Post by: Ghost Hunter on June 04, 2022, 09:17:56 AM
NEWS RELEASE
Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission
1111 Washington St. SE Olympia, WA 98501
http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/
June 2, 2022
Contact: Commission office, 360-902-2267
Commission to discuss land transaction, crossbow rules, agency budget at virtual meeting June 10
Special Fish Committee meeting also scheduled for June 10
OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will hear updates on legislative and budget issues and decide on a land transaction and a petition to change crossbow requirements for seniors at a virtual meeting Friday, June 10.
The meeting, scheduled for 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., will open with the Commission considering a potential land transaction in western Grant County. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) proposes to acquire a 129-acre property on Martha Lake currently owned by the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT). WDFW has leased the property since 1975, managing it as a water access area and popular ADA-accessible fishing destination.
The Commission is also expected to decide on a petition to amend hunting regulations to allow seniors age 65 and older to use crossbows during archery season.
The Commission will then hear updates from WDFW staff on legislation requested by the agency for the 2023 legislative session, as well as priorities for the agency’s 2023-2025 operating and capital budgets. The Commission is scheduled to adopt legislative and budget proposals in August.
Later on Friday, the Commission’s Fish Committee will meet from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to discuss the continued review and potential revisions of the Commission’s Willapa Bay Salmon Management Policy.
All members of the public are invited to share their perspective and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, or basis of disability. Members of the public interested in providing verbal public comment can pre-register on WDFW’s website.
These meetings will be conducted online and be available to the public to watch or listen via webinar or conference call. For more information on how to comment and to review agendas, visit WDFW’s website. The meetings will also be recorded and posted online so people can watch afterwards at their convenience.
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is a panel appointed by the governor that sets policy for WDFW. WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
Engage with WDFW
Post by: CP on June 04, 2022, 09:22:25 AM
Post by: Brushbuster on June 04, 2022, 09:34:05 AM
Post by: cem3434 on June 04, 2022, 09:41:14 AM
Post by: Ghost Hunter on June 04, 2022, 10:14:39 AM
If you can't pull a bow back, then you should consider hunting muzzy or rifle season. This is a slippery slope for archery hunters. :twocents:There are more steps involved than just pulling a bow back that can create problem. Archery hunting has muzzy and rifle opportunities with the proper permit. Taking more than archery season away with that route.
Post by: KFhunter on June 04, 2022, 10:43:56 AM
Walking around the woods with a cocked crossbow scares the hell out me. But if it works for some, have at it.
No different than a rifle, except it grabs more brush on the limbs.
Tbey do have a safety ya? I've never fired a crossbow
Post by: cem3434 on June 04, 2022, 10:46:36 AM
If you aren't able to archery hunt, there are other methods available to you. Using a crossbow is no different than using a muzzleloader or rifle in archery season imo. Then there's the conversation about using scopes on crossbows, which had already been debated for muzzleloaders. Keep traditional hunting the way it or or eventually it will all be the same.
Post by: NRA4LIFE on June 04, 2022, 10:47:56 AM
Post by: cem3434 on June 04, 2022, 10:59:47 AM
The 2 states I hunt back east, WI and MO, now allow crossbows to be used by anybody. I haven't heard a single complaint from anyone I know.
Comparing WA to eastern states is not a fair comparison. Both states you mentioned have way longer seasons and allow for multiple deer to be harvested per year. Neither has an OTC elk season either, but I'm game to shoot an elk at 100 yards with my scoped crossbow during archery season. :tup:
Post by: h20hunter on June 04, 2022, 11:11:21 AM
Post by: KFhunter on June 04, 2022, 11:18:43 AM
The 2 states I hunt back east, WI and MO, now allow crossbows to be used by anybody. I haven't heard a single complaint from anyone I know.
Comparing WA to eastern states is not a fair comparison. Both states you mentioned have way longer seasons and allow for multiple deer to be harvested per year. Neither has an OTC elk season either, but I'm game to shoot an elk at 100 yards with my scoped crossbow during archery season. :tup:
....and a lot of areas are in firearm restriction zones, so it's more like shotguns or xbows
Post by: Brushbuster on June 04, 2022, 11:23:32 AM
The 2 states I hunt back east, WI and MO, now allow crossbows to be used by anybody. I haven't heard a single complaint from anyone I know.
Comparing WA to eastern states is not a fair comparison. Both states you mentioned have way longer seasons and allow for multiple deer to be harvested per year. Neither has an OTC elk season either, but I'm game to shoot an elk at 100 yards with my scoped crossbow during archery season. :tup:
FYI: WY allows xbows during archery seasons.
Post by: Ghost Hunter on June 04, 2022, 11:28:14 AM
Walking around the woods with a cocked crossbow scares the hell out me. But if it works for some, have at it.
No different than a rifle, except it grabs more brush on the limbs.
Tbey do have a safety ya? I've never fired a crossbow
Crossbows:
1. It is illegal to hunt big game with a crossbow
outside of modern firearm season.
2. It is unlawful to hunt big game with a crossbow
with a draw weight less than 125 pounds and a
trigger safety that doesn't work properly.
3. It is illegal to hunt big game with any arrow or
bolt weighing less than 350 grains.
4. It is illegal to hunt big game with any arrow or
bolt that does not have a sharp broadhead and
the broadhead blade or blades are less than
seven-eighths inch wide.
5. It is unlawful to discharge a crossbow from a
vehicle or from, across, or along the maintained
portion of a public highway.
6. Exception, disabled hunters issued a Special
Use Permit and in compliance with WAC 220-
413-130 and 220-413-140. See page 92, Persons
with Disabilities.
Special Use Permit also requires a Cocking Assist Device. Like some have said, one shot and done. Cocking and loading takes longer than a bow, or muzzleloader. Scope must be designed for that crossbow from the manufacturer. Can't just throw one of your choice on it. You won't find me packing it around in the woods like a rifle. Too heavy and awkward. I stopped packing my rifle loaded in a pack scabbard when I discovered the pack could slip the safety off.
Post by: CP on June 04, 2022, 11:34:10 AM
Walking around the woods with a cocked crossbow scares the hell out me. But if it works for some, have at it.
No different than a rifle, except it grabs more brush on the limbs.
Tbey do have a safety ya? I've never fired a crossbow
Yes, they have a safety, but I'm not walking around with one cocked and locked and slung across my back. Seems more like a set bear trap with a sharp stick in it than a rifle. Some people are Ok with it. I'm not.
65 and over, hunt with whatever you want, good for you for still be in the field.
Post by: KFhunter on June 04, 2022, 11:52:22 AM
Post by: Ghost Hunter on June 04, 2022, 11:58:28 AM
You can cock it, then put shaft in when ready to shoot?
Yes :tup:
Post by: NRA4LIFE on June 04, 2022, 12:29:27 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on June 04, 2022, 12:40:32 PM
Post by: cem3434 on June 04, 2022, 12:49:38 PM
:chuckle:
Post by: pianoman9701 on June 04, 2022, 12:50:11 PM
You old guys are starting to sound like a bunch of millennials!
:chuckle:
We're 65 and entitled!!! :chuckle:
Post by: GWP on June 04, 2022, 03:04:59 PM
Walking around the woods with a cocked crossbow scares the hell out me. But if it works for some, have at it.
No different than a rifle, except it grabs more brush on the limbs.
Tbey do have a safety ya? I've never fired a crossbow
Yes, they have a safety, but I'm not walking around with one cocked and locked and slung across my back. Seems more like a set bear trap with a sharp stick in it than a rifle. Some people are Ok with it. I'm not.
65 and over, hunt with whatever you want, good for you for still be in the field.
Awww, that is one of the nicest things someone has said to me! Thanks!
Post by: ThurstonCokid on June 05, 2022, 10:12:10 AM
That is precisely my point, unless you are simply suggesting allowing those with disabilities to use then in archery seasons.It’s a No from me.. i agree. Hunt with a muzzle or rifle. Keep it “traditional”
If you aren't able to archery hunt, there are other methods available to you. Using a crossbow is no different than using a muzzleloader or rifle in archery season imo. Then there's the conversation about using scopes on crossbows, which had already been debated for muzzleloaders. Keep traditional hunting the way it or or eventually it will all be the same.
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Post by: Special T on June 05, 2022, 10:56:18 AM
Post by: Twispriver on June 05, 2022, 11:23:01 AM
Post by: MeepDog on June 05, 2022, 11:45:13 AM
Post by: Meathunter06 on June 05, 2022, 11:46:26 AM
That is precisely my point, unless you are simply suggesting allowing those with disabilities to use then in archery seasons.It’s a No from me.. i agree. Hunt with a muzzle or rifle. Keep it “traditional”
If you aren't able to archery hunt, there are other methods available to you. Using a crossbow is no different than using a muzzleloader or rifle in archery season imo. Then there's the conversation about using scopes on crossbows, which had already been debated for muzzleloaders. Keep traditional hunting the way it or or eventually it will all be the same.
"Traditional" Don't think the new compound bows with trigger release's and all the specialized equipment that can be added are even close to being traditional :archery_smiley:
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Post by: Meathunter06 on June 05, 2022, 11:48:39 AM
This is a tough one I could go either way. I'm new to archery so the less competition the better BUT my dad is over 65 and lives in a unit with a great late archery season and no muzz season. He's had shoulder surgery so there's no chance of him pulling a bow back. He sounds never even consider archery without something like this so I'm really on the fence...He can apply for a disability permit just needs a note from his doctor and he'll be good to go :tup:
Post by: GASoline71 on June 05, 2022, 12:02:01 PM
So if this could get some 65+ year old cat out in the woods to hunt archery with his younger kid or grandkid... I'm all for it.
Gary
Post by: Ghost Hunter on June 05, 2022, 01:02:34 PM
Post by: buckfvr on June 05, 2022, 02:37:46 PM
Post by: dreamingbig on June 05, 2022, 02:39:23 PM
Crossbows belong in rifle or muzzleloader seasons, not archery.
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Post by: hughjorgan on June 05, 2022, 05:09:19 PM
I am 1000% against this. We already have disabled permits that accommodate this request.
Crossbows belong in rifle or muzzleloader seasons, not archery.
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[/quote]
:yeah:
Post by: Ghost Hunter on June 15, 2022, 08:28:57 AM
The Commission then denied a petition to initiate rule making that considers allowing hunters age 65 and older to use a crossbow during deer and elk archery seasons. WDFW will consider the request during the next cycle of its normal three-year hunting season-setting process, which begins next spring.
Post by: pianoman9701 on June 15, 2022, 09:30:54 AM
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on June 15, 2022, 09:53:22 AM
May as well let us shoot out of the truck so we dont get wet and cold. :chuckle: :chuckle: :dunno:If disabled you can. Certain Yaks do it often :bash:
Post by: ThurstonCokid on June 15, 2022, 09:54:41 AM
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Post by: emac on June 15, 2022, 11:09:25 AM
Hoping crossbows isn’t the future of Washington archery seasonThe future of hunting in Washington is no hunting. So I wouldn't be concerned about xbows. I would be more concerned about predators and the commission.
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Post by: ThurstonCokid on June 15, 2022, 12:02:42 PM
I’m concerned about all the above. Thanks.Hoping crossbows isn’t the future of Washington archery seasonThe future of hunting in Washington is no hunting. So I wouldn't be concerned about xbows. I would be more concerned about predators and the commission.
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Post by: emac on June 15, 2022, 01:28:13 PM
I’m concerned about all the above. Thanks.Hoping crossbows isn’t the future of Washington archery seasonThe future of hunting in Washington is no hunting. So I wouldn't be concerned about xbows. I would be more concerned about predators and the commission.
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Post by: pianoman9701 on June 15, 2022, 04:07:30 PM
Hoping crossbows isn’t the future of Washington archery season
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It's not and never will be. Giving a break to seniors, many of whom have stopped bow hunting because of physical limitations, means including more hunters. We need more hunters in the field desperately.
Post by: Special T on June 15, 2022, 04:49:22 PM
Hoping crossbows isn’t the future of Washington archery season
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It's not and never will be. Giving a break to seniors, many of whom have stopped bow hunting because of physical limitations, means including more hunters. We need more hunters in the field desperately.
You can still get a medical exception to use a cross bow. I think a blanket age thing is wrong but have zero problems with the exception process. I'm also ok with them being used during modern or Muzzy seasons. I know a lot of them are sold to folks in the San Juan Islands
Post by: ThurstonCokid on June 15, 2022, 05:41:29 PM
The blanket age is my issue. Hunt with a rifle until you’re of age then pick up a crossbow. Doesn’t seem legit to me. But i get peoples opinions. I like hunter recruitment but this isn’t it for me.Hoping crossbows isn’t the future of Washington archery season
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It's not and never will be. Giving a break to seniors, many of whom have stopped bow hunting because of physical limitations, means including more hunters. We need more hunters in the field desperately.
You can still get a medical exception to use a cross bow. I think a blanket age thing is wrong but have zero problems with the exception process. I'm also ok with them being used during modern or Muzzy seasons. I know a lot of them are sold to folks in the San Juan Islands
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Post by: wadu1 on June 15, 2022, 06:04:31 PM
Post by: Ghost Hunter on June 15, 2022, 06:07:10 PM
The blanket age is my issue. Hunt with a rifle until you’re of age then pick up a crossbow. Doesn’t seem legit to me. But i get peoples opinions. I like hunter recruitment but this isn’t it for me.Hoping crossbows isn’t the future of Washington archery season
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It's not and never will be. Giving a break to seniors, many of whom have stopped bow hunting because of physical limitations, means including more hunters. We need more hunters in the field desperately.
You can still get a medical exception to use a cross bow. I think a blanket age thing is wrong but have zero problems with the exception process. I'm also ok with them being used during modern or Muzzy seasons. I know a lot of them are sold to folks in the San Juan Islands
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:chuckle: I don't see a lot of rifle hunters converting to crossbow at age 65. :rolleyes: That doesn't pass the smell test for me. :twocents:
Post by: getreal711 on June 15, 2022, 07:04:16 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on June 15, 2022, 07:11:22 PM
You currently have to have an upper body disability to use a crossbow during archery. Weakened musculature, as with aging, isn't considered a disability. I'm a disabled hunter but I'm not able to use a crossbow.Hoping crossbows isn’t the future of Washington archery season
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It's not and never will be. Giving a break to seniors, many of whom have stopped bow hunting because of physical limitations, means including more hunters. We need more hunters in the field desperately.
You can still get a medical exception to use a cross bow. I think a blanket age thing is wrong but have zero problems with the exception process. I'm also ok with them being used during modern or Muzzy seasons. I know a lot of them are sold to folks in the San Juan Islands
Post by: getreal711 on June 15, 2022, 07:48:26 PM
Post by: Special T on June 15, 2022, 09:27:54 PM
Unfortunately I became a disabled hunter when a ladder accident and a 20ft fall left me with an arm that had to be rebuilt and just doesn't work well enough to shoot my bow anymore.
You can apply for an exemption if you are hurt/disabled.
Post by: hunter399 on June 15, 2022, 11:01:54 PM
Cause when these anti-hunters hit the comment section there will be no chance.
Post by: GWP on June 16, 2022, 06:34:06 AM
Would you be Ok with someone using the very MINIMUM poundage with a bow and arrow weight to hunt with rather than using an Xbow during archery season?