Hi. I'm new here. I have hunted several years, and am pro-hunter, and a capitalist. I will never begrudge someone for having or spending money, nor for shooting a great bull.
I live in the area, and am one of those evil landowners. Here are some of the
STORIES I have heard about this bull.
-Mr. Agnew flew in on a private aircraft the day of the hunt. Washington State law says "It is unlawful to hunt big game on the same day you were airborn for any purpose, except for a regularly scheduled commercial flight". You can check it out at
www.wdfw.wa.gov. Check the big game regs yourself.
-The "guides" were paid very well for scouting and given very generous bonus' for the kill, but not all the "guides" were licensed. I don't know the particulars, but would bet that little "technicality" can be handled.
-The Bull was only 100 yards from the road that day. The story said it was a 250 yard shot, so maybe it was 350 yards from the road, but that is just speculation on my part, I don't know.
-I also heard that the guy flew up from California, obviously not true.
-I've heard it was shot on tribal land.
-I've heard the head "guide" was from around Elgin, Oregon, but do not recall his name. That was from a neighbor that knows his dad.
-I've heard the dates on the camera were messed up because they wanted to get the dates right, but I don't believe that one bit.
The rumors were absolutely flying around here.
The "anti-hunters" can say what they want, but if they want to see any wildlife, they need to let sportsmen help manage game by hunting not only game animals but the predators too. We all know what a mess we have now that we can't hunt cats with dogs over here any more. The problem is that they will only believe what they want to, and no matter what we say or do, they are going to hate us. Look what they did to Gov. Palin, the moose hunter. They will trash us and belittle us. Our only hope is to pass on sportmanship and time in the field to our children, grandchildren and friends. If there were any improprieties in the taking of this bull, I hope the money does not cloud the officials vision. I personally have more faith in our local game officers than that.
I know that there are many great bulls in Eastern Washington, and much of the access is very limited. I watched several opening day in the Mill Creek Watershed (draw only), while spotting from the "Skyline". You want to earn one, shoot it in that hole. Unfortunately, about the only way for most of us to shoot a branched antler bull in Washington is by being drawn for one. No land owner preference tags, like Oregon. For the rest of us, it's spike only. That's just the way it is. If it proves to be a fair hunt, then I not only wish the man my congratulations, but would like to shake his hand.
I wish you all the best.
5Points