Post by: Ridgerunner on February 03, 2012, 08:09:39 PM
Post by: boneaddict on February 03, 2012, 08:15:14 PM
Post by: wsmnut on February 03, 2012, 08:34:13 PM
2013 starts on Oct. 12th
2014 starts on Oct. 11th
Guess I won't be needing any insulated boots.
wsmnut
Post by: bullcanyon on February 03, 2012, 08:38:19 PM
Post by: hughjorgan on February 03, 2012, 08:47:20 PM
Anything on the archery opener?
Still said 4-16 from what I saw. Also luminoks were legal...
Post by: boneaddict on February 03, 2012, 08:51:07 PM
Post by: shanevg on February 03, 2012, 08:56:24 PM
They also added two new goat units including bringing back the Methow tag! (About time!!!) Again two units only spreads out hunters more therefore making odds better on the other units. Nothing but good news there. The Mt. Baker area does show 7 tags (as it has for the last 3 years) but they have only been giving 5. It would be cool to add a couple of tags there as well. They haven't had the Lake Ann subunit open for the last 2 seasons.
Rifle deer seasons do suck but the early archery seasons were extended by a week in about half the units including my favorite ones, so I'm not going to complain there.
Bear seasons took another hit - no major changes to spring bear (except all eastern units open until June 15 which I think is new) but the south cascades open on September 1, northeast on September 4 (therefore skipping Labor Day weekend.)
Cougar seasons changed quite a bit. September 1 - March 31 for most every unit with any legal weapon. Each unit has a "harvest guideline." It doesn't specifically say they will close seasons after harvest guidelines are achieved but the guidelines are at least established. Interesting...
Post by: carpsniperg2 on February 03, 2012, 09:00:49 PM
Post by: boneaddict on February 03, 2012, 09:02:23 PM
Post by: fair-chase on February 03, 2012, 09:03:00 PM
Cougar seasons changed quite a bit. September 1 - March 31 for most every unit with any legal weapon. Each unit has a "harvest guideline." It doesn't specifically say they will close seasons after harvest guidelines are achieved but the guidelines are at least established. Interesting...
Big thanks to everybody who worked towards getting this season back where it needs to be. :IBCOOL:
Post by: carpsniperg2 on February 03, 2012, 09:06:19 PM
Methow unit is really struggling....surprised they brought that back unless they changed where folks will be hunting them.....(Harts pass etc.)
As I do not know the area I will ask. Even though we know what might come with asking. What is the problem there that are hurting them. Is it the wolf population or something else?
Post by: fair-chase on February 03, 2012, 09:11:58 PM
Quote
(b) It is unlawful to have any electrical equipment or
electric device(s) attached to the bow or arrow while hunting
except for illuminated nocks.
Post by: boneaddict on February 03, 2012, 09:13:50 PM
Post by: luvtohnt on February 03, 2012, 09:20:21 PM
Quote
WAC 232-12-257 Use of decoys and calls. (1) It is unlawful
to hunt ((waterfowl,)) wild turkeys((,)) or deer with the use or
aid of battery-powered or other electronic devices as decoys.
Don't forget about big changes for waterfowl hunters. Battery powered decoys are legal now!!
Brandon
Post by: bobcat on February 03, 2012, 09:21:37 PM
(I don't like that shotguns can't use bigger than #6 shot at night)
Post by: shanevg on February 03, 2012, 09:23:18 PM
Post by: fair-chase on February 03, 2012, 09:26:49 PM
http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/2012/wsr_12-04-098.pdf (http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/2012/wsr_12-04-098.pdf)
Post by: bobcat on February 03, 2012, 09:29:28 PM
Post by: elkslayer069 on February 03, 2012, 09:47:15 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on February 03, 2012, 09:49:19 PM
Changes to night hunting rules...
(I don't like that shotguns can't use bigger than #6 shot at night)
Oh man!!!! that one kills me. Those changes are going to hurt my spotlighting something bad :bash:
Post by: elkslayer069 on February 03, 2012, 09:52:02 PM
Post by: bobcat on February 03, 2012, 10:00:31 PM
What did change is the Toutle and Margaret cow elk hunts have an additional January season, in addition to the normal November season. (Jan 1-16)
Post by: carpsniperg2 on February 03, 2012, 10:03:58 PM
Post by: bobcat on February 03, 2012, 10:10:28 PM
Nobody complaining about the extra day added for the rifle west side elk hunt ? :chuckle:
It looks the same to me. :dunno:
(11 days)
Post by: carpsniperg2 on February 03, 2012, 10:11:24 PM
Post by: bobcat on February 03, 2012, 10:12:56 PM
Looks like " if I am reading it right" they took out the part about using elec decoys to hunt waterfowl.
luvtohnt posted about that already, if it's the same thing you're referring to. :dunno:
QuoteWAC 232-12-257 Use of decoys and calls. (1) It is unlawful
to hunt ((waterfowl,)) wild turkeys((,)) or deer with the use or
aid of battery-powered or other electronic devices as decoys.
Don't forget about big changes for waterfowl hunters. Battery powered decoys are legal now!!
Brandon
Post by: D-Rock425 on February 03, 2012, 10:14:26 PM
Post by: Fowlweather25 on February 03, 2012, 10:19:12 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on February 03, 2012, 10:20:46 PM
Post by: Fowlweather25 on February 03, 2012, 10:22:50 PM
Post by: bobcat on February 03, 2012, 10:29:27 PM
WOW! they sure up'ed the game for the kiddo's here!!! they added a 3 super late anterless hunts. Hunts in dec/jan and feb.
Yes I see that, East Klick? Wow, all the way up to February 20th. :o
Post by: carpsniperg2 on February 03, 2012, 10:32:54 PM
Post by: bullcanyon on February 04, 2012, 06:04:13 AM
Post by: gallion_t on February 04, 2012, 08:00:47 AM
FALL NORTHEAST BEARDLESS TURKEY SEASON
LEGAL BIRD: Beardless only.
LEGAL HUNTER: Open to all hunters with a valid turkey tag.
OPEN AREA: GMUs ((105-124)) 105-142.
SEASON DATES: ((Sept. 26 - Oct. 9, 2009; Sept. 25 - Oct. 8, 2010;
Sept. 24 - Oct. 7, 2011)) Sept. 22 - Oct. 12, 2012; Sept. 21 - Oct.
11, 2013; Sept. 20 - Oct. 10, 2014.
BAG LIMIT: Two (2) beardless turkeys (in addition to other fall
turkey harvest).
Post by: Ridgerunner on February 04, 2012, 08:21:18 AM
Post by: SkookumHntr on February 04, 2012, 08:27:45 AM
If anyone cares I see they changed the crow season. It used to be Oct 1 to Jan 31 and will now be Sept 1 to Dec 31.- Oh thanks for the update on that one bobcat!! lol! ;)
Post by: danderson on February 04, 2012, 09:52:32 AM
Post by: bobcat on February 04, 2012, 09:56:55 AM
If anyone cares I see they changed the crow season. It used to be Oct 1 to Jan 31 and will now be Sept 1 to Dec 31.- Oh thanks for the update on that one bobcat!! lol! ;)
Well I'm not happy about the change, even though I haven't hunted crows for many years. I still would like to have the opportunity to do so in January. With it now being Sept 1 to Dec 31 I doubt I would find the time, with all the other hunting seasons going on.
Post by: danderson on February 04, 2012, 10:01:01 AM
Post by: SkookumHntr on February 04, 2012, 10:03:12 AM
Post by: doyourtime89 on February 04, 2012, 10:25:59 AM
Post by: bobcat on February 04, 2012, 10:28:46 AM
-Well looks like early smokepole season is about as crappy as they could have made it! :bash:
They didn't make any changes to early muzzleloader season.
Post by: doyourtime89 on February 04, 2012, 10:33:48 AM
Post by: NWWABOWHNTR on February 04, 2012, 10:46:54 AM
Post by: doyourtime89 on February 04, 2012, 10:50:20 AM
Post by: boneaddict on February 04, 2012, 10:58:00 AM
Post by: boneaddict on February 04, 2012, 11:12:59 AM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on February 04, 2012, 01:04:50 PM
Nobody complaining about the extra day added for the rifle west side elk hunt ? :chuckle:Nope. Or the extra days for late muzzy in certain units (although proposed fewer in 13/14)
Post by: medic6 on February 04, 2012, 01:07:08 PM
Post by: Bigshooter on February 04, 2012, 01:27:47 PM
Post by: boneaddict on February 04, 2012, 01:54:42 PM
Post by: NoBark on February 04, 2012, 02:07:38 PM
The fact there is a season at all on them makes me scratch my head. It should be open warfare.
Something to do with a treaty with Mexico. However, if they are going to or coming from depridating anytime, it's ok :chuckle:
Post by: SkookumHntr on February 04, 2012, 02:26:25 PM
2012 opening day oct 6, 2011 opening day oct 1.-Well looks like early smokepole season is about as crappy as they could have made it! :bash:
They didn't make any changes to early muzzleloader season.
Post by: jrebel on February 04, 2012, 02:35:06 PM
Post by: bobcat on February 04, 2012, 02:41:34 PM
2012 opening day oct 6, 2011 opening day oct 1.-Well looks like early smokepole season is about as crappy as they could have made it! :bash:
They didn't make any changes to early muzzleloader season.
Yes I realize the dates are different, but it's the first Saturday in October. So they didn't actually change it, that's how it's "always" been, first Saturday in October.
Just like modern firearm deer season falls on October 13th this year. They didn't change anything with that either, it just falls on a different date because the calendar changes from year to year.
Post by: adamR on February 04, 2012, 02:58:55 PM
2012 opening day oct 6, 2011 opening day oct 1.-Well looks like early smokepole season is about as crappy as they could have made it! :bash:
They didn't make any changes to early muzzleloader season.
This is a good thing... It's nice to see that opening day of spike will not be opening day of quality bull... it's a pain to deal with the spike hunters when you have a bull tag
Post by: antlerking on February 04, 2012, 03:16:48 PM
Bringing back robo duck.
Its a god thing we kept our mojo mallards from5 years ago
Post by: wraithen on February 04, 2012, 05:05:30 PM
Post by: bobcat on February 04, 2012, 05:22:37 PM
According to the night hunting I can still use my .223 correct? And it looks like if the round doesn't start with .22 for handgun or rifle it's not legal? I think that might need to be reworded.
Yes, a 223 is a 22 caliber rifle, so it would be legal. Why does it need to be reworded? I'm really not happy with the shotgun shells being limited to #6 or smaller. That doesn't make any sense. If they're allowing 22 caliber rifles, why not allow at least up to BB size shot, or even #4 buck? It would still have a lot less range than a 22 caliber centerfire rifle. :dunno:
Post by: wraithen on February 04, 2012, 05:26:30 PM
Post by: bobcat on February 04, 2012, 05:29:51 PM
It sounds like .17 hmr and the like are not allowed the way I read it. I agree on the shotgun size though. It should read anything other than slug if anything. I don't even think a slug should matter. It's some foolishness out there for sure.
OK, I understand what you're getting at now. I didn't think about the 17's. I will be writing a letter in regards to those night hunting rules. I have three boxes (of 25) of 12 gauge BB lead shot that I bought specifically for coyote and bobcat hunting. I have never hunted at night, but I would like to and I don't see any reason why #6 is the biggest that should be allowed.
Post by: NWWABOWHNTR on February 04, 2012, 05:49:13 PM
I'm amazed that they are giving out any cow permits at all with the difficulty they are having with recruitment
The WDFW at the last GMAC meeting stated that cow and calf recruitement were at or above goals... total herd is above goal at this time.
Post by: NWWABOWHNTR on February 04, 2012, 05:51:06 PM
Archery got an extra week of late season hunting on the West side.
that is kind of true, however we used to have until end of Sept before 2009, and they are giving us back some of the 2 weeks they took away. That is about the only thing they have done for the archers... but they sure have taken a lot away.
Post by: Button Nubbs on February 04, 2012, 05:54:16 PM
bolt ((measuring less than 16 inches in length and)) weighing less
than ((350)) 400 grains.
Post by: stuckalot on February 04, 2012, 10:54:21 PM
(b) It is unlawful to hunt big game animals with any arrow or
bolt ((measuring less than 16 inches in length and)) weighing less
than ((350)) 400 grains.
That I believe is refering to crossbows.
Post by: gallion_t on February 04, 2012, 11:17:01 PM
Obviously theres a few exceptions. the night hunting with #6 or larger as a big one. At the same time they are allowing lighted nocks and electronic decoys for waterfowl. There might be a couple things that have gone down hill, but i feel like in general its a step in the right direction. If nothing else its breaking even.
Post by: bobcat on February 04, 2012, 11:31:15 PM
is it just me or does it seem like in general they are opening things up a little more? I havent read through all of the changes, but from the comments on here and what ive read of the changes it seems they are eithere keeping things the same as in the past, opening seasons longer, or splitting up special permits.
Obviously theres a few exceptions. the night hunting with #6 or larger as a big one. At the same time they are allowing lighted nocks and electronic decoys for waterfowl. There might be a couple things that have gone down hill, but i feel like in general its a step in the right direction. If nothing else its breaking even.
Well the best thing is the much more liberal cougar seasons. That's one of the best things they could've done and I'm really surprised they did it. But then to have #6 shot as the largest size shot that can be used for night hunting. Why? Yet you can still hunt at night with a 22-250? Makes absolutely no sense. I have to wonder if there was just a typo in there.
#6 shot is good for grouse, not coyotes. Sure it would kill a coyote at 20 yards but this is ridiculous. I wouldn't complain too much if it was #2. That would work but #6 for predators at night is a complete joke. In fact I would go so far as to say someone using small bird shot like that for coyotes is irresponsible, unethical, unsportsmanlike, etc. :bash:
Post by: gallion_t on February 04, 2012, 11:43:51 PM
is it just me or does it seem like in general they are opening things up a little more? I havent read through all of the changes, but from the comments on here and what ive read of the changes it seems they are eithere keeping things the same as in the past, opening seasons longer, or splitting up special permits.
Obviously theres a few exceptions. the night hunting with #6 or larger as a big one. At the same time they are allowing lighted nocks and electronic decoys for waterfowl. There might be a couple things that have gone down hill, but i feel like in general its a step in the right direction. If nothing else its breaking even.
Well the best thing is the much more liberal cougar seasons. That's one of the best things they could've done and I'm really surprised they did it. But then to have #6 shot as the largest size shot that can be used for night hunting. Why? Yet you can still hunt at night with a 22-250? Makes absolutely no sense. I have to wonder if there was just a typo in there.
#6 shot is good for grouse, not coyotes. Sure it would kill a coyote at 20 yards but this is ridiculous. I wouldn't complain too much if it was #2. That would work but #6 for predators at night is a complete joke. In fact I would go so far as to say someone using small bird shot like that for coyotes is irresponsible, unethical, unsportsmanlike, etc. :bash:
i completely agree that using #6 for coyotes is completly irresponsible and unethical. there were a couple of things in the new regs that that are less than desirable. im just saying if you take the changes as a whole i feel they are a move in the right direction. Obviously this is a personal oppion. I dont hunt every species during every season with all legal weapons. I just feel like its a step in the right directions.
Post by: ICEMAN on February 05, 2012, 06:13:13 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on February 05, 2012, 07:36:44 AM
Post by: Bob33 on February 05, 2012, 08:14:03 AM
Post by: adamR on February 05, 2012, 09:36:55 AM
Anyone know why the late season for mules in 2013+ is on the 27th of Nov?
it changes based on thanksgiving day I believe, since thanksgiving is late in the month in 2013, late season starts late too
Post by: 3dsheetmetal on February 05, 2012, 10:44:53 AM
It is unlawful to hunt wildlife with any bow (
crossbow
disabilities who meet the definition of being visually impaired in
WAC 232-12-828 may receive a special use permit that would allow
the use of scopes or other visual aids. A disabled hunter permit
holder in possession of a special use permit that allows the use of
a scope or visual aid may hunt game birds or game animals during
archery seasons.
Post by: Bob33 on February 05, 2012, 10:48:59 AM
Looks like disabled hunters can now use scopes.They can now. This is not a change.
It is unlawful to hunt wildlife with any bow (or) equipped with a scope. However, hunters with
crossbow
disabilities who meet the definition of being visually impaired in
WAC 232-12-828 may receive a special use permit that would allow
the use of scopes or other visual aids. A disabled hunter permit
holder in possession of a special use permit that allows the use of
a scope or visual aid may hunt game birds or game animals during
archery seasons.
Post by: 3dsheetmetal on February 05, 2012, 11:22:25 AM
Post by: Bob33 on February 05, 2012, 11:27:06 AM
The reason I noticed that is I am getting a disabled permit so I can still hunt during archery season and the lady at the game dept. told me that scopes aren't allowed during archery seasons.She is mistaken.
i. It is unlawful to hunt wildlife with any bow or crossbow equipped with a scope. However, hunters with disabilities who meet the definition of being visually impaired in WAC 232-12-828 may receive a special use permit that would allow the use of scopes or other visual aids. A disabled hunter permit holder in possession of a special use permit that allows the use of a scope or visual aid may hunt game birds or game animals during
Post by: bobcat on February 05, 2012, 11:30:17 AM
Post by: Bob33 on February 05, 2012, 11:31:35 AM
So it's not just any disabled hunter, it's only those who are viusally impaired who are allowed to use scopes during archery season.Thank you for the clarification. That is how it is now, and the new regulations so not change that as far as I can tell.
Post by: 3dsheetmetal on February 05, 2012, 11:36:18 AM
Looks like disabled hunters can now use scopes.They can now. This is not a change.
It is unlawful to hunt wildlife with any bow (or) equipped with a scope. However, hunters with
crossbow
disabilities who meet the definition of being visually impaired in
WAC 232-12-828 may receive a special use permit that would allow
the use of scopes or other visual aids. A disabled hunter permit
holder in possession of a special use permit that allows the use of
a scope or visual aid may hunt game birds or game animals during
archery seasons.
What I was wondering about was that in the new proposal's they crossed out the part that you can't use scopes on crossbows.
Post by: BAR C3 on February 05, 2012, 11:42:37 AM
For late season whitetail, added another day past peak. Went from November 24th to 25th each year. :bdid:
Post by: Bob33 on February 05, 2012, 11:42:43 AM
Post by: NoBark on February 05, 2012, 11:53:50 AM
I see they are pushing the Archers further from the rut each year. Elk is starting on 4th and ends on 16. I believe in 2014 it's starts the 2nd of September.
For late season whitetail, added another day past peak. Went from November 24th to 25th each year. :bdid:
I
could be wrong but I think the next year after the three mentioned will jump back to the 7th or 8th. (Day after laborious day)
Next year the 3rd then2 nd then1st.......then 7th
Post by: bearpaw on February 05, 2012, 12:12:20 PM
Hunting At Night
50 feet from vehicle. This is ridiculous, as long as you are outside your vehicle you should be able to shoot. This just adds another uneccassary burden on hunters and on landowners trying to control predator numbers around their livestock.
Weapons - Any weapon should be legal. Under this ridiculous proposal if I go coyote hunting during the day with my .257, when it gets dark I would have to go home and get a .22 or shotgun with inneffective shot size that will only lame a coyote or raccoon. This is about as ignorant as a proposal could be, who is the idiot who thinks this *censored* up. :twocents:
Bear Hunting
At a time when we need to be reducing predator populations in NE Washington, the WDFW wants to take away the 3 most productive days of the fall bear hunt, Sept 1-3. This totally unacceptable, if any change is made, there should be an earlier opener, Aug 1 or Aug 15.
Cougar Hunting
Another preposterous proposal is the new Harvest Guidelines. In Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Orielle counties we used to have about 120 cougar permits annually until hound hunting was closed in 1996 and we had a thriving cougar population. Now the WDFW is suggesting a harvest quota of about 1/3 those numbers, this is preposterous.
People call us on a regular basis with cougar and other wildlife problems, I have referred them to Region 1. But, I think my advice in the future may be to deal with it yourself because the WDFW is so unresponsible it is just sickening. I am about through supporting WDFW in any way shape or form. :puke: :puke: :puke:
Post by: NWWABOWHNTR on February 05, 2012, 12:15:24 PM
I see they are pushing the Archers further from the rut each year. Elk is starting on 4th and ends on 16. I believe in 2014 it's starts the 2nd of September.
For late season whitetail, added another day past peak. Went from November 24th to 25th each year. :bdid:
The early archery elk is currently set as the first Tuesday after Labor Day, instead of the 8th like it was previous to 2009. If you don't like it... which most of us don't start sending emails NOW to Dave Ware, Jerry Nelson and everyone else at the WDFW.
Post by: bobcat on February 05, 2012, 12:26:00 PM
Quote
Weapons - Any weapon should be legal. Under this ridiculous proposal if I go coyote hunting during the day with my .257, when it gets dark I would have to go home and get a .22 or shotgun with inneffective shot size that will only lame a coyote or raccoon. This is about as ignorant as a proposal could be, who is the idiot who thinks this *censored* up.
Obviously, the person who thought this up, is not a hunter, and does not know anything about hunting and firearms.
Post by: Wenatcheejay on February 05, 2012, 01:04:33 PM
I see a number of problems with this proposal:
Hunting At Night
50 feet from vehicle. This is ridiculous, as long as you are outside your vehicle you should be able to shoot. This just adds another uneccassary burden on hunters and on landowners trying to control predator numbers around their livestock.
Weapons - Any weapon should be legal. Under this ridiculous proposal if I go coyote hunting during the day with my .257, when it gets dark I would have to go home and get a .22 or shotgun with inneffective shot size that will only lame a coyote or raccoon. This is about as ignorant as a proposal could be, who is the idiot who thinks this *censored* up. :twocents:
Bear Hunting
At a time when we need to be reducing predator populations in NE Washington, the WDFW wants to take away the 3 most productive days of the fall bear hunt, Sept 1-3. This totally unacceptable, if any change is made, there should be an earlier opener, Aug 1 or Aug 15.
Cougar Hunting
Another preposterous proposal is the new Harvest Guidelines. In Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Orielle counties we used to have about 120 cougar permits annually until hound hunting was closed in 1996 and we had a thriving cougar population. Now the WDFW is suggesting a harvest quota of about 1/3 those numbers, this is preposterous.
People call us on a regular basis with cougar and other wildlife problems, I have referred them to Region 1. But, I think my advice in the future may be to deal with it yourself because the WDFW is so unresponsible it is just sickening. I am about through supporting WDFW in any way shape or form. :puke: :puke: :puke:
Dale, I am glad that you notice they continue to undermine bear hunting in this State. Where I hunt they have now taken the entire month of August and that was my bear season. Do not think you are not next in the NE. People who do not stand together will be taken down a slice at a time. I was told by Ware this would not happen in my GMU's at the WDFW meeting I attended. If this becomes the season there is nothing left for me to fight for in this State. I have always been conservative in my personal harvests but not anymore. :devil: I am so angry right now. I will never feel sorry for anyone who looses a day or two in their personal season again. I no longer feel for hound hunters or any other predator hunters. It really is time to be a wolf! *censored* everybody.
Post by: SkookumHntr on February 05, 2012, 02:14:53 PM
Yes I realize that bobcat, i was trying to discourage someone if there on the muzz/archery bubble! lol! Oct 6 will be another notched elk tag for me! haha2012 opening day oct 6, 2011 opening day oct 1.-Well looks like early smokepole season is about as crappy as they could have made it! :bash:
They didn't make any changes to early muzzleloader season.
Yes I realize the dates are different, but it's the first Saturday in October. So they didn't actually change it, that's how it's "always" been, first Saturday in October.
Just like modern firearm deer season falls on October 13th this year. They didn't change anything with that either, it just falls on a different date because the calendar changes from year to year.
Post by: Bob33 on February 05, 2012, 02:20:40 PM
A very signficant change, if I am reading it correctly, is that night hunting will now be allowed during modern firearm deer and elk season. That will create a very challenging enforcement situation. I can only speculate that such a change may be part of the reason for some restriction on firearms at night.QuoteWeapons - Any weapon should be legal. Under this ridiculous proposal if I go coyote hunting during the day with my .257, when it gets dark I would have to go home and get a .22 or shotgun with inneffective shot size that will only lame a coyote or raccoon. This is about as ignorant as a proposal could be, who is the idiot who thinks this *censored* up.
Obviously, the person who thought this up, is not a hunter, and does not know anything about hunting and firearms.
Post by: Fowlweather25 on February 05, 2012, 02:27:06 PM
Post by: Bob33 on February 05, 2012, 02:34:41 PM
I don't necessarily agree, but I am speculating that it is line with this current restriction:
"You may not hunt wildlife during any modern firearm deer or elk season, with any firearm
24 caliber or larger or containing slugs or buckshot for big game, unless you have a valid
license, permit and tag for one of the following: deer, elk, black bear, cougar, mountain goat,
bighorn sheep, or moose."
You can hunt coyotes now during deer season with a .22, because if you shoot a deer with a .22, there is a .22 caliber hole. However, you cannot hunt coyotes with a .243 during deer season, unless you have a valid big game tag. By the same logic, a .243 kills a coyote faster than a .22, so why isn't it legal?
Post by: bearpaw on February 05, 2012, 02:51:24 PM
Maybe I am reading it wrong, but I took those rules to apply year around for night hunting?
Post by: Fowlweather25 on February 05, 2012, 02:54:18 PM
Post by: Bob33 on February 05, 2012, 03:07:23 PM
We all have to remember these are not final. There are often errors in the preliminary regulations that are later corrected, in some cases after the "final" regulations are released.
I'm looking at the bulk of the changes as positive, and want to credit WDFW for doing some good things for hunting. I will also forward comments to them where I don't agree or think further clarification is necessary.
Post by: bullcanyon on February 05, 2012, 07:51:55 PM
Post by: hughjorgan on February 05, 2012, 08:11:25 PM
Is there much chance any of these proposals will change? Dang it these idiots have me mad. Still strongly considering not buying my license this season. Idaho might get all my money this season. Heck I can take my kids over there for not much more than here.
Make sure to let them know you don't like there proposals at wildthing@dfw.wa.gov
Post by: bullcanyon on February 05, 2012, 08:35:49 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on February 06, 2012, 02:46:28 AM
A few of our tracks of ground are next to release sites for pheasant. I call a lot on these areas and hit them hard during the times of year when it is legal to spotlight. I have taken many yotes out of areas where they would be hunting those birds 24/7. You think I am going to burn my time and gas money targeting those areas over others to help protect the birds they release for the hunters and the pheasant population now? HELL NO! What do I care if a yote decides to make a meal out of those state paid for birds. If they are going to take away and limit my rights to harvest coyotes of all animals then they will get no help from me controlling them in areas that benefit there released birds.
Post by: grundy53 on February 06, 2012, 06:40:20 AM
QuoteWeapons - Any weapon should be legal. Under this ridiculous proposal if I go coyote hunting during the day with my .257, when it gets dark I would have to go home and get a .22 or shotgun with inneffective shot size that will only lame a coyote or raccoon. This is about as ignorant as a proposal could be, who is the idiot who thinks this *censored* up.
Obviously, the person who thought this up, is not a hunter, and does not know anything about hunting and firearms.
:yeah:
Post by: grundy53 on February 06, 2012, 06:46:25 AM
Post by: Bob33 on February 06, 2012, 06:59:13 AM
Make it too much of a pain in the butt and require inadequate shot and many people will quit hunting at night.Wouldn't that imply that the person who thought it up knows something about firearms and hunting? :dunno:
Post by: grundy53 on February 06, 2012, 08:06:27 AM
Make it too much of a pain in the butt and require inadequate shot and many people will quit hunting at night.Wouldn't that imply that the person who thought it up knows something about firearms and hunting? :dunno:
yes. At first glance I thought it was a lack of knowledge and/or incompetence. But the more I think about it I think it's all by design...
Post by: dreamingbig on February 06, 2012, 10:49:00 AM
I see they are pushing the Archers further from the rut each year. Elk is starting on 4th and ends on 16. I believe in 2014 it's starts the 2nd of September.
For late season whitetail, added another day past peak. Went from November 24th to 25th each year. :bdid:
I
could be wrong but I think the next year after the three mentioned will jump back to the 7th or 8th. (Day after laborious day)
Next year the 3rd then2 nd then1st.......then 7th
Nope, they are proposing it always be the monday after labor which is the 2nd in 2014. Absolute garbage. And they didn't give the day back (only 13 days) and GMU 356 still getting the shaft with no cows for archery (btw giving out 10 cow permits for modern/muzzle). Take, take, take and no give. This state sucks. I keep telling them so but they don't change their minds. Man, I am saving my pennies for an out of state over the counter backcountry hunt where they care about more than just MONEY!
Post by: dreamingbig on February 06, 2012, 10:50:37 AM
I see they are pushing the Archers further from the rut each year. Elk is starting on 4th and ends on 16. I believe in 2014 it's starts the 2nd of September.
For late season whitetail, added another day past peak. Went from November 24th to 25th each year. :bdid:
The early archery elk is currently set as the first Tuesday after Labor Day, instead of the 8th like it was previous to 2009. If you don't like it... which most of us don't start sending emails NOW to Dave Ware, Jerry Nelson and everyone else at the WDFW.
Yeah that. I am sending one to each of them every day until the comment period ends!
Post by: Special T on February 06, 2012, 10:56:23 AM
Helps law inforcement... They are trying to make it easier to catch poatchers and make it easier to identify and enforce.
Helps keep hunting less visable. No lights means less ability for people tell its going on.
Good legislation is hard to write. They obviously have not talked to any hunters if thier motivation is pure. Pretty stupid... so it leaves me, and other hunters suspect as to the motives.
:bash:
Post by: Gringo31 on February 06, 2012, 03:31:29 PM
Special tags for special seasons
or
Maybe a "spotlighting" permit?
I'm with Carp on this one....I spotlight a fair amount of coyotes as they get pretty brazen around livestock at night.
Post by: highside74 on February 06, 2012, 09:21:26 PM
I see they are pushing the Archers further from the rut each year. Elk is starting on 4th and ends on 16. I believe in 2014 it's starts the 2nd of September.
For late season whitetail, added another day past peak. Went from November 24th to 25th each year. :bdid:
I
could be wrong but I think the next year after the three mentioned will jump back to the 7th or 8th. (Day after laborious day)
Next year the 3rd then2 nd then1st.......then 7th
Nope, they are proposing it always be the monday after labor which is the 2nd in 2014. Absolute garbage.
Labor day goes back to the 7th in 2015 so Elk season would start on the 8th just like in 2009. It starts the Tuesday after labor day which is on a Monday.
Post by: dreamingbig on February 07, 2012, 05:25:39 AM
Post by: highside74 on February 07, 2012, 06:44:27 AM
2015 is not part of this 3 year season setting process.
I know. I was pointing out that if they game comissiom was actually using the day after labor day as the start of elk, that it would go back to the 8th in 2015. Read the quote's.
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on February 07, 2012, 07:44:30 AM
Cougar seasons changed quite a bit. September 1 - March 31 for most every unit with any legal weapon. Each unit has a "harvest guideline." It doesn't specifically say they will close seasons after harvest guidelines are achieved but the guidelines are at least established. Interesting...
Big thanks to everybody who worked towards getting this season back where it needs to be. :IBCOOL:
It's not quite where it needs to be...we need hounds back in the mix.
Post by: fair-chase on February 07, 2012, 01:30:18 PM
Cougar seasons changed quite a bit. September 1 - March 31 for most every unit with any legal weapon. Each unit has a "harvest guideline." It doesn't specifically say they will close seasons after harvest guidelines are achieved but the guidelines are at least established. Interesting...
Big thanks to everybody who worked towards getting this season back where it needs to be. :IBCOOL:
It's not quite where it needs to be...we need hounds back in the mix.
I agree, but that is a separate issue that needs to be addressed through the legislature and not through the WDFW. For boot hunters this is a huge leap compared to last years shortened weapon specific seasons.
Cougar Hunting
Another preposterous proposal is the new Harvest Guidelines. In Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Orielle counties we used to have about 120 cougar permits annually until hound hunting was closed in 1996 and we had a thriving cougar population. Now the WDFW is suggesting a harvest quota of about 1/3 those numbers, this is preposterous.
I also agree that the harvest guidelines fell a little short of expectations, but not as far as you are suggesting. Remember this is for boot hunters only. Hound hunting needs to be brought back but that is a separate issue that needs to be addressed in a different manner. Boot hunters can never be expected to make up for the harvest levels of hound hunters. That's just not a reasonable expectation. For the N.E. it appears that GMU 105 is the only one that fell significantly below harvest numbers.
GMU 2010 COMBINED HARVEST TOTAL PROPOSED QUOTA
101 8 7-9
105 9 2
108 4 5-6
111 5 5-6
113 4 4-6
117 5 6-8
121 5 5-6
124 4 7-9
130 1 7-9
133 2 NO QUOTA
204 1 6-8
Post by: dreamingbig on February 08, 2012, 08:04:05 AM
2015 is not part of this 3 year season setting process.
I know. I was pointing out that if they game comissiom was actually using the day after labor day as the start of elk, that it would go back to the 8th in 2015. Read the quote's.
I understand you completely. I was only pointing out that this package speaks to 2012, 2013, and 2014 only. They could change gears again in 2015. Heck they may start archery on Sep 1 again.
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on February 08, 2012, 08:10:27 AM
The next "phase" is to give permits to what they take away....how many cougs do you see spotlighting ?
Special tags for special seasons
or
Maybe a "spotlighting" permit?
I'm with Carp on this one....I spotlight a fair amount of coyotes as they get pretty brazen around livestock at night.
Post by: NoBark on February 08, 2012, 08:15:19 AM
2015 is not part of this 3 year season setting process.
I know. I was pointing out that if they game comissiom was actually using the day after labor day as the start of elk, that it would go back to the 8th in 2015. Read the quote's.
I understand you completely. I was only pointing out that this package speaks to 2012, 2013, and 2014 only. They could change gears again in 2015. Heck they may start archery on Sep 1 again.
That is very true, but the point was, it's a calendar thing and not a plot to kill off archery hunting. I hope they do change it in the mext three year term, but as of now expect it to be the 8th in 2015
Post by: bearpaw on February 08, 2012, 08:22:51 AM
Cougar seasons changed quite a bit. September 1 - March 31 for most every unit with any legal weapon. Each unit has a "harvest guideline." It doesn't specifically say they will close seasons after harvest guidelines are achieved but the guidelines are at least established. Interesting...
Big thanks to everybody who worked towards getting this season back where it needs to be. :IBCOOL:
It's not quite where it needs to be...we need hounds back in the mix.
I agree, but that is a separate issue that needs to be addressed through the legislature and not through the WDFW. For boot hunters this is a huge leap compared to last years shortened weapon specific seasons.
Cougar Hunting
Another preposterous proposal is the new Harvest Guidelines. In Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Orielle counties we used to have about 120 cougar permits annually until hound hunting was closed in 1996 and we had a thriving cougar population. Now the WDFW is suggesting a harvest quota of about 1/3 those numbers, this is preposterous.
I also agree that the harvest guidelines fell a little short of expectations, but not as far as you are suggesting. Remember this is for boot hunters only. Hound hunting needs to be brought back but that is a separate issue that needs to be addressed in a different manner. Boot hunters can never be expected to make up for the harvest levels of hound hunters. That's just not a reasonable expectation. For the N.E. it appears that GMU 105 is the only one that fell significantly below harvest numbers.
GMU 2010 COMBINED HARVEST TOTAL PROPOSED QUOTA
101 8 7-9
105 9 2
108 4 5-6
111 5 5-6
113 4 4-6
117 5 6-8
121 5 5-6
124 4 7-9
130 1 7-9
133 2 NO QUOTA
204 1 6-8
You are correct, we will have to change the law to get back additional hound hunting.
But in the meantime, why do we need these quota's. We have cougar showing up all over the place this winter due to so little hunting pressure. These numbers are all below what they should be in every GMU in NE WA. We have taken away almost all antlerless deer hunting and limited buck hunting in NE WA to try and help our deer herds.
Meanwhile wolves are moving into every GMU (photos are posted in the wolf board to prove this) and the WDFW refuses to manage cougar, bear, or coyotes. This is irresponsible management..... :bash: :bash: :bash:
Post by: ThePascoKid on February 08, 2012, 08:43:12 AM
Post by: dreamingbig on February 08, 2012, 08:53:31 AM
That is very true, but the point was, it's a calendar thing and not a plot to kill off archery hunting. I hope they do change it in the mext three year term, but as of now expect it to be the 8th in 2015
I can't bring myself to trust them after everything else they have taken away. Don't be surprised when it is different in 2015. They ignored the voices of the WSAA and the WSB this year and chose not to adopt the 8-20th. No reasoning behind it other than they don't want too.
Post by: NWWABOWHNTR on February 09, 2012, 08:00:14 AM
Here is an excerpt of the letter and email sent by the Archery Coalition to Mr. Dave Ware and Jerry Nelson...
I am submitting this email to follow up on the letter from the Archery Coalition of Washington, as you are aware we are made up of board members from the WSAA, WSB and the TBW. We have several issues we would like the Department to consider for improving the Bowhunters opportunities within our State.
1. Change the early elk season back to 8-21 Sept vice the starting date of the 1st
Tuesday after Labor Day, and add our 1 day back that was taken away in 2009.
2. Add more bowhunter opportunity in the late deer season within the 200 GMU’s, to
alleviate over crowding within the Swakane GMU, preferably ALTA GMU 242.
3. Add a late Archery elk hunt in the Quilomene for antlerless/spike.
4. Change the early archery elk hunt in the Bumping GMU 356 from spike only to antlerless
and spike, as calf recruitment is back at department goals.
Post by: pianoman9701 on February 09, 2012, 09:21:11 AM
Dear Sirs/Madams,
With reference to:
WAC 232-12-063 Hunting at night--Regulations--Penalties
"...(c) Firearms are restricted to .22 caliber rifles and
handguns, and shotguns are restricted to no. 6 shot or smaller. Hunting with bow and arrow is allowed..."
This restriction basically says that law abiding citizens who are legally hunting game at night will be put at a disadvantage by being forced to use lower caliber firearms so it's easier for law enforcement to identify criminals. This is a bad proposal and should be scrapped. The reasoning for this has no basis in reality.
A poacher basically must be caught in the act of shooting an animal (or decoy) to be successfully prosecuted. Because it's not illegal to possess any caliber of loaded weapon at any time while in the woods, a law breaker must be caught doing the illegal deed. This makes it unnecessary to restrict the rest of us law-abiding citizens from being able to use a larger caliber firearm for legally hunting animals at night.
Please eliminate this restriction from the proposed game laws. Penalizing the legal hunters to make it easier to bust poachers makes no sense, especially when it really doesn't make it any easier to prosecute them.
Thanks for your attention to my request and comments.
Most Sincerely,
John W
Post by: NWWABOWHNTR on February 09, 2012, 10:13:21 AM
Post by: dreamingbig on February 09, 2012, 10:42:37 AM
Written comments may be e-mailed to wildthing@dfw.wa.gov
Phil Anderson: director@dfw.wa.gov
Dave Ware: david.ware@dfw.wa.gov
The commission's email: commission@dfw.wa.gov
Lets get those comments sent in!
Post by: dreamingbig on February 09, 2012, 11:43:07 AM
Post by: Bob33 on February 09, 2012, 12:13:20 PM
Here are some of the email addresses to send them too:David.Ware@dfw.wa.gov is the correct email.
Written comments may be e-mailed to wildthing@dfw.wa.gov
Phil Anderson: director@dfw.wa.gov
Dave Ware: waredaw@dfw.wa.gov
The commission's email: commission@dfw.wa.gov
Lets get those comments sent in!
Thanks.
Post by: Machias on February 09, 2012, 01:59:32 PM
Lori Preuss, WSBA #33045
WDFW Criminal Justice Liaison &
Administrative Regulations Coordinator
Lori.preuss@dfw.wa.gov
360.902.2930
Fax 360.902.2155
Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2012 1:38 PM
To: Preuss, Lori (DFW)
Subject: Night Hunting Changes
Afternoon Mrs. Preuss,
I saw your signature and name on the hunting proposals paperwork, so I am hoping you can give me an idea on the thinking behind the night hunting proposals. Specifically the shot size #6 and smaller requirement. Could you shed some light on the reasoning behind this restriction? If this stands basically you will eliminate shotguns for use on coyotes at night as #6 shot and smaller is completely unethical to use on coyotes, daytime or nighttime. Also, am I reading the proposal correctly, .22 weapons means .222, .223 and .22-250s are legal, but .17, .204, .243 and .257s would be illegal? Can you also shed the thoughts on that reasoning? Thanks!!
Fred
Post by: Kain on February 10, 2012, 12:55:44 PM
Post by: elkslayer069 on February 17, 2012, 10:53:01 PM
Nobody complaining about the extra day added for the rifle west side elk hunt ? :chuckle:
It looks the same to me. :dunno:
(11 days)
Hey bobcat i dont know where you learned to count but they added an extra day Nov. 3-14 making it 12.
3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 count them i think you'll find 12 :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: bobcat on February 17, 2012, 11:39:15 PM
Nobody complaining about the extra day added for the rifle west side elk hunt ? :chuckle:
It looks the same to me. :dunno:
(11 days)
Hey bobcat i dont know where you learned to count but they added an extra day Nov. 3-14 making it 12.
3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 count them i think you'll find 12 :chuckle: :chuckle:
Yeah looks like you're right, there is an extra day, don't know what I was thinking. :sry:
Post by: elkslayer069 on February 18, 2012, 12:40:56 AM