BigGameHoundsmen.com

Dear commission,



I Strongly Urge you to Hold of on any ruling for this, I think there are many implications that are not thoroughly considered with this ruling.



First I applaud any effort and the concept or Idea of what you are trying. I have no issues making it illegal to use tracking equipment to track wildlife.



However the Portion regarding possession of telemetry equipment while hunting will affect many of Lawful citizens, and Lawful uses, including myself.



Here are a couple quick things to think about how this will affect “lawful” use of recievers.





First, My truck is permanently equipped with Telemetry use for Hunting with Dogs, I use this for the safe return of my dogs while hunting in many different states. My truck is “ALWAYS” equipped with Emergency Food, chains, Sleeping bag and My Tracking equipment, they only time my equipment is out of my truck is when I’m using it or recharging it. At any time, if Any one of my friends loses their dogs or needs assistance, I’m equipped and can assist within a moments notice.



Secondly, Often while Deer,Elk hunting with my Wife or a child, or Father I put one of my Dog tracking collars in their Back pack. That way I can insure if “ANYTHING” happens, I know I will find them very quickly. The piece of mind knowing that I can track them if I need to… Could you imagine how much time and money search and rescue would save if lost hunters, or Hikers had one of these collars or transmitters?? I’m just doing my part to be responsible for mine and my Family’s Safety… I personally think EVERYONE in the woods should have an emergency beacon such as a telemetry transmitter.. My family has a list of all my collars, If something should happen to me, they could track and locate me within hours instead of days.



Another good example of proper use of telemetry, My Father hunts, Twice now I’ve had to take him to the hospital for a heart attack while ELK Hunting. I wouldn’t think of letting him hunt without a transmitter, and you bet I will have my telemetry equipment in my truck at ElK CAMP in the event he does not respond via the radio or needs emergency help… If you have ever listened to your father having a heart attack, and trying speak over the radio to give you directions to his location, It’s not fun. You would greatly understand and appreciate the importance and safety with telemetry..



Avalanche beacons are nothing more than telemetry transmitters, Can we assume that those capable of tracking those with a receiver will be illegal to have in Possession.



HAM Radio operators, many have equipment and Radios that are capable of Receiving telemetry signals. Any HAM radio, operator’s Pickup could be susceptible to this new law.





Again In Closing, I do encourage the idea of making it illegal to track wildlife, However the way this is written, You are taking away a very Safe way for me to keep my family and hunting partners secure. Please consider my comments.



I hate to say that as the rule is written I have to “STRONGLY OPPOSE” If you were to amend and remove the portions regarding Possession of equipment I would support.

Darvin Ecklund wrote:Just received my Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission Preliminary Agenda for March 7-8. As I was reading the Agenda, I came across Friday, March 7th 2:35pm 9. HUNTING EQUIPMENT RESTRICTIONS-RULE BRIEFING & PUBLIC HEARING. It went on to read, Department staff will brief the Commission on proposed amendments to WAC 232-12-045, Hunting equipment restrictions, which could restrict the use of radio telemetry equipment for hunting. The Commission will consider adoption of these amendments at its April 11-12, 2008 meeting in Pasco. Staff Report: Dave Ware, Game Division Manager, Wildlife Program. Does anyone know any details on this topic?