Post by: Bushcraft on January 24, 2019, 10:39:11 AM
We are getting down to the wire with the upcoming antelope capture and translocation effort happening this coming Monday and we still need a lot more volunteers.
People need to be in Elko, Nevada on Sunday by 6PM for a logistical planning meeting with Nevada’s F&G. Bright and early Monday morning we’ll head out and attempt to capture and process at least 50 speed goats and get them headed to Washington. If we don’t capture enough on Monday, they may decide to try again on Tuesday.
Please forward this request for volunteers out to any and all able bodied people that might be interested in volunteering a couple days of their time to this worthy cause! Let’s get the carpooling thing worked out ASAP.
Thank you.
Allen
SCI Region 1 Representative
allen.ernst@comcast.net
206-229-2519
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 24, 2019, 10:48:03 AM
Post by: Woodchuck on January 24, 2019, 11:15:21 AM
Post by: Woodchuck on January 24, 2019, 11:15:56 AM
Post by: SI Eagle on January 24, 2019, 11:16:33 AM
Post by: KFhunter on January 24, 2019, 11:18:43 AM
Post by: Dhoey07 on January 24, 2019, 11:22:10 AM
Folks,
We are getting down to the wire with the upcoming antelope capture and translocation effort happening this coming Monday and we still need a lot more volunteers.
People need to be in Elko, Nevada on Sunday by 6PM for a logistical planning meeting with Nevada’s F&G. Bright and early Monday morning we’ll head out and attempt to capture and process at least 50 speed goats and get them headed to Washington. If we don’t capture enough on Monday, they may decide to try again on Tuesday.
Please forward this request for volunteers out to any and all able bodied people that might be interested in volunteering a couple days of their time to this worthy cause! Let’s get the carpooling thing worked out ASAP.
The contact lead on this project is Deb Barrett. She can be reached at elkmanbarrett@cs.com
Thank you.
Allen
SCI Region 1 Representative
allen.ernst@comcast.net
206-229-2519
What kind of help do you need? Just able bodies? Vehicles?
Post by: bornhunter on January 24, 2019, 11:25:15 AM
Post by: buckcanyonlodge on January 24, 2019, 12:03:43 PM
Post by: woodswalker on January 24, 2019, 12:11:56 PM
Post by: b0bbyg on January 24, 2019, 12:33:32 PM
Where will the antelope be re located to??
I have an extra acre for a few, Can I transport in my truck :chuckle:
Seriously, I am interested in where they are being taken as well.
This sounds like fun, but too short notice for me.
Post by: Bushcraft on January 24, 2019, 12:53:45 PM
Folks,
We are getting down to the wire with the upcoming antelope capture and translocation effort happening this coming Monday and we still need a lot more volunteers.
People need to be in Elko, Nevada on Sunday by 6PM for a logistical planning meeting with Nevada’s F&G. Bright and early Monday morning we’ll head out and attempt to capture and process at least 50 speed goats and get them headed to Washington. If we don’t capture enough on Monday, they may decide to try again on Tuesday.
Please forward this request for volunteers out to any and all able bodied people that might be interested in volunteering a couple days of their time to this worthy cause! Let’s get the carpooling thing worked out ASAP.
The contact lead on this project is Deb Barrett. She can be reached at elkmanbarrett@cs.com
Thank you.
Allen
SCI Region 1 Representative
allen.ernst@comcast.net
206-229-2519
What kind of help do you need? Just able bodies? Vehicles?
Able bodies. Mugging and carrying antelope, holding them down while bios work them over, record keeping, putting on tracking collars, ear tagging, putting them in trailers, etc.
Post by: CoryTDF on January 24, 2019, 12:55:27 PM
Post by: Bushcraft on January 24, 2019, 12:58:58 PM
Well heck...MORE NOTICE would make this workable...and I would LOVE to do that.... :bash: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno:
Thanks for your interest.
We put the notice out to SCI Chapters quite a while ago and unfortunately had some volunteers' plans recently change.
It was also mentioned here a couple days ago by someone else (I realize that is still not enough time). Difficult to get the word out directly when we don't have everyone's e-mail addresses that might be interested.
Maybe a better strategy would be to create a repository of people (that aren't necessarily SCI chapter members) that are interested in volunteering for these types of projects?
Post by: Bushcraft on January 24, 2019, 12:59:57 PM
What is the lodging situation?
Find a place in Elko for Sunday night. Might want to reserve a room for Monday night too.
Post by: Bushcraft on January 24, 2019, 01:02:47 PM
Post by: Bushcraft on January 24, 2019, 03:18:14 PM
I/we appreciate it!
Thanks,
Allen
Post by: KFhunter on January 24, 2019, 03:25:36 PM
Post by: bearpaw on January 24, 2019, 04:37:24 PM
Post by: Bushcraft on January 24, 2019, 08:52:48 PM
Weather, road conditions, available agency professionals, availably vets, available volunteers, available tribal bios, helicopter contractor availability, legal issues, etc., etc., etc.,...all have to fall in line.
In as much as we'd love to have this sort of thing planned out and have plenty of notice with a firmly locked-in date & time...it unfortunately doesn't work that way and the window of opportunity can be pretty fluid. You sometimes literally have to have a bag packed and in your fueled up rig ready to hit the road at a moment's notice.
Another aspect is that our SCI chapters have developed a good working relationship with, and has built a lot of trust with, the Nevada F&G as well as the Yakima and Colville nation's bios. Accordingly, they are depending on us to make sure we are vetting people for these activities. The last thing anyone wants is someone from PETA or HSUS slipping through the cracks and sabotaging a major conservation project.
To that end, you are more likely to learn about these sorts of projects sooner if your are an SCI member and get involved with one of the local chapters.
www.sci-washington.com
I hope we get lots of good photos and video to share...and at least 50 more speed goats and their DNA into our growing population(s).
Thanks folks!
Allen
Post by: Dan-o on January 24, 2019, 09:01:48 PM
Post by: bornhunter on January 24, 2019, 09:23:06 PM
Emailing now to see how I can help! Sounds like fun too.
If I can get one more commitment rescheduled then I get to go! Woo hoo!
Post by: Special T on January 24, 2019, 09:25:35 PM
Emailing now to see how I can help! Sounds like fun too.
If I can get one more commitment rescheduled then I get to go! Woo hoo!
Envious! Id fly down right now if i could make it happen!
Post by: MtnMuley on January 24, 2019, 09:54:15 PM
Post by: Special T on January 24, 2019, 10:02:33 PM
I'm surprised at all the support for SCI putting in all the time and effort to transplant lopes to the Yak Rez. Do you guys have hopes they will move off rez and hope WDFW will invest time, money, and resources to making an eventual season? WDFW can't effectively manage the game they have nowdays. I certainly don't like the idea of my money donated to SCI going to fund projects for the Yak Rez. What have they done to help us manage any game or bring in animals on off rez lands, besides over harvest animals on "ceded" ground? Again, just curious for all this support....... :dunno:
perhaps it is the hope that Speed Goats will thrive in spite of the challenges the department faces. Turkeys have done so thanks to the efforts of the NWTF despite the politics of the department.
politics make strange bedfellows. :twocents:
Post by: bornhunter on January 24, 2019, 10:36:31 PM
I'm surprised at all the support for SCI putting in all the time and effort to transplant lopes to the Yak Rez. Do you guys have hopes they will move off rez and hope WDFW will invest time, money, and resources to making an eventual season? WDFW can't effectively manage the game they have nowdays. I certainly don't like the idea of my money donated to SCI going to fund projects for the Yak Rez. What have they done to help us manage any game or bring in animals on off rez lands, besides over harvest animals on "ceded" ground? Again, just curious for all this support....... :dunno:
I am 65 years old and have beem hunting since I was 8 years old. I have taken a s#%tpot load of big game, migratory birds and upland birds in that time. For me, its time to give back some and do a little something for all the enjoyment all those critters gave me (and my dogs). The only speedgoats I have seen in Wa were two does I found poached while I was pheasant hunting on the eastside. Maybe this effort will get something going for some lucky hunter to take a speedgoat someday. Sorry for the ramble.
Post by: bearpaw on January 25, 2019, 01:12:31 AM
I'm surprised at all the support for SCI putting in all the time and effort to transplant lopes to the Yak Rez. Do you guys have hopes they will move off rez and hope WDFW will invest time, money, and resources to making an eventual season? WDFW can't effectively manage the game they have nowdays. I certainly don't like the idea of my money donated to SCI going to fund projects for the Yak Rez. What have they done to help us manage any game or bring in animals on off rez lands, besides over harvest animals on "ceded" ground? Again, just curious for all this support....... :dunno:
Hopefully bushcraft will correct me if I get any of this wrong. The antelope that were released in the past have multiplied and have been seen all over south central WA. The tribes can more easily facilitate releasing them, it's hard for opponents to stop the release in courts. Whether we ever have a season or not it's great to have antelope in WA, but I suspect if poaching can be kept in check that as the herds continue to grow, eventually the tribes and WDFW can allow some hunting.
There are numerous topics on the forum with antelope photos from many different locations in WA.
Post by: Oh Mah on January 25, 2019, 01:32:47 AM
Post by: Bushcraft on January 25, 2019, 10:02:05 AM
I'm surprised at all the support for SCI putting in all the time and effort to transplant lopes to the Yak Rez. Do you guys have hopes they will move off rez and hope WDFW will invest time, money, and resources to making an eventual season? WDFW can't effectively manage the game they have nowdays. I certainly don't like the idea of my money donated to SCI going to fund projects for the Yak Rez. What have they done to help us manage any game or bring in animals on off rez lands, besides over harvest animals on "ceded" ground? Again, just curious for all this support....... :dunno:
No offense, but I'm really having to bite my tongue when it comes to responding to this uninformed comment. Particularly when I'm in a bad mood after spending a couple days in Olympia fighting the anti-gun crowd and see hardly anyone showing up to help. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Firearm owners are incredibly lazy. Lot's of bitching and almost no engagement when the chips are down. Hunters as a whole are even lazier. It's pathetic and hugely frustrating for those of us that are pouring a TON of time, energy and money into the fight. Okay...rant over.
A brief history of SCI's antelope reintroduction efforts:
- We wanted to reintroduce antelope to their historical ranges in Washington State in an effort to improve biodiversity and eventually have another huntable species in this state.
- WDFW was adamantly oppossed to the reintroduction of a historically native species, to the point that we were warned that severe prosecution of anyone attempting to do so would happen.
- We determined that it was illegal to bring antelope into Washington lands, but not "sovereign" lands of the tribes.
- We approached the tribes and began a dialog with them, which ultimately resulted in a good working partnership with them and their biologists that helped in turn pave the way for good relationships with biologists in other states. (As an aside, the best biologists in this state work for the tribes!)
- We had ZERO help from WDFW in this regard, in fact the convoy of the first reintroduction was stopped by a WSP roadblock. Because the antelope were with tribal members and destined for tribals lands, we were able to essentially flip them the bird and drive on and complete that initial translocation.
- The first sets of antelope were affixed with radio collars - reasonably cost effective technology for the time, that allowed us to keep loose tabs on them as they spread out in the Spring, Summer and Fall to areas far outside the Rezervation boundaries. They tend to band up in the winter and for whatever reason lot of them move back onto the Rez.
- With follow-on reintroductions, we paid for and equipped the antelope with GPS collars, thereby helping keep much closer tabs on their whereabouts. 3 pings a day.
- Because they are here - hopefully to stay, and seem to be growing and spreading around the state outside of the Rez in healthy sustainable numbers with continued injections of new DNA, WDFW has finally accepted that they need to be involved and are working with us in the management and protection of the species.
- As antelope spread well beyond the boundaries of the Yakima and Colville reservation boundaries, we need to work with landowners and convince them that having antelope on the landscape again is a good thing. Outside of the rare hard-case, they have been very supportive.
I hope this brief explanation helps clear up the who/what/where/when/why it is important to support SCI in our hunter advocacy and wildlife conservation efforts. This is the tip of the iceberg of what we do for hunters and wildlife.
No offense to other conservation org's, (I belong to and support a laundry list of them) but I would encourage people to join SCI before joining or donating to any other organization.
First - NRA, they are the big dog in the fight. Damn hard to hunt if you can't own/use a firearm.
Second - SCI, we are the 800 lb. gorilla with massive political influence at the local, state, national, and international level. It's in our logo, but we are literally FIRST FOR HUNTERS! Join us...there is strength in numbers!
Third...the critter club of your choice. Like to hunt elk? Join RMEF. Like to hunt ducks? Join a waterfowl organization like DU, Delta Waterfowl or Washington Waterfowlers. Like to hunt Sheep...join WSF. Etc.
Please join and get involved in this order.
Thank you.
Allen
Post by: bornhunter on January 25, 2019, 10:18:53 AM
Post by: bearpaw on January 25, 2019, 10:42:07 AM
Post by: MtnMuley on January 25, 2019, 10:45:50 AM
I'm surprised at all the support for SCI putting in all the time and effort to transplant lopes to the Yak Rez. Do you guys have hopes they will move off rez and hope WDFW will invest time, money, and resources to making an eventual season? WDFW can't effectively manage the game they have nowdays. I certainly don't like the idea of my money donated to SCI going to fund projects for the Yak Rez. What have they done to help us manage any game or bring in animals on off rez lands, besides over harvest animals on "ceded" ground? Again, just curious for all this support....... :dunno:
No offense, but I'm really having to bite my tongue when it comes to responding to this uninformed comment. Particularly when I'm in a bad mood after spending a couple days in Olympia fighting the anti-gun crowd and see hardly anyone showing up to help. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Firearm owners are incredibly lazy. Lot's of bitching and almost no engagement when the chips are down. Hunters as a whole are even lazier. It's pathetic and hugely frustrating for those of us that are pouring a TON of time, energy and money into the fight. Okay...rant over.
A brief history of SCI's antelope reintroduction efforts:
- We wanted to reintroduce antelope to their historical ranges in Washington State in an effort to improve biodiversity and eventually have another huntable species in this state.
- WDFW was adamantly oppossed to the reintroduction of a historically native species, to the point that we were warned that severe prosecution of anyone attempting to do so would happen.
- We determined that it was illegal to bring antelope into Washington lands, but not "sovereign" lands of the tribes.
- We approached the tribes and began a dialog with them, which ultimately resulted in a good working partnership with them and their biologists that helped in turn pave the way for good relationships with biologists in other states. (As an aside, the best biologists in this state work for the tribes!)
- We had ZERO help from WDFW in this regard, in fact the convoy of the first reintroduction was stopped by a WSP roadblock. Because the antelope were with tribal members and destined for tribals lands, we were able to essentially flip them the bird and drive on and complete that initial translocation.
- The first sets of antelope were affixed with radio collars - reasonably cost effective technology for the time, that allowed us to keep loose tabs on them as they spread out in the Spring, Summer and Fall to areas far outside the Rezervation boundaries. They tend to band up in the winter and for whatever reason lot of them move back onto the Rez.
- With follow-on reintroductions, we paid for and equipped the antelope with GPS collars, thereby helping keep much closer tabs on their whereabouts. 3 pings a day.
- Because they are here - hopefully to stay, and seem to be growing and spreading around the state outside of the Rez in healthy sustainable numbers with continued injections of new DNA, WDFW has finally accepted that they need to be involved and are working with us in the management and protection of the species.
- As antelope spread well beyond the boundaries of the Yakima and Colville reservation boundaries, we need to work with landowners and convince them that having antelope on the landscape again is a good thing. Outside of the rare hard-case, they have been very supportive.
I hope this brief explanation helps clear up the who/what/where/when/why it is important to support SCI in our hunter advocacy and wildlife conservation efforts. This is the tip of the iceberg of what we do for hunters and wildlife.
No offense to other conservation org's, (I belong to and support a laundry list of them) but I would encourage people to join SCI before joining or donating to any other organization.
First - NRA, they are the big dog in the fight. Damn hard to hunt if you can't own/use a firearm.
Second - SCI, we are the 800 lb. gorilla with massive political influence at the local, state, national, and international level. It's in our logo, but we are literally FIRST FOR HUNTERS! Join us...there is strength in numbers!
Third...the critter club of your choice. Like to hunt elk? Join RMEF. Like to hunt ducks? Join a waterfowl organization like DU, Delta Waterfowl or Washington Waterfowlers. Like to hunt Sheep...join WSF. Etc.
Please join and get involved in this order.
Thank you.
Allen
Let me start by saying:
Number 1, don't lump me into being a "lazy" hunter or gun owner.
Number 2, I understand the importance of the NRA, SCI, and all other organizations fighting for our rights and animals.
Number 3, I don't care how bad of mood you're in for fighting for your beliefs and organizations. I've done plenty of that myself and appreciate your efforts.
I'm actually fairly informed about most issues like this. From a personal standpoint, I'd much rather the SCI efforts be focused on predator control issues and dwindling deer and moose numbers in the NC and NE parts of the state. AGAIN, WDFW CAN NOT EFFECTIVELY MANAGE THE PREDATORS NOR UNGULATES THEY ALREADY HAVE, so why would one think they'd be able to be able to manage and sustain a healthy pronghorn population in the long run? These are just straight forward issues I personally find concerning.
Again, thank you for your dedicated efforts with this project, whether I agree or not. I have seen and taken pictures of lopes in South Tonasket, outside Riverside, outside Omak, North of Monse, Northwest of Brewster, and throughout Douglas, Grant, and Benton counties. Seems they might be here for a while.
Post by: Special T on January 25, 2019, 11:09:30 AM
I'm surprised at all the support for SCI putting in all the time and effort to transplant lopes to the Yak Rez. Do you guys have hopes they will move off rez and hope WDFW will invest time, money, and resources to making an eventual season? WDFW can't effectively manage the game they have nowdays. I certainly don't like the idea of my money donated to SCI going to fund projects for the Yak Rez. What have they done to help us manage any game or bring in animals on off rez lands, besides over harvest animals on "ceded" ground? Again, just curious for all this support....... :dunno:
No offense, but I'm really having to bite my tongue when it comes to responding to this uninformed comment. Particularly when I'm in a bad mood after spending a couple days in Olympia fighting the anti-gun crowd and see hardly anyone showing up to help. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Firearm owners are incredibly lazy. Lot's of bitching and almost no engagement when the chips are down. Hunters as a whole are even lazier. It's pathetic and hugely frustrating for those of us that are pouring a TON of time, energy and money into the fight. Okay...rant over.
A brief history of SCI's antelope reintroduction efforts:
- We wanted to reintroduce antelope to their historical ranges in Washington State in an effort to improve biodiversity and eventually have another huntable species in this state.
- WDFW was adamantly oppossed to the reintroduction of a historically native species, to the point that we were warned that severe prosecution of anyone attempting to do so would happen.
- We determined that it was illegal to bring antelope into Washington lands, but not "sovereign" lands of the tribes.
- We approached the tribes and began a dialog with them, which ultimately resulted in a good working partnership with them and their biologists that helped in turn pave the way for good relationships with biologists in other states. (As an aside, the best biologists in this state work for the tribes!)
- We had ZERO help from WDFW in this regard, in fact the convoy of the first reintroduction was stopped by a WSP roadblock. Because the antelope were with tribal members and destined for tribals lands, we were able to essentially flip them the bird and drive on and complete that initial translocation.
- The first sets of antelope were affixed with radio collars - reasonably cost effective technology for the time, that allowed us to keep loose tabs on them as they spread out in the Spring, Summer and Fall to areas far outside the Rezervation boundaries. They tend to band up in the winter and for whatever reason lot of them move back onto the Rez.
- With follow-on reintroductions, we paid for and equipped the antelope with GPS collars, thereby helping keep much closer tabs on their whereabouts. 3 pings a day.
- Because they are here - hopefully to stay, and seem to be growing and spreading around the state outside of the Rez in healthy sustainable numbers with continued injections of new DNA, WDFW has finally accepted that they need to be involved and are working with us in the management and protection of the species.
- As antelope spread well beyond the boundaries of the Yakima and Colville reservation boundaries, we need to work with landowners and convince them that having antelope on the landscape again is a good thing. Outside of the rare hard-case, they have been very supportive.
I hope this brief explanation helps clear up the who/what/where/when/why it is important to support SCI in our hunter advocacy and wildlife conservation efforts. This is the tip of the iceberg of what we do for hunters and wildlife.
No offense to other conservation org's, (I belong to and support a laundry list of them) but I would encourage people to join SCI before joining or donating to any other organization.
First - NRA, they are the big dog in the fight. Damn hard to hunt if you can't own/use a firearm.
Second - SCI, we are the 800 lb. gorilla with massive political influence at the local, state, national, and international level. It's in our logo, but we are literally FIRST FOR HUNTERS! Join us...there is strength in numbers!
Third...the critter club of your choice. Like to hunt elk? Join RMEF. Like to hunt ducks? Join a waterfowl organization like DU, Delta Waterfowl or Washington Waterfowlers. Like to hunt Sheep...join WSF. Etc.
Please join and get involved in this order.
Thank you.
Allen
Let me start by saying:
Number 1, don't lump me into being a "lazy" hunter or gun owner.
Number 2, I understand the importance of the NRA, SCI, and all other organizations fighting for our rights and animals.
Number 3, I don't care how bad of mood you're in for fighting for your beliefs and organizations. I've done plenty of that myself and appreciate your efforts.
I'm actually fairly informed about most issues like this. From a personal standpoint, I'd much rather the SCI efforts be focused on predator control issues and dwindling deer and moose numbers in the NC and NE parts of the state. AGAIN, WDFW CAN NOT EFFECTIVELY MANAGE THE PREDATORS NOR UNGULATES THEY ALREADY HAVE, so why would one think they'd be able to be able to manage and sustain a healthy pronghorn population in the long run? These are just straight forward issues I personally find concerning.
Again, thank you for your dedicated efforts with this project, whether I agree or not. I have seen and taken pictures of lopes in South Tonasket, outside Riverside, outside Omak, North of Monse, Northwest of Brewster, and throughout Douglas, Grant, and Benton counties. Seems they might be here for a while.
Perhaps we will find out soon enough as to why this state has mismanaged its resources? The reveal for the lawsuit should be happening pretty soon.
https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,234564.0.html
Post by: Oh Mah on January 25, 2019, 11:58:23 AM
I'm actually fairly informed about most issues like this. From a personal standpoint, I'd much rather the SCI efforts be focused on predator control issues and dwindling deer and moose numbers in the NC and NE parts of the state. AGAIN, WDFW CAN NOT EFFECTIVELY MANAGE THE PREDATORS NOR UNGULATES THEY ALREADY HAVE, so why would one think they'd be able to be able to manage and sustain a healthy pronghorn population in the long run? These are just straight forward issues I personally find concerning.
No offense but i feel you should re-read his post.WDFW wanted to be involved so they were ALLOWED to be involved but they are not MANAGING this they are only involved.
Post by: Bushcraft on January 25, 2019, 11:58:34 AM
I'm surprised at all the support for SCI putting in all the time and effort to transplant lopes to the Yak Rez. Do you guys have hopes they will move off rez and hope WDFW will invest time, money, and resources to making an eventual season? WDFW can't effectively manage the game they have nowdays. I certainly don't like the idea of my money donated to SCI going to fund projects for the Yak Rez. What have they done to help us manage any game or bring in animals on off rez lands, besides over harvest animals on "ceded" ground? Again, just curious for all this support....... :dunno:
No offense, but I'm really having to bite my tongue when it comes to responding to this uninformed comment. Particularly when I'm in a bad mood after spending a couple days in Olympia fighting the anti-gun crowd and see hardly anyone showing up to help. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Firearm owners are incredibly lazy. Lot's of bitching and almost no engagement when the chips are down. Hunters as a whole are even lazier. It's pathetic and hugely frustrating for those of us that are pouring a TON of time, energy and money into the fight. Okay...rant over.
A brief history of SCI's antelope reintroduction efforts:
- We wanted to reintroduce antelope to their historical ranges in Washington State in an effort to improve biodiversity and eventually have another huntable species in this state.
- WDFW was adamantly oppossed to the reintroduction of a historically native species, to the point that we were warned that severe prosecution of anyone attempting to do so would happen.
- We determined that it was illegal to bring antelope into Washington lands, but not "sovereign" lands of the tribes.
- We approached the tribes and began a dialog with them, which ultimately resulted in a good working partnership with them and their biologists that helped in turn pave the way for good relationships with biologists in other states. (As an aside, the best biologists in this state work for the tribes!)
- We had ZERO help from WDFW in this regard, in fact the convoy of the first reintroduction was stopped by a WSP roadblock. Because the antelope were with tribal members and destined for tribals lands, we were able to essentially flip them the bird and drive on and complete that initial translocation.
- The first sets of antelope were affixed with radio collars - reasonably cost effective technology for the time, that allowed us to keep loose tabs on them as they spread out in the Spring, Summer and Fall to areas far outside the Rezervation boundaries. They tend to band up in the winter and for whatever reason lot of them move back onto the Rez.
- With follow-on reintroductions, we paid for and equipped the antelope with GPS collars, thereby helping keep much closer tabs on their whereabouts. 3 pings a day.
- Because they are here - hopefully to stay, and seem to be growing and spreading around the state outside of the Rez in healthy sustainable numbers with continued injections of new DNA, WDFW has finally accepted that they need to be involved and are working with us in the management and protection of the species.
- As antelope spread well beyond the boundaries of the Yakima and Colville reservation boundaries, we need to work with landowners and convince them that having antelope on the landscape again is a good thing. Outside of the rare hard-case, they have been very supportive.
I hope this brief explanation helps clear up the who/what/where/when/why it is important to support SCI in our hunter advocacy and wildlife conservation efforts. This is the tip of the iceberg of what we do for hunters and wildlife.
No offense to other conservation org's, (I belong to and support a laundry list of them) but I would encourage people to join SCI before joining or donating to any other organization.
First - NRA, they are the big dog in the fight. Damn hard to hunt if you can't own/use a firearm.
Second - SCI, we are the 800 lb. gorilla with massive political influence at the local, state, national, and international level. It's in our logo, but we are literally FIRST FOR HUNTERS! Join us...there is strength in numbers!
Third...the critter club of your choice. Like to hunt elk? Join RMEF. Like to hunt ducks? Join a waterfowl organization like DU, Delta Waterfowl or Washington Waterfowlers. Like to hunt Sheep...join WSF. Etc.
Please join and get involved in this order.
Thank you.
Allen
Let me start by saying:
Number 1, don't lump me into being a "lazy" hunter or gun owner.
Number 2, I understand the importance of the NRA, SCI, and all other organizations fighting for our rights and animals.
Number 3, I don't care how bad of mood you're in for fighting for your beliefs and organizations. I've done plenty of that myself and appreciate your efforts.
I'm actually fairly informed about most issues like this. From a personal standpoint, I'd much rather the SCI efforts be focused on predator control issues and dwindling deer and moose numbers in the NC and NE parts of the state. AGAIN, WDFW CAN NOT EFFECTIVELY MANAGE THE PREDATORS NOR UNGULATES THEY ALREADY HAVE, so why would one think they'd be able to be able to manage and sustain a healthy pronghorn population in the long run? These are just straight forward issues I personally find concerning.
Again, thank you for your dedicated efforts with this project, whether I agree or not. I have seen and taken pictures of lopes in South Tonasket, outside Riverside, outside Omak, North of Monse, Northwest of Brewster, and throughout Douglas, Grant, and Benton counties. Seems they might be here for a while.
1. I didn't. But a question if I may...Were you in Olympia earlier this week having face-to-face conversations with our legislators trying to prevent further infringements on our 2A rights and/or discussing hunting related bills with them? If so, thank you. If not, I rest my case.
2. Thank you.
3a. That's fine. As a fact-based guy I wouldn't presume to have anyone care about my feelings.
3b. Thank you. Please get involved in a local chapter. We/they need your help! There are lots of projects that need additional volunteers.
4. I can assure you that SCI is at the forefront of pressuring the predator management issue(s) at the local, state and federal levels. Nothing against them, but name another critter-club or hunting organization that's doing 1/20th of what we are doing in that realm...and then ask them why they aren't doing more to help. (Answer: They aren't hunting advocacy organizations. They are essentially habitat organizations and as 501c3 .orgs they are largely prevented from applying political influence.)
Post by: Bushcraft on January 25, 2019, 12:03:28 PM
QUOTE; MTNMULEY
I'm actually fairly informed about most issues like this. From a personal standpoint, I'd much rather the SCI efforts be focused on predator control issues and dwindling deer and moose numbers in the NC and NE parts of the state. AGAIN, WDFW CAN NOT EFFECTIVELY MANAGE THE PREDATORS NOR UNGULATES THEY ALREADY HAVE, so why would one think they'd be able to be able to manage and sustain a healthy pronghorn population in the long run? These are just straight forward issues I personally find concerning.
No offense but i feel you should re-read his post.WDFW wanted to be involved so they were ALLOWED to be involved but they are not MANAGING this they are only involved.
Slight clarification...since the antelope are here now and exist well outside the boundaries of the reservations for a significant part of the year, they are now under the management mandate of WDFW as a non-game animal. They are very helpful now and we absolutely welcome them to the table.
Our goal is to turn antelope into a game animal.
Post by: MtnMuley on January 25, 2019, 12:08:29 PM
I'm surprised at all the support for SCI putting in all the time and effort to transplant lopes to the Yak Rez. Do you guys have hopes they will move off rez and hope WDFW will invest time, money, and resources to making an eventual season? WDFW can't effectively manage the game they have nowdays. I certainly don't like the idea of my money donated to SCI going to fund projects for the Yak Rez. What have they done to help us manage any game or bring in animals on off rez lands, besides over harvest animals on "ceded" ground? Again, just curious for all this support....... :dunno:
No offense, but I'm really having to bite my tongue when it comes to responding to this uninformed comment. Particularly when I'm in a bad mood after spending a couple days in Olympia fighting the anti-gun crowd and see hardly anyone showing up to help. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Firearm owners are incredibly lazy. Lot's of bitching and almost no engagement when the chips are down. Hunters as a whole are even lazier. It's pathetic and hugely frustrating for those of us that are pouring a TON of time, energy and money into the fight. Okay...rant over.
A brief history of SCI's antelope reintroduction efforts:
- We wanted to reintroduce antelope to their historical ranges in Washington State in an effort to improve biodiversity and eventually have another huntable species in this state.
- WDFW was adamantly oppossed to the reintroduction of a historically native species, to the point that we were warned that severe prosecution of anyone attempting to do so would happen.
- We determined that it was illegal to bring antelope into Washington lands, but not "sovereign" lands of the tribes.
- We approached the tribes and began a dialog with them, which ultimately resulted in a good working partnership with them and their biologists that helped in turn pave the way for good relationships with biologists in other states. (As an aside, the best biologists in this state work for the tribes!)
- We had ZERO help from WDFW in this regard, in fact the convoy of the first reintroduction was stopped by a WSP roadblock. Because the antelope were with tribal members and destined for tribals lands, we were able to essentially flip them the bird and drive on and complete that initial translocation.
- The first sets of antelope were affixed with radio collars - reasonably cost effective technology for the time, that allowed us to keep loose tabs on them as they spread out in the Spring, Summer and Fall to areas far outside the Rezervation boundaries. They tend to band up in the winter and for whatever reason lot of them move back onto the Rez.
- With follow-on reintroductions, we paid for and equipped the antelope with GPS collars, thereby helping keep much closer tabs on their whereabouts. 3 pings a day.
- Because they are here - hopefully to stay, and seem to be growing and spreading around the state outside of the Rez in healthy sustainable numbers with continued injections of new DNA, WDFW has finally accepted that they need to be involved and are working with us in the management and protection of the species.
- As antelope spread well beyond the boundaries of the Yakima and Colville reservation boundaries, we need to work with landowners and convince them that having antelope on the landscape again is a good thing. Outside of the rare hard-case, they have been very supportive.
I hope this brief explanation helps clear up the who/what/where/when/why it is important to support SCI in our hunter advocacy and wildlife conservation efforts. This is the tip of the iceberg of what we do for hunters and wildlife.
No offense to other conservation org's, (I belong to and support a laundry list of them) but I would encourage people to join SCI before joining or donating to any other organization.
First - NRA, they are the big dog in the fight. Damn hard to hunt if you can't own/use a firearm.
Second - SCI, we are the 800 lb. gorilla with massive political influence at the local, state, national, and international level. It's in our logo, but we are literally FIRST FOR HUNTERS! Join us...there is strength in numbers!
Third...the critter club of your choice. Like to hunt elk? Join RMEF. Like to hunt ducks? Join a waterfowl organization like DU, Delta Waterfowl or Washington Waterfowlers. Like to hunt Sheep...join WSF. Etc.
Please join and get involved in this order.
Thank you.
Allen
Let me start by saying:
Number 1, don't lump me into being a "lazy" hunter or gun owner.
Number 2, I understand the importance of the NRA, SCI, and all other organizations fighting for our rights and animals.
Number 3, I don't care how bad of mood you're in for fighting for your beliefs and organizations. I've done plenty of that myself and appreciate your efforts.
I'm actually fairly informed about most issues like this. From a personal standpoint, I'd much rather the SCI efforts be focused on predator control issues and dwindling deer and moose numbers in the NC and NE parts of the state. AGAIN, WDFW CAN NOT EFFECTIVELY MANAGE THE PREDATORS NOR UNGULATES THEY ALREADY HAVE, so why would one think they'd be able to be able to manage and sustain a healthy pronghorn population in the long run? These are just straight forward issues I personally find concerning.
Again, thank you for your dedicated efforts with this project, whether I agree or not. I have seen and taken pictures of lopes in South Tonasket, outside Riverside, outside Omak, North of Monse, Northwest of Brewster, and throughout Douglas, Grant, and Benton counties. Seems they might be here for a while.
1. I didn't. But a question if I may...Were you in Olympia earlier this week having face-to-face conversations with our legislators trying to prevent further infringements on our 2A rights and/or discussing hunting related bills with them? If so, thank you. If not, I rest my case.
2. Thank you.
3a. That's fine. As a fact-based guy I wouldn't presume to have anyone care about my feelings.
3b. Thank you. Please get involved in a local chapter. We/they need your help! There are lots of projects that need additional volunteers.
4. I can assure you that SCI is at the forefront of pressuring the predator management issue(s) at the local, state and federal levels. Nothing against them, but name another critter-club or hunting organization that's doing 1/20th of what we are doing in that realm...and then ask them why they aren't doing more to help. (Answer: They aren't hunting advocacy organizations. They are essentially habitat organizations and as 501c3 .orgs they are largely prevented from applying political influence.)
RE: 1. I was not in Olympia, nor have I seen you in Olympia or other parts of the state when I've attended meetings. No sense resting your case. If you want a pat on the back, I'll happily give you one. Again, I appreciate your efforts and time. :tup:
RE: 3b. I am and have been involved with several groups and volunteer my time. :tup:
Again, nothing personal against you or SCI, just a couple concerns I had. :hello:
Post by: Oh Mah on January 25, 2019, 12:09:15 PM
I am glad that all these groups are working together,It is best for the wildlife of this state.
Post by: bobcat on January 25, 2019, 12:30:36 PM
Slight clarification...since the antelope are here now and exist well outside the boundaries of the reservations for a significant part of the year, they are now under the management mandate of WDFW as a non-game animal. They are very helpful now and we absolutely welcome them to the table.
Our goal is to turn antelope into a game animal.
The WDFW says they ARE classified as a game animal.
From page 98 of the 2015-2021 Game Management Plan:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01676/wdfw01676.pdf
Post by: Bob33 on January 25, 2019, 12:42:49 PM
Yes that's technically correct. Pronghorns are a (currently) non-huntable game animal.Slight clarification...since the antelope are here now and exist well outside the boundaries of the reservations for a significant part of the year, they are now under the management mandate of WDFW as a non-game animal. They are very helpful now and we absolutely welcome them to the table.
Our goal is to turn antelope into a game animal.
The WDFW says they ARE classified as a game animal.
From page 98 of the 2015-2021 Game Management Plan:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01676/wdfw01676.pdf
https://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=220-400-020
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.08.010
"Game animals" means wild animals that shall not be hunted except as authorized by the commission.
Post by: Bushcraft on January 25, 2019, 12:43:04 PM
Slight clarification...since the antelope are here now and exist well outside the boundaries of the reservations for a significant part of the year, they are now under the management mandate of WDFW as a non-game animal. They are very helpful now and we absolutely welcome them to the table.
Our goal is to turn antelope into a game animal.
The WDFW says they ARE classified as a game animal.
Sorry, I misspoke. I meant "non-game" in the sense that they are not considered to have a huntable population yet. I should have been clearer.
Post by: longashes on January 25, 2019, 01:09:29 PM
Post by: Ridgerunner on January 25, 2019, 01:21:28 PM
Post by: Special T on January 25, 2019, 01:26:41 PM
I thought the thread about the reintroduction history was a fascinating insight into how the department operates now. Completely opposed to a native species being reintroduced yet opened their arms to the nonnative fury devils that are now in our state. I don't think antelope had enough $$$$$ attached to them.
We also know that the reintroduction of Fishers is an important one that they have promoted as well.
Post by: MtnMuley on January 25, 2019, 01:43:33 PM
Post by: Bushcraft on January 25, 2019, 01:53:01 PM
Saw about 30 last weekend just outside of Sprague ... 8)
Right on!
Post by: Bushcraft on January 25, 2019, 02:04:09 PM
I thought the thread about the reintroduction history was a fascinating insight into how the department operates now. Completely opposed to a native species being reintroduced yet opened their arms to the nonnative fury devils that are now in our state. I don't think antelope had enough $$$$$ attached to them.
SCI and our strategic partners were...shall we say...instrumental...in firing Unsworth and replacing him.
I bring this up because there is hope for a change in how the Department views and appreciates its core priority stakeholders in the hunting and fishing communities. For too long the birds and butterfly crowd had way too much influence in the upper echelons of the Department.
Help us keep up the pressure!
Thanks,
Allen
Post by: bearpaw on January 25, 2019, 02:42:45 PM
I thought the thread about the reintroduction history was a fascinating insight into how the department operates now. Completely opposed to a native species being reintroduced yet opened their arms to the nonnative fury devils that are now in our state. I don't think antelope had enough $$$$$ attached to them.
SCI and our strategic partners were...shall we say...instrumental...in firing Unsworth and replacing him.
I bring this up because there is hope for a change in how the Department views and appreciates its core priority stakeholders in the hunting and fishing communities. For too long the birds and butterfly crowd had way too much influence in the upper echelons of the Department.
Help us keep up the pressure!
Thanks,
Allen
:yeah: I completely agree and fully support SCI :tup:
Post by: Bushcraft on January 25, 2019, 04:57:15 PM
I thought the thread about the reintroduction history was a fascinating insight into how the department operates now. Completely opposed to a native species being reintroduced yet opened their arms to the nonnative fury devils that are now in our state. I don't think antelope had enough $$$$$ attached to them.
SCI and our strategic partners were...shall we say...instrumental...in firing Unsworth and replacing him.
I bring this up because there is hope for a change in how the Department views and appreciates its core priority stakeholders in the hunting and fishing communities. For too long the birds and butterfly crowd had way too much influence in the upper echelons of the Department.
Help us keep up the pressure!
Thanks,
Allen
:yeah: I completely agree and fully support SCI :tup:
Appreciate it Dale!
How do we clone about 200,000 of you? :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: