Game Management Ad. meeting notes- WDFW

[idahohuntr]

There was a GMAC (Game Management Advisory Council) meeting this past weekend.  Several topics were covered, including some that may interest H-W members (**These are my personal, unofficial notes of the meeting**):

1. A presentation was provided on implementation of Washington's wolf management plan.  WDFW staff discussed several aspects of the plan and discussed recovery goals and the recent removal of the wedge pack in NE WA.  WDFW staff expressed concern that while WDFW (and the Governor's office/Legislators) received significant numbers of messages (12,000 emails in a 48 hr period) harshly criticizing them for using lethal removal, hunters and hunter supported conservation groups were nearly silent.  WDFW urged hunters and conservationists to express support for WDFW wolf management efforts.

2. There was a presentation on point systems and allocation of NR tags in other western states.  It was noted that WA does not cap the number of tags available to non-residents (many states limit them to no more than 10%).  However, WDFW staff had data on the number of NR tags and hunt applications received and it was minimal (something like 2% or less) of the total indicating there is little NR demand in WA. 

There was some discussion by GMAC members wanting to modify the current point system so that a proportion of tags (~40%) were set aside for people with max points.  Much discussion took place on this topic and my perception was that it is unlikely recommendations for a changed point system will be made by the GMAC.

3. There was discussion of a proposal to provide increased hunt opportunity for first time hunters to help with recruitment of hunters.  Folks were careful to note that this was not a youth only hunt (which already exist), but a chance for any first time hunter to have extra opportunity when paired with a mentor.  A couple of ideas floated included an August opener for deer for first time hunters, and allowing "any buck" in areas with 3 point restrictions.

4. Members were provided an overview of ADA hunter access program.  This program provides opportunity for people with disabilities.  The program manager noted that harvest success is relatively low for this group; however, it would be good to keep ADA groups in mind and think of potential opportunities for them. 

5. Topics for future meetings were discussed and included:
Hunter access programs, black bear management, moose/sheep/goat management, baiting of deer and elk, Game Management Division funding, and several others.

If folks have any thoughts on the above topics or other issues they would like addressed at these meetings let me know.

 

[bobcat]

Thanks so much for taking the time to do this!

So, with the deer/elk baiting, I see this as something they're probably going to want to restrict or totally ban in the future? Is that correct?

This "first time hunter" opportunity.... how would they determine who is a first time hunter? My wife for example, she took hunter's ed several years ago, bought a license and deer tag, hunted one day with me, when she was 6 months pregnant. So I still would consider her a first time hunter, but would the DFW?

I'd like to get her more interested in hunting but it's tough during the regular seasons.

Thanks again for keeping all of us in the loop!

[denali]

Thanks idahohuntr, I like the idea of #3 as well, any thing we can do to encourage new people to hunt and fish is a good thing IMHO.  but of course the devil is in the details as bobcat pointed out.

[Special T]

THANK YOU for writing this up!  This is the basic kind of info that is not generated to the public. I'm glad you are taking this basic step  in helping educate you fellow hunters as to what is going on...

[CementFinisher]

thanks for posting

[washelkhunter]

Was this committees meeting widely known?

[aer212]

In response to #1, I honestly think the reason most hunters don't contact the wdfw about problems is we are busy providing a living for our families(working) while the liberal tree huggers, that are government freeloaders with nothing to do, have plenty of time to write the wdfw about wolves specifically. Top that off with the fact that our voice isn't heard anyway(outnumbered by the liberals) and it seems like an exercise in futility.

[washelkhunter]

You would think that since we pay for the licenses taxes and fees that our voice would already have been heard and clearly understood. Youd think they would formally approach a site such as this and ask for opinions on pertinent topics.

[csaaphill]

I appreciate this as well. As for what was said about a living and all is true, but for me it's too far to go to Spokane, and or Olypmpia. I wrote someone in the Spokane office and voiced my issues with that a while back. All I got was thanks, and will keep that in mind. I wrote a email a week or os ago on my own concerns and opinions and have not heard back yet. Not complaining mind ya, for I know their busy. For me though traveling to Spokane or Olympia is not very realistic.

[Bob33]

Thanks for the notes.

Three percent of Washington's population hunts, and 97% does not. The 3% that do hunt often do not agree (just read this forum) on various topics. The voice of hunters is small and fractured.

[csaaphill]

 
yep that's why the Anti's have the edge. For the most part we can't even agree on hunting itself let alone fragment issues.

[huntnphool]

There was some discussion by GMAC members wanting to modify the current point system so that a proportion of tags (~40%) were set aside for people with max points.  Much discussion took place on this topic and my perception was that it is unlikely recommendations for a changed point system will be made by the GMAC.

If folks have any thoughts on the above topics or other issues they would like addressed at these meetings let me know.

Terrible idea!

[popeshawnpaul]

You would think that since we pay for the licenses taxes and fees that our voice would already have been heard and clearly understood. Youd think they would formally approach a site such as this and ask for opinions on pertinent topics.

This was not a generally open meeting.  Only GMAC members essentially participate.  There are plenty of Commission meetings and places for hunters and the general public to input the WDFW about these issues.  If you are a member of an organization that holds a seat on the GMAC, it might be appropriate for you to contact your representative on any of these matters.

[grundy53]

There was some discussion by GMAC members wanting to modify the current point system so that a proportion of tags (~40%) were set aside for people with max points.  Much discussion took place on this topic and my perception was that it is unlikely recommendations for a changed point system will be made by the GMAC.

If folks have any thoughts on the above topics or other issues they would like addressed at these meetings let me know.

Terrible idea!

[Curly]

There was some discussion by GMAC members wanting to modify the current point system so that a proportion of tags (~40%) were set aside for people with max points.  Much discussion took place on this topic and my perception was that it is unlikely recommendations for a changed point system will be made by the GMAC.

If folks have any thoughts on the above topics or other issues they would like addressed at these meetings let me know.

Terrible idea!