Advanced Hunters your thoughts on them.

[Lowedog]

Lowedog your right the MH program has alot of great guys in it that do alot of volunteer time and don't even participate in the MH hunts. You don't see many MH's going around bragging and sticking their chest out. It was a program developed by WDFW so if you choose not participate fine but don't chastise others for choosing to participate and hopefully become a more ethical, responsible hunter.

I am not chastising anyone.  Re-read my posts.  I only have a problem with taking opportunity away from all of us and turning it into a MH program. 

[CP]

I don’t think that the MH program takes opportunities away from anyone.  If anything it keeps hunting opportunities open that otherwise would be closed completely. 

Take the Skagit River elk hunt for example.  After the embarrassing public exposure of the general ML & archery seasons there it was sure to be closed.  Now it is still open to MH permit holders.  True you need to have the MH label to hunt it, but the program is open to anyone that can jump through all the hoops.

[high country]

my guess on the hunt going only to MH was that there was concern over the herd numbers and they still wanted a back door way to control the wandering orchard wreckers. I have no inside in it, just a guess.

there have been a few hunts where MH's have been asked to go stealth and haze or kill animals is some pretty urban areas. all short short range stuff......kinda sketchy IMO, but they needed them out so we shoved em'. there is a lot of fun to be had in the program, some great hunters.....at least on my side of the state and it opens more doors of opportunity if you are willing to do what is required to accept them. the program also has addopted a no tolerance view on every single micro law that the lay hunter might be able to slide on, say the 400" rule for ex., is gonna get the MH ousted and possibly fined.

there is a lot of talk of some bad seeds, all I know is there are 4 other MH's that I hunt with a time or two every year and shoot with quite a bit. those guys are mean as all get out on any wepon from a longbow to long range rifle. I would put their skills against anyone short of the pros.

[Buckrub]

Take away the incentives in the MH program and the hunters who continue to be a part of the program are the real master hunters.

I would gladly volunteer for many programs but by providing incentives hunters are there for the wrong reasons.... hence the divide.

All hunters should be promoted by and educated by the state to insure access while promoting ethical hunters.... not ethical...stiffin the fine.... Master Hunters who commit a game violation should never hunt again.

[high country]

don't be surprised if the penalty does not go up to that level buckrub, but if you take incentives away, who in their right mind would risk a lifetime loss of hunting rights where a non MH would get a $175.00 fine and no loss, just because they wanted to help out....not this guy. any oversight can get you tossed. a lead shell lost in the corner of your bird vest, a barbed hook improperly debarbed......

[Bob33]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/release.php?id=jan0611a

January 06, 2011
Contact: Lt. Eric Anderson, (360) 902-2426
or Tracy Loveless, (360) 902-8410



Master Hunter program accepting
applications through February 15


OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is currently accepting enrollment applications through Feb. 15 for its Master Hunter program.

WDFW enlists master hunters to participate in controlled hunts to remove problem animals that damage property or threaten public safety. To qualify for the program, applicants must demonstrate a high level of skill and be committed to lawful and ethical hunting practices, said Lt. Eric Anderson, manager of WDFW’s Hunter Education Division.

“This program was designed to create a pool of highly qualified hunters who can help the department manage wildlife in sensitive situations,” Anderson said. “This is a great opportunity for conscientious, committed hunters to assume a leadership role among their peers.”

Hunters enrolling in the program must to pay a non-refundable $50 application fee, pass a criminal background check, sign a Master Hunter Code of Ethics form and provide at least 20 hours of volunteer service on projects that benefit the state’s wildlife resources. They must also pass an extensive written exam based upon the program’s curriculum.

Anderson encourages hunters who enroll in the program to study the materials thoroughly to prepare for the test, because applicants are allowed only one chance to re-take the exam. Those who successfully complete the enrollment process will receive a certificate, master hunter patch and identification card, and will be eligible to participate in depredation hunts.

 

[gotshot]

Don't you have to show marksmanship on a certain weapon also?

[Little Dave]

Yes, there is a minimum marksmanship requirement and also proof of attendance at a crime observation class not mentioned in the bulletin.

[lokidog]

Pure jealousy, wow I think you are on to something there Brandon, thats the problem with another group that gets beat like a dead horse on here as well.   

Maybe, but with hard work and dedication you still can't become a member of this other priveleged group....      

I was going to do the program when it started but they would not consider time spent as a hunter ed instructor towards the volunteer time, I guess they do now?, and I did not have time to do even more volunteer work for the state.  I would be interested in doing it again, but I cannot think of any qualifying volunteer conservation work to do from my little island.   

[Bob33]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/masterhunter/conservation_projects.html

"Classroom instruction for Hunter Education training courses. Master Hunter volunteers need not be certified Hunter Education Instructors to receive credit, but must obtain the approval of the Chief Instructor of the teaching team."

[dscubame]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/release.php?id=jan0611a

January 06, 2011
Contact: Lt. Eric Anderson, (360) 902-2426
or Tracy Loveless, (360) 902-8410
 

Tracy Loveless?  That name sounds familiar I think she starred in a few films back in the day.

[huntnnw]

BS the whole program

[Dan-o]

Huntnnw, have you been part of the program or do you call it BS from what you think you know about it from hearsay?

From what I've seeen, it's a usdeful tool for WDFW, but it's not for everyone.

Dan

[high country]

Nobody seems to mind special hunts for hunter ed instructors.....is that because they have personally been beneficial to people here and mg are only good for crop control.

[Hilltop123]

Is there jerks, punks and dumba$$es in the MH program, you bet! Those kinda people are everywhere, in every group. Some probably live next door, what do you do? But what is concerning me about this thread is, the infighting and back biting, amongst us hunters. Not to long ago we lost hunting bear and cougar with bait and hounds. I feel, we lost these mostly because we failed to stand united, some thought it was OK to lose, because that was not their hunting style. That option to use hounds or bait will probably be lost forever.  But all I can see coming from pitting one group angainst another, is a failure to see the big threats to our way of life rolling right towards us, and then right over us. And yes I am a MH, am I totally happy with some of the things I've seen and heard, NO! Anyway this is my first post on here, after lurking for some time. Figured I'd jump right in up to my ears.