Washington Proposals are open for comment, Banning Deer/Elk Baiting

[actionshooter]

Well, we knew this was coming, our anti-hunting commission is going after "feeding of animals" (baiting) using CWD as an excuse.

They claim baiting brings animals together which spreads CWD..... which can be discussed but many more animals are brought together on Ag land. This commission continues to chip away at our ability to hunt in Washington..

PLEASE COMMENT, even if you are not a resident.
Thanks

2025 Hunting Regulations: Prohibition of Feeding Deer, Elk, and Moose

wdfw.wa.gov

https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/about/regulations/filings/2025/combined-wsr-25-04-105-cwd-feeding-0.pdf

 

[CJ19]

Well, we knew this was coming, our anti-hunting commission is going after "feeding of animals" (baiting) using CWD as an excuse.

They claim baiting brings animals together which spreads CWD..... I always thought deer were a heard animal and they congregated naturally? And has anyone seen the deer in the alfalfa fields (in the 100s) ?? They are just chipping away at our ability to hunt in Washington..

PLEASE COMMENT, even if you are not a resident.
Thanks

2025 Hunting Regulations: Prohibition of Feeding Deer, Elk, and Moose

wdfw.wa.gov

i glanced through this stuff quick and did not see anything related to hunting over or planting food plots or crops. Is it really in there? I don't disagree that some of WAFG proposals we have seen look anti hunter but I am not sure this is necessarily that. Several states do not allow feeding in relation CWD but rules typically are targeting baitpiles and salt licks. We could debate whether not feeding helps CWD etc etc but i don't think this specific proposal is not necessarily anti-hunting. Maybe i missed a section and someone else could link it so people are specifically aware of the section you are referring too.

 

[hunthikecamp]

i glanced through this stuff quick and did not see anything related to hunting over or planting food plots or crops. Is it really in there? I don't disagree that some of WAFG proposals we have seen look anti hunter but I am not sure this is necessarily that. Several states do not allow feeding in relation CWD but rules typically are targeting baitpiles and salt licks. We could debate whether not feeding helps CWD etc etc but i don't think this specific proposal is not necessarily anti-hunting. Maybe i missed a section and someone else could link it so people are specifically aware of the section you are referring too.

Well said. I couldn't help but click the thread with WA in the title expecting some spice but I agree with you word for word. I wish more threads started with constructive comments instead of devolving into...whatever you want to call them, glorified Facebook comments

Also don't want to poo poo the thread, I agree WDFG commission is not in a good place and every decision deserves broad scrutiny.

 

[actionshooter]

Well said. I couldn't help but click the thread with WA in the title expecting some spice but I agree with you word for word. I wish more threads started with constructive comments instead of devolving into...whatever you want to call them, glorified Facebook comments

Also don't want to poo poo the thread, I agree WDFG commission is not in a good place and every decision deserves broad scrutiny.

I re-read my post and it was thrown together pretty fast and I can see the sentiment. The point I was getting at was that this isn't going to do anything as thousands of deer congregate on Ag land vs the amount of deer that congregate at a bait. Nothing in my post was speaking to food plots.... attached it the actual verbiage and I would argue (and the state likely would) that food plots would apply as "placed" .

https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/f...2025/combined-wsr-25-04-105-cwd-feeding-0.pdf

At the same time:
You guys who don't live here and are not dealing with this on a regular basis don't understand that our current commission doesn't do anything in the best interest of game management. While this seems that it may not be unreasonable on top, they are doing it to limit hunting. Certain members of the commission have clearly stated that the North American Model is outdated and needs to be replaced with non-consumptive practices.

I should also say, that we do have a couple good people in the commission, but it has been stacked in favor of the animal rights groups by the last governor and I look at everything they do from a skeptical point.

 

[matchu865]

The proposed changes to bear hunting are anti-hunting for sure. It is the same method they have moved to with Cougars. The bear population in the state is robust, and I see no evidence to maintain different seasons or restrictions based on newly introduced 'bear management units'. Not killing cubs, or females with cubs is okay by me, but I don't think there was a big problem with that to begin with.

There is not much 'good faith' placed on anything our commission does. It is sad, but one has to assume the worst intent. It's been proven year over year when they ignore their own biologists' recommendations and openly take advice from anti-hunting groups.

 

[hunthikecamp]

I re-read my post and it was thrown together pretty fast and I can see the sentiment. The point I was getting at was that this isn't going to do anything as thousands of deer congregate on Ag land vs the amount of deer that congregate at a bait. Nothing in my post was speaking to food plots.... attached it the actual verbiage and I would argue (and the state likely would) that food plots would apply as "placed" .

https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/f...2025/combined-wsr-25-04-105-cwd-feeding-0.pdf

At the same time:
You guys who don't live here and are not dealing with this on a regular basis don't understand that our current commission doesn't do anything in the best interest of game management. While this seems that it may not be unreasonable on top, they are doing it to limit hunting. Certain members of the commission have clearly stated that the North American Model is outdated and needs to be replaced with non-consumptive practices.

I should also say, that we do have a couple good people in the commission, but it has been stacked in favor of the animal rights groups by the last governor and I look at everything they do from a skeptical point.

Yeah and to clarify my comments about posts devolving wasn't directed at your initial post, moreso just noting that it was refreshing to see a reasonably worded disagreeing response to a potentially controversial topic.

I hear you on the commission, I lived in WA for a few years and those clowns shouldn't be making rules on anything. This one is tricky for sure, because a lot of states already limit/ban baiting or at the very least acknowledge it's contribution to the spread of CWD due to many deer returning to small sites.

I think properly worded and commission sentiment aside this could be a good tool for CWD, but agreed food plots and salt licks/corn piles are 2 different beasts. Like I said, tricky...lol.

 

[Alpine4x4]

And this was approved by the commissioner. No longer legal to feed big game in WA for any reason nor use urine scents.

WDFW approves new rules to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease

OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind has made decisions on proposed rules designed to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Washington.

wdfw.wa.gov

 

[pulligWa]

Total B.S. seen it coming but sucks that we can negotiate or challenge it

 

[ClaytonLowell]

Well, we knew this was coming, our anti-hunting commission is going after "feeding of animals" (baiting) using CWD as an excuse.

They claim baiting brings animals together which spreads CWD..... which can be discussed but many more animals are brought together on Ag land. This commission continues to chip away at our ability to hunt in Washington..

PLEASE COMMENT, even if you are not a resident.
Thanks

2025 Hunting Regulations: Prohibition of Feeding Deer, Elk, and Moose

wdfw.wa.gov

https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/about/regulations/filings/2025/combined-wsr-25-04-105-cwd-feeding-0.pdf

Its a shame WA politics are so anti hunting. If they don't get us with wildlife and land management they will with gun control measures. HB 1504......

 

[BigDuckHunter]

This is kind of off topic so I apologize for that, but I have to ask about your game wardens out there and what they are like. Being from the Midwest, all of our game wardens are guys who like to hunt and fish themselves, and just want to make sure others do it safely and respectfully. If something got passed that said we couldn’t hunt coyotes for example, I’m pretty sure most would just look the other way. Are your wardens anti-hunting? I just wonder who would be enforcing the rules if they decided to ban hunting.

 

[matchu865]

This is kind of off topic so I apologize for that, but I have to ask about your game wardens out there and what they are like. Being from the Midwest, all of our game wardens are guys who like to hunt and fish themselves, and just want to make sure others do it safely and respectfully. If something got passed that said we couldn’t hunt coyotes for example, I’m pretty sure most would just look the other way. Are your wardens anti-hunting? I just wonder who would be enforcing the rules if they decided to ban hunting.

When our government shut down Fishing at the beginning of Covid, I had a game warden who stopped me and told me explicitly that I could fish and he doesn’t care. He may be the exception, but I think the same holds true in Washington. However, have you unjust laws, and regulations as a way for this state and government to selectively prosecute folks that they don’t like. It’s better if we have laws that apply equally to all.

 

[BigDuckHunter]

When our government shut down Fishing at the beginning of Covid, I had a game warden who stopped me and told me explicitly that I could fish and he doesn’t care. He may be the exception, but I think the same holds true in Washington. However, have you unjust laws, and regulations as a way for this state and government to selectively prosecute folks that they don’t like. It’s better if we have laws that apply equally to all.

Oh I agree 100%. I definitely don’t want it to come to that for you guys (I don’t think it ever would around here). It was more of a thought. Unfortunately I could see them targeting those they don’t like and trying to make an example of it. Would probably end up like speeding in a car. Most likely it gonna get caught but a big PITA when you do and the cop decides to make it a big deal.

 

[DenimChicken]

This is kind of off topic so I apologize for that, but I have to ask about your game wardens out there and what they are like. Being from the Midwest, all of our game wardens are guys who like to hunt and fish themselves, and just want to make sure others do it safely and respectfully. If something got passed that said we couldn’t hunt coyotes for example, I’m pretty sure most would just look the other way. Are your wardens anti-hunting? I just wonder who would be enforcing the rules if they decided to ban hunting.

I don't know that they are explicitly anti hunting, but I have not had the positive interactions with WA wardens as I have with other states. I have never been ticketed in WA, but every interaction I have had feels very much like a law enforcement encounter, not a conservation encounter, if that makes sense.

I've had officers in other states stop to BS, say hi, congratulate me on a successful harvest, etc. In WA I have only had "let me see your license." All in favor of them enforcing the rules and regulations, but they don't make you feel real welcome to enjoy the outdoors.

 

[BigDuckHunter]

Interesting. I wonder who gets into that line of work if they don’t love the outdoors. I’ve also thought the same thing about Colorado Parks and Wildlife with the wolf reintroduction. If I worked there I’d just flat out refuse to do it. I’m surprised the people working there don’t feel the same way if they enjoy the sport, knowing what it’s done in other states.

 

[Alpine4x4]

When our government shut down Fishing at the beginning of Covid, I had a game warden who stopped me and told me explicitly that I could fish and he doesn’t care. He may be the exception, but I think the same holds true in Washington. However, have you unjust laws, and regulations as a way for this state and government to selectively prosecute folks that they don’t like. It’s better if we have laws that apply equally to all.

Yup we were actually called in by lake residents on our own communities private lake during the lockdown. The warden waited by our truck for us. He gave us the usual asking for licenses and life jackets. He said he had to respond because of the call, but that he wasn't going to ticket us. I thanked him and told him we'd talk later because we weren't going to stop fishing. We never did see him again.

If I didn't know the warden personally, here in WA they might as well be state patrol. Always by the book, little leeway, and doing their job as revenue pirates.

 

[ClaytonLowell]

I don't know that they are explicitly anti hunting, but I have not had the positive interactions with WA wardens as I have with other states. I have never been ticketed in WA, but every interaction I have had feels very much like a law enforcement encounter, not a conservation encounter, if that makes sense.

I've had officers in other states stop to BS, say hi, congratulate me on a successful harvest, etc. In WA I have only had "let me see your license." All in favor of them enforcing the rules and regulations, but they don't make you feel real welcome to enjoy the outdoors.

Agreed. Not particularly friendly. By the book. My interactions were not negative.....but I definitely wanted them to be over as soon as possible.