Does anyone ever fear threads like this (190 pages of photos/advice) are a detriment to the sustainability of general/unlimited hunting seasons like the UL sheep opportunity? I suspect very few will think so, but I'm genuinely curious.
A few thoughts: In the long run, I fear technology (including information platforms like this, podcasts, etc) will lead to greater hunter success and to counter balance that, opportunity will have to be restricted to maintain quotas/harvest objectives (Even when it comes to low success units like the Beartooth Sheep units).
Between all the media out there, one can learn years of knowledge in hours, without ever stepping foot in the Beartooth (That's the best part). There is an argument that the pressure was once greater and the season was sustainable; however, there was not technical gear, long range (500+ yard) rifles, quality optics, etc. When all of these items are combined with easy access to information, my selfish fear is that the success will increase over the long run and the season will be shorter and shorter, or the opportunity lesser than it once was. I hope people will be thoughtful in what information they expose on the internet, podcasts, magazines, etc.
This isn't meant to be a shit post but is something I think about often and am curious what other's thoughts are. I think the UL sheep hunting community is incredible and there is a need for a community such as this to sustain/support the current units and potentially support new units. I think the access to specific information (gained through descriptive photos, podcasts, etc) is (in the long run) a threat to not only UL sheep hunting opportunity but quality, general elk/deer opportunities across the West. I don't think this will be realized overnight but there's no doubt hunters are far more effective today than they were 20 years ago. Something has to give and I think we'd all rather have an opportunity to hunt and enjoy the process than for it to be easier and infrequent.
I feel obligated to share my $0.02.
Roadgoat, I appreciate this point of view and have even had similar thoughts at times.
The MT ULs have been an incredible experience for me. In part due to this forum. In addition to incredible experiences the friends I’ve made in part due to this forum are second to none.
I agree that changes could be made. Faster reporting, faster closures, I’d even be receptive to primitive weapons if there was a good way to hold people accountable for season closures on wounded animals. I hope that units and areas can also expand and be added with growing populations of sheep through improved management practices.
As a nonresident who simply does not have the opportunity to move to MT or AK due to family and other reasons, I am extremely thankful for a lot of things surrounding the ULs:
1. My family for letting me chase this dream
2. Shawn Stewart - for making the dream of chasing wild sheep a reality for every one of us. Because of his actions all the rest of these are possible
3. This friends I’ve met because of the MT ULs, including this forum
4. Podcasts and those who share just enough of a teaser to attract interest, but not too much
5. Others who I’m unaware who have advocated for the ULs to still exist
6. The stories I continue to hear on this forum of others like me who are chasing a dream
I hope the film permit is denied. I hope the information stays scarce and limited, yet is just enough to fuel the dream for others like me.
I hope we all take this as a challenge to advocate for these opportunities to be around not only for us but generations to come. I can assure you that my efforts and limited dollars will be going towards this and wild sheep opportunities in general as possible for years to come.
