Post by: B4noon on January 23, 2019, 12:22:55 PM
Post by: sagerat on January 23, 2019, 12:44:46 PM
Post by: emac on January 23, 2019, 01:17:51 PM
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Post by: WAElkhunter89 on January 23, 2019, 01:28:33 PM
Post by: WSU on January 23, 2019, 01:31:08 PM
Already bought all my tags for this year, better buy early before the 15% increase goes into effect...
When is that?
Post by: Stein on January 23, 2019, 01:38:34 PM
Already bought all my tags for this year, better buy early before the 15% increase goes into effect...
Or buy in another state. I'm not sending WDFW my hunting money this year, if a bunch of people did the same they might understand the message.
Post by: X-Force on January 23, 2019, 01:44:01 PM
Sad to see the decline of the Yakima Elk herd. permits are down 70% in 2 years?
Post by: Antlershed on January 23, 2019, 01:45:54 PM
July 1, 2019 at the earliest, if approved by the legislature.Already bought all my tags for this year, better buy early before the 15% increase goes into effect...
When is that?
Post by: boneaddict on January 23, 2019, 01:52:25 PM
Post by: WAElkhunter89 on January 23, 2019, 02:02:24 PM
Already bought all my tags for this year, better buy early before the 15% increase goes into effect...
Or buy in another state. I'm not sending WDFW my hunting money this year, if a bunch of people did the same they might understand the message.
Patiently waiting for Montana to open up the sale of their licenses for deer and elk.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 25, 2019, 11:44:49 AM
Permits need cut. Cut drastically. That would be sound wildlife management. The increase is what is hard to swallow. When the product doesnt match the price, you have to do what you do in the store.You know as well as I do that this isn't going to happen. There could be many different GMU with absolutely no animals in them yet they would still try to sell special permits for it. $$$$$$$
Post by: Colville on January 25, 2019, 12:00:17 PM
Post by: hunter399 on January 25, 2019, 12:49:24 PM
Post by: Mr Mykiss on January 25, 2019, 11:58:44 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on January 26, 2019, 05:54:29 AM
They should give doe/cow tags predominantly to the youth/disabled/seniors...or not give em at all.
I think the latter part is the right choice. :twocents:
Post by: MADMAX on January 26, 2019, 06:10:58 AM
and wolf tags also
:chuckle:
Post by: TVHunts on January 26, 2019, 06:28:23 AM
Already bought all my tags for this year, better buy early before the 15% increase goes into effect...
Or buy in another state. I'm not sending WDFW my hunting money this year, if a bunch of people did the same they might understand the message.
I agree with Stein, in 2019 I won’t give up my general season deer hunt tradition with my friends so, I will buy a hunting license, deer tag and, small game for upland. I’m not sure how many more years I will continue these hunts/purchases but at this rate not many at all. It’s not because of the increase in price, it’s that I am fed up.
I won’t buy any special hunt opportunities this year which means sacrificing all my points. I have 14 for elk, moose, goat and sheep. I know it can be hated on here but, I am also NOT renewing my Master Hunter status that expires in August and, I have had it for 10 years. I am tired of this states mismanagement, its as simple as that. I don’t blame or have an attitude towards enforcement officers who are doing a job.
Post by: zwickeyman on January 26, 2019, 06:47:03 AM
Post by: Axle on January 26, 2019, 07:36:10 AM
Actually, they can probably increase tags. The animal count will get so low in places that adding hunters wont' increase the number we take, so as it get's worse we can have more opportunity. ;)They've actually done that many times over the years.
It makes them look good when they generously give out an opportunity that doesn't even exist.
Post by: bornhunter on January 26, 2019, 08:18:54 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 28, 2019, 05:09:51 AM
Post by: Stein on January 29, 2019, 01:26:08 PM
Post by: BKMFR on January 29, 2019, 02:40:26 PM
Post by: SuperX on January 29, 2019, 03:20:33 PM
Not surprising about the cows, as I never saw a cow elk in those units during early archery season, but why cut back the "any bull" tags?
I'm not sure if I should start learning the west side or just move my elk hunting to Canada or Idaho/Montana?
Very disappoint
Post by: bowhunterty on January 29, 2019, 03:25:23 PM
Post by: SuperX on January 29, 2019, 04:08:03 PM
It shows it will be open for late archery for antlerless in the 300 units.yeah, true, not worth it to me to buy a license for a spike only early and late cow/spike tag, at least not in those units.
Post by: stlusn30-06 on January 29, 2019, 04:33:58 PM
First - I fully agree the state could better manage the wildlife.
That said. The license increase is capped at $15 for hunters and they are going to create a few new license bundles so that those of us that buy a lot of licenses don't get priced out.
This state has seen a dramatic decrease in the number of hunters over the past decade. It has always been on hunters (though I'd like to see that change) to fund wildlife conservation. With the decrease in the number of hunters, the cost of inflation (as this is like the 2nd increase in 20 years) how do you all propose we keep hunting alive in this state?
Not saying I disagree with everything here, but I'm also willing to cough up another few $ to keep hunting alive.
Post by: Stein on January 29, 2019, 04:41:58 PM
Am I missing something here?
First - I fully agree the state could better manage the wildlife.
That said. The license increase is capped at $15 for hunters and they are going to create a few new license bundles so that those of us that buy a lot of licenses don't get priced out.
This state has seen a dramatic decrease in the number of hunters over the past decade. It has always been on hunters (though I'd like to see that change) to fund wildlife conservation. With the decrease in the number of hunters, the cost of inflation (as this is like the 2nd increase in 20 years) how do you all propose we keep hunting alive in this state?
Not saying I disagree with everything here, but I'm also willing to cough up another few $ to keep hunting alive.
You keep hunting alive by creating opportunities and doing what their charter says instead of caving to special interests, running backroom closed-door deals and generally shafting the hunting public. If there is poor opportunity it doesn't matter what the cost. WDFW is competing with neighboring states for our hunting dollars and they seem to be doing a poor job at that.
Why would any kid buy points for any OIL tag or even quality deer or elk? Their chances of drawing OIL is statistically near zero and their only hope of the good quality tags is to have a ton of us old guys die off and hope the younger generation didn't put in for points.
Look at the recent cougar hound thing, they couldn't even come out and support hunters by saying it was good idea and increased harvests of cougars are sorely needed in some area. They covered their ability to hunt with them and shafted hunters. They choose this time and time again. Look at other states like WY, ID and MT. Their game agencies are fighting to get stuff delisted and hunts opened up as well as fighting to maintain hunting rights in a very vocal way. WDFW simply sits back and lets Olympia and the animal rights groups run new legislation and referendums without saying a word. Shame on them.
Post by: stlusn30-06 on January 29, 2019, 04:50:10 PM
Am I missing something here?
First - I fully agree the state could better manage the wildlife.
That said. The license increase is capped at $15 for hunters and they are going to create a few new license bundles so that those of us that buy a lot of licenses don't get priced out.
This state has seen a dramatic decrease in the number of hunters over the past decade. It has always been on hunters (though I'd like to see that change) to fund wildlife conservation. With the decrease in the number of hunters, the cost of inflation (as this is like the 2nd increase in 20 years) how do you all propose we keep hunting alive in this state?
Not saying I disagree with everything here, but I'm also willing to cough up another few $ to keep hunting alive.
You keep hunting alive by creating opportunities and doing what their charter says instead of caving to special interests, running backroom closed-door deals and generally shafting the hunting public. If there is no opportunity it doesn't matter what the cost. WDFW is competing with neighboring states for our hunting dollars and they seem to be doing a poor job at that.
Why would any kid buy points for any OIL tag or even quality deer or elk? Their chances of drawing OIL is statistically near zero and their only hope of the good quality tags is to have a ton of us old guys die off and hope the younger generation didn't put in for points.
Look at the recent cougar hound thing, they couldn't even come out and say that is a good idea and increased harvests of cougars are sorely needed in some area. They covered their abilities and shafted hunters. They choose this time and time again. Look at other states like WY, ID and MT. Their game agencies are fighting to get stuff delisted and hunts opened up as well as fighting to maintain hunting rights in a very vocal way. WDFW simply sits back and lets Olympia and the animal rights groups run new legislation and referendums without saying a word. Shame on them.
Glad we agree there has been mismanagement. Not sure I agree that the best solution is to just give up.
That said, and as I think about it more, I fully support everyone here who wants to stop hunting in Washington, and wants to head to another state. Spread the word. :chuckle:
Post by: Stein on January 29, 2019, 05:23:06 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on January 29, 2019, 05:51:36 PM
My hunting tags not including waterfowl and small game are $222.80. For that amount, I can apply for elk in AZ and have a pretty nice hunt every 5-9 years as well as leftover money to buy an elk point in WY. Or, I could pay $222.80 to collect points I will likely take to my grave for the most part.You would also have a chance at some pretty awesome hunts in Wa every year too. But if you don’t apply it just increases my chances. :chuckle:
Post by: bigtex on January 29, 2019, 07:59:48 PM
Anyone ever notice how top heavy WDFW is? They have to raise fees to pay those salaries. And ever since they made game wardens full authority law enforcement officers, cost have skyrocketed. Thats what we need out there, game wardens with radar writing traffic tickets and arresting dui's.So tell me, since you seem to think you are in the know. When did WDFW Officers get full law enforcement authority? How many have radar?
I know the answer to both..
In reality, the Fish Division and Wildlife Division get more funding from license fees than the Enforcement Division. Even the Business Services division almost gets more license fee funding than the Enforcement Division.
Post by: Harbor_hunter on January 29, 2019, 08:43:26 PM
Post by: dreamingbig on January 31, 2019, 10:26:46 PM
Not sure why they keep forcing bowhunters to fight this *censored*. I have moved on to MT, ID and WY. No reason to waste my money here.
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Post by: Crunchy on January 31, 2019, 10:34:37 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 01, 2019, 05:15:34 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on February 01, 2019, 05:51:54 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 01, 2019, 06:20:55 AM
Post by: Special T on February 01, 2019, 07:12:06 AM
The department is afraid of the animal rights groups and the lawsuits they file. I'm quite sure that they view it as a loose loose scenario since all lawsuit money has to be made up some where... It certainly doesnt help that when an agreement is made the govenor jumps in and vetoes it.Am I missing something here?
First - I fully agree the state could better manage the wildlife.
That said. The license increase is capped at $15 for hunters and they are going to create a few new license bundles so that those of us that buy a lot of licenses don't get priced out.
This state has seen a dramatic decrease in the number of hunters over the past decade. It has always been on hunters (though I'd like to see that change) to fund wildlife conservation. With the decrease in the number of hunters, the cost of inflation (as this is like the 2nd increase in 20 years) how do you all propose we keep hunting alive in this state?
Not saying I disagree with everything here, but I'm also willing to cough up another few $ to keep hunting alive.
You keep hunting alive by creating opportunities and doing what their charter says instead of caving to special interests, running backroom closed-door deals and generally shafting the hunting public. If there is poor opportunity it doesn't matter what the cost. WDFW is competing with neighboring states for our hunting dollars and they seem to be doing a poor job at that.
Why would any kid buy points for any OIL tag or even quality deer or elk? Their chances of drawing OIL is statistically near zero and their only hope of the good quality tags is to have a ton of us old guys die off and hope the younger generation didn't put in for points.
Look at the recent cougar hound thing, they couldn't even come out and support hunters by saying it was good idea and increased harvests of cougars are sorely needed in some area. They covered their ability to hunt with them and shafted hunters. They choose this time and time again. Look at other states like WY, ID and MT. Their game agencies are fighting to get stuff delisted and hunts opened up as well as fighting to maintain hunting rights in a very vocal way. WDFW simply sits back and lets Olympia and the animal rights groups run new legislation and referendums without saying a word. Shame on them.
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Post by: Stein on February 01, 2019, 07:14:15 AM
Post by: aogmitch on February 01, 2019, 07:32:43 AM
Does anyone know when the 15% increase will go into effect? Sorry if I missed that somewhere.
Bought all my tags and permit apps last night, all prices were increased. Would not let me view or purchase anything during the gov't shutdown.
Bought the same as last year, which came to $180. This year was $202.
Post by: Special T on February 01, 2019, 07:53:40 AM
Of course, they are afraid of lawsuits as well as the pen of the governor. Other states are afraid of lawsuits, but they don't behave the same way. That is a choice WDFW is making.
you know I don't disagree. Those other states are making a stand against external forces. AR groups and the Feds. WDFW has lots of internal struggles all of the political and being hambstrung by the Governor doesn't help.