I'm almost 100% sure that Barbara Baker's comments about cougar hunters has to due with the Blues Elk.
Here in NE WA ,she really has no right to say anything about predator hunting.
I've been asking the commission for 5+ years to renistate the 4pt min for whitetail deer. Yet they won't do it.
Now that the predator/prey study shows that wolves and cougar ,winter diet is whitetail.
Fawn mortality is inconclusive with unknown factors being the highest factor ,is pretty inconclusive.
And radio collars showing most ungulate hole up on private land durring the season.
With all said.
Why wouldn't I hunt predators?
4pt min allows more movement from ungulates durring the hunting season,allowing more females to be impregnated.
With more ungulate roaming public land ,keeps predators out of livestock and killing pets and generally out of trouble or becoming a safety hazard.
I'VE EXPLAINED THIS TO THEM BEFORE THE STUDY.
They have left hunters no choice,at least here in stevens county. I will harvest every predator that I hold a tag or licence for that has an open season.
Now I have waited over 5 years for there study to be completed. The results show what I could of told you 5 years ago.
Until I see some changes that I've requested,I'll continue to do what I can inside of all regulations and state law.
So yes I'm killing cougar,bears,coyotes, cause the commission has disregarded all of my suggestions that would help ungulate and predator alike.
Just to add ....
The study shows moose being a main wolf diet.
Hope you all draw in the next few years ,cause I guarantee there will be reduced moose permit in the future.
Cause the study shows moose is main food for wolves.
Answer Barbara question is yes we do.
Cause by the time the commission acts ,there won't be any elk left.