Any other master hunters out there?

[Dogfish]

Howdy,

For those of you in Oregon, we have a program in Washington where you can be certified as a Master Hunter. I was wondering if you folks had a similar program down there?

The program is primarily focused on teaching people the proper ethics of hunting, and also hunter/landowner relations.

I went through the program a few years back in 1998 and have drawn a number of special permit tags open only to those who complete the program.

There are three parts to it, none of which are very difficult. You need to read about 500 pages of information ranging from treading lightly (leave no trace) when camping, hunting regulations, conservation, and game identification. Next you have to complete 12 hours of wildlife related voluteer activities, and finally you have to show your markmanship skills with a bow, a rifle, or a muzzleloader.

A few people that I know kind of poopoo'd the program, but two cow tags later, I have two friends who are believers in the program.

I was wondering if anyone else has drawn any master hunter tags, or if I could be of any assistance for landowner access issues. I have a few tricks, and info on many of the units where we get to hunt.

I'm happy to share my info with you, just let me know.

Andy

[Perfect Drift]

And the test! on all of the books and info they give ya.
I have the Master Hunter Cert. and the Youth Education Training Cert. I don't hunt big game though only ducks and geese. Tell me you experiences with ethics. I observe the late goose hunt is nothing more than a skyblasting affair. I understand that the purpose it to help the farmer and ranch with crop damage BUT ethics -my option- is to see how many 3" shells you can shot in one morning. I didn't hunt it this last spring cause - skyblasting isn't my thing and the number of birds was sssooo low. Was it worth the time and work for the Cert. I still question it, since I don't big game hunt.

[Dogfish]

I did the reading in three days, and took the test on the fourth. Passed it with a 96%. Did the shooting a few weeks later, and then got my project done. I had taken two nephews through hunter ed, so the regulation and other info was pretty well stuck in my head.

I have taken two elk so far on the special tags and have drawn a third tag for this year, so I consider about 24 hours of total effort quite worth the effort. I have met four other folks with the AHE card, and I would hunt with three of them any day. There are folks in EVERY CROWD that are undesirable, unfortunately.

The two times I went on the late goose hunt, I was hunting in Woodland. I was the only one on that farm, and I fired a total of three shotgun shells. Two at geese, and one at a coyote I called in. I always carry a predator call. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Two geese were worth it to me, as the area I usually hunt has few opportunities for geese. The coyote was an added bonus and fell right away to a load of #1's from about 20 yards to the noggin.

Taking the test, and going through the process will not make everyone a better hunter, but if it makes 4 out of 5 a better more ethical hunter, heck, even one in 5, I see tha program as being worthwhile.

I now act as kind of a mother hen around my friends, making sure that they do it the right way all the time, and to their credit they do anyway. I have also taken a number of other neighborhood kids (3) through the hunter ed program, ensuring a crop of future hunters. Their parents don't hunt, but they had no objections to them going.

Those are my opinions. Andy

P.S. You can also qualify by shooting a qualifying round of trap at a club.

p.p.s. Kaus, sorry to sound negative, but your last two posts to subjects I have posted have been kind of gloomy, or negative. Is it just the subject matter, or have I done something to offend you?

[ 08-29-2001: Message edited by: Dogfish ]

[Zen Leecher aka Bill W]

I'm not a master hunter, Andy, but I'm giving the program thought. I haven't spotted any hunts that I'd need that angle to apply for.

Thanks for the tip on how to find this board. I appreciate that.

[Bait O' Eggs]

I've never heard of such a program in Oregon.

Sounds kind of like an adult version with lots of additional requirements of our hunter safety course for for the younger hunters.

[Dogfish]

Hi Bait and Zen Leecher,

The course is designed to give you an insight into how the wildlife management practices in your state work and the responsibilities that hunter should take on when they head to the woods. You get out of the program exactly what you put into it. It has also helped to arm me with facts when I have run into anti-hunters in the field, or even the office. It is a beautiful sight to see an anti-hunter start to mumble because you have refuted every point they brought up in an argument. At that point they usually resort to name calling, and you have won.

Some states also require proof of hunter education for all out of state hunters, so this program qualifies me for that as well. The bonus opportunities for damage hunts are an added benefit that drive some to complete the course, but others just want to master their sport of hunting and the added knowledge helps accomplish this.

Many states now have programs such as this, so I would encourage you to approach the "hunter ed" folks in your game department. AHE (advance hunter ed) graduates pay for their education, no outside funds are used for the program, so we don't take away from the funds available for wildlife management.

Take care, Andy

[ 08-30-2001: Message edited by: Dogfish ]

[bigshark]

Hi Bait-O-Eggs

A couple of years back Oregon was offering a Master program....I don't know if it was or is the same as the WA program. The game department was looking for hunters to help get rid of some of the geese raising heck with the valley farmers. I think it also had
big game agriculture hunts on tap as well.

[bigshark]

Bait-O-Eggs

Just checked with the state. Oregon does still offer the program. Those who have an interest can get the forms by calling 503-872-5260....and ask to be transferred to Hunter Education..the gals name is Christy. The reward over and above helping them out is that you are placed on the "preferance list" of hunters and you are called on emergency hunts as well as land owners who will only allow these fellas on their ground.

[Perfect Drift]

Dogfish
So glad to be a part of this really good site. My hat's off to those that put it together.
No issue with you at all. I didn't mean to come across like I did, that was not what I indended at all. Sorry if you felt like I was picking on you in some way. I really wasn't.
Sounds like you have a good female in your puppy, it doesn't matter what breed a fellows pooch is. My only concern is this. On another website a fellow posted asking about breeding his mixed breed dog to the male up the street. He was asking what folks thought his puppies might be worth. She is the best hunter I have ever had, etc and questions along that line.
I posted my two cents and never heard from him again. I was thinking it was that guy again. I think you understand what I am saying.
Master Hunter issues- since I don't hunt big game, the only hunt I have access to is the late goose hunt, with the AHE Cert. I didn't say my feelings clearly enough after re reading my post. I was speaking only of the late goose hunt. I agree with you on that the gained general hunting knowledge was well worth the time and effort.

[Fish Hunter]

I went through the OR program in '98. It's very much like the WA program that Dogfish completed. The program was worth my time. I learned a few things. Mainly about minding your P's and Q's when hunting private land. The ODFW folks share some of the feedback get from private landowners. Puts a little perspective on why it can be so tough to get hunting access on private land. Also learned a bit about the state's wildlife management and the "why" behind some regs. Had a gas doing the volunteer work. Spent a few days collecting groundfish specimens [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] (fishing [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]) with some of our state experts on a charter boat. Got lucky, most opportunitys arent always that fun.
The state offers a few controlled hunts for only master hunters. I have not found any that I'm interested in. OR puts their grads on the top of the list for emergency/damage hunts in the county they register for. I hope to make a good future contact this way.

[Dogfish]

Glad to hear it Kaus. I look forward to running in to you sometime during a late goose hunt. Take care. Andy