Blog – Inland Northwest Wildlife Council

July From the Deck

By Z Zubrick Halfway through the year already—can you believe it? I owe you all an apology for missing last month’s From My Deck in the INWC newsletter. Between recovering from hand and arm surgery and preparing for major logging on our property (in the name of wildfire safety), life’s been a bit of a whirlwind. As Co-Chair of the Habitat Committee, Kim and I have been working closely with our Chair, Randy Burke—who just so happens to be a real-deal forester. We assessed the dense tree coverage around our house and barns and realized how vulnerable we’d be if a wildfire swept through. A huge part of conservation is habitat, and that means looking at the full picture: observation, preparation, and action. Fire safety starts with awareness—of your surroundings, your property, and your favorite outdoor spots. A few other INWC board members and I have been exploring ways we can be more proactive about wildfire readiness—not just for our members, but for the natural places we all cherish. Speaking of the Habitat Committee, Randy wanted me to pass along that planning is still underway for our project to replace the grasses around the INWC buildings with native plants. The goals? Reduce water use, improve habitat, and hopefully qualify for a utility rebate in the process. On the Disabled Access front, Cody Mace and I have been diving deep into everything that makes this committee tick. We’re still learning the inner workings of the route patrols and all the systems that Ken McNaughton, M.F., put into place during his time as chair. A couple of weekends ago, we ran our first official patrol without Ken at the helm. With three participants in wheelchairs and a handful of able-bodied helpers, we tackled Aladdin Mountain and Squirrel Meadows. It was hard work—and a lot of fun. Leading the group gave me a new appreciation for the teaching moments and the family-friendly vibe of these trips. Cody and I are reviewing the schedule now and trying to lock in dates that will bring the most volunteers together. If you’re interested in joining us—whether it’s for route patrols, camping, or other Disabled Access projects—reach out! You can email Access@INWC.org or call the INWC office. July also means it’s picnic time! We’ll skip the general meeting this month and instead gather as friends and family for our annual INWC picnic on Saturday, July 26th. Last year’s cornhole tournament was a blast, the food was delicious, and the stories… well, let’s just say some of them were big fish tales. Come out and make some new memories. Now, on a more serious note—there’s been a lot of talk lately about proposals to sell off large portions of BLM land to private buyers. Like many of you, I’ve seen the ads urging us to contact our representatives. As INWC’s Legislative Committee Chair, I fully support staying informed and making your voice heard. I’ve spoken with U.S. Congressman Michael Baumgartner about the issue, and as of yesterday, it sounds like the proposal is unlikely to make it out of committee. Still, I encourage everyone to contact their U.S. legislators to make sure this idea doesn’t gain traction. Let’s stop it before it starts. Finally, hats off to Alexis Creel for another fantastic pheasant and chukar chick sale this year! Alexis handled all the details like a pro—perfectly balancing the number of chicks and the feed ordered. By the time pickup was done, I think the only thing left behind were a couple of empty pallets. As always, we need volunteers in every corner of the Council. Get involved and bring the family along. INWC has a rich tradition, but as some of us age (and slow down just a bit), we need younger folks with fresh energy and ideas to keep it going strong. Invite your friends and family to the picnic or the next general meeting. If you want to learn how to camp, run a chainsaw, tie fishing rigs, clean a rifle, or help protect sage grouse—join a project, talk to a committee chair, and dive in.

Working Together to Make Hunting Possible for People with Disabilities

Hunting can be hard, even for experienced hunters. So, imagine the added challenge of trying to hunt when confined to a wheelchair or with limited use of parts of your body. That’s a reality for many people in our state, but one that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and partners are working to help people overcome. A new ADA-accessible waterfowl blind was recently constructed in WDFW’s Region 1, thanks to a partnership between the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council (INWC), the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and a private landowner. Earlier this year, INWC received materials from WDFW to build the blind. Members of the group’s Disabled Access Team spent a significant amount of time over several months assembling and fine-tuning it. While the weather was nice this past spring, volunteers put the basic parts together in the parking lot of the INWC headquarters in north Spokane. “Even though the waterfowl season was months away, getting the blind assembled was a priority for us because we wanted people to have a place to hunt this fall where they could be successful,” said Ken McNaughton, team leader for INWC’s Disabled Access Team and a disabled veteran. McNaughton knows firsthand that, while it is challenging for people with disabilities to find a place where they can physically get to hunt, an added frustration is that they often have to compete with able-bodied hunters as well. To avoid this, he wanted the blind to be on private property where the general population can’t go. That’s where WDFW private lands biologist Dean Nizer got involved. Part of Nizer’s job is to connect with people who own property in areas that are ideal for hunting and get them interested in WDFW’s Private Lands Hunting Program. The program then matches people looking to hunt private lands with private property owners willing to have hunters on their land. Landowners benefit by having wildlife populations managed, which can prevent damage to crops and reduce negative interactions with wildlife. Participants also work with a private lands’ biologists on management strategies for their property and to conserve habitat. Some landowners in the program are financially reimbursed for the use of their property. Nizer’s name had been mentioned to McNaughton as someone who may be able to help find a home for the waterfowl blind on private property. The two got together and Nizer was as enthusiastic about the project as McNaughton. “I was more than happy to help find a place to put the blind,” said Nizer. “I had a landowner in North Spokane County in mind and, as I had suspected, he was receptive to having hunters with disabilities hunt his land.” While the details were worked out, McNaughton and his team pushed forward with construction. He and other volunteers assembled the shell of the blind, then painted the base coat in INWC’s shop to blend in with the natural landscape. In September, a large group of volunteers showed up for the final steps of making this project a reality, and it became real a family affair. Several members of INWC’s Disabled Access team helped transport it to the site and many showed up with family members to help put it together, including Nizer and his son. “It was inspiring to see how much this meant to everyone,” Nizer said. “Getting young people involved is so important too. Hopefully they will be motivated by this project to volunteer on future projects as well.” Rattle cans of spray paint in a variety of earth tones were given to the kids to add the camo pattern to the blind. The day was a memorable one for McNaughton too. “This opportunity will provide hunting to a demographic that doesn’t always have the opportunity to hunt,” he said. “It’s emotional to know you helped to make this happen for someone.” In addition to this new ADA waterfowl hunting blind, there are also a few others in Eastern Washington in the Regulated Access Area near Moses Lake. To use any of these blinds, you can learn more about the private lands program on the WDFW website, then reach out to the private land’s biologist in your area for help getting started.

Route Patrol

Not to be confused with the old TV show, “Rat Patrol”! Looking for a way to give back? Looking for a community service project? Join us as we patrol two routes in the Colville National Forest that have been gated off for Disabled Access Only. With enough volunteers, we will send 1/2 up Aladdin Mtn and the other 1/2 out to Squirrel Meadows. We will patrol each of the routes, cutting away deadfall, ensuring that sportsmen, women, and youth with disabilities have access to the entirety of each route. Any work that does not get completed on Saturday, we will wrap up on Sunday. We will be camping overnight to make that easier, and usually share a group dinner around the campfire. Team leaders for the project will arrive on Friday to secure a camp area, feel free to join them! ATV’s and SxS’s are welcome and encouraged. Chain saws, loppers are needed, as well as clothing appropriate for expected weather conditions, gloves, bottled water, etc. Base Camp Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QHSxVNSxhfzUqVGb9 Contact the Disabled Access Team for more info: access@inwc.org

Conservation Corner – Leave no Trace

Welcome to the INWC Conservation Corner, where to cover topics related to fish, wildlife, conservation, habitat and outdoor recreation. This month’s issue was submitted by board member Ken McNaughton and highlights how to enjoy the outdoors while leaving no trace. We hope you enjoy this issue!

American’s Attitudes Toward Hunting

By Marie Neumiller Each month I have the opportunity to attend WDFW commission meetings and speak on behalf of the members of the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council as a part of our ongoing education and outreach efforts. There has been a growing trend at these meetings with several commissioners noting the hunting population percentage and how it relates to the overall population of the state. For example, it was mentioned over and over that only 5% of Washingtonians hunt, so therefore, it must be true that 95% of the state opposes spring bear permit seasons, which in turn made canceling the season acceptable. In a recent conversation with WWC/HHC president Mark Pidgeon, on this topic, he pointed out that this argument is secundum quid and does not match the actual attitudes towards hunting. Mr. Pidgeon went a step further, and shared an interesting study with me that directly backed up his statement. This intensive study was conducted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and Responsive Management. Together, these two organizations have been tracking American’s opinions on hunting, fishing, sport shooting, and trapping since 1995 through phone surveys. The full survey results can be found HERE, the study link is also posted at the bottom of this article [1]. Their findings paint an interesting picture of the overall approval of hunting, and if we look carefully at the results, we can see areas where we as hunters can improve our messaging and outreach efforts. Is hunting a dying sport? Some commenters at WDFW commission meetings attempt to paint hunting as an outdated way of life and give the impression that modern humans are above such primitive, cruel actions. They try to make it appear that WDFW is caving to a small minority opinion (pro-hunting) while ignoring the majority (anti-hunting). However, the NSSF study directly refutes that argument. When asked about legal hunting, 80% of Americans approve, even if they do not participate in the sport themselves. The study specifically used language emphasizing legal activities so that, “poaching or other illegal activities would not be considered in the responses.” (pg 7). This is an important distinction to make in a survey of this nature, hunters and non-hunters alike will agree that poaching is reprehensible and has no place in the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. While hunting received an overall all approval rating of 80%, tolerance varied in several ways depending on the motivation, species taken, and methods used. Motivation for hunting There is a strong fluctuation in the approval for hunting when taking the individual hunter’s motivation into consideration. Hunting for what are considered to be more traditional or subsistence purposes saw widespread approval (see study page 12); protection of humans 85%, for the meat 84%, locally sourced food 83%, and wildlife management 82%. When hunting is done for what is perceived as more “selfish” reasons then the approval ratings absolutely tanked; sport hunting 50%, personal challenge 41%, trophy 29%. What can we learn from these numbers? Well, the results of this study answer my personal curiosities as to why anti-hunting groups work so hard to paint hunters as “blood thirsty, egotistical, trophy hunters.” The general public actually approves of hunting for the reasons that most hunters currently participate in the sport. So by changing the underlining image of hunters these opposition groups can potentially change the public perception of the activity as a whole. Most of us who hunt are in it for a variety of reasons – quality meat for our families, making memories with loved ones, reconnecting with nature and our roots, the experience, sustainable meat, and so much more. Our adventures outdoors lead us to want to protect wildlife and their habitats in accordance with the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. It’s almost impossible to participate in this sport and not gain a love for wildlife and wild spaces. On their Facebook page Blood Origins [2] recently shared a quote from Karen Seginak that perfectly sums up a hunter’s desire to protect nature, “I didn’t become a hunter because I was a conservationist, I became a conservationist because I became a hunter.” What a perfect way to sum up the hunter/conservationist. We should each strive to do better with the messaging surrounding hunting. If all that we share publicly are the grip and grin trophy photos at the end of the hunt, then it will be easy for anti-hunting groups to erode our image and turn an 80% approval rating into a net negative. So what can you do? Share photos and stories from the entire hunting experience. Scouting, hiking, camping, shed hunting, field notes, family stories, successes, failures, sunsets, meals made from your harvests…EVERYTHING! Methods and Species Hunted Here again the approval ratings had a wild swing depending on the perceptions surrounding the species pursued and hunting methods used in that effort. Below are a few of the highlights from study pages 23 and 34 respectively. Species hunted approval ratings Deer 78% Turkey 78% Duck 74% Black bear 44% Grizzly bear 40% Wolf 39% African Lion 14% Elephant 7% Hunting method approval rating Archery 80% Hound Dogs 55% Scent attractants 43% Bait 32% High tech equipment 26% High fence 21% Spring bear 20% As hunters, we can argue all day about which pursuit methods and which animals are more ethical, but doing so only helps anti-hunting efforts. So long as the hunting is being conducted in accordance with the local laws and follows scientific models (that ensure the population improvements or sustainability) then why denigrate each other and add to any negative perceptions? We are each on a unique journey, let’s celebrate the paths that we take instead of declaring our personal methods to be best thus naming ourselves the arbiters of ethics. Just because I archery hunt for deer to make it more challenging, does not make a rifle hunter unethical or less fair chase. Conversely, just because a rifle hunter encroaches less on an animal’s personal space does not make …

Continue reading “American’s Attitudes Toward Hunting”

WDFW Commission Spring Bear Decision

WDFW Commission – Spring Bear Permit Season 2022 What Is It? Since 1999 Washington State has offered a spring black bear hunting season. This spring season is used as a fine-tuned conservation/management tool. Instead of offering an over-the-counter hunt, WDFW carefully sets permit numbers based on several factors: *Population estimates *Previous year harvests *Timber damage concerns *Prey level concerns *Human/bear conflicts The spring permit season is a very beneficial tool in WDFW’s overall game management plan that can help the department protect the wide variety of our state’s wildlife. What Happened? October 21, 2021, WDFW biologists gave a public presentation to the WDFW Commissioners reviewing the spring bear permit numbers and making a few changes to the post-harvest process. That presentation can be viewed HERE. Public comment received that day was overwhelmingly against the season, and bear hunting in general. Most hunters stated that they didn’t provide comment because they believed that the season was going to continue and only the overall permit numbers would be considered. November 19, 2021, the department was scheduled to make their decision on the proposal. After a long and heated discussion about the ethics of the hunt , and the validity of WDFW science, the commission took their vote. Four commissioners voted to adopt the 2022 season as proposed by WDFW staff, and four commissioners voted against the proposal. The commission requires a majority vote to pass, so the proposal failed. Normally when a rule change fails the department is forced to revert to the old rule that was in place. However, the spring bear season rule (WAC 220-415-080) is somewhat unique in that the title of the rule contains a year; “2021 spring bear special permits.” Meaning that the season expired and was placed on hold. As of this writing, there will be no spring bear hunting season in 2022. What’s Next? The most important thing that we can do at this time is to respectfully share our voice with the commission. You can email the commission, give public testimony at commission meetings, and help spread the word. Share your hunting/outdoor stories from start to finish so that people can understand everything that goes into the hunt, not just the grip and grins at the end. Share the family stories, the sunset photos, scouting adventures, meals made from your harvests, every angle of the adventure. In addition, the INWC board of trustees has been working closely with our partner organizations to create a rule change petition to hopefully prevent this from happening in the future. We have been encouraged by the outpouring of support on this petition and the efforts to restore the spring bear season. But we also want to caution everyone – this will be a long process and success may not occur until after the 2022 season. Rulemaking takes time and must be done properly, or the department runs the risk of having the changes overturned by lawsuits. Following the process properly now will potentially protect the season for the long haul. Please don’t lose hope; and stay connected throughout this long journey. As I like to say…The commission cannot support our voice if we fail to share it with them.

Electric Assist Mountain Bike

Electric Assist Mountain Bikes Innovation drives new technology into every avenue of our lives and often the policies guiding usage fall far behind the speed of innovation. This is the case with electric assist mountain bikes (eMTBs). eMTBs have been around since the 90’s, however, the Washington state legislature only recently passed ESSB 5452 – concerning eMTBs. This policy passed by the WA state legislature instructs DNR and WDFW to undergo a public process collecting information from various user groups related to electric-assist bicycle use on nonmotorized natural surface trails and closed roads open to bicycles. Aimed at determining which classes of bicycles will be allowed on which trails and roads under the management of those agencies. What is an eMTB? Funded by a military grant in 1997 Montague bikes teamed up with Currie Technologies and began development of early electric assist mountain bikes as a way to move military troops and equipment without the heat or noise signatures of a combustion engine. In the years following, innovation has exploded bringing improvements to battery and motor technology which has introduced a new generation of electric assist mountain bikes to the market [1]. Today eMTBs are sold around the globe for recreational use and as a means of transportation. eMTB Classes Generally, eMTBs are broken down into three separate classes (I, II, & III). All classes limit the motor’s power to 1hp (750W), the variations lie in the speed and operational function (pedal or throttle) of the bikes [2]. Class 1 – Pedal assist only, maximum motor assisted speed of 20 mph. Class 2 – Throttle assist, maximum motor assisted speed of 20mph. Class 3 – Pedal assist only, maximum motor assisted speed of 28 mph. Regulations Currently there are a patchwork of regulations for eMTBs depending on which agency is responsible for the management of the land. [3] DOI – authorizes the use of low-speed eMTBs (class I) on trails and paths where traditionl bicycles are allowed. Order 3376 directs FWS, NPS, BLS, and BOR to do a rule update to be consistent. USDA Forest Service – Considers eMTBs as a motorized vehicle DNR – Considers eMTBs as motorized, limited to roads and ORV trails. Washington State -SB6434 (passed in 2018) if local jurisdiction doesn’t address eMBTs, then rules default to classes I & II being allowed on roadways. Prohibited from use on non-motorized trails with natural surface (no added surfacing material). alternative). Washington State Parks – Allows the use of class I & III on trails where nonmotorized bikes are allowed. WDFW – Allows eMTBs where motorized vehicles are allowed. Does not allow eMTBs on designated non-motorized trails with natural surfaces (with limited exceptions – consistent with SB 6434). Your Opinion Matters ESSB 5452 has instructed WDFW to begin a public process to collect information related to the use of eMTBs on nonmotorized natural surface trails, closed roads open to bicycles. As well as determining which classes of eMTB are acceptable on those surfaces. We would love to hear your thoughts on eMTBs, please visit our poll HERE. [1] https://www.montaguebikes.com/folding-bikes-blog/2018/04/history-of-first-electric-mountain-bike/ [2] https://www.bosch-ebike.com/us/everything-about-the-ebike/stories/three-class-ebike-system [3] https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-01/e-bikes_on_wdfw-managed_lands_0.pdf (cover photo from WDFW presentation)

Volunteer Opportunity – Disabled Hunting Route Patrols

For the past several years the Disabled Access Committee (all of us) have spent a lot of time in the woods. Last year, despite COVID, we were still very busy inspecting existing wheelchair ramps/platforms, repairing some, and built two brand new ones, and installing those two on Aladdin Mtn, installing a refurbished platform on the upper side of Rustlers Gulch, and returning two from Betty Cr to the warehouse where they have each been refurbished and are now ready for deployment at Squirrel Meadows, and Blanchard Hump. Along with inspecting the existing platforms, several required a lot of work just to gain access to them. Along the way we found a lot of deadfall, which of course required removal. Some of this work required coordination with the USFS for access, and the last of it was not completed until after hunting season opened. In November, as I was debriefing the Colville NF District supervisor, whom I have coordinated with for the past several years, re: all our activity over the season, he tossed an idea past me that I brought to the INWC board for discussion and approval. Then Marie, Pete, and myself had a conference call with him, and the Newport District Ranger about specifics. Having approval from the board to move forward with this new endeavor, I am now sharing this project opportunity with you. Because we have earned their trust, we have entered a collaborative endeavor with the Colville National Forest to take care of the six routes within the forest that have been administratively closed – meaning they’re closed for disabled hunters access only – and not to include the road surface which we must always be mindful of, we have agreed to monitor the condition of those six gates, condition of the lock, or to report a missing lock, and then patrol those routes to ensure disabled sportsmen/women have adequate access to the entirety of each route to include all approves spurs of those routes. This means cutting away deadfall, reporting problem trees (widow makers), and any tree that is too big for us to handle – and report it to them for their sawyers to remove. Any route that has a wheelchair platform also means not only inspecting that platform, but it means saving time and travel by taking some spare material from the warehouse to repair a rogue handrail, or adding an extra screw here and there. Observe the condition of the platform and ramp deck surface. Could it use a coat of stain to help prolong life? Make a note of it and it will be taken care of on the second trip of the season. Yes, you heard that right. They have asked us to patrol the route in late Spring/early Summer as soon as snow melt allows, and then a final trip in late summer before hunting season opens, no later than October 1st. Since many families within the INWC gather together on weekends during the season with their ATV/UTV’s anyway, why not make part of the trip traveling trails you don’t normally have access to? This opportunity is not just for those on the Disabled Access Committee, it’s for all of us. If you’re interested in helping on any of these trips, there is a Forest Service form you need to add your name to at the office. If you have any questions, please contact me, Thanks in advance for all you do, Ken McNaughton

Volunteers Needed

Swanson Lakes wildfire recovery, volunteers will be helping to plant shrubs and plants to assist with the recovery in areas impacted by the wildfires. We will be meeting at 10 am each day, contact the office (509) 487-8552 for more information. Volunteers will need to pre register with WDFW as this is a joint project. Click HERE to register. Please bring a mask, hand sanitizer, gloves, water, and a lunch to the project site. Funding for this project came from the INWC’s wildfire recovery fundraiser. Together we raised over $16,000 for this effort. Thank you for your generous support!!

Disabled Hunting Access Program

March has arrived, which means that the application period for our disabled hunting access program on Inland Empire Paper Company (IEPC) lands has opened. Each year IEPC generously donates 25 access passes to the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council’s disabled access team for hunters with disabilities. The application is due on April 15, 2021 and can be downloaded by follow the link below. Drawing will be held on April 20, 2021 and winners will be notified shortly thereafter. Please return your completed application to the INWC office. 6116 N Market Street Spokane WA, 99208 office@inwc.org For more information on accessing Washington’s outdoors you can visit WDFW’s accessibility page, Also, our disabled access team leader, Ken McNaughton, shares information on the application process on the INWC YouTube page. Click Here to view that video.