178 goats counted in this report .....about that same (1998) time FWP was giving 75 tags annually. Unbelieveably liberal seasons and then they wonder where the goats went.
First, I have been hoping to get mule deer hunting out of November.....strongly support it.
I mentioned the importance of habitat needs earlier in this thread. Mule deer are a seral habitat species. Mule deer need disturbance in forested habitats. It can be logged or burned or both.
Having...
Not to highjack a good discussion, but to add that mule deer need quality habitat. As a prime example, fire suppression on summer range has had long term detrimental effects on mule deer production in forested habitats "For example, in 2003, the Bulldog fire in southeastern Utah burned more...
The group just has to convince FWP that it was FWP's idea and then it might happen. Just look at the terrible history/results that citizen petitions to change something has actually resulted in change.
Looking at the regional picture, where are the western Montana logs going to go now and still be financially feasible? With no mills left in the Bitterroot, Missoula, Superior-St Regis or Seeley the transportation costs will make it financially unfeasible to log and haul and come out in the...
The same guys buying that sheep-in-a-pen would be happy squatting behind that critter about 20 feet for the customary picture. Size does matter they say.
Just returned from another southern AZ winter where I wandered the Coronado NF for two months with bow or shotgun in hand nearly every day. The poor monsoon season meant little forage production but the cows were out in force. Overgrazing was the worst I have seen in my 24 winters there. My...
Good conversation Randy and others. There are indeed some principles that will shape the future of Montana's big game management:
1) Follow the money. FWP budget is largely dependent on tag sales and even more on non-resident tag sales. Fixed costs are high so income flexibility is low...
The Beaverhead Deerlodge NF is proposing to triple the outfitter/guide client days without specifying which recreation activity is to be permitted, where it would occur, and no further public notification or comment period required. You can easily comment though a form on the Comment Sidebar at...
Follow the money. Non residents are loved by FWP because they pay a large percentage of FWPs budget. `Therefore FWP isn't going to willingly turn down the faucet. FWP has little flexibility due to the fixed costs of their budget. They have tweaked the license structure to allow more non...