GMU 342 (Umtanum) Open to Deer General Season

GMU 342 originally became a deer permit-only area in 1997. All of eastern Washington went to 3-pt minimum the same year. The intent of both “permit-only” and “3-point minimum” was to increase the buck:doe ratio. The new six year game plan calls for a minimum of 15 bucks:100 does and to increase opportunity for all users when appropriate. In December of 2002, the buck ratio in GMU 342 was 18:100 does. In non-permit areas such as GMU’s 360 and 368, the buck ratio was 22-30:100 does. The number of mature bucks was also higher outside of the permit area. The antler point distribution in the GMU 342 harvest indicated few mature bucks. In 2001 (most recent data), 55% of the deer harvested were 3-point or less and no deer larger than 4 point were reported. The majority of GMU 342 deer herd is migratory and is already subject to hunting pressure during the general season. Mature bucks surviving the general season were also hunted during the permit-only season, which placed additional pressure and vulnerability during the rut. This “double jeopardy” reduced buck ratios compared to surrounding herds. Historically, about 3000 deer hunters reported hunting GMU 342. Under permit only, an average of about 175 hunted. Biologist concluded that higher hunter success did not compensate for the loss of opportunity for over 2800 hunters. More importantly the buck ratio objective was not being reached. Those that had participated in the permit hunt reported a high quality experience and favored keeping the permit only hunt. However, the majority of hunters favored returning to an open general season.