Spike only in Western Washington???

[coonhound40]

I have been hearing rumors that Western Washington is going to change to "spike only" like the east side. I have searched for info supporting the rumor but have found none. Has anyone got the real scoop???

I am struggling with this idea, I know that the areas I hunt are not hurting for mature bulls, but these are backcountry areas. It would be quite dissapointing if I only get to make my backcountry hunt every few years. :-(

 

[ridgerunner]

Last summer they did a survey on the web where people could pick items they felt should be the focus for the new 3 year rules that will be adopted this year. That was one of the options on the board, along with a ton of others. I imagine that it didn't get a lot of interest and will probably die in this faze. Later this fall or early in January they will come out with several ideas to take comments at public meetings on. Once those are done they develop the final recommendations to get approved. Watch the website, more info will come available later this fall, go to the meetings and make your voice heard. That would be a bad thing to do.....

 

[couesbitten]

I agree. Bad idea. I have hunted the "west side" my last 6 or 7 seasons becuase of the east side spike only rules. I will also be keeping my eyes and ears open for info regarding this.
Scott/couesbitten

 

[polarbear]

That would suck! They are also concidering eliminating the Eastside or Westside elk tags and making it statewide. That would be great for guys that want to put in for hunts on the other side of the state, but could still hunt their own side if not drawn. The major problem with that is everyone and their brother would be putting in for the most coveted, limited hunts and the odds of being drawn would greatly decrease.

Eric