How many of you guys go with the sports-pac?

This is the first year I bought it. It seems like a pretty good deal. I usually buy all those tags except for the cougar, But maybe some day I'll catch one taking a little "cat nap"

Just wondering how many of you guys go this route-Tulley

[Rauly]

I buy it every year.

Rauly

[Crayfin]

Buy one every year and do my darndest to fill every tag!

Turkey and cougar have been tough on me though!

Crayfin

[Firedog]

What tags come with it anyway? Does it include License price also. I ahve never bought one because I had no use for the Bear, Cougar and Turkey tags. Figured without those it wasnt such a good deal. Got to thinking I might want to try a shoot a cougar if I came across one while Deer hunting and might end up going Turkey hunting this year. Never will shoot a bear though. :smile:

[Gun Rod Bow]

Tulley,

I always buy a sportpack.

I don't have a use for sturgeon tag, but all in all, it is a good deal.

Firedog,

It includes liscense and tag prices, but if you put in for draw tags, you'll have to pay for the application.

I hope you reconsider shooting a bear. You'd be doing blacktail and elk a big favor. I never had any desire to shoot a bear, but when the law changed, I changed my mind. Please think it over.

Cougars should be taken when possible/legal for the same reason. The Mt. Emily quota was filled this year and most cougars are shot incidentally while pursueing other game.

Both predators are major (not the only but major) factors for the decline of big game in much of Oregon.

Try turkey hunting, it's alot of fun to hunt anything that you call in. It's a thrill to try to fool a gobler, and there are a lot of birds on public land if you drive a little. Very good to eat as well.

Good Hunting

GRB

[lightline]

If you fish and need a punch card and deer and elk hunt it doesn't make alot of sense not to. For another twenty bucks you get upland game, bear, cougar, turkey, Oregon waterfowl. did I forget anything? Yea I get mine ever year.

[lightline]

GRB I must be going blind I never saw your post. Maybe I just need to shake my head.

[skein]

I always get mine, too. I feel like it covers all the options for me, and if I get an opportunity to hunt something on the spur of the moment, chances are I'm covered. Any tags I don't use I consider a "donation" to the fish and game funds. What it saves me is the hassle to go down and get specific tags, maybe several times a year. There's also the subtle encouragement to expand my hunting experiences. I've never hunted turkeys for example, but because my sportspac comes with a tag I think I'm going to try it next spring.

It's probably not for everyone, but for me, it's a win-win deal.

Skein

[MountainLion84]

I've been getting it. I don't turkey hunt, but I saw one up Spring Bear hunting, and at least could have shot it if I was close enough. I figure if I don't hunt, then it is a donation.

[Bait O' Eggs]

I have got the sport pac every year it has been around. I think I pay about the same I would anyway and get several other tags for free.

I am with Firedog, no use for shooting a bear. Dont know why, just got no desire to shoot one. One of those animals that I think are pretty cool. Had a gun in my hand and tag in my pocket last year and watched one at less 50 yards for almost a minute. I cant explain it. Maybe someday I will change my mind.

Hope to find the time to turkey hunt this spring, and you never know when that cougar will show himself.

[Firedog]

Well I will have to see if I can still upgrade to the sport pac. Since I already bought my Combo License and fishing tags this year.

GRB, I know bears are a problem along with Cougars. I helped a buddy butcher a bear a few years back and it was the stinkiest meat I have ever been around not to mention the fact that it looked like a man when it was skinned. I try not to shoot anything that I won't actually eat. I could probably manage to shoot a Cougar because I realize the damage they do to the deer and elk populations and I should shoot a bear for the same reasons but just have no desire to. That might change someday for me also.

I do plan to do a little turkey hunting, a buddy of mine has a ranch in Glide and has turkeys all over it. So I was going to see about going down there and hunting. Problem is finding time during springer fishing :smile:

[ 01-06-2003, 08:38 PM: Message edited by: firedog ]

[oregonwrestler]

got one for the second year now...great deal IMHO.

oregonwrestler

[Chum King]

I go with the Sports Pac every year, and every year I go back and figure out which tags and licenses I am really going to need to see if it is worth it. I always come to the same conclusion that it saves me a few dollars over the tags and licenses I was going to buy anyway.

Then I only have to pay for my controlled hunt applications, including the antelope and bighorn "lotteries". Then revalidate my HIP sometime just before next bird season. Oh, and then get to the Post Office for my federal stamp. And now I think I am finally finished... unless I decide to hunt out of state.

[HOGGEMIN]

The sports pac is a very good deal will attempt to hunt and fish all species again this year!!!

[Salmon Stryker]

Yeah, I figured it out one year that it was only about 23 bucks more than the usual elk, deer, and fishing tags that I had been buying.

I figured 23 bucks was worth it to be able to shoot a cougar or bear while out in the woods hunting deer or elk.

Plus, now that I'm getting all the tags I took up duck hunting and absolutely love it. It's a good option this time of year for those high water weekends when you can't get out steelheading.

I haven't used the turkey tag yet though. Oh yeah and I started hunting pheasents too.

[Don Becker]

This will be my third year and I just re-figured the relative costs and it remains a savings! Don

[ 01-07-2003, 07:31 AM: Message edited by: Don Becker ]

[Tilla]

I have been doing it for the last few years. It saves all those extra trips and I figure it's a wash.
******
You have to be careful about the HIP and whether or not the license states what it includes. There are officials that will not accept the fact that the Sports Pac includes most everything. ie: State Upland or Waterfowl.

[Gun Rod Bow]

Firedog, BOE,

I want to be real carefull with this, I know how a statement can get twisted around and used against someone (me).

I never had a desire to shoot a bear. I had a round in the chamber and a tag in my pocket about 8 years ago on the way to go fishing, and passed up a nice bear, decided to go fishing (glad we did!) :grin:

As I stated, never had a desire to shoot a bear till they changed the law. I helped skin a bear that my buddy shot in Colorado (fall bear). I didn't think it looked so much like a man, it just smelled really bad. He ended up throwing it out after a few attempts to eat it. The horses wouldn't let us anywhere near them :shocked: (the fat sure does keep your chaps and saddle leather soft and water proof though)

When I started bow hunting about 7 years ago I changed my view about bears. My partner and I decided to go on a spring bear hunt in BC (no bait or dogs, all spot stalk). I mentioned to the outfitter that the the meat was not so hot. He assured me that spring bears are "good to eat" since they come right out of the hole with no fat.

My partner and I took 4 bears on that trip, from a small 5' to the biggest 6'4" bears. We always cut up our own meat. The smaller bears didn't smell bad, the big bears did. Big difference in texture too. We cut up roasts and steaks of about 1/2, the other half sausage and peperonni.

I cooked some roasts in the crock pot....if I didn't have deer, elk and caribou...I would eat it...but there is a lot better meat in the world. I gave it away to people that thought it was great. :whazzup: In my opinion younger spring bears are edible, fall bears are not.

This year my other buddy arrowed a nice 5 1/2' bear in the Eagle Caps this year right at dark. Hit him low and back.(it's hard to pick a spot on a black beach ball) Snuck out and back to camp and we took up the trail at first light. His pelt was in good shape, but he was stiff and warm inside, and again, fall bear, really fat. I know the reg's say you can legally leave cougar meat, but not bear, but I can assure you, I had no interest in packing that meat out on my mule. The pelt was in great shape.

OH THE MORAL OUTRAGE!!! Let me say, I never pass up a chance to shoot at a coyote... do you? Ever eat one? Ever shoot crows, racoons, skunks? I do. Don't eat them. Ever catch a squaw fish and dispatch it? Every deer or elk we shoot gets every pound of meat used, even ribs, neck, shanks etc.

Every hunter has to make their own choices. All I know, is it used to be a semi rare thing to run across bears in the woods. It is now very common. I have spoke to game biologists in the Wallowas and they describe how bears hunt elk calves each spring, right as they are born. Bears can sniff 'em out. Will actually follow a cow about to give birth and just wait for the meal.

My family ranch is SW of Eugene about 25 miles. We have lost beef calves to cougars, a neighbor was loosing lambs to bears and (I heard) they killed 13 bears in a not very large area, if true, probably excessive, but it tells you there's a lot of them.

I read a couple years ago that black bears are the #1 predators on elk nationally. Elk heards are down by as much as 40% in some of these areas in eastern Oregon, the same places where we now see bears every time we hunt. The bear I mentioned was the third bear we saw on this years hunt. Just about every other group of hunters we talked to ran into bears.

I expect to get a lot of flack over this. These are my reasons for changing my view on bears. Fire away. Again, every hunter makes their own choices...I respect your choice...just give this some thought.

[img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img]

GRB

[Gus Orviston]

It didn't make sense to me at first how the bears effect the deer/elk...I was think huh....what is this guys saying ....huh

got it now, I would rather see the negative effects on deer/elk in an ODFW update and not hear say. And a comments from a single person is still and opinion. Beliefs and folk lore go a long way, and I don't know the bioligist you talked to so with that I will keep seeking an education on it. It sounds reasonable though. But I thought the calves were scentless and bears have horrible eye sight so it shouldn't be too hard for a cow/deer to hoodwink a bear? And if the bear are finding the calves through scent isn't that natural selection....? I will concede though that we are already imposing an imbalance in the equation so is any of it "natural" any more?

Now I wouldn't shoot a bear with a rifle, but I have always wanted to with a bow. Shot a coyote with a bow--and that was natural selection. He was sick..but wouldn't do it with a rifle.

I enjoy watching coyotes hunt, they do their part for farmers and ranchers. Not sure why everybody always wants to slam on their brakes and go to guns when they see one.

I would rather put up my glasses, spotting scope and watch them, same goes for bear and cats. I guess that is one think I like about archery, you spend a lot of time close the animals; *******, farting, mewing, blowing, snorting, rubbing, eating, drinking, and it isn't all about killing them. I have laughed my butt off at some of the stuff we have seen, heck even seen bears cubs fall out of trees when they are playing.

different strokes

gus

[ 01-07-2003, 09:38 AM: Message edited by: Gus Orviston ]

[Gun Rod Bow]

Gus,


I certainly only represent these statements as purely my opinion. And you know what they say about opinions.

I also tried to offer my life experiences, including "hear say" and my own conclusions.

A quick net check produced the following confirmation of black bears preying on elk calves. I don't think it's a stretch to include deer.

http://www.elkhunting.com/about/predators4.asp

QUOTE:

...Black bears do not have the size, speed or power to successfully hunt mature elk. However, a black bear is still a major killer of the elk when they are young. Black bears roam calving grounds in late spring and sniff out newborn calves hidden in thickets and high grass...

I recall the RMEF publishing that black bears are the #1 predator on elk nationally.

You are welcome to shoot, or not shoot what you think is right. Just consider that as you said...

"I will concede though that we are already imposing an imbalance in the equation so is any of it "natural" any more?"

If we want to maintain big game herds, predator control is required.

GRB

The Opinion Guy

[ 01-07-2003, 05:46 PM: Message edited by: Gun Rod Bow ]

[Gus Orviston]

to be honest I am/was sure it happens, however, again this isn't ODFW saying alert, call to arms. It is an editor for a hunting magazine stating a natural condition that exists. Yes, the statement is, I am sure correct. Is it and issue?

And as I will agree we like elk, we like hunting wile elk, he makes our blood simmer,,,I don't care if we have big herds, I would opt for healthy herds, which might not be oodles of elk depending on available feed, etc... etc... And if Yogi is doing his job to some degree he is helping keep them healthy. Sure hunt them, but I wouldn't say the sky is falling everybody should shoot one if they see it. I can see that is not what you are saying....you said think about it, and I wanted clarify if this was an issue or not. And I am not convince it is.
IMHHHHHHHHo

In fact big herds have thwarted my harvest of many many bulls. Too many cows, all looking at me, watching me, protecting the big man, mewing just when i get into position :grin:

[ 01-07-2003, 09:20 PM: Message edited by: Gus Orviston ]

[Firedog]

OK Just got back form the ODFW office downtown. Upgraded to the sports pac. Don't know why I haven't done this years ago. I guess I never even thought about it. Sat down after I got home and looked at what I would have spent no matter what.

33.75 Combo License
16.50 Salmon, Steelhead/Sturgeon Tag
29.50 Elk Tag
14.50 Deer Tag
9.00 Waterfowl Stamp
6.5 Upland Stamp
= $109.75

Cost of Sports pac $105,OK I am an idiot :smile: for not doing this years ago, now I have a bear, cougar and turkey tag to use if I please and they were basically free.


GRB, I totally understand your views on the bears. I have buddy who has a very large ranch in Glide and he has to deal with the Predators killing his stock as well. I have been down there on Coyote hunts and in years past they have killed many cougars and bears also. I have no problem with anyone killing these animals and if they don't want to eat them that is fine also. I just have no use for a bear, I may change my mind if I see one hunting this year since I have a tag but I more than likely won't go out looking for just a bear. I have also read the articles on the damage the bears do to the elk populations, have always known what the cougars do. Have seen areas where I deer hunt almost void of deer after the cougar population took off. I Respect your reasons for killing bears and cougars and understand your reasoning behind them, Like I said my mind may change when or if I see a bear this year.

[ 01-08-2003, 12:18 PM: Message edited by: firedog ]

[Gun Rod Bow]

Firedog,

You also now have a salmon/steelhead tag and a sturgeon tag.

Drop me a note when the springers are in and I'll bet you will find a use for your salmon tag.


GRB

[Bait O' Eggs]

Firedog that is the exact same math I used years ago. Got 3 freebies for a few less dollars. And it made sure I didnt try to harvest that grouse before I got around to getting the upland stamp.

Have not punched one of those three freebies yet, but actually chased some spring turkeys before I had kids and had a great time with it. Got awful close to getting a gobbler and had no idea what I was doing with a slate call and a plastic turkey decoy. Hope to find time to chase that spring turkey again, and you never know when the cat will show its self for a few seconds.

As for the bear, I hear ya GRB, but just dont have the drive in that direction yet.

[Firedog]

GRB, I know the Combo fish tag is included. Heck that is the only tag I got any use out of last year :smile: Didn't punch a single big game animal last year. Oh well hopefully this year will be a better year, between regular tags in oregon and a Deer/elk combo trip to Montana it should be a fun year hunting. As far as a springer trip goes, I am always game for a trip. That is my favorite fish to catch. Been know to get a one or two a year

[ 01-08-2003, 07:27 PM: Message edited by: firedog ]

[MountainLion84]

If it is legal, and you have a tag, you do not need to justify your actions to anyone but yourself. I would tend to agree with GRB's comments.

[ 01-08-2003, 06:27 PM: Message edited by: corlyn ]

[alwyze fishin]

first time this year :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile:

[fishin]

I've bought the sport pac since it was originally offered. Dad gave me $105.00 gift certificate to Sportsman wharehouse this year. :grin: I may not go after everything on the tag, but thought it was a great idea after seeing bears while deer and elk hunting two years in a row and forgetting to buy a tag two years in a row.

[skein]

Remember to list everything on the HIP validation. If you don't list it, you can't hunt it. Sometimes they don't ask about everything (like crows) but you've got to validate to hunt them.

What? Don't hunt crows? Me neither - at least not until a friend who owns an orchard asked me to come help him run the crows off. Now if he, or someone else, asks I can do it.

Skein

[Fishplay]

Yep. SportPac. I've yet to tag out but I dream about it every year.

There are plenty of unemployed folks out there that would be greatfull for any donated game meat (greasy bear) you do not care to utilize. The law says you can't sell it.....doesn't say you cant give it to needy famillies.

A buddy of mine tells me cougar meat is good eats. Anyone with thoughts on this.

[pdxkevin]

Sportspac is the way to go for me. I like the all in one purchase. Even though I don't use the bird tag, I feel it is money going to a good cause.

[tag-a-long]

get it every year! Have yet to fill all of the tags