Master hunter enrollment suspended!

[pianoman9701]

Apparently they don't need any more volunteer hours than can be filled by their current crop of MH's when they complete hours for renewal.  This has created a special class, unless they open it again and soon.  Any year that there is a suspension in new enrollment, for any period of time, there shouldn't be any MH tags available.

The problem is administrating the program for the number of people enrolled. They've reached the maximum number they can handle with the DFW man hours allotted.

[Bob33]

I expect this suspension, like previous ones, will be temporary. Penalizing those currently in the program is not the right answer.

[Simcoe hunter]

They can't administer the program due to the MH's allotted?  Sounds like the state got in over it's head.  Somehow that doesn't surprise me.

[pianoman9701]

They can't administer the program due to the MH's allotted?  Sounds like the state got in over it's head.  Somehow that doesn't surprise me.

No. They stopped enrollment before they get in over their heads. They'll open it back up when there are some open slots available.

[Simcoe hunter]

So any time there aren't open slots there shouldn't be a MH drawing that year either.

[pianoman9701]

So any time there aren't open slots there shouldn't be a MH drawing that year either.

Correct, it's a limited enrollment.

[Dip-Zag]

"So any time there aren't open slots there shouldn't be a MH drawing that year either."

I agree with Simcoe - No MH slots = no MH drawings. That is the only equitable solution.

[pianoman9701]

"So any time there aren't open slots there shouldn't be a MH drawing that year either."

I agree with Simcoe - No MH slots = no MH drawings. That is the only equitable solution.

The existing 2,000 Master Hunters still have to perform yearly conservation volunteering - at least 16,000 free hours improving habitat. These people who are currently enrolled and actively helping conservation in this state shouldn't get their tags? Sorry, it doesn't work that way. You don't penalize the volunteers because the program's been so successful that it's full.

I'm sorry you didn't get the chance to sign up this year, Dip. But, your solution to penalize the volunteers isn't equitable.

[Dip-Zag]

You're statement is not accurate. You don't have to record volunteer hours every year to qualify as a "Master Hunter."  You only have to fill a volunteer hours quota every 5 years. Further, We all volunteer, not just MHs. So it's truly is not equitable allow the privilege to these additional tags and cap enrollment . I understand that you are an MH, vested with these privileges and, therefore, we will agree to disagree.  Fundamentally, I'm positive you know this is unfair.

[Simcoe hunter]

If part of the reason, as someone tried to excuse it off as, for the cap is that they can't manage all the MH's they already have then they all get a pass on the hours for this year.  Or for that matter, clear until they can effectively manage the program again so that enrollment isn't suspended.  But if there is no enrollment there shouldn't be tags either.  All the tags can go in the general draw pool so everyone has an opportunity at them, both MH's and gen pop.  That way the harvest that the state wants happens and everyone gets a chance at them.  Then when the state can affect overly manage the program again, if ever, and opens the MH program for enrollment to the public it could have MH tags again. 

[coachcw]

I'm sure that there's some master hunters that are great hunters . but the mh program is a joke ! they should have to qualifiy as a true master not a trash picker ! Don't get me wrong I believe in stewertship of the land but that program should be dumped .

[Bob33]

Further, We all volunteer, not just MHs. So it's truly is not equitable allow the privilege to these additional tags and cap enrollment .

Your point might have merit if the permits were available as a reward simply for volunteer hours. There is more to becoming a Master Hunter than volunteer hours.

Those who are in the program have the same requirements now as they did before the temporary enrollment freeze, and therefore should not be treated any differently.

If you really believe the permits are that valuable then become a Master Hunter when enrollment reopens.

[jaymark6655]

The mistake is thinking those tags would ever go into the general draw or any kind of draw available to everyone.  If they don't go to the master hunter, then the state would more than likely hire professional hunters for the control hunts just like other states do.

Do you really want your tax dollars going to pay someone to hunt these hunts?

[pianoman9701]

You're statement is not accurate. You don't have to record volunteer hours every year to qualify as a "Master Hunter."  You only have to fill a volunteer hours quota every 5 years. Further, We all volunteer, not just MHs. So it's truly is not equitable allow the privilege to these additional tags and cap enrollment . I understand that you are an MH, vested with these privileges and, therefore, we will agree to disagree.  Fundamentally, I'm positive you know this is unfair.

Not everyone volunteers, so that's just not true. I'm sorry you're not in the program, but since this is the first year that I recall enrollment being suspended, what has kept you back from performing the work to do it in the past?

This is an old broken record. People who've not been willing to put in the time to do the course moaning about the tags and how unfair it is. Sorry, but I did the work and got my MH certification, and it wasn't easy. These hunts are only the icing on the cake and many of them produce nothing for the hunter - no call to go, no elk at the farmer's farm. Unless you're a brand new resident within the last year, you've had the opportunity to participate and, for whatever reason, chose not to. Your problem. Stop trying to belittle my efforts and take away my opportunities because you didn't do the work.

[cem3434]

I think some of you guys are missing the point.  I understand that WDFW thinks there is no need for additional MH's right now because they are figuring out a way to manage the program.  With that being said, I dont understand how you cant see it as a "special class" of hunters until they re-open enrollment.

I understand that many of you have done the work and put in the time to become a MH.  The problem is, when WDFW decided to suspend the program they don't afford all other hunters the same oppurtunity to become a MH, thus making a special class of hunters.  Legally, they may get theirselves in a bind if someone really wanted to push the issue because this goes against everything our liberal government preaches and they are discriminating against individuals who havent completed the course.

I am opposed to cutting off the tags to MH's, but I think that WDFW needs to get there sh%t together and open the program back up.  Good luck to all the MH's and maybe someday I will be there too!