Post by: seansfire on December 01, 2009, 05:59:45 PM
Post by: Lowedog on December 01, 2009, 06:16:31 PM
Are you talking late archery mule deer as in the Swakane? I say permit only and make it a longer season!
Post by: seansfire on December 01, 2009, 06:33:06 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on December 01, 2009, 06:33:38 PM
Post by: jdb on December 01, 2009, 06:35:01 PM
Post by: bowhuntin on December 01, 2009, 06:40:23 PM
so six weeks isnt long enoughj? :dunno:
No, I want our seasons back to the way they were. This has already taken place anyways. License fees went up this past year as well as archers as a whole losing opportunity to hunt. Hopefully we don't get screwed in the next three year hunting season package. Maybe it is just time to get rid of Choose your Weapon.
Post by: jdb on December 01, 2009, 06:47:35 PM
Post by: rougheye on December 01, 2009, 06:50:38 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on December 01, 2009, 06:55:46 PM
Post by: jdb on December 01, 2009, 06:59:57 PM
Post by: Special T on December 01, 2009, 07:16:00 PM
Post by: winshooter88 on December 01, 2009, 07:27:37 PM
Post by: RUTNBULL1 on December 01, 2009, 08:16:31 PM
Post by: joebear on December 01, 2009, 08:45:07 PM
ok I stand corrected but early elk is 7 days and the late hunts in central wa are a joke compared to what archey getsFirst off we as hunters should work together to get better seasons!! But now get over it you choose to hunt muzzy so take it for what it is and quit pouting! I guess you could start bow hunting like everyone else is then you to could be in the woods with us. It is not as good as youu think.
Post by: RUTNBULL1 on December 01, 2009, 09:05:01 PM
AMEN BROTHER! :yeah:ok I stand corrected but early elk is 7 days and the late hunts in central wa are a joke compared to what archey getsFirst off we as hunters should work together to get better seasons!! But now get over it you choose to hunt muzzy so take it for what it is and quit pouting! I guess you could start bow hunting like everyone else is then you to could be in the woods with us. It is not as good as youu think.
Post by: seansfire on December 02, 2009, 06:19:36 PM
thanks for your research and facts Mossback 2. you are right on the money. :hello: best of luck to everyone this year and next.
Post by: jdb on December 02, 2009, 06:29:06 PM
modern muzzleloader equipment 5yrds to 250 yards respectively,250 yards?
Post by: jdb on December 02, 2009, 06:33:46 PM
I agree we do need towork togeather. and I dont always choose to hunt muzzle some years I archery and some years I modern it depend on my family life and what I feel like doing but the late muzzleloading seasons in central washington for elk are a joke. and I am not pouting just stateing my opinionok I stand corrected but early elk is 7 days and the late hunts in central wa are a joke compared to what archey getsFirst off we as hunters should work together to get better seasons!! But now get over it you choose to hunt muzzy so take it for what it is and quit pouting! I guess you could start bow hunting like everyone else is then you to could be in the woods with us. It is not as good as youu think.
Post by: bobcat on December 02, 2009, 06:42:43 PM
the late muzzleloading seasons in central washington for elk are a joke.
What seasons ??? There are none. At least nothing worth mentioning. That's why I quit buying the eastside tag and now hunt over here. And yes, it still sucks over here. At least the late season does.
Post by: jdb on December 02, 2009, 07:15:18 PM
thank you for the support ;)the late muzzleloading seasons in central washington for elk are a joke.
What seasons ??? There are none. At least nothing worth mentioning. That's why I quit buying the eastside tag and now hunt over here. And yes, it still sucks over here. At least the late season does.
Post by: deerslyr on December 02, 2009, 07:22:40 PM
Post by: bobcat on December 02, 2009, 07:26:24 PM
why dont they extend the muzzy season towards the rifle season more instead of back into even more of the archery season?
There's no other slot available. They don't want it overlapping with modern firearm deer. I would like them to move it back a week, into September. As it is now the elk are pretty much done with the rut by the time muzzleloader season starts. Which would be fine, if they had some good units open for cow elk, but they don't. When bulls are all that is legal and they're not rutting, AND they've already been pushed around by the archery hunters, it's pretty tough. That's why archery hunters have the highest success rate on elk, yes even higher than rifle. I am going to switch back to archery as soon as I can afford to buy a new bow.
Post by: seansfire on December 02, 2009, 07:28:46 PM
Post by: bobcat on December 02, 2009, 07:30:46 PM
Post by: joebear on December 02, 2009, 08:21:17 PM
Post by: mossback91 on December 02, 2009, 08:26:07 PM
If muzzleloader season was the same as modern, how many people would want to hunt with a muzzleloader ??? I know I wouldn't.
depends on how much you want to challenge yourself :dunno:
I would Imagine a diehard muzzy hunter will still be packing his muzzleloader
Post by: bobcat on December 02, 2009, 08:33:57 PM
Post by: bobcat on December 02, 2009, 08:36:58 PM
If muzzleloader season was the same as modern, how many people would want to hunt with a muzzleloader ??? I know I wouldn't.
depends on how much you want to challenge yourself :dunno:
I would Imagine a diehard muzzy hunter will still be packing his muzzleloader
I guess I'm not a diehard. I hunted quite a lot this year during the rifle deer season and never even saw a buck. So I'm not sure how much more of a challenge I need ???
Post by: joebear on December 02, 2009, 08:39:14 PM
I agree!! I know I hunt with a bow because I love the challenge and would not drop my bow just because I hasd to hunt modern. Also I dont like it when anyone trys to tell me what I have to do.If muzzleloader season was the same as modern, how many people would want to hunt with a muzzleloader ??? I know I wouldn't.
depends on how much you want to challenge yourself :dunno:
I would Imagine a diehard muzzy hunter will still be packing his muzzleloader
Post by: seansfire on December 02, 2009, 08:40:39 PM
Post by: Grizzly95 on December 02, 2009, 08:42:51 PM
Post by: jdb on December 02, 2009, 09:14:10 PM
Post by: bigbeamhunter on December 05, 2009, 09:51:31 PM
Post by: Ray on December 05, 2009, 10:07:47 PM
Post by: seansfire on December 06, 2009, 10:00:58 PM
Post by: Ray on December 06, 2009, 10:02:47 PM
Post by: SpokaneSlayer on December 07, 2009, 10:22:58 AM
Post by: Ray on December 07, 2009, 10:31:34 AM
Post by: Machias on December 07, 2009, 11:17:27 AM
Also hunting deer with a bow while folks are muzzleloading or rifle hunting has zero effect on your success. The deer do not react negatively to shots being fired, unless it's being fired at them. Killed plenty of deer with my bow during rifle seasons.
Post by: Special T on December 07, 2009, 04:31:56 PM
Post by: 3dvapor on December 07, 2009, 06:37:57 PM
Post by: bobcat on December 07, 2009, 07:23:26 PM
Not sure what Oregon has to do with this discussion. :dunno:
Post by: jdb on December 07, 2009, 07:30:10 PM
Post by: muleyguy on December 08, 2009, 12:41:12 AM
In 1997, there were 14,018 Archery Hunters in this state and 113,703 rifle hunters
In 2008, there were 21,000 archery Hunters in this state and 107,259 rifle hunters
statistically, this represents an increase in archery hunters of 50%; and a drop in rifle hunters of 9%.
why do you suppose this is?
modern firearms hunters have had almost all mule deer seasons shortened to a 9 day general season starting in mid-october, and even the white tail modern firearm seasons have been significantly curtailed from what they had been from 10 yrs ago.
by contrast, archery hunters, enjoy seasons that range from 18 days of general season (early and late) to 34 days of general season; with at least 8 days of general season occurring in mid November.
Archery seasons have not been reduced anywhere near modern firearm seasons have over the last 10 yrs; and your (archery) numbers are increasing DRAMATICALLY;
what is happening is that as modern firearm seasons have been reduced dramatically, you are getting a "shift" in the hunter populations from rifle hunters to archery hunters, that is a fact. Notice how total hunter numbers from 1997 to 2008 are almost unchanged. The reason you are getting this is because almost all archery seasons have significant hunting opportunities during the rut. Whereas, general rifle hunts in mid-october result in lower numbers of deer being seen, fewer bucks, and very few mature bucks being seen.
Now, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that in a very short time frame, you have had significant numbers of new archery hunters entering the sport; are they doing it because they love the sport and are dedicated to it? or, are they doing it because the deer hunting opportunities are so poor with the low numbers of deer and dramatically shortened seasons in modern firearms??? I think reasonable people can figure that one out........
what is actually happening is that the WDFW is trying to "fix" the deer herds with the the modern firearm hunters, and that makes sense because modern firearm hunters represent the bulk of the hunters; BUT, without corresponding restrictions in archery seasons, especially the late ones, all it is doing is SHIFTING modern firearm hunters to archery. This has the perverse effect of actually increasing the stress on these animals during the rut. And, since there are fewer units open in late archery then modern firearm, these "new" archers get concentrated in the open archery units.
so, what you have is a fast increasing archery hunter population; rut hunts that have been essentially left alone in length for the most part; and, many more, less qualified, archery hunters in the field.
and, archery hunters, contrary to popular belief, enjoy a success rate very simalar to rifle hunters (22.4 % vs 22.8%)
But, the difference is that rifle hunters shoot very few does, relative to their hunter numbers, and smaller bucks on average then archery hunters.
Here is the 2008 data for several units that have general season archery hunts during the rut and general season 9 day rifle hunts in mid october; on the right is the percentage of bucks harvested that are 4 and 5 points during archery seasons; on the left is the percentage of bucks harvested that are 4 and 5 pts during rifle seasons; I am excluding the permit seasons because my point is simply that department policy is causing a shift in hunter populations away from general modern firearm hunters to general archery hunters, since this is the bulk of all hunters.
59% Unit 209 75%
45% Unit 215 69%
43% Unit 233 63%
52% Unit 243 100%
49% Unit 250 63%
41% Unit 352 66%
43% Unit 388 47%
Right side = percentage of harvest of 4 and 5 pts killed by archers during their season
Left side = percentage of harvest of 4 and 5 pts killed by modern rifle during their season
So, department policy is shifting the population of hunters from one group (rifle hunters) who, statistically, shoot very few does, and mostly 2.5 yr old three points, and into a group that statistically shoots more does and older bucks.
At some point, a massive restructuring of season lengths, season timings, and doe tag availabiltiy, is going to have to occur in the archery seasons in this state.
this trend will continue unabated in this state until either one of two things happen:
1. Deer herds recover strongly, allowing more liberal rifle seasons; this will draw archery hunters back to rifle hunting because these new "converts" are really not archery hunters at heart.
2. The WDFW dramatically limits the late archery seasons.
Number 1 is not going to happen; Number 2 will, eventually........because in another 10 yrs you are looking at another 10,000 archery hunters entering the equation.....better enjoy it while you can........
Post by: Lowedog on December 08, 2009, 04:14:01 PM
Post by: seansfire on December 08, 2009, 05:50:38 PM
Post by: jdb on December 08, 2009, 06:28:44 PM
what part of archery season is during any part of the rut? it is my understanding that we miss the rut with both seasons. maybe i have been misinformed.you have. no offense. the early archery elk is a rut hunt and the late archery deer hunt is a rut hunt
Post by: bowhuntin on December 08, 2009, 06:44:43 PM
what part of archery season is during any part of the rut? it is my understanding that we miss the rut with both seasons. maybe i have been misinformed.you have. no offense. the early archery elk is a rut hunt and the late archery deer hunt is a rut hunt
It is more a pre rut hunt. They are talking but it isn't in full swing. Same for the late archery deer hunt. There are opportunities in all user groups to hunt some part of the rut for both deer and elk.
Post by: bobcat on December 08, 2009, 06:48:21 PM
Archery hunters do have some great opportunities compared to those who hunt with rifle or muzzleloader. I agree with muleyman, archery seasons are sure to become even shorter in the future, with the increase in the number of people switching over to archery, there's no way around it.
Post by: mossback91 on December 08, 2009, 06:51:10 PM
Post by: bobcat on December 08, 2009, 06:52:45 PM
There are opportunities in all user groups to hunt some part of the rut for both deer and elk.
That's not true. At least not in general. Muzzleloader seasons are after the elk rut AND the late season is after the deer rut. Rifle seasons don't even come close to the rut, except for the late whitetail hunt in the NE.
Post by: mossback91 on December 08, 2009, 06:57:04 PM
There are opportunities in all user groups to hunt some part of the rut for both deer and elk.
That's not true. At least not in general. Muzzleloader seasons are after the elk rut AND the late season is after the deer rut. Rifle seasons don't even come close to the rut, except for the late whitetail hunt in the NE.
Muzzleloader elk are still rutting during muzzy.........early season you get the bucks in dumb summer mode with very few other hunters around and you have the capability of shooting 200 yards!! which is just as far as most rifle hunters will shoot!
Post by: bowhuntin on December 08, 2009, 07:00:13 PM
There are opportunities in all user groups to hunt some part of the rut for both deer and elk.
That's not true. At least not in general. Muzzleloader seasons are after the elk rut AND the late season is after the deer rut. Rifle seasons don't even come close to the rut, except for the late whitetail hunt in the NE.
What do you call the rifle hunts this year from sept 21 - 25 then for elk? The elk are talking just as much as they are for muzzleloaders as they are for archers. The WDFW doesn't let anyone hunt the peak of the rut except for rifle. Yes, muzzleloaders do get the short end of the stick in the seasons IMO. It sucks but there is opportunity to hunt the season you want, but it may not be the weapon you want. If it is the season you are after find which weapon gets you what you want and hunt it.
Post by: bobcat on December 08, 2009, 07:08:37 PM
Muzzleloader elk are still rutting during muzzy.........early season you get the bucks in dumb summer mode with very few other hunters around and you have the capability of shooting 200 yards!! which is just as far as most rifle hunters will shoot!
Wow I wish I had known it was so easy. :rolleyes:
Have you ever hunted with or shot a muzzleloader? I won't shoot past 100 yards. And as far as the elk rut, I've hunted muzzleloader season most years since about 1989, and I sure don't see much rutting activity. Most of the bulls are tired out from chasing and/or breeding cows and are hiding out by themselves somewhere away from the herds of cows. I've seen/heard bugling elk up to around October 2nd. Guess when muzzleloader season opened this year? Yeah, October 3rd.
Post by: alanger on December 08, 2009, 07:10:38 PM
the cows that dont get bread in the first rut in september or in teh second or third round of the rut just floating around are still trying in modern season. saw a 6x6 mounting a cow during modern.
:twocents:
Post by: bowhuntin on December 08, 2009, 07:11:40 PM
Muzzleloader elk are still rutting during muzzy.........early season you get the bucks in dumb summer mode with very few other hunters around and you have the capability of shooting 200 yards!! which is just as far as most rifle hunters will shoot!
Wow I wish I had known it was so easy. :rolleyes:
Have you ever hunted with or shot a muzzleloader? I won't shoot past 100 yards. And as far as the elk rut, I've hunted muzzleloader season most years since about 1989, and I sure don't see much rutting activity. Most of the bulls are tired out from chasing and/or breeding cows and are hiding out by themselves somewhere away from the herds of cows. I've seen/heard bugling elk up to around October 2nd. Guess when muzzleloader season opened this year? Yeah, October 3rd.
If you think archery season is so much better for the rut, all you have to do is pick up a bow. You will find it isn't much better and you have even less of an effective kill range.
Post by: mossback91 on December 08, 2009, 07:13:55 PM
Muzzleloader elk are still rutting during muzzy.........early season you get the bucks in dumb summer mode with very few other hunters around and you have the capability of shooting 200 yards!! which is just as far as most rifle hunters will shoot!
Wow I wish I had known it was so easy. :rolleyes:
Have you ever hunted with or shot a muzzleloader? I won't shoot past 100 yards. And as far as the elk rut, I've hunted muzzleloader season most years since about 1989, and I sure don't see much rutting activity. Most of the bulls are tired out from chasing and/or breeding cows and are hiding out by themselves somewhere away from the herds of cows. I've seen/heard bugling elk up to around October 2nd. Guess when muzzleloader season opened this year? Yeah, October 3rd.
Nope never even held one bobcat :hello:
Yes I have shot one........dont hunt with one.......
Im suprised you've never hunted elk in the rut since 1989.........My dad was an avid muzzleloader elk hunter all through the 80s and 90s and Im pretty sure he was slammin in the rut!!
Most muzzy hunters use inlines these days....most with practice can take the 200 yard shot
Post by: bobcat on December 08, 2009, 07:16:02 PM
What do you call the rifle hunts this year from sept 21 - 25 then for elk? The elk are talking just as much as they are for muzzleloaders as they are for archers. The WDFW doesn't let anyone hunt the peak of the rut except for rifle.
I thought we were talking about general seasons ??? The new Sept 21-25 rifle bull elk permits, yeah those are during the peak of the rut, but there's only about 5 of them altogether, one in each unit. Archery hunters have the better season, better than rifle and better than muzzleloader. Why do you think their success rate is as good as or even higher than the rifle hunters?
They have two weeks in the middle of September. Prime time! AND, most of the units are open for early archery season.
I hunted the Toutle this year with my brother, he had a muzzleloader cow permit. I never heard a bugle. He heard a bugle ONCE. I'd bet if we had been there two weeks earlier during archery they would have been bugling lilke crazy.
Yes, I'll be switching to archery elk in 2010, or the year after. Depends on how soon I can save up the money to buy a good bow.
Post by: bobcat on December 08, 2009, 07:17:49 PM
Most muzzy hunters use inlines these days....most with practice can take the 200 yard shot
Inlines don't have any more range than traditional muzzleloaders.
Post by: mossback91 on December 08, 2009, 07:22:59 PM
Post by: joebear on December 08, 2009, 07:24:19 PM
Post by: bowhuntin on December 08, 2009, 07:26:59 PM
Post by: bobcat on December 08, 2009, 07:29:52 PM
Maybe you just need a better spot for elk bobcat? cant find any? Maybe you dont hear them bugling cause there are none there?
You could be right. Too bad the best units are only open for archery and not muzzleloader. The one good unit they had for early muzzleloader in 2008, was changed to a late season unit this year. :bash:
But still, hunting for a bull elk right after the rut is over is not easy.
Post by: mossback91 on December 08, 2009, 07:36:47 PM
Thats why it is fun!
Post by: rasbo on December 08, 2009, 07:41:11 PM
Post by: bowhuntin on December 08, 2009, 07:42:20 PM
Post by: bobcat on December 08, 2009, 07:53:04 PM
I am talking opportunity in general, Bobcat. General or Special Permit doesn't matter. The next two seasons in archery are being changed for elk as well. The season starts even earlier and ends earlier. They are pushing the season farther away from the rut than it already is.
I don't see how the 1 rifle permit per unit during the rut is much of an opportunity when the odds of drawing are about 1 in 1000. So, I can plan on going on that hunt one year out of every 1000 years. Sounds like a great opportunity! :rolleyes:
Archers have the best units to hunt for two weeks in September while the elk are rutting.
You say they're changing the early archery season the next two years? No. It opened on Tuesday, September 8th in 2009. Next year will be Tuesday, September 7th. The following year, 2011 will be Tuesday, September 6th. So do you see a common theme? It is set to open on the Tuesday following Labor Day weekend. The seasons are staying the same, the calendar is just changing as it does by one day yearly.
Post by: jdb on December 08, 2009, 07:54:24 PM
This thred is getting beat to death!!!!!!!!amen brother!
Post by: mossback91 on December 08, 2009, 07:56:48 PM
This thred is getting beat to death!!!!!!!!amen brother!
Dont look at it if it bothers you that much!! :)
Post by: bobcat on December 08, 2009, 08:00:52 PM
Post by: ing on December 08, 2009, 08:06:35 PM
Post by: bobcat on December 08, 2009, 08:27:55 PM
Post by: bowhuntin on December 08, 2009, 08:28:12 PM
I am talking opportunity in general, Bobcat. General or Special Permit doesn't matter. The next two seasons in archery are being changed for elk as well. The season starts even earlier and ends earlier. They are pushing the season farther away from the rut than it already is.
I don't see how the 1 rifle permit per unit during the rut is much of an opportunity when the odds of drawing are about 1 in 1000. So, I can plan on going on that hunt one year out of every 1000 years. Sounds like a great opportunity! :rolleyes:
Archers have the best units to hunt for two weeks in September while the elk are rutting.
You say they're changing the early archery season the next two years? No. It opened on Tuesday, September 8th in 2009. Next year will be Tuesday, September 7th. The following year, 2011 will be Tuesday, September 6th. So do you see a common theme? It is set to open on the Tuesday following Labor Day weekend. The seasons are staying the same, the calendar is just changing as it does by one day yearly.
Damn straight that is a great opportunity. The only person to be able to hunt in a specific unit for a week straight in the peak of the rut. That is a dream hunt to most and is popular for a reason in the draw odds. If you don't like it that is your problem. Opportunity exists for all. Everyone has free will, so exercise it. If you don't like the opportunity for one weapon choice, then you have the choice to choose a different one. Pretty simple. In the past they have been starting the season on the 8th and ending it on the 21st. The later into September the better the rut gets. Starting the season earlier means warmer weather and less opportunity in what has been the better part of the season in the past. I am done with this thread. Good luck hunting with a bow in the future.
Post by: bobcat on December 08, 2009, 08:37:17 PM
Post by: RUTNBULL1 on December 08, 2009, 09:58:42 PM
Sure they're good permits and I didn't say I didn't like it, but a guy has a much better chance of drawing a moose permit than one of those early rifle elk hunts. If it was such a great opportunity you'd have all the archery guys buying rifle tags instead so they could apply for those rifle permits. One thing I do know is Oregon's archery elk season starts in late August, and they sure seem to do pretty well down there with that season, even though it's hot and supposedly too early because it's before the rut. Thanks for the good luck wishes. I sure am looking forward to hunting those bugling bulls in September!One thing I know well is hunting in Oregon as well. Yes, that season does start the last weekend of August, and you can ask all the archery hunters about the season, and I bet 90% of them will tell you that the season is slow and hot and not very productive until the later part of their season which usually means the 15th/18th of Sept. to the last day some where around the 26th/28th respectively depending upon the year. And these dates are the begining of the main rut which most years run into the 2nd week of October. I don't know how many years most of the guys have been archery hunting upon this site, but our WA. season if you can remember used to start at the first of October, and the bulls were going crazy, then they moved it to the first of Sept. for many years and it was usually the second week before we used to hear much talking from the bulls. And the last four years they final started the season at point where we would finally start having some what of a season within the rut. And the last two years it seems that the elk haven't been as active at all until the last few days of general archery season. To much general activity within our public lands / Nat. Forest areas have been a greater factor upon the rutting activity. We have hikers, berry pickers, campers, bicyclists, mushroom pickers, etc all useing these areas at the same time which puts greater pressure upon the animals. Which all these users remember have the same right as we hunters have in the useage of these areas. That being said the over usage of calls, new technology from the internet to videos, and how to clinics and calling seminars, even down to our favorite magazines, aid in the hunting number upserge of archery hunters. Which in the end will make these bulls reluctant to be very vocal. I myself will still continue my archery quests, you just need to hike back that much farther and learn how elk live and react to what you have learned from these animals. It has been proven that some of the largest bulls have been taken during the prerut time period, and coming in silent, they are still looking for cows and are more willing to come into calls to gather another cow. We all like that screeming stage and action of the main rut, but those herd bulls are rarely taken during this time of the rut even though it is the most exciting to us. And as far as deer the area I hunt normally for late general archery the bucks are at their last stage of the rut if not for the most part finished with the rut, but When I have drawn the Eniat tag the bucks seem to always be in the rut at the same time. I think it all depends on the area and the subspecies of the deer/ and normal time of the doe's esterus cycles, they may be finished in the south but going strong in the north part of the state. I GUESS IF YOU DON'T LIKE YOUR SEASON DATES AND FEEL ANOTHER WEAPON METHOD HAS THAT MUCH BETTER OF A SEASON,DON'T WHINE JUST TRY THE OTHER WEAPON METHOD YOU FEEL IS GETTING THE BETTER SEASON! :twocents:
Post by: bobcat on December 08, 2009, 10:04:55 PM
Quote
I GUESS IF YOU DON'T LIKE YOUR SEASON DATES AND FEEL ANOTHER WEAPON METHOD HAS THAT MUCH BETTER OF A SEASON,DON'T WHINE JUST TRY THE OTHER WEAPON METHOD YOU FEEL IS GETTING THE BETTER SEASON!
Yep, exactly. At least we do have a lot of options in this state. I am switching from muzzleloader elk hunting, to archery, and for deer I'm switching from rifle to muzzleloader. After a couple years of that I'll probably switch it up again.
Post by: joebear on December 09, 2009, 08:32:49 AM
I think we should all start hunting rifle season!! It would be the better way to go. It pisses me off to see all the guys that are starting to hunt archery that do not put the time in to become prficant with there bow. to many people think you can just pick up a bow and its all good thats bs. I think we should all have to go threww shooting tests to prove we can make a leathel shot !!!QuoteI GUESS IF YOU DON'T LIKE YOUR SEASON DATES AND FEEL ANOTHER WEAPON METHOD HAS THAT MUCH BETTER OF A SEASON,DON'T WHINE JUST TRY THE OTHER WEAPON METHOD YOU FEEL IS GETTING THE BETTER SEASON!
Yep, exactly. At least we do have a lot of options in this state. I am switching from muzzleloader elk hunting, to archery, and for deer I'm switching from rifle to muzzleloader. After a couple years of that I'll probably switch it up again.
washington should inroll the bow hunters ed course and we should all have to pass it to be able to change our method of hunting and that gos for muzzy and rifle!!!
Post by: NWHydroprint on December 09, 2009, 09:12:55 AM
And lets not forget that all most all the land is locked up due to fire danger including walk in till the end of Sept. Must bulls start the rut at the end of sept-first 2 weeks of Oct.
I have never taken a branched antler deer 2 Spikes 1 6X6 bull that was in '93 and one cow in '95.
Bottom line is the WDFW and the Hunting season for all user groups need to be overhauled.
Post by: bobcat on December 09, 2009, 09:29:26 AM
Post by: Jerome on December 09, 2009, 09:32:38 AM
Well, the only "overhauling" they really need to do is doing away with the general deer and elk seasons and going to draw only. Not much else can be done. There's too many hunters and not enough game.I do agree with draw only but dont think it will ever happen due to all the money they will lose. I just saw that they raised our 2010 licenses.
Post by: ing on December 09, 2009, 11:27:48 AM
Huh ??? Who said anything about another weekend for muzzleloader season?The original post did.
Post by: mossback91 on December 09, 2009, 11:38:58 AM
Post by: ing on December 09, 2009, 11:41:32 AM
I suggest OTC archery tags and draw only rifle and muzzleloader tags! :P :bdid:Get a rope....
Post by: bobcat on December 09, 2009, 12:32:08 PM
Huh ??? Who said anything about another weekend for muzzleloader season?The original post did.
OK, yeah you're right. That was so far back I forgot about it. But I'm not sure where that extra weekend is? They split up the deer and elk muzzleloader seasons so they didn't run at the same time, but have one weekend overlapping. Elk season is still only 7 days. Deer season is 9. So yes I suppose one weekend was gained for the muzzleloader deer seasons.
Post by: haus on December 09, 2009, 01:56:28 PM
but just compare the range of the weapon's, modern rifle 5yrds to 500+ respectively, modern muzzleloader equipment 5yrds to 250 yards respectively, modern archery 5yrds to 50 ethically to 80 not so ethical. I would say your going to need less time to harvest your animal with a weapon that shoots alot farther than the modern archery equipment, so yes for most archery hunters more time to be successful would be needed. :twocents:lol, weapons range.....so what....
Just because IT can doesn't mean YOU should. 500+ and 250yrds :rolleyes: How many people you know that should be shooting at 500 yards in a hunting situation, wind, nerves, hell a squirrel farting in a near by tree? your talkin a general drop range of 35". come on........250yrds muzzy open sights :chuckle: you funneh
Post by: alanger on December 09, 2009, 04:03:18 PM
I suggest OTC archery tags and draw only rifle and muzzleloader tags! :P :bdid:
:iamwithstupid:
Post by: seansfire on December 09, 2009, 07:52:52 PM
Post by: SpokaneSlayer on December 09, 2009, 07:53:55 PM
Post by: RUTNBULL1 on December 09, 2009, 09:59:56 PM
I never said that you should shoot at these distances, I was merely stating that these weapon types all have certain distances. I don't condone anyone to partake in a shot selection that is beyond their means. People are going to do what they want and most will shoot well beyond their means, and If you want to be the SHOT SELECTION COP out amonst us, good luck. And yes I do know people that shoot these longer distances under the right conditions, do they every time, don't know that and I am not going to speak for them. Just because I know my ballastics for my 300 WBY. Mag at 500 yards (168gr Barnes-X, 85.5 grains and a drop of 28" to 31" @ 500yrds) doesn't mean that I would shoot at a game animal. That just means I know my weapon and what ever weapon I choose to hunt with I will do my best to be proficient with that weapon choice, which is best for and is giving the respect to the animal that it deserves for a good clean harvest of that animal. Shows like the Best of the WEST(worst) are shows that don't help. They help condone shots that the average person should not even be partaking in. Back to the main point at hand, it was just an illustration to show that it was much easier to harvest that animal if that animal was at a greater distance with a weapon that has a greater range than a bow. That is why I choose to hunt with mainly archery equipment for the challange and satisfaction of harvesting an animal with a weapon that has a lesser range. :stup:but just compare the range of the weapon's, modern rifle 5yrds to 500+ respectively, modern muzzleloader equipment 5yrds to 250 yards respectively, modern archery 5yrds to 50 ethically to 80 not so ethical. I would say your going to need less time to harvest your animal with a weapon that shoots alot farther than the modern archery equipment, so yes for most archery hunters more time to be successful would be needed. :twocents:lol, weapons range.....so what....
Just because IT can doesn't mean YOU should. 500+ and 250yrds :rolleyes: How many people you know that should be shooting at 500 yards in a hunting situation, wind, nerves, hell a squirrel farting in a near by tree? your talkin a general drop range of 35". come on........250yrds muzzy open sights :chuckle: you funneh
Post by: spike on December 10, 2009, 05:35:06 AM
Post by: Curly on December 10, 2009, 05:42:27 AM
Post by: turkey slayer on December 10, 2009, 07:13:58 AM
Post by: Snapshot on December 11, 2009, 06:07:40 PM
Post by: NWHydroprint on December 13, 2009, 12:10:27 PM
WDFW has managed to shorten seasons and force more hunters into fewer units. During rifle seasons regs stat all units expect a handfulare open. During Archery & Muzzy its these units are open only and point restrictions from this date to that date you basically need to have a lawyer in your back pocket anymore.
This state has the potential for a lot of game if the game dept. would actually manage the animals instead of money.
NWH
Post by: AKBowman on December 13, 2009, 08:36:36 PM
There are opportunities in all user groups to hunt some part of the rut for both deer and elk.
That's not true. At least not in general. Muzzleloader seasons are after the elk rut AND the late season is after the deer rut. Rifle seasons don't even come close to the rut, except for the late whitetail hunt in the NE.
Lots of years...like this year the early muzzle elk is in the peak rut.