The delay for NR was the best decision the commission has made in a while. It was bliss for 10 days, was able to get my kids out with little pressure. Listening to podcasts gripe about lack of birds, it is just all very interesting to hear. For my family, congrat's to the people who put this new season into the regulations. Now lets work on getting bird training season pushed back. I'll be at the commission meetings, letting my voice be heard.
Changes to MT Upland Season - Resident Priority Takes Effect This Year
- Thread starter Ben Lamb
- Start date
Forkyfinder
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Think of the benefit for big game hunting
It would be the single best thing the commission could do. The NR who put in will continue to put in, I doubt we would see any loss of revenue. That would be incredible for the Residents of Montana.Think of the benefit for big game hunting
sclancy27
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The Commission
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The commission can't set seasons?
sclancy27
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They can, but there is a reason the upland bird 10-day went through the legislature. I meant to say, they won't.
The only reason that the NR 10-day passed is that most (I would assume almost all) upland bird outfitting occurs on private land, so it had no effect on their business. A 10-day for NR big game would have an effect on some outfitters (particularly in the west I would think), so I doubt it would even get to a bill. I'm not saying it's a bad idea, I'm saying it's more or less a hopeless idea, at least in my mind.
The only reason that the NR 10-day passed is that most (I would assume almost all) upland bird outfitting occurs on private land, so it had no effect on their business. A 10-day for NR big game would have an effect on some outfitters (particularly in the west I would think), so I doubt it would even get to a bill. I'm not saying it's a bad idea, I'm saying it's more or less a hopeless idea, at least in my mind.
In my opinion the average DYI Montana Resident hunter isn't upset about the outfitter hunting on their favorite Public Land parcel. Maybe the compromise is give the NR who hunt with a licensed outfitter the same start end dates as MT Residents. No change. That should keep the outfitters happy, and keep revenue coming into the state.
sclancy27
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I don't think the average resident cares either, but the commission sure as hell does and the legislature prob does, albeit less. It sounds like you have an idea, get some people to sign on and bring it to the Commission or Legislature. The legislature would be the quicker avenue, they meet here soon.
The 10 day delay for upland season was great. I'm just a guy who hunts/fish, I wouldn't know the first thing about bringing something to legislature. Hopefully they can see the benefits to MT Residents, and parlay that success into something that benefits other seasons.
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Frenchy
Well-known member
Agreed! I hunted the grouse and hun opener, and pheasant after the youth deer season, and both were a refreshing experience.
I think a similar thing should be enacted for big game as well, but I would change it to the last 10 days of the season. No NR big-game hunting on Block Management and Public Lands for the last 10 days of the season. Hell, I'd be happy if they just limited it to Deer hunting and still allowed ELk those last 10 days.
Hunting Wife
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NR hunting either outfitted or DIY on private can already hunt the same opener as residents. They have options.
