on the westside. Spring time in the mountains is special, especially in the blues hunting bears, I’d hate to see it look like some park in Seattle on a Saturday. And yes eMac, I drew spring bear 2 years ago, still waiting for elk....
Trophyhunt i have followed your post for years cause you like to talk about the blues. You dont want it to be a otc for spring bear but if my memory serves me right, and i might be off so sorry if i am, you complained how long it takes to get drawn for an elk tag there. Which i do believe you got drawn a couple years ago. But now with 35 tags getting eliminated it is going to be impossible to get drawn for a tag. Like i have said i grew up in the blues and my dream is to shoot a blues bull bit i realize that will probably never happen.
But if they opened up spring bear otc maybe it would help the elk population there. Because we all know wdfw isnt going to do a damn thing about the cougar and wolves
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And yes you are correct that there are a lot of other factors in the declining elk populations, but most of those factors are out of our control and we really cant do anything about them.
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Post by: Jonathan_S on January 24, 2019, 07:38:57 AM
This coming from a guy who takes a bear on average every year and who enjoys shooting and eating them. Hell last year I couldn't keep them off me. Literally :chuckle:
Post by: trophyhunt on January 24, 2019, 07:40:09 AM
Post by: ne kid on January 24, 2019, 09:13:27 AM
Post by: snake on January 24, 2019, 06:32:51 PM
Post by: bornhunter on January 25, 2019, 09:05:56 AM
I, like some others, just don't give a crap about a quality bear hunt experience in Washington. :dunno:
This coming from a guy who takes a bear on average every year and who enjoys shooting and eating them. Hell last year I couldn't keep them off me. Literally :chuckle:
Sounds like you would give good advice on which unit to put in for spring bear? I was thinking 105 or 108?
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 25, 2019, 11:34:15 AM
I, like some others, just don't give a crap about a quality bear hunt experience in Washington. :dunno:
This coming from a guy who takes a bear on average every year and who enjoys shooting and eating them. Hell last year I couldn't keep them off me. Literally :chuckle:
Sounds like you would give good advice on which unit to put in for spring bear? I was thinking 105 or 108?
I've not had the opportunity to hunt spring bear in WA. Drew in 2012 and ended up having to leave the country for work. Now I've got 6 points so maybe this year.
108 and 105 are good units for people who know the areas. If I were coming from Lewis County, I'd just buy a $40 ID reduced tag and hunt there.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 25, 2019, 01:11:50 PM
I, like some others, just don't give a crap about a quality bear hunt experience in Washington. :dunno:Literally!!!! Oh that gave me a good laugh..... at your expense :chuckle:
This coming from a guy who takes a bear on average every year and who enjoys shooting and eating them. Hell last year I couldn't keep them off me. Literally :chuckle:
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 25, 2019, 01:36:52 PM
I, like some others, just don't give a crap about a quality bear hunt experience in Washington. :dunno:Literally!!!! Oh that gave me a good laugh..... at your expense :chuckle:
This coming from a guy who takes a bear on average every year and who enjoys shooting and eating them. Hell last year I couldn't keep them off me. Literally :chuckle:
Was hoping one of you clowns would see that :chuckle:
Post by: bornhunter on January 25, 2019, 01:40:52 PM
I, like some others, just don't give a crap about a quality bear hunt experience in Washington. :dunno:
This coming from a guy who takes a bear on average every year and who enjoys shooting and eating them. Hell last year I couldn't keep them off me. Literally :chuckle:
Sounds like you would give good advice on which unit to put in for spring bear? I was thinking 105 or 108?
I've not had the opportunity to hunt spring bear in WA. Drew in 2012 and ended up having to leave the country for work. Now I've got 6 points so maybe this year.
108 and 105 are good units for people who know the areas. If I were coming from Lewis County, I'd just buy a $40 ID reduced tag and hunt there.
Good idea.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on January 25, 2019, 02:25:14 PM
:chuckle:I, like some others, just don't give a crap about a quality bear hunt experience in Washington. :dunno:Literally!!!! Oh that gave me a good laugh..... at your expense :chuckle:
This coming from a guy who takes a bear on average every year and who enjoys shooting and eating them. Hell last year I couldn't keep them off me. Literally :chuckle:
Was hoping one of you clowns would see that :chuckle:
Post by: idahohuntr on January 25, 2019, 03:23:24 PM
Post by: Machias on January 25, 2019, 06:21:56 PM
Post by: KFhunter on January 25, 2019, 06:35:51 PM
Post by: elkrack on January 25, 2019, 06:38:24 PM
Post by: hunter399 on January 25, 2019, 06:43:02 PM
A little history for some of you guys about the NE and when the season opens. Many years ago the season opened on 1 Aug. Used to be one of my favorite hunts of the year. You would almost always get a little cool down in Aug. I would run up there and hunt the Selkirks. Went to a Fish and Game meeting one year and they said they were going to move the opener to the day after Labor Day to avoid conflicts with berry pickers. The room just about erupted. So they cleared their throat and said well really it's because too many sows with cubs are being killed in Aug and the cubs were bigger by the day after Labor Day. Total and complete BS. I went to the next 3 year meeting and asked how moving the opener back had affected the number of sows with cubs being harvested and they had no clue what I was talking about. I guess they had forgotten the BS lie they had told 3 years earlier. Absolutely no reason to move the opener back in the NE to after Labor Day. That was the beginning of the end of my respect for the WDFW. The final straw came with the outlawing coyote hunting with dogs, purely for political reasons and not game management reasons.I agree with ya on this first bear I ever shot was in mid August many years ago.
I figured it was a enforcement deal also not enough game wardens to go around between fishing and hunting.
Post by: KFhunter on January 25, 2019, 06:48:22 PM
Post by: hunter399 on January 25, 2019, 06:51:52 PM
Enforcement convenience shouldn't dictate hunting rules and regulations.I agree ,but sadly I think it does effect a lot of season dates.There just not gonna come out of the closest and tell ya.
Post by: bornhunter on January 25, 2019, 09:48:17 PM
A little history for some of you guys about the NE and when the season opens. Many years ago the season opened on 1 Aug. Used to be one of my favorite hunts of the year. You would almost always get a little cool down in Aug. I would run up there and hunt the Selkirks. Went to a Fish and Game meeting one year and they said they were going to move the opener to the day after Labor Day to avoid conflicts with berry pickers. The room just about erupted. So they cleared their throat and said well really it's because too many sows with cubs are being killed in Aug and the cubs were bigger by the day after Labor Day. Total and complete BS. I went to the next 3 year meeting and asked how moving the opener back had affected the number of sows with cubs being harvested and they had no clue what I was talking about. I guess they had forgotten the BS lie they had told 3 years earlier. Absolutely no reason to move the opener back in the NE to after Labor Day. That was the beginning of the end of my respect for the WDFW. The final straw came with the outlawing coyote hunting with dogs, purely for political reasons and not game management reasons.
Post by: idahohuntr on January 25, 2019, 09:57:36 PM
Enforcement convenience shouldn't dictate hunting rules and regulations.:yeah:
Way too many regs in WA that take away from law abiding sportsman under the fallacy that such laws will enable them to catch poachers. If WDFW could ever get a director worth a darn he'd fire the clowns that request these kinds of laws and rule changes.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 29, 2019, 10:51:09 AM
Black bear spring calf predation can be significant in areas where other food sources are limited. Bears are omnivorous, and as such, will take the easiest available option. While speaking to a biologist from Washington State, it was his opinion that the ungulate problem in SE WA in particular stems from a significantly higher density of cougars then anywhere else in the state.
Cougars have been estimated to kill .8 ungulates a week (or just over 41 a year).
In an additional study in the UP of Michigan, coyotes were far and away the leading predators of whitetail fawns. In fact bobcats were documented as the second leading factor of fawn mortality in that region, with wolves and bears being way down the list (much to the chagrin of locals who wanted to blame the wolves).
To showcase an instance where bears have caused significant issues, in a New Mexico study of tagged calves, each spring bear killed increased the likelihood of a calf surviving its first 90 days by 2.3%.
So what this all boils down to is, it’s complicated.
As indicated to me by the biologist, Sportsman in Washington are not organized. We are broken down into competing groups that bicker for increased rights for their subgroup instead of banding together.
We also have a tendency to form opinions based on limited facts or driven by emotions. If studies or data does not fit our preconceived notion, we have a tendency to fall into a condition of bias. I was victim of this when I started researching data.
We also have to accept the fact that we live in a liberal state, where legislatively, we can lose at any given point in time.
I have adjusted my position, in that I think a discussion of expanding spring tags, and opening additional units (including partial or full OTC) would be a worthwhile discussion to have using fact based regional data.
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Post by: idahohuntr on January 29, 2019, 11:04:42 AM
I’ve been doing quite a bit of research lately concerning spring bears, predation, etc. I’ve read research articles, and spoken to biologists, and come to some interesting conclusions.Excellent post. In your research did you identify any conservation concerns with spring bear hunts? I don't understand the biological basis (if there is one) for having a fall general season that last several months, but not having a spring general season. Given the lack of baiting and the insane number of bears in parts of WA - I can't imagine there is a conservation concern with a spring hunt...but maybe there is?
Black bear spring calf predation can be significant in areas where other food sources are limited. Bears are omnivorous, and as such, will take the easiest available option. While speaking to a biologist from Washington State, it was his opinion that the ungulate problem in SE WA in particular stems from a significantly higher density of cougars then anywhere else in the state.
Cougars have been estimated to kill .8 ungulates a week (or just over 41 a year).
In an additional study in the UP of Michigan, coyotes were far and away the leading predators of whitetail fawns. In fact bobcats were documented as the second leading factor of fawn mortality in that region, with wolves and bears being way down the list (much to the chagrin of locals who wanted to blame the wolves).
To showcase an instance where bears have caused significant issues, in a New Mexico study of tagged calves, each spring bear killed increased the likelihood of a calf surviving its first 90 days by 2.3%.
So what this all boils down to is, it’s complicated.
As indicated to me by the biologist, Sportsman in Washington are not organized. We are broken down into competing groups that bicker for increased rights for their subgroup instead of banding together.
We also have a tendency to form opinions based on limited facts or driven by emotions. If studies or data does not fit our preconceived notion, we have a tendency to fall into a condition of bias. I was victim of this when I started researching data.
We also have to accept the fact that we live in a liberal state, where legislatively, we can lose at any given point in time.
I have adjusted my position, in that I think a discussion of expanding spring tags, and opening additional units (including partial or full OTC) would be a worthwhile discussion to have using fact based regional data.
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100% agree that most predator management discussions, by hunters or anti-hunters, are emotional and uninformed by facts.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 29, 2019, 12:40:25 PM
I know that Washington state issues tags and permits based on harvest data. So if they are not getting the appropriate harvest statistics, they will issue more tags.
The one issue I could foresee is that bears typically mate in June-ish, so there may be a desire to limit hunting in June and July in order to allow them to pair up. But how that actually affects bear populations was not a focal point of my research.
It should also be noted, though only applicable in the NE, that Grizzly bears are freaking ungulate killers.
An additional stat I didn’t include in my previous post that I thought was fascinating...one large adult male cougar was identified to have killed 18 adult moose in a one year period.
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Post by: KFhunter on January 29, 2019, 01:41:01 PM
The best way to lower bear numbers is that spring hunt, if bear fall below management objectives in certain units then bring back the spring special hunt draw.
Post by: idahohuntr on January 29, 2019, 01:56:25 PM
Conservation concerns? Can you elaborate a little on exactly what you’re asking?What I meant was - does spring hunting increase the risk of bear populations plummeting to levels they are no longer at healthy population numbers? KF shows that harvest rates are approximately triple what fall rates are...so maybe in WDFW's mind that puts the population at too great a risk of extinction? Or perhaps there is evidence that indirect effects of hunting (e.g., disrupting mating) causes greater effects than just harvest alone??
I know that Washington state issues tags and permits based on harvest data. So if they are not getting the appropriate harvest statistics, they will issue more tags.
The one issue I could foresee is that bears typically mate in June-ish, so there may be a desire to limit hunting in June and July in order to allow them to pair up. But how that actually affects bear populations was not a focal point of my research.
It should also be noted, though only applicable in the NE, that Grizzly bears are freaking ungulate killers.
An additional stat I didn’t include in my previous post that I thought was fascinating...one large adult male cougar was identified to have killed 18 adult moose in a one year period.
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if bear fall below management objectives in certain units then bring back the spring special hunt draw.Given the numbers of bear we have in many areas this seems like a very reasonable idea that provides opportunity without putting bears at too much risk.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 29, 2019, 07:41:21 PM
Conservation concerns? Can you elaborate a little on exactly what you’re asking?What I meant was - does spring hunting increase the risk of bear populations plummeting to levels they are no longer at healthy population numbers? KF shows that harvest rates are approximately triple what fall rates are...so maybe in WDFW's mind that puts the population at too great a risk of extinction? Or perhaps there is evidence that indirect effects of hunting (e.g., disrupting mating) causes greater effects than just harvest alone??
I know that Washington state issues tags and permits based on harvest data. So if they are not getting the appropriate harvest statistics, they will issue more tags.
The one issue I could foresee is that bears typically mate in June-ish, so there may be a desire to limit hunting in June and July in order to allow them to pair up. But how that actually affects bear populations was not a focal point of my research.
It should also be noted, though only applicable in the NE, that Grizzly bears are freaking ungulate killers.
An additional stat I didn’t include in my previous post that I thought was fascinating...one large adult male cougar was identified to have killed 18 adult moose in a one year period.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif bear fall below management objectives in certain units then bring back the spring special hunt draw.Given the numbers of bear we have in many areas this seems like a very reasonable idea that provides opportunity without putting bears at too much risk.
I didn’t research into that discussion.
I can tell you this, I don’t know how many people are targeting bears in the fall (I do), but I seem to find significantly more opportunity to kill in the spring then the fall.
I’d be curious to know how many bears are killed as an opportunity kill in the fall, (meaning stumbled upon while doing something else).
As opposed to people targeting them during the spring.
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Post by: Goshawk on January 29, 2019, 07:54:52 PM
As indicated to me by the biologist, Sportsman in Washington are not organized. We are broken down into competing groups that bicker for increased rights for their subgroup instead of banding together.
If we as a group were to truly stand on common ground, then Weyerhaeuser would still have open gates, Grouse would be under much better management and Timber Companies would invite you to come spring bear hunting on their ground, not make you pay for the privilege of saving them money.
Post by: grundy53 on January 29, 2019, 08:12:22 PM
The fall hunt success rate is below 10% in all sections of the state, the spring success rate is 28% in all sections on average.I think that is kind of skewed data. A lot, if not a majority of folks that buy bear tags get them "just in case" and because tags are cheap but don't actively hunt bears or do so rarely. Whereas by almost definition the spring permits are going to guys who actually want to hunt bears and put forth an effort.
The best way to lower bear numbers is that spring hunt, if bear fall below management objectives in certain units then bring back the spring special hunt draw.
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Post by: KFhunter on January 29, 2019, 08:36:54 PM
skewed data is still data if it's consistently skewed ya?
I think the fall and spring success rate has been pretty static year after year, so the data should be still useful.
Post by: grundy53 on January 29, 2019, 08:44:18 PM
I agree. I was just saying I don't think bears are more vulnerable in the spring hunt. They are just being hunted by more dedicated hunters.
skewed data is still data if it's consistently skewed ya?
I think the fall and spring success rate has been pretty static year after year, so the data should be still useful.
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Post by: KFhunter on January 29, 2019, 08:52:22 PM
but also keep in mind those serious hunters don't draw every year, so the dedicated bear hunters not selected are taking their share in the fall bumping up that average a tad.
Those pool of hunters if a spring OTC hunt occured would bump up the spring overall take further, while the fall take could drop some.
the spring and fall numbers would be useless, so you'd have to just do a yearly average for both seasons.
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 30, 2019, 06:20:36 AM
I agree. I was just saying I don't think bears are more vulnerable in the spring hunt. They are just being hunted by more dedicated hunters.
skewed data is still data if it's consistently skewed ya?
I think the fall and spring success rate has been pretty static year after year, so the data should be still useful.
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Depends on the area but sping bears can be extremely visible compared to Sept and Oct :twocents:
Post by: trophyhunt on January 30, 2019, 06:29:05 AM
:yeah: I see way more bears in the spring, I've seen 3 or more in a day and one year killed 2 in one day (for the internet police, I killed my dads for him, disabled hunter). The big boys are out looking for females and will travel a lot during the day, definitely more vulnerable IMHO.I agree. I was just saying I don't think bears are more vulnerable in the spring hunt. They are just being hunted by more dedicated hunters.
skewed data is still data if it's consistently skewed ya?
I think the fall and spring success rate has been pretty static year after year, so the data should be still useful.
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Depends on the area but sping bears can be extremely visible compared to Sept and Oct :twocents:
Post by: huntnnw on January 30, 2019, 06:44:16 AM
I agree. I was just saying I don't think bears are more vulnerable in the spring hunt. They are just being hunted by more dedicated hunters.
skewed data is still data if it's consistently skewed ya?
I think the fall and spring success rate has been pretty static year after year, so the data should be still useful.
I dont completely agree with that. Spring if you hunt too early or the weather on any given hunt can ruin it. Forage can be just about everywhere for bears in the spring. Fast forward to fall theres an urgency to eat calories. If you have knowledge of bear forage and where it is in the area you hunt you can have epic days seeing tons of bears. This is what separates the guys who know how to hunt bears and put time into it. Spring hunts can be for just about anyone with any knowledge base and still find bears as the food is spread out everywhere and the approaching bear rut helps.
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Post by: tgomez on February 04, 2019, 08:59:47 PM
Post by: Antlershed on February 05, 2019, 06:25:45 AM
When is the deadline date for Spring Bear permits this year?February 28.
Post by: tgomez on February 06, 2019, 07:29:03 PM
Post by: HoofsandWings on February 09, 2019, 10:14:05 AM
https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/permits/spring_bear/
Post by: KevrosWanderin on February 09, 2019, 08:15:35 PM
Post by: Jonathan_S on February 09, 2019, 08:22:43 PM
can I buy just a point? with out purchasing anything else??
No. You have to buy the application and then submit it for points same as if you wanted to be considered for the drawing
Post by: KevrosWanderin on February 09, 2019, 08:34:32 PM
can I buy just a point? with out purchasing anything else??
No. You have to buy the application and then submit it for points same as if you wanted to be considered for the drawing
That is how I read it. This is my first year residency in WA. So I am trying to learn. Thanks for the clarification
Post by: Igottanewknee on February 09, 2019, 08:48:50 PM
Which means you also have to buy your licenses so you can even apply for the points.... sooooo, if you haven't already, open up the wallet get to handing over the money. You know you're going to do it anyway.can I buy just a point? with out purchasing anything else??
No. You have to buy the application and then submit it for points same as if you wanted to be considered for the drawing
That is how I read it. This is my first year residency in WA. So I am trying to learn. Thanks for the clarification
Post by: Jonathan_S on February 09, 2019, 09:01:36 PM
can I buy just a point? with out purchasing anything else??
No. You have to buy the application and then submit it for points same as if you wanted to be considered for the drawing
That is how I read it. This is my first year residency in WA. So I am trying to learn. Thanks for the clarification
No problem and yeah it's a lot for a bear point but you can use the same tag/license to hunt OTC starting August through November OTC so it ain't terrible
Post by: HoofsandWings on February 09, 2019, 10:04:51 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on February 09, 2019, 10:07:26 PM
License plus bear tag.
Curious what license you have to buy?
Post by: HoofsandWings on February 09, 2019, 10:13:40 PM
Plain old hunting license which allows you to hunt coyotes and other critters.License plus bear tag.
Curious what license you have to buy?
Bear tag and permit fee are separate.
Post by: Timberstalker on February 09, 2019, 10:20:56 PM
I don’t see any other license.
All a guy should need is a bear tag and a special permit application.
Post by: bobcat on February 09, 2019, 11:10:18 PM