Montana Mule Deer Mismanagement

[Treeshark]

The lowest hanging fruit to be plucked on limiting NR numbers from a financial cost and non opposition from MOGA would be the 1/2 price NR licenses in excess of the B-10 and B-11 cap that are sold OTC to former residents.

I agree with that whole post @Gerald Martin, but especially this part

I do think that is the part that residents would be wise to target first, but I also think that changing season dates is probably a close second place.

 

[Forkyfinder]

You know youve made a great point about DIY hunting when treecarp agrees.

 

[SAJ-99]

I’d love to see the loudest voices against NR’s in the social space and legislature start with the low hanging fruit. In my opinion there’s a lot at complaining about NR’s and not much action on the easiest part to change about bringing NR numbers down to the historic caps.

I would say the low hanging fruit is even lower. Start with electronic, mandatory harvest reports. Data is the starting point and FWP would be hard pressed to be against it. If the issue is cost, increase license cost or change ANOTHER fee to get Montana into the 21st century.

 

[rogerthat]

I would say the low hanging fruit is even lower. Start with electronic, mandatory harvest reports. Data is the starting point and FWP would be hard pressed to be against it. If the issue is cost, increase license cost or change ANOTHER fee to get Montana into the 21st century.

Unfortunately, I believe they have been against this as well via legislation last session which they opposed and in other discussions about it.

 

[SAJ-99]

Unfortunately, I believe they have been against this as well via legislation last session which they opposed and in other discussions about it.

If I understand correctly, the excuse has been cost. If done right (not saying it would be) they would need to run both methods for a few years to find error adjustments. One small step at a time.

 

[rogerthat]

If I understand correctly, the excuse has been cost. If done right (not saying it would be) they would need to run both methods for a few years to find error adjustments. One small step at a time.

You might be right on cost but they have also represented that additional data is largely unnecessary as current methods are adequate. And honestly if you’re never going to change anything…like ever…they are probably correct. Be sweet to see that data though regardless

 

[SAJ-99]

You might be right on cost but they have also represented that additional data is largely unnecessary as current methods are adequate. And honestly if you’re never going to change anything…like ever…they are probably correct. Be sweet to see that data though regardless

I would argue current methods are adequate for harvest but not for determining hunter pressure.

I think E-tags are a step toward that. I'm sure a private discussion with FWP might give different views than what is said publicly. The truth is that the average Montana R hunter is anti-government, pro-conspiracy to the core. Arguing about data collection is a whole lot easier than arguing about tags/money. Baby steps.