Post by: KFhunter on May 25, 2020, 10:48:57 PM
WDFW passes on culling Wedge wolf pack
COLVILLE, Wash. — Washington Fish and Wildlife said Friday it won't shoot wolves in a pack that has attacked three calves in eight days in Stevens County.
The three attacks in fewer than 30 days crossed the threshold for the department to consider lethal removal. The department dropped that option for now, announcing it is "exploring additional avenues for responsive nonlethal deterrents."
The three attacks were confirmed between May 11 and May 19 and took place in private pastures. Most of the cattle are in a 100-acre fenced pasture near the producer's home, according to Fish and Wildlife.
One calf was found dead, another died of its injuries and the third was treated for wounds.
Bites and tears, wolf tracks, signs of a struggle and trail camera photos provided the evidence that wolves attacked the calves, according to Fish and Wildlife.
Fish and Wildlife has placed flashing lights along the pasture. Two wolf-livestock conflict monitors from the Cattle Producers of Washington are assigned to the area.
Remember Jay Inslee called on WDFW to stop culling wolves, and it seems they have.
Post by: Utah on May 25, 2020, 11:05:02 PM
Locals need to buck up and help their neighbor. Period. I don't hang with a single man thats not a Patriot and would protect this guys cattle at all costs. You see wolves? Don't tell a soul. Wolves kill your calf don't tell a soul. Just make the problem go away. That simple.
Post by: huntnphool on May 25, 2020, 11:52:12 PM
WDFW officers work for us... If they cant do their job then they will be removed. Inslee is a pile of communist shhiitt nothing he says matters.
Locals need to buck up and help their neighbor. Period. I don't hang with a single man thats not a Patriot and would protect this guys cattle at all costs. You see wolves? Don't tell a soul. Wolves kill your calf don't tell a soul. Just make the problem go away. That simple.
+1, it’s about time a “local” solution group was put together to address the issue. :twocents:
Seemed to be effective for the Clintons!
Post by: Ridgeratt on May 26, 2020, 06:31:51 AM
How many times does wdfw have to attempt this before they learn it doesn't work?
Post by: wolfbait on May 26, 2020, 08:17:45 AM
This would be the 3rd time they have proformed a damage control on this pack.
How many times does wdfw have to attempt this before they learn it doesn't work?
At this stage of the game a better question would be-how long before some ranchers realize calling WDFW only prolongs wolf predation on their livestock?
Have you ever noticed that the Okanogan doesn't have much of a wolf predation problem? There's a pile of wolves, but you never hear of any problems.
Post by: huntingfool7 on May 26, 2020, 08:39:53 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 26, 2020, 09:11:40 AM
Post by: wolfbait on May 26, 2020, 11:32:54 AM
I guess the attitude is pee on the Stevens Co. cattlemen in favor of a population 6 hours West who has no skin in the game at all. Liberalism in a nutshell.
Or you could look at it the way the USFWS and WDFW and the fake environmentalists do, it's hard to buy up ranches that are still above water...
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 26, 2020, 12:01:20 PM
Post by: Dan-o on May 26, 2020, 12:54:53 PM
Its despicable that people with no skin in the game are willing to let ranchers face this burden.
Post by: Ridgeratt on May 26, 2020, 01:03:22 PM
This would be the 3rd time they have proformed a damage control on this pack.
How many times does wdfw have to attempt this before they learn it doesn't work?
At this stage of the game a better question would be-how long before some ranchers realize calling WDFW only prolongs wolf predation on their livestock?
Have you ever noticed that the Okanogan doesn't have much of a wolf predation problem? There's a pile of wolves, but you never hear of any problems.
I believe that some of the Stevens county cattlemen came under scrutiny when the wolves showed up.
I guess the attitude is pee on the Stevens Co. cattlemen in favor of a population 6 hours West who has no skin in the game at all. Liberalism in a nutshell.
Let the Westsiders feast on Tofu and Falafel. I myself prefer a rib steak. :chuckle:
Post by: bornhunter on May 26, 2020, 01:09:07 PM
I guess the attitude is pee on the Stevens Co. cattlemen in favor of a population 6 hours West who has no skin in the game at all. Liberalism in a nutshell.
Hope that doesnt include all of us on the westside?
Post by: KFhunter on May 26, 2020, 02:18:41 PM
As such it got very political and the ranchers came under heavy scrutiny. One screwup and the state would love to get even, and make an example out of them.
That fight is still underway.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Post by: Taco280AI on May 26, 2020, 02:33:06 PM
Locals need to buck up and help their neighbor. Period. I don't hang with a single man thats not a Patriot and would protect this guys cattle at all costs. You see wolves? Don't tell a soul. Wolves kill your calf don't tell a soul. Just make the problem go away. That simple.
:yeah:
Post by: Taco280AI on May 26, 2020, 02:35:31 PM
Post by: Ridgeratt on May 26, 2020, 04:20:17 PM
The wedge and the ranchers within are ground zero for the wolf fight in Washington, it's where it all started, where the very first wolves were killed igniting a firestorm.
As such it got very political and the ranchers came under heavy scrutiny. One screwup and the state would love to get even, and make an example out of them.
That fight is still underway.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Some of the Cattlemen were told that if there was a shot wolf the weapons they had would have been rounded up and had ballistic tests done on them looking for suspects.
Post by: KFhunter on May 26, 2020, 04:27:13 PM
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Post by: vandeman17 on May 26, 2020, 04:32:29 PM
The wedge and the ranchers within are ground zero for the wolf fight in Washington, it's where it all started, where the very first wolves were killed igniting a firestorm.
As such it got very political and the ranchers came under heavy scrutiny. One screwup and the state would love to get even, and make an example out of them.
That fight is still underway.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Some of the Cattlemen were told that if there was a shot wolf the weapons they had would have been rounded up and had ballistic tests done on them looking for suspects.
I am sure tons of ranchers would gladly exchange an old rifle that somehow ended up in the bottom of pond for protection of their livelihoods. :twocents:
Post by: KFhunter on May 26, 2020, 04:50:44 PM
They cover ground quickly, hide in brush too thick to see through, and always know where you are.
And if you did manage to get 1 or 3 there's more to take their place
As I've said from the very beginning, it's not worth it to stick your neck out to poach 1 or 3 or even more wolves and still have your calves getting attacked and trying to dodge the state looking to set an example of you, drag your name through the mud, and do a big facebook post congratulating themselves on ruining you for defending your stock which I think we all should have the right to do proactively.
Better option is political, raise awareness and turn the tide of public sentiment until you have meaningful management while defending your stock legally. (Caught in the act)
We've come a long long ways, even here on the forum not too many years ago a lot of you were all for the wolves being here, now most here want strong management of them not for cattle so much, but for elk and deer, which is still a win for cattlemen.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Post by: vandeman17 on May 26, 2020, 04:53:26 PM
The real truth is the things are hard to hunt (poach)
They cover ground quickly, hide in brush too thick to see through, and always know where you are.
And if you did manage to get 1 or 3 there's more to take their place
As I've said from the very beginning, it's not worth it to stick your neck out to poach 1 or 3 or even more wolves and still have your calves getting attacked and trying to dodge the state looking to set an example of you, drag your name through the mud, and do a big facebook post congratulating themselves on ruining you for defending your stock which I think we all should have the right to do proactively.
Better option is political, raise awareness and turn the tide of public sentiment until you have meaningful management.
We've come a long long ways, even here on the forum not too many years ago a lot of you were all for the wolves being here, now most here want strong management of them not for cattle so much, but for elk and deer, which is still a win for cattlemen.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
I agree and my comment was not meant for the rancher to actively seek out killing a wolf but if the opportunity came about in defense of his property he/she would do it.
Post by: Lucky1 on May 26, 2020, 05:49:59 PM
Wouldn’t the bullet have to be recovered for them to do a ballistics test? I would think that most high powered rifle bullets would pass through the animal. Not advocating one way or the other.The wedge and the ranchers within are ground zero for the wolf fight in Washington, it's where it all started, where the very first wolves were killed igniting a firestorm.
As such it got very political and the ranchers came under heavy scrutiny. One screwup and the state would love to get even, and make an example out of them.
That fight is still underway.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Some of the Cattlemen were told that if there was a shot wolf the weapons they had would have been rounded up and had ballistic tests done on them looking for suspects.
Post by: Taco280AI on May 26, 2020, 06:31:14 PM
The real truth is the things are hard to hunt (poach)
They cover ground quickly, hide in brush too thick to see through, and always know where you are.
And if you did manage to get 1 or 3 there's more to take their place
As I've said from the very beginning, it's not worth it to stick your neck out to poach 1 or 3 or even more wolves and still have your calves getting attacked and trying to dodge the state looking to set an example of you, drag your name through the mud, and do a big facebook post congratulating themselves on ruining you for defending your stock which I think we all should have the right to do proactively.
Better option is political, raise awareness and turn the tide of public sentiment until you have meaningful management while defending your stock legally. (Caught in the act)
We've come a long long ways, even here on the forum not too many years ago a lot of you were all for the wolves being here, now most here want strong management of them not for cattle so much, but for elk and deer, which is still a win for cattlemen.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Unfortunately by then most of the elk and moose will be gone and the deer hunting will be abysmal
Post by: KFhunter on May 26, 2020, 06:57:15 PM
Deer/Elk/Moose will pay the price, and so will hunters. (and cattle)
We're loosing opportunities at alarming rates and it'll only accelerate, nothing is being done to stop or slow the decline.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Post by: Utah on May 27, 2020, 12:56:57 AM
Post by: bornhunter on May 27, 2020, 09:31:41 AM
The wedge and the ranchers within are ground zero for the wolf fight in Washington, it's where it all started, where the very first wolves were killed igniting a firestorm.
As such it got very political and the ranchers came under heavy scrutiny. One screwup and the state would love to get even, and make an example out of them.
That fight is still underway.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Some of the Cattlemen were told that if there was a shot wolf the weapons they had would have been rounded up and had ballistic tests done on them looking for suspects.
Be interesting to know who told the cattlemen that because its BS.
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 27, 2020, 11:20:08 AM
Guys I'm never going to say this agaain for many reasons. And I'm not actually saying it so hahaha Patriots don't talk about crap like this online.. They just take care of the problem.... I'm hoping to awake'n the masses. Nobody but you is gonna fix this crap now. Ever. Make it go away. For you, your buddy and his cattle, washington tax payers.... Last you'll hear from me on this.. It's simple..... Just make it go away. God bless...
You probably don't understand the function of a forum, then. Patriots discuss many things with each other online, regardless of whether they take action into their own hands. The two aren't mutually exclusive.
Post by: wolfbait on May 28, 2020, 08:09:34 AM
The real truth is the things are hard to hunt (poach)
They cover ground quickly, hide in brush too thick to see through, and always know where you are.
And if you did manage to get 1 or 3 there's more to take their place
As I've said from the very beginning, it's not worth it to stick your neck out to poach 1 or 3 or even more wolves and still have your calves getting attacked and trying to dodge the state looking to set an example of you, drag your name through the mud, and do a big facebook post congratulating themselves on ruining you for defending your stock which I think we all should have the right to do proactively.
Better option is political, raise awareness and turn the tide of public sentiment until you have meaningful management while defending your stock legally. (Caught in the act)
We've come a long long ways, even here on the forum not too many years ago a lot of you were all for the wolves being here, now most here want strong management of them not for cattle so much, but for elk and deer, which is still a win for cattlemen.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
In 2009 when a bunch of "new" wolves migrated to the Valley, the first thing they did was kill a cow and new calf, calf was never found. I went and talk to the guy that owned the cow/calf, I begged him to turn it into WDF&Wolves, I told him we needed his stock confirmed, it would help with wolf control/management. He was going to take care of the problem himself, the year before wolves had killed one of his mules. So he turned it into WDFW, WDFW and the USFWS showed up, and then ran to the local paper and lied their asses off. We had a trail cam on the cow after she was found, according to inside info. Fitkin pulled all the wolf pictures off the card, and just left the cow and investigators. Getting wolf predation confirmed has been a battle from the start, so your idea of "Better option is political, raise awareness and turn the tide of public sentiment" doesn't work that well with a state loaded with people and agencies who love wolves more then cows.
In the Okanogan and other counties in Wa, ranchers and rural folks are taking care of their own problems without pulling the trigger, and as I have said before WDFW are happy with the arrangement as they are not bothered with having to pretend to give a damn about their wolves killing cows or confirming wolf packs etc., plus the fact they know at this point there will never be a shortage of wolves in WA.
Waiting for public opinion to change anything on wolves in this state is a losing issue, too many pro-wolf people connected to the fake environmentalists, WDFW etc. drown out any common sense management/change. I look at it this way-these wolves were illegally introduced into the lower 48, they have and are causing untold damage hardship to livestock and the people. Protect your livestock, livelihood any way you can. Remember the wolves were not released and then protected because they were endangered or to benefit the ungulates or the people, just the opposite, they were brought in to end hunting and ranching, and put a hardship on rural communities. When you have skin in the game, and are losing livestock, WDFW won't confirm or even give a half ass try at solving the problem, then your thinking and methods change in reflection...If we we had the "game Department" of old, we wouldn't even be having these discussions. :twocents:
Post by: buglebrush on May 28, 2020, 11:45:14 AM
Post by: buckfvr on May 28, 2020, 12:11:37 PM
Post by: wolfbait on May 28, 2020, 03:14:03 PM
Xylitol. :twocents:
And a few others...
Even with a clandestine harvest, there will be at least 2 or more to take the place of each one eliminated. Until drastic measures are adopted, we will see a continuing increase in wolves, even with a hunting season which we all know wont happen any time soon.
The USFWS started the bogus numbers game for wolf increases per year, WDFW pull whatever number out of the air every year to downplay WA wolf numbers, remember when WDFW said WA wolves only grew by one wolf over a year? They only have to impress the uninformed or those who spew the same lies WDFW push, and of course the fake environmentalists and their followers back WDFW to the hilt.
"Although Mech eventually refuted the “Balance-of Nature” theory he and his mentor, Durward Allen, foisted off on the world during 1958-1962, he has generally remained silent while similarly inexperienced fledgling wolf biologists supply misinformation about wolf populations to the media. But the April 28, 2008 legal challenge to state wolf control by Defenders of Wildlife and eleven other preservationist groups in a Federal Court in Montana forced Mech to make public some of the facts he and other FWS wolf activists have known all along.
As part of the FWS May 9, 2008 Response to Plaintiffs’ Motion for a Preliminary Injunction (to halt wolf management by the three states) Mech wrote the following in his 22-page “Declaration under penalty of perjury:”
“Every year, most wolf populations almost double in the spring through the birth of pups [Mech 1970]. For example in May 2008, there will not be 1,500 wolves, but 3,000! (Wolf population estimates are usually made in winter when animals are at their nadir*. This approach serves to provide conservative estimates and further insure that management remains conservative).”
(*lowest point)
Read More@
https://idahoforwildlife.com/files/pdf/georgeDovel/The%20Outdoorsman%20No.28%20May%202008%20FWS%20Biologist%20Says%20Wolf%20Numbers%20Underestimated%20Mech%20Says%203,000%20Wolves%20Exist%20in%20ID,%20MT%20&%20WY.pdf
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment for non-profit research and educational purposes only. s: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml
Post by: KFhunter on May 28, 2020, 03:28:27 PM
How many wolves can a rancher kill over how many years before he's caught and ruined?
I'm just not sure SSS is feasible over the long term, eventually they'd mess up and someone will see something, get a collared wolf, or hit on small trail cameras....the loose ends will gather and eventually paint a picture.
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 28, 2020, 03:42:19 PM
Which goes back to my point, you whack a few wolves at great personal risk, and they just back fill the following year.
How many wolves can a rancher kill over how many years before he's caught and ruined?
I'm just not sure SSS is feasible over the long term, eventually they'd mess up and someone will see something, get a collared wolf, or hit on small trail cameras....the loose ends will gather and eventually paint a picture.
They've got buckets of money, both public and private, to investigate and put a bounty out for killing "endangered wolves". I don't see it as something a rancher would get away with killing enough to have a positive impact.
Post by: buckfvr on May 28, 2020, 03:47:49 PM
Which goes back to my point, you whack a few wolves at great personal risk, and they just back fill the following year.
How many wolves can a rancher kill over how many years before he's caught and ruined?
I'm just not sure SSS is feasible over the long term, eventually they'd mess up and someone will see something, get a collared wolf, or hit on small trail cameras....the loose ends will gather and eventually paint a picture.
Only for sure is no one tolerates an aggressive predator, don't allow yourself to be bit or worse, confrontation is cause for lethal self defense and I urge everyone to be prepared for that instance.
Post by: birddogdad on May 28, 2020, 03:48:06 PM
The wedge and the ranchers within are ground zero for the wolf fight in Washington, it's where it all started, where the very first wolves were killed igniting a firestorm.
As such it got very political and the ranchers came under heavy scrutiny. One screwup and the state would love to get even, and make an example out of them.
That fight is still underway.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Some of the Cattlemen were told that if there was a shot wolf the weapons they had would have been rounded up and had ballistic tests done on them looking for suspects.
Haha, how much cheaper is it to buy a gun SSS and lose the gun from the cost of damages?.. just asking for a friend...
Post by: Taco280AI on May 28, 2020, 08:54:21 PM
Post by: Utah on May 29, 2020, 12:22:29 AM
Know someone who saw a wolf outside of Morton recently. Not good.
Was on my way to the high hunt prolly 11 years ago and my partner swerved to try to kill a wolf just about 3 miles west of whitepass ski resort.
Dude they have been there for at least that long. Shut up. Don;t talk about wolves. Be a patriot. Make it go away. you people are as dumb as it gets.
Post by: Dan-o on May 29, 2020, 12:39:04 AM
Know someone who saw a wolf outside of Morton recently. Not good.
Was on my way to the high hunt prolly 11 years ago and my partner swerved to try to kill a wolf just about 3 miles west of whitepass ski resort.
Dude they have been there for at least that long. Shut up. Don;t talk about wolves. Be a patriot. Make it go away. you people are as dumb as it gets.
Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight.......
Post by: Taco280AI on May 29, 2020, 07:32:14 AM
you people are as dumb as it gets.
Classy post of the week :chuckle: :tup:
Post by: vandeman17 on May 29, 2020, 08:05:36 AM
you people are as dumb as it gets.
Classy post of the week :chuckle: :tup:
But he's a patriot so its ok
Post by: KFhunter on May 29, 2020, 08:06:55 AM
Which goes back to my point, you whack a few wolves at great personal risk, and they just back fill the following year.
How many wolves can a rancher kill over how many years before he's caught and ruined?
I'm just not sure SSS is feasible over the long term, eventually they'd mess up and someone will see something, get a collared wolf, or hit on small trail cameras....the loose ends will gather and eventually paint a picture.
Only for sure is no one tolerates an aggressive predator, don't allow yourself to be bit or worse, confrontation is cause for lethal self defense and I urge everyone to be prepared for that instance.
exactly right, I will defend myself....vigorously.
Post by: KFhunter on May 30, 2020, 06:20:24 PM
Please take the time to look them over here:
https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,163263.0.html
Post by: huntnphool on May 30, 2020, 07:35:48 PM
Last you'll hear from me on this..
Quote from: link=topic=249737.msg3370769#msg3370769 date=1590724461
Was on my way to the high hunt prolly 11 years ago and my partner swerved to try to kill a wolf just about 3 miles west of whitepass ski resort.
Dude they have been there for at least that long. Shut up. Don;t talk about wolves. Be a patriot. Make it go away. you people are as dumb as it gets.
Guess not. :o
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 31, 2020, 08:36:46 AM
Know someone who saw a wolf outside of Morton recently. Not good.
Was on my way to the high hunt prolly 11 years ago and my partner swerved to try to kill a wolf just about 3 miles west of whitepass ski resort.
Dude they have been there for at least that long. Shut up. Don;t talk about wolves. Be a patriot. Make it go away. you people are as dumb as it gets.
I guess we have the only HuntWA patriot posting. What an honor! :chuckle:
Post by: Utah on June 03, 2020, 11:55:25 PM
Chuck
Post by: Taco280AI on June 04, 2020, 06:45:22 PM
[sarcasm]I guess we have the only HuntWA patriot posting. What an honor![/sarcasm]
:chuckle:
Post by: Dan-o on June 04, 2020, 06:58:43 PM
Pianoman thinks I'm the only Patriot here. Pretty offensive comment to a lot of folks here.
Chuck
Swing and a miss.
I think we all knew what he was saying.
Post by: ribka on June 04, 2020, 09:12:51 PM
Amazing what a dishonest scammer can do and face no legal repercussions.
The wedge and the ranchers within are ground zero for the wolf fight in Washington, it's where it all started, where the very first wolves were killed igniting a firestorm.
As such it got very political and the ranchers came under heavy scrutiny. One screwup and the state would love to get even, and make an example out of them.
That fight is still underway.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Some of the Cattlemen were told that if there was a shot wolf the weapons they had would have been rounded up and had ballistic tests done on them looking for suspects.
Haha, how much cheaper is it to buy a gun SSS and lose the gun from the cost of damages?.. just asking for a friend...
Post by: KFhunter on June 04, 2020, 10:11:53 PM
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Post by: Utah on June 05, 2020, 11:03:59 PM
Pianoman thinks I'm the only Patriot here. Pretty offensive comment to a lot of folks here.
Chuck
Swing and a miss.
I think we all knew what he was saying.
So I had a big swing and miss but he didn't in reference to my comments? It's ok all ya'all new what I meant to. Guess I just need to work on a more politically correct approach... :chuckle: No thanks. Being Politically is whats got this country so mess up. I'll remain myself.
Post by: Dan-o on June 05, 2020, 11:26:01 PM
Pianoman thinks I'm the only Patriot here. Pretty offensive comment to a lot of folks here.
Chuck
Swing and a miss.
I think we all knew what he was saying.
So I had a big swing and miss but he didn't in reference to my comments? It's ok all ya'all new what I meant to. Guess I just need to work on a more politically correct approach... :chuckle: No thanks. Being Politically is whats got this country so mess up. I'll remain myself.
Dude, you're the one that said " you people are as dumb as it gets. "
There's a difference between being PC, and calling the rest of the crowd dumb.
If you can't understand that, well then just keep insulting people for no good reason but don't be surprised when people dismiss you with funny comments.
Post by: Utah on June 06, 2020, 12:47:30 AM
Post by: vandeman17 on June 06, 2020, 06:57:28 AM
Haha, truth irritates alot of sheep. Don't worry the rest of us will take care of it for ya. III%
:DOH:
Post by: bornhunter on June 06, 2020, 08:32:24 AM
We all go to Olympia and march with signs showing wolves biting the necks of black angus calves. They would surely do something then, wouldnt they?
Post by: CGDucksandDeer on June 23, 2020, 09:49:34 AM
Where is WA Sportsmen's savior Mitch Friedman of Conservation NW? He promised he would work with sportsmen, ranchers and the anti hunting kooks and solve the wolf issue. He received hundreds of thousands of dollars from WDFW ( our tax payer money) Now he and Chase Gunnel are nowhere to be seen after the money ran out and they fleeced the tax payers. . You don't think he scammed the tax payers of WA? He seemed like such a nice anti hunting eco terrrorist. LMAO. He's chasing the covid recovery money now and left you suckers behind with an exploding uncontrolled wolf populations.
Amazing what a dishonest scammer can do and face no legal repercussions.
Ribka, your obession with CNW and I never fails to amuse. Anti-hunting? I took three bucks and a doe in three different states last year. Freezer is about empty now, good thing it's fishing season, with bear and an out-of-state hunt just around the corner.
CNW is not voicing opposition to this latest lethal removal order, radical out-of-state groups like CBD are, as usual. Our interest is sustainable, responsible wolf population recovery, conservation and management, not endless litigation over individual wolf removals.
As usual, and unlike the litigant groups from Arizona and Oregon, our staff and contractors are on the ground in eastern WA working with ranchers to help keep conflicts to a minimum: https://www.conservationnw.org/news-updates/range-rider-pilot-project-tenth-year/ (https://www.conservationnw.org/news-updates/range-rider-pilot-project-tenth-year/)
Post by: bearpaw on June 23, 2020, 09:57:21 AM
Post by: CGDucksandDeer on June 23, 2020, 01:24:39 PM
WDFW is finally going to remove 2 wolves, on the radio this morning, must be press release too somewhere.
This order is for the Togo Pack. WDFW is still mulling what to do about the Wedge, given the history there and the ranch involved.
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jun/19/wdfw-director-reauthorizes-lethal-action-in-togo-w/
(https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jun/19/wdfw-director-reauthorizes-lethal-action-in-togo-w/)
Per usual, California-based staffer from the Center for Bio Diversity crying bloody wolf murder, along with The Lands Council out of Spokane unfairly critiquing ranchers and range riders despite having zero skin in the range riding game (which isn't surprising, they sh*t talk ranchers so much, why would anyone work with them).
The wolf population is doing very well in northeast Washington, and these removals won't change that. Ranchers deserve help, both proactive support and appropriate management response to conflicts.
If only mule deer in the Kettles generated this much attention.
Post by: bearpaw on June 23, 2020, 01:31:47 PM
WDFW is finally going to remove 2 wolves, on the radio this morning, must be press release too somewhere.
This order is for the Togo Pack. WDFW is still mulling what to do about the Wedge, given the history there and the ranch involved.
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jun/19/wdfw-director-reauthorizes-lethal-action-in-togo-w/
(https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jun/19/wdfw-director-reauthorizes-lethal-action-in-togo-w/)
Per usual, California-based staffer from the Center for Bio Diversity crying bloody wolf murder, along with The Lands Council out of Spokane unfairly critiquing ranchers and range riders despite having zero skin in the range riding game (which isn't surprising, they sh*t talk ranchers so much, why would anyone work with them).
The wolf population is doing very well in northeast Washington, and these removals won't change that. Ranchers deserve help, both proactive support and appropriate management response to conflicts.
If only mule deer in the Kettles generated this much attention.
I completely agree that mule deer need help, especially in all of NE WA. Is your org willing to let a few more cats be taken to reduce the higher than ever predation factor on mule deer?
Post by: Loup Loup on June 24, 2020, 09:34:30 AM
What should be causing an uproar from hunters, and what few small business owners are left in small town Chelan and Okanogan counties is the low population of mule deer that are hanging on.
Chelan and Okanogan counties, historically has been the heartland of mule deer range in this state. To allow this once common specie to wink out is an Unbeleivably obvious example of head in the sand by Wildlife "managers" and sportsmen.
Mule deer have been mismanaged to the point where we now have a skelliton population hanging in in Chelan and Okanogan countys. I hear people say "Oh we had winter kill last winter". And leave it at that. Come on. We haven't had a winter in several years. Mule deer have been wintering and recovering for 40,000
Winters.
This problem has several moving parts. The most important is winter range degradation. Its been burned hard for three decades then allowed to come back in cheat grass and knap weed. We have unlimited summer range in Chelan and Okanogan counties, but very limited wintering areas left.
When the population has been beat down to a skelliton level there is no way they can come back through the Porrly managed, Unlimited Bobcats, bears, cougars, coyotes, dogs, golden eagles, ravens, poachers, and cars. And still allow a token harvest by hunters.
It seems NE Wa gets most of the attention when it comes to predators.
I think all of Eastern Washington should be concerned about the mismanagement of not only predators, but all of our game and habitat.
Post by: Loup Loup on June 24, 2020, 09:39:21 AM
Post by: bearpaw on June 24, 2020, 09:59:29 AM
Yes I agree that mule deer in NE WA need releif from predators. But, that being said, NE WA, as a whole, has never been prime high production mule deer habitat.
What should be causing an uproar from hunters, and what few small business owners are left in small town Chelan and Okanogan counties is the low population of mule deer that are hanging on.
Chelan and Okanogan counties, historically has been the heartland of mule deer range in this state. To allow this once common specie to wink out is an Unbeleivably obvious example of head in the sand by Wildlife "managers" and sportsmen.
Mule deer have been mismanaged to the point where we now have a skelliton population hanging in in Chelan and Okanogan countys. I hear people say "Oh we had winter kill last winter". And leave it at that. Come on. We haven't had a winter in several years. Mule deer have been wintering and recovering for 40,000
Winters.
This problem has several moving parts. The most important is winter range degradation. Its been burned hard for three decades then allowed to come back in cheat grass and knap weed. We have unlimited summer range in Chelan and Okanogan counties, but very limited wintering areas left.
When the population has been beat down to a skelliton level there is no way they can come back through the Porrly managed, Unlimited Bobcats, bears, cougars, coyotes, dogs, golden eagles, ravens, poachers, and cars. And still allow a token harvest by hunters.
It seems NE Wa gets most of the attention when it comes to predators.
I think all of Eastern Washington should be concerned about the mismanagement of not only predators, but all of our game and habitat.
People in your county just have to start making a lot of noise about it or WDFW will continue to ignore the elimination of your game herds by predators.
FYI: There actually used to be strong mule deer herds in NE WA, as a kid I watched large herds of wintering mule deer, but the further we got away from the cougar bounty days and as cougar populations multiplied the mule deer disappeared. When I started cougar hunting as a kid we hunted on average a week to find a fresh cougar track. For the last 30 years I can average finding at least a half dozen different fresh tracks a day. That is what has happened to our mule deer! They have been turned into kitty poo!
The F&G biologist have all been trained in college by liberal predator loving professors to reject the real truth! Here's the truth of what has happened to mule deer!
Post by: Loup Loup on June 24, 2020, 11:06:45 AM
I remember when they first started mismanaging cougar. Before we outlawed hounds. They put cougar on a limited draw in Chelan county. The biological data to support the limit was based on the person that sealed cougar pelts didnt know cat anatomy and called all cougars they sealed here females for years.
It got so bad after we outlawed hounds that did away with the draw and allowed the harvest of two cougar per for a few seasons. In fact that first two cat season I feel I killed the last cougar of the old year and the first cougar of the new year. Six days apart Dec/Jan. They were thick. But they are thicker now. With way less deer.
One point I want to make, Bearpaw, then I will quit stealing this thread.
In 1980 we hound hunted Bobcat, bear, cougar. Plus we hunted them. We trapped, snared coyote, bobcat, plus we hunted them. We didnt have near the eagles, or Ravens we have now. We didnt have wolves around in 1980.
In 1980 a cougar could kill a deer and had a good chance of keeping it hid so it could feed on it for 3-4 days. Nowadays there are too many meat eaters in the woods for a cat to hide its kill long enough to come back for a snack later. Forceing this cougar to move and kill again, sooner than it would have in 1980. Plus these would be scavengers are killing their own deer in between stealing from the cougar.
We are in a multifaceted predator pit.
Post by: buckfvr on June 24, 2020, 11:23:27 AM
Post by: CGDucksandDeer on June 24, 2020, 03:12:03 PM
I completely agree that mule deer need help, especially in all of NE WA. Is your org willing to let a few more cats be taken to reduce the higher than ever predation factor on mule deer?
Yes I agree that mule deer in NE WA need releif from predators. But, that being said, NE WA, as a whole, has never been prime high production mule deer habitat.
What should be causing an uproar from hunters, and what few small business owners are left in small town Chelan and Okanogan counties is the low population of mule deer that are hanging on.
Chelan and Okanogan counties, historically has been the heartland of mule deer range in this state. To allow this once common specie to wink out is an Unbeleivably obvious example of head in the sand by Wildlife "managers" and sportsmen.
Mule deer have been mismanaged to the point where we now have a skelliton population hanging in in Chelan and Okanogan countys. I hear people say "Oh we had winter kill last winter". And leave it at that. Come on. We haven't had a winter in several years. Mule deer have been wintering and recovering for 40,000
Winters.
This problem has several moving parts. The most important is winter range degradation. Its been burned hard for three decades then allowed to come back in cheat grass and knap weed. We have unlimited summer range in Chelan and Okanogan counties, but very limited wintering areas left.
When the population has been beat down to a skelliton level there is no way they can come back through the Porrly managed, Unlimited Bobcats, bears, cougars, coyotes, dogs, golden eagles, ravens, poachers, and cars. And still allow a token harvest by hunters.
It seems NE Wa gets most of the attention when it comes to predators.
I think all of Eastern Washington should be concerned about the mismanagement of not only predators, but all of our game and habitat.
I logged on today to reply to you on this Bearpaw, but Loup Loup nailed just about all I would have said.
This is not an issue I take lightly. I personally saw the biggest muley I've seen in Washington deep in a Roadless Area off the Kettle Crest years ago, and have plenty enjoyed wandering that country for work and play. I had tagged out earlier that season, and was camped with a buddy who was unfortunatly down the ridge from me when the giant appeared out of a snow storm, only to disappear into the fog. That's not something someone who cares about mule deer easily forgets.
My anecdotal experiences in the Kettles and eastern Okanogan match up with those of other hunters: fewer mule deer than should be around, even in patches of quality habitat (which are patchy as others have said).
I don't dispute this is a topic CNW could be more active on, it's one we have sought to elevate through the WAG, as well as listening to feedback from other reps and Colville tribal staff. Our focus will always be on habitat more than predator control, especially wildlife crossings and connectivity in the Okanogan Valley, such as the Safe Passage 97 effort with MDF. But we're not blind to this issue, and it's one I don't hesitate to push among our team.
As you probably recal, we also worked with hound hunters to support the pilot project that passed in 2019. That's far from a solution, but it's a start, one opposed by more hardline groups. https://www.conservationnw.org/news-updates/perspectives-on-hound-training-bills/ (https://www.conservationnw.org/news-updates/perspectives-on-hound-training-bills/)
Post by: KFhunter on June 24, 2020, 03:31:00 PM
but that was years ago, there's still a few here and there but the big ones are being taken by cats and the pockets of mule deer and dwindling.
I'd hate to see our mule deer in the 100 GMU's thrown out with the bathwater because: "not prime production mule deer habitat"
It could be
Post by: nwwanderer on June 24, 2020, 07:33:21 PM
Post by: bearpaw on June 24, 2020, 08:09:51 PM
https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/at-risk/species-recovery/gray-wolf/updates/fourth-confirmed-wolf-depredation-wedge
Do they think the wolves will simply quit eating beef? :bash: