Do any of you guys know of legal techniques to scare seals to keep them from stealing fish off your line when your bringing them in. I was told by a WDFW agent that it was legal to shoot at seals with sling shots to scare them away from your lines as your bringing in a fish....has anyone else heard that?

You can use a slingshot as a deterent AS LONG AS you shot something that can not cause permanent harm or injury to the Sealions.

Another method according to the NOAA, who is the group that "manages" this issue, is the use of Seal Bombs as a acceptable means of deterent.

However, in addition to getting hard to find and expensive, seal bombs MAY violate local ordinances against fireworks.

As with everything concerning Sealions, there is no clear directive.

Great link A-Dog.

Anyone have any luck with the slingshot's?

It does not look like that would be much of a deterant. I can picture the seal smiling after a good shot, knowing He' s gonna be grilling my fish not me.

If you hit the water within 6-10 ft., they get the message and take off, you'll see a big splash. They will be gone for a little while. Then they get smart and watch you, when they see you reach for the sling shot, they dive. We need that group of killer whales back to get rid of a few.

We need something I keep getting screwed by those wonderful seals and their bigger brother, I dont have an answer but getting a little pis--- while fishing and feeding the enemy. I just started BM fishing and in two weeks have fed them atleast six times. I dont know what to do.

it won't be long untill mr sniper starts knocking the bastards right off them traps again. you hear that? thats sea blubber splatter!!!!

YOUR fish??

STFU Cracker.

They have fish and ONLY fish to eat.

You're eating their fish.

The answer is we need more fish around.

I have been using slingshots for years. It stings them good and helps to keep them at bay to a degree. If you hit them with it the offending party will leave. It gives them a good scare even if you get within 5 feet or so. I probably shoot 30 steel shot at them every trip anymore.

Paint ball gun they work great and will not cause permanent harm

Judge: No reprieve for condemned sea lions

http://casperstartribune.net/articles/2008/11/29/news/regional/d4d0c04dab1086548725750e0073c7fc.txt

I know a guy who uses a low power pellet gun to deter them from hanging around. He score a few hits each trip and the seals/sealions steer clear of his AO for the rest of the trip. They are not stupid animals and even a near miss gets the point across.

itchiroid, drunk again? read the bigfishlou post again then you may owe him an apology.

As mentioned before the animals are fairly smart. Some of the larger units need a direct hit before they will get the picture. Usually unless you have a very determined seal the slingshot will work. Just dont run out of steel shot. It takes some practice to become proficient but after firing a few rounds you can quickly become accurate enough to hit your target.

I have shot tons of ball bearings from a sling shot over the years and am extremely accurate out to 40 yards. You must have the tapered bands that are red colored, and 1/4 inch ball bearings. The problem with commorants is half their body is always submerged leaving a very small target, but when hit you can hear the crack of the bones.

Come on Brion....take pride in your shooting skills.

Bragg was a good dog, too.

A hand full of rocks and a wrist rocket works for awhile any way.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE