collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: Turkey season shut down chances.  (Read 66728 times)

Offline Pegasus

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2017
  • Posts: 2038
  • Location: King County
Re: Turkey season shut down chances.
« Reply #435 on: April 15, 2020, 12:05:23 PM »
I am hearing that fall hunting seasons will be closed unless you draw a permit. That way the WDFW gets to keep all of the money spent getting licenses and permit application fees. With the small amount of individuals being drawn for permits they will be separated by miles instead of the normal pumpkin patch openers for the regular seasons where it is expected that hunters will be closer than six feet...   ;)
« Last Edit: April 15, 2020, 01:15:43 PM by Pegasus »

Offline Bango skank

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+9)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: May 2014
  • Posts: 5880
  • Location: colville
Re: Turkey season shut down chances.
« Reply #436 on: April 15, 2020, 12:08:48 PM »
I think youre hearing baseless gossip.  Sure hope im not wrong on that anyway.  Would sure suck if i was.

Offline buckfvr

  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (+7)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 4508
  • Location: UNGULATE FREE ZONE UNIT 121
Re: Turkey season shut down chances.
« Reply #437 on: April 15, 2020, 12:34:34 PM »
Nah, be just like it is now, if you close it to anyone, you must close it to everyone. Precedence has been set.

Offline Stein

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+11)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Sep 2013
  • Posts: 12521
  • Location: Arlington
Re: Turkey season shut down chances.
« Reply #438 on: April 15, 2020, 12:38:05 PM »
Nah, be just like it is now, if you close it to anyone, you must close it to everyone. Precedence has been set.

I'm sure it's gossip, but they could close the general season and leave the special permits up.  The general would be closed for everyone and the special would be open for anyone to apply.  There are some units that have no general and that's fine - this would just extend that state wide.

I don't see that happening though.  WDFW will keep everything up and just address it as/if the Gov's order gets extended.

Offline Russ McDonald

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2011
  • Posts: 8028
  • Location: Enumclaw
  • USN ET3 SW 87-92, USS Excel MSO 439
  • Groups: NWTF, NRA
Re: Turkey season shut down chances.
« Reply #439 on: April 15, 2020, 03:00:31 PM »
I am hearing that fall hunting seasons will be closed unless you draw a permit. That way the WDFW gets to keep all of the money spent getting licenses and permit application fees. With the small amount of individuals being drawn for permits they will be separated by miles instead of the normal pumpkin patch openers for the regular seasons where it is expected that hunters will be closer than six feet...   ;)
Not even anything close to that mentioned in the meeting yesterday. 

I can tell you that my gut feeling is turkey season will not open this spring.   I am hoping that I am wrong. Problem is state public lands are still closed. This is what was said last night that they can't open everthing like a flip of the switch.  Itnwould be a slow roll out because a lot of areas have not been maintained while they have been shutdown and locked up.  Example would be they aren't  going to evaluate until the 4th.  They will wait for the stay at home order to be relaxed.  If that were to happen then they will coordinate to see if thise local communities want the influx of hunters.  Open up the lands.  So season would nit open till probably around the 11th or later.  This all is going to hinge on this Stay at Home order.  If it gets extended so will the closure.  I want to bring people kut turkey hunting just as bad as everyone else.  Maybe if chase an eastern on this side. 

Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk

Russell McDonald
President South Sound NWTF Chapter and WA state board NWTF
The opinions expressed in my posts do not represent those of the forum.

Offline Bango skank

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+9)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: May 2014
  • Posts: 5880
  • Location: colville
Re: Turkey season shut down chances.
« Reply #440 on: April 15, 2020, 03:05:55 PM »
State lands being closed shouldnt stop turkey hunters if the season was opened.  Tons of private, usfs, and industrial timberland full of turkeys that is still open for guys to hunt on.  The problem imo is that the sate would have a hard time justifying maintaining the closure of state lands if they opened hunting back up.
« Last Edit: April 15, 2020, 03:54:08 PM by Bango skank »

Offline Russ McDonald

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2011
  • Posts: 8028
  • Location: Enumclaw
  • USN ET3 SW 87-92, USS Excel MSO 439
  • Groups: NWTF, NRA
Re: Turkey season shut down chances.
« Reply #441 on: April 15, 2020, 03:26:19 PM »
State lands being closed shouldnt stop turkey hunters if the season was opened.  Tons of private, usfs, and industrial timberland full of turkeys that is still open for guys to hunt on.  The problem imo is that the sate would have s hard time maintaining the closure of state lands if they opened hunting back up.
Yes exactly should have said it that way about the state land closure.

Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk

Russell McDonald
President South Sound NWTF Chapter and WA state board NWTF
The opinions expressed in my posts do not represent those of the forum.

Offline Russ McDonald

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2011
  • Posts: 8028
  • Location: Enumclaw
  • USN ET3 SW 87-92, USS Excel MSO 439
  • Groups: NWTF, NRA
Re: Turkey season shut down chances.
« Reply #442 on: April 15, 2020, 06:52:25 PM »
So the following is our staemwnt from our notes from our meeting with WDFW yesterday.  It is a long read but I hope that there is good information there.

WDFW Outdoor Recreation Leaders Videoconference on Coronavirus Closures and Re-Opening Recreational Opportunity
The video conference was attended by about 42 persons including 9 WDFW staff, 1 Commissioner, 1 Governor Natural Resource Policy Advisor, and outdoor user representatives as follows - 14 recreational fishing, fish charters/guides, 7 hunting groups and 10 recreational user groups.
The meeting was set up recognizing that WDFW had been faced with the need to make decisions quickly, and that they had not been able to get input from constituents.
The rational for decisions was based first on protecting public health and safety with the Governor’s orders taking precedence.  Providing recreational opportunity was the second consideration.
How’d we get to closures.  Started off with the scheduled coastal razor clam digs. WDFW originally saw no reason to close.  However, Pacific Co. DOH issued a closure order to stop the razor clam dig in their area due to Covid19 concerns with amount of people travelling to the beaches and fears that local supplies would be overused.  Once that went into effect, WDFW felt if wasn’t fair to impact other areas and implemented a total closure.  WDFW also followed the governor’s orders of Stay at Home.  Even without a dig, a huge amount of people were at the beaches. These people cleaned out the store supplies of items that the did have available in their areas, as feared.
Fishing closure were originally going to be aimed at high concentration fisheries, but as Covid 19 issues changed, the Governor’s office defined essential activities and equity for all became an issue, fishing was cancelled.  The Governor’s order also does not consider monitor activities essential and this is needed to keep fisheries with ESA concerns open, forcing closure.
Hunting closures looked at the fact that, in most cases, 70-90% of hunters would need to travel to  limited areas, thus placing large numbers in small communities, again taxing local resources and violating the Stay at Home order.  The same rational was applied to state land usage.  Rather that just allow local participation, WDFW opted for closures to ensure equal treatment.
WDFW  didn’t want rural areas bombarded with hunters and fishers, and the effort required to enforce locals only regulations represented an unacceptable risk in terms of contacts and enforceability. We asked how they will enforce going forward and were told that officers will be out doing their job as usual.  There were quite a few comments about poor communications from the department on closures and a feeling that there is no consistency.  Examples: WDFW has said there is a closure for spring turkey season, but the emergency regulation required to implement the closure is not listed.  In compliance with Stay at Home order people are not able to fish, but people can go out boating.
The goal is to get users back out, but it will have to be done in compliance with guidance from the Governor and local health authorities. It may have to be phased in, lands/facilities may need prepped and agency coordination is needed, etc.  The main goal is to not trigger a 2nd wave of virus issues.
We broke out into Fishing, Hunting and Lands groups respectively. There was discussion of an extension of turkey season if it was opened in May.  Discussion was that an extension should consider hunt quality, nesting/poult disturbance, and safety.  NWTF’s position was two fold: 1st   - Although birds would be there, much of Spring season revolves around toms being conducive to calling. We all know that this urge wanes as season goes on, so we questioned actual quality of activity if season went into June.      2nd - We would be towards the end of nesting and likely chasing hens off of nests and disturbing poults on the ground.  The allure would not be there.  A suggestion was made if we do extend it to only do it into the first week of June only.   They also discussed having 2 youth only days as we open back up.  Not a bad idea but my thought is that it could be a hard hunt with limited chance of success.  If there was a youth season a suggestion was to make it during the middle of the week because they aren’t in school right now.  WDFW said that if they were to open, it could be a slow roll out, working with rural communities and local health departments.  It was suggested in the break out to do an area opening location by location.  This may not address the need to promote dispersed recreation and public lands would need to be opened back up. Discussion on if the season does not happen what can be done to help hunting in the fall.  The turkey population could to be a lot higher and we would like to work more closely with nuisance specialist to get new hunters, youth or disabled out on damage properties for an opportunity and hunting of those turkeys vs issuing kill permits.
Our honest impression after meeting was that getting a spring turkey season is mostly likely not going to happen.  We think WDFW would like to allow hunters out if impacts can be mitigated.  That would rely on us all to do the right thing.  The bigger factor is the Governor’s Stay at Home order and essential activities designations.  Being a state agency, WDFW is obligated to comply, no matter how much we want them to ignore those edicts.  Changing the Governor’s mind is likely our best and only avenue.  Fingers crossed for early May.  I don‘t know anyone who does not want to be out there, the two of us included.  Try to voice your opinion to the Department and Governor in a civil manner, even though it may be hard.  We’re closed because of a virus, it is affecting all we do. Good or bad, don’t accept a few irresponsible users messing up chance of a possible opening or stealing the resource.
Russell McDonald          Richard Mann


Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk

Russell McDonald
President South Sound NWTF Chapter and WA state board NWTF
The opinions expressed in my posts do not represent those of the forum.

Offline jackelope

  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+27)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 49015
  • Location: Duvall, WA
  • Groups: jackelope
Re: Turkey season shut down chances.
« Reply #443 on: April 15, 2020, 07:02:54 PM »
So the following is our staemwnt from our notes from our meeting with WDFW yesterday.  It is a long read but I hope that there is good information there.

WDFW Outdoor Recreation Leaders Videoconference on Coronavirus Closures and Re-Opening Recreational Opportunity
The video conference was attended by about 42 persons including 9 WDFW staff, 1 Commissioner, 1 Governor Natural Resource Policy Advisor, and outdoor user representatives as follows - 14 recreational fishing, fish charters/guides, 7 hunting groups and 10 recreational user groups.
The meeting was set up recognizing that WDFW had been faced with the need to make decisions quickly, and that they had not been able to get input from constituents.
The rational for decisions was based first on protecting public health and safety with the Governor’s orders taking precedence.  Providing recreational opportunity was the second consideration.
How’d we get to closures.  Started off with the scheduled coastal razor clam digs. WDFW originally saw no reason to close.  However, Pacific Co. DOH issued a closure order to stop the razor clam dig in their area due to Covid19 concerns with amount of people travelling to the beaches and fears that local supplies would be overused.  Once that went into effect, WDFW felt if wasn’t fair to impact other areas and implemented a total closure.  WDFW also followed the governor’s orders of Stay at Home.  Even without a dig, a huge amount of people were at the beaches. These people cleaned out the store supplies of items that the did have available in their areas, as feared.
Fishing closure were originally going to be aimed at high concentration fisheries, but as Covid 19 issues changed, the Governor’s office defined essential activities and equity for all became an issue, fishing was cancelled.  The Governor’s order also does not consider monitor activities essential and this is needed to keep fisheries with ESA concerns open, forcing closure.
Hunting closures looked at the fact that, in most cases, 70-90% of hunters would need to travel to  limited areas, thus placing large numbers in small communities, again taxing local resources and violating the Stay at Home order.  The same rational was applied to state land usage.  Rather that just allow local participation, WDFW opted for closures to ensure equal treatment.
WDFW  didn’t want rural areas bombarded with hunters and fishers, and the effort required to enforce locals only regulations represented an unacceptable risk in terms of contacts and enforceability. We asked how they will enforce going forward and were told that officers will be out doing their job as usual.  There were quite a few comments about poor communications from the department on closures and a feeling that there is no consistency.  Examples: WDFW has said there is a closure for spring turkey season, but the emergency regulation required to implement the closure is not listed.  In compliance with Stay at Home order people are not able to fish, but people can go out boating.
The goal is to get users back out, but it will have to be done in compliance with guidance from the Governor and local health authorities. It may have to be phased in, lands/facilities may need prepped and agency coordination is needed, etc.  The main goal is to not trigger a 2nd wave of virus issues.
We broke out into Fishing, Hunting and Lands groups respectively. There was discussion of an extension of turkey season if it was opened in May.  Discussion was that an extension should consider hunt quality, nesting/poult disturbance, and safety.  NWTF’s position was two fold: 1st   - Although birds would be there, much of Spring season revolves around toms being conducive to calling. We all know that this urge wanes as season goes on, so we questioned actual quality of activity if season went into June.      2nd - We would be towards the end of nesting and likely chasing hens off of nests and disturbing poults on the ground.  The allure would not be there.  A suggestion was made if we do extend it to only do it into the first week of June only.   They also discussed having 2 youth only days as we open back up.  Not a bad idea but my thought is that it could be a hard hunt with limited chance of success.  If there was a youth season a suggestion was to make it during the middle of the week because they aren’t in school right now.  WDFW said that if they were to open, it could be a slow roll out, working with rural communities and local health departments.  It was suggested in the break out to do an area opening location by location.  This may not address the need to promote dispersed recreation and public lands would need to be opened back up. Discussion on if the season does not happen what can be done to help hunting in the fall.  The turkey population could to be a lot higher and we would like to work more closely with nuisance specialist to get new hunters, youth or disabled out on damage properties for an opportunity and hunting of those turkeys vs issuing kill permits.
Our honest impression after meeting was that getting a spring turkey season is mostly likely not going to happen.  We think WDFW would like to allow hunters out if impacts can be mitigated.  That would rely on us all to do the right thing.  The bigger factor is the Governor’s Stay at Home order and essential activities designations.  Being a state agency, WDFW is obligated to comply, no matter how much we want them to ignore those edicts.  Changing the Governor’s mind is likely our best and only avenue.  Fingers crossed for early May.  I don‘t know anyone who does not want to be out there, the two of us included.  Try to voice your opinion to the Department and Governor in a civil manner, even though it may be hard.  We’re closed because of a virus, it is affecting all we do. Good or bad, don’t accept a few irresponsible users messing up chance of a possible opening or stealing the resource.
Russell McDonald          Richard Mann


Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk


Great post, Russ. Thanks for sharing.
:fire.:

" In today's instant gratification society, more and more pressure revolves around success and the measurement of one's prowess as a hunter by inches on a score chart or field photos produced on social media. Don't fall into the trap. Hunting is-and always will be- about the hunt, the adventure, the views, and time spent with close friends and family. " Ryan Hatfield

My posts, opinions and statements do not represent those of this forum

Offline Pinetar

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2010
  • Posts: 1620
Re: Turkey season shut down chances.
« Reply #444 on: April 15, 2020, 07:25:14 PM »
 :yeah: Thank you for the update.

Offline hunter399

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Feb 2014
  • Posts: 7662
  • Location: In Your Hunting Spot
  • If you know me,then you know I give zero #&$@$
  • Groups: NRA RMEF
Re: Turkey season shut down chances.
« Reply #445 on: April 15, 2020, 07:28:30 PM »
So the following is our staemwnt from our notes from our meeting with WDFW yesterday.  It is a long read but I hope that there is good information there.

WDFW Outdoor Recreation Leaders Videoconference on Coronavirus Closures and Re-Opening Recreational Opportunity
The video conference was attended by about 42 persons including 9 WDFW staff, 1 Commissioner, 1 Governor Natural Resource Policy Advisor, and outdoor user representatives as follows - 14 recreational fishing, fish charters/guides, 7 hunting groups and 10 recreational user groups.
The meeting was set up recognizing that WDFW had been faced with the need to make decisions quickly, and that they had not been able to get input from constituents.
The rational for decisions was based first on protecting public health and safety with the Governor’s orders taking precedence.  Providing recreational opportunity was the second consideration.
How’d we get to closures.  Started off with the scheduled coastal razor clam digs. WDFW originally saw no reason to close.  However, Pacific Co. DOH issued a closure order to stop the razor clam dig in their area due to Covid19 concerns with amount of people travelling to the beaches and fears that local supplies would be overused.  Once that went into effect, WDFW felt if wasn’t fair to impact other areas and implemented a total closure.  WDFW also followed the governor’s orders of Stay at Home.  Even without a dig, a huge amount of people were at the beaches. These people cleaned out the store supplies of items that the did have available in their areas, as feared.
Fishing closure were originally going to be aimed at high concentration fisheries, but as Covid 19 issues changed, the Governor’s office defined essential activities and equity for all became an issue, fishing was cancelled.  The Governor’s order also does not consider monitor activities essential and this is needed to keep fisheries with ESA concerns open, forcing closure.
Hunting closures looked at the fact that, in most cases, 70-90% of hunters would need to travel to  limited areas, thus placing large numbers in small communities, again taxing local resources and violating the Stay at Home order.  The same rational was applied to state land usage.  Rather that just allow local participation, WDFW opted for closures to ensure equal treatment.
WDFW  didn’t want rural areas bombarded with hunters and fishers, and the effort required to enforce locals only regulations represented an unacceptable risk in terms of contacts and enforceability. We asked how they will enforce going forward and were told that officers will be out doing their job as usual.  There were quite a few comments about poor communications from the department on closures and a feeling that there is no consistency.  Examples: WDFW has said there is a closure for spring turkey season, but the emergency regulation required to implement the closure is not listed.  In compliance with Stay at Home order people are not able to fish, but people can go out boating.
The goal is to get users back out, but it will have to be done in compliance with guidance from the Governor and local health authorities. It may have to be phased in, lands/facilities may need prepped and agency coordination is needed, etc.  The main goal is to not trigger a 2nd wave of virus issues.
We broke out into Fishing, Hunting and Lands groups respectively. There was discussion of an extension of turkey season if it was opened in May.  Discussion was that an extension should consider hunt quality, nesting/poult disturbance, and safety.  NWTF’s position was two fold: 1st   - Although birds would be there, much of Spring season revolves around toms being conducive to calling. We all know that this urge wanes as season goes on, so we questioned actual quality of activity if season went into June.      2nd - We would be towards the end of nesting and likely chasing hens off of nests and disturbing poults on the ground.  The allure would not be there.  A suggestion was made if we do extend it to only do it into the first week of June only.   They also discussed having 2 youth only days as we open back up.  Not a bad idea but my thought is that it could be a hard hunt with limited chance of success.  If there was a youth season a suggestion was to make it during the middle of the week because they aren’t in school right now.  WDFW said that if they were to open, it could be a slow roll out, working with rural communities and local health departments.  It was suggested in the break out to do an area opening location by location.  This may not address the need to promote dispersed recreation and public lands would need to be opened back up. Discussion on if the season does not happen what can be done to help hunting in the fall.  The turkey population could to be a lot higher and we would like to work more closely with nuisance specialist to get new hunters, youth or disabled out on damage properties for an opportunity and hunting of those turkeys vs issuing kill permits.
Our honest impression after meeting was that getting a spring turkey season is mostly likely not going to happen.  We think WDFW would like to allow hunters out if impacts can be mitigated.  That would rely on us all to do the right thing.  The bigger factor is the Governor’s Stay at Home order and essential activities designations.  Being a state agency, WDFW is obligated to comply, no matter how much we want them to ignore those edicts.  Changing the Governor’s mind is likely our best and only avenue.  Fingers crossed for early May.  I don‘t know anyone who does not want to be out there, the two of us included.  Try to voice your opinion to the Department and Governor in a civil manner, even though it may be hard.  We’re closed because of a virus, it is affecting all we do. Good or bad, don’t accept a few irresponsible users messing up chance of a possible opening or stealing the resource.
Russell McDonald          Richard Mann


Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk


Great post, Russ. Thanks for sharing.
I Agree great post very informative.
It's kinda glass half full or half empty deal with WDFW .
I rather piss in the wind,then have piss down my back.

Offline Russ McDonald

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2011
  • Posts: 8028
  • Location: Enumclaw
  • USN ET3 SW 87-92, USS Excel MSO 439
  • Groups: NWTF, NRA
Re: Turkey season shut down chances.
« Reply #446 on: April 15, 2020, 07:35:16 PM »
So the following is our staemwnt from our notes from our meeting with WDFW yesterday.  It is a long read but I hope that there is good information there.

WDFW Outdoor Recreation Leaders Videoconference on Coronavirus Closures and Re-Opening Recreational Opportunity
The video conference was attended by about 42 persons including 9 WDFW staff, 1 Commissioner, 1 Governor Natural Resource Policy Advisor, and outdoor user representatives as follows - 14 recreational fishing, fish charters/guides, 7 hunting groups and 10 recreational user groups.
The meeting was set up recognizing that WDFW had been faced with the need to make decisions quickly, and that they had not been able to get input from constituents.
The rational for decisions was based first on protecting public health and safety with the Governor’s orders taking precedence.  Providing recreational opportunity was the second consideration.
How’d we get to closures.  Started off with the scheduled coastal razor clam digs. WDFW originally saw no reason to close.  However, Pacific Co. DOH issued a closure order to stop the razor clam dig in their area due to Covid19 concerns with amount of people travelling to the beaches and fears that local supplies would be overused.  Once that went into effect, WDFW felt if wasn’t fair to impact other areas and implemented a total closure.  WDFW also followed the governor’s orders of Stay at Home.  Even without a dig, a huge amount of people were at the beaches. These people cleaned out the store supplies of items that the did have available in their areas, as feared.
Fishing closure were originally going to be aimed at high concentration fisheries, but as Covid 19 issues changed, the Governor’s office defined essential activities and equity for all became an issue, fishing was cancelled.  The Governor’s order also does not consider monitor activities essential and this is needed to keep fisheries with ESA concerns open, forcing closure.
Hunting closures looked at the fact that, in most cases, 70-90% of hunters would need to travel to  limited areas, thus placing large numbers in small communities, again taxing local resources and violating the Stay at Home order.  The same rational was applied to state land usage.  Rather that just allow local participation, WDFW opted for closures to ensure equal treatment.
WDFW  didn’t want rural areas bombarded with hunters and fishers, and the effort required to enforce locals only regulations represented an unacceptable risk in terms of contacts and enforceability. We asked how they will enforce going forward and were told that officers will be out doing their job as usual.  There were quite a few comments about poor communications from the department on closures and a feeling that there is no consistency.  Examples: WDFW has said there is a closure for spring turkey season, but the emergency regulation required to implement the closure is not listed.  In compliance with Stay at Home order people are not able to fish, but people can go out boating.
The goal is to get users back out, but it will have to be done in compliance with guidance from the Governor and local health authorities. It may have to be phased in, lands/facilities may need prepped and agency coordination is needed, etc.  The main goal is to not trigger a 2nd wave of virus issues.
We broke out into Fishing, Hunting and Lands groups respectively. There was discussion of an extension of turkey season if it was opened in May.  Discussion was that an extension should consider hunt quality, nesting/poult disturbance, and safety.  NWTF’s position was two fold: 1st   - Although birds would be there, much of Spring season revolves around toms being conducive to calling. We all know that this urge wanes as season goes on, so we questioned actual quality of activity if season went into June.      2nd - We would be towards the end of nesting and likely chasing hens off of nests and disturbing poults on the ground.  The allure would not be there.  A suggestion was made if we do extend it to only do it into the first week of June only.   They also discussed having 2 youth only days as we open back up.  Not a bad idea but my thought is that it could be a hard hunt with limited chance of success.  If there was a youth season a suggestion was to make it during the middle of the week because they aren’t in school right now.  WDFW said that if they were to open, it could be a slow roll out, working with rural communities and local health departments.  It was suggested in the break out to do an area opening location by location.  This may not address the need to promote dispersed recreation and public lands would need to be opened back up. Discussion on if the season does not happen what can be done to help hunting in the fall.  The turkey population could to be a lot higher and we would like to work more closely with nuisance specialist to get new hunters, youth or disabled out on damage properties for an opportunity and hunting of those turkeys vs issuing kill permits.
Our honest impression after meeting was that getting a spring turkey season is mostly likely not going to happen.  We think WDFW would like to allow hunters out if impacts can be mitigated.  That would rely on us all to do the right thing.  The bigger factor is the Governor’s Stay at Home order and essential activities designations.  Being a state agency, WDFW is obligated to comply, no matter how much we want them to ignore those edicts.  Changing the Governor’s mind is likely our best and only avenue.  Fingers crossed for early May.  I don‘t know anyone who does not want to be out there, the two of us included.  Try to voice your opinion to the Department and Governor in a civil manner, even though it may be hard.  We’re closed because of a virus, it is affecting all we do. Good or bad, don’t accept a few irresponsible users messing up chance of a possible opening or stealing the resource.
Russell McDonald          Richard Mann


Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk


Great post, Russ. Thanks for sharing.
I Agree great post very informative.
It's kinda glass half full or half empty deal with WDFW .
Yeah i thought I was feeling good about a partial season but we came away not very confident.  That it will happen. 

Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk

Russell McDonald
President South Sound NWTF Chapter and WA state board NWTF
The opinions expressed in my posts do not represent those of the forum.

Offline Stein

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+11)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Sep 2013
  • Posts: 12521
  • Location: Arlington
Re: Turkey season shut down chances.
« Reply #447 on: April 15, 2020, 07:49:50 PM »
It's not a popular opinion around here, but WDFW is doing it right.  It's the rest of the gov't that is far behind.  Everything should be closed and then staged re-opening.

Offline tgomez

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2014
  • Posts: 1553
  • Location: SPOKANE , WA.
  • "IF IT BLEEDS, WE CAN KILL IT!"
  • Groups: Evergreen Archery Club, Spokane Rifle Club, NRA
Re: Turkey season shut down chances.
« Reply #448 on: April 15, 2020, 08:48:17 PM »
Same here.  I dont put in for goat or sheep, but id really like a moose tag.  Moose are really not doing so well, id like a tag while its still worth having.

Moose all over Mt. Spokane area.
☠🫀 ULTIMATE PREDATOR 🫀☠

Offline ctwiggs1

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+10)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 4178
Re: Turkey season shut down chances.
« Reply #449 on: April 15, 2020, 08:55:54 PM »
Going to be a hard sell for the gov in November elections when he has to explain to Seattle voters that hunting was opened up but their favorite nail salon wasn’t.

Bad news for us.

So much for science.

 


* Advertisement

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2024, SimplePortal