Draw Cougar Hunts in Eastern Washington

[Darvin Ecklund]

Actually Travis we have never had a problem finding a Cougar Track. One Tom this year, and Two Tom's last year. Not to mention the one's we did not turn loose on (female's). I believe these cat's come and go and you need to be in the right place at the right time. Maybe we have just been lucky. I've hunted cougar's a long time and that's just how it is- some weeks they are there and some week they aren't. Too many variables. Like Piglet said earlier, 100 cats have been DNA'd and only 18 have been killed. Lots of cougars out there if a guy hunts hard enough. The Canadian Border is a real factor. I would love to talk with you more about this subject on here or a pm is fine. I know this pilot program is a start and am glad we can start somewhere! We just need to make a few adjustment

[Travis Stirek]

Darvin I didn't say do you have problems finding tracks I said,There is NOWHERE near as many cats as there used to be.At least in my DNA units that is a fact.One point piglet doesn't take into account is the Indian kill in 101 and 204 that have not been reported and taken into account as to the 100 DNA'd cats.Rich has had a heck of a time getting the tribe to cooperate in reporting cat kills.A couple of years ago a couple tribal members I know killed 7 lions in the Meyers Creek and Henderson Creek areas which as you know are very close to each other.None of these cats was DNA'd after being killed and so whos to know if they are ones I had DNA'd.I left ya my number on your cell call anytime.Guys I'm not trying to fight with anyone and I love the fact that any hound hunter can get back in the woods.I do hope that Rep. Joel Kretz gets all our backing and we can get back some kind of statewide season that will disperse some of the pressure from here as well as tackle the depredation and behavioral modification problems that not just our county face,but counties all over the state.We just got lucky in the five counties by having county commisioners that even if sometimes misinformed, still had the fortitude to stand up and fight a fight that may help ALL the houndsmen of Washington State.

[PIGLET]

I am with you travis the number of cats have dropped in our dna unit the last 2-3 years also. I know they number of cats on the reservation has stayed high even with tribal kills. I stay in contact with the 4-5 tribal houndmen that I know. I don't know of the ones that hunt up in your neck of the woods so this year will be interesting. I know rich is getting most of the tribal dna samples this year at least from eddie cohen and joe peone. I also didn't get your number on my phone I would be very interested to talk with you. I really like your posts and your very knowledable about whats going on that side of the kettle crest. I'm with you that we need to get more counties involved which spreads the wealth to other houndmen so we all can have so hunting. On a side note Stevens, Pend Oreiille counties the cat population seem to rise the last two years from the previous couple of years. Just my opinion.

[Travis Stirek]

509-429-1810 call anytime