My survey responses:
The Taskforce is considering recommending that preference points for moose and bighorn sheep be converted to weighted bonus points. What would you like the Taskforce to know about this idea? Support 100% This should help promote engagement in the conservation legacy of Wyoming as it broadens the base of stakeholders, especially among the next generation of hunters.
The Taskforce is considering recommending the addition of type 9 (archery only) licenses for the Big 5 species (bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose, wild bison, grizzly bear). What would you like the Taskforce to know about this idea? Seems a bit gimmicky. Rather than try to squeeze a little more opportunity out of existing hallmark big game species, there may be better approaches in order to issue more tags. Ex: figure out a way to phase out domestic grazing from historical sheep habitat, and also how to eliminate and reduce feral horse populations.
The Taskforce discussed at their September meeting multiple ideas related to increasing resident hunter opportunities for elk, deer and antelope. What would you like the members to know about this topic? Antelope: The lowest hanging fruit, by far, is to END the loathsome One Shot hunt, which robs premium tags from residents and gifts them to celebrities, on the public's dollar. The G&F commission has demonstrated unwillingness to quit issuing the tags, so the best hope may be to take it back to the legislature to put this sordid chapter in WY antelope hunting to rest. Also, consider going to 90/10 R/NR, so more of the premium tags go to residents. NR's will still get the same total number of tags, since unused R quota spills over to the NR pool anyways. Lastly, raise the NR doe tag to $150, and reduce the # of tags available in the initial draw to one per NR hunter.
Deer: Have the R general tag be good for WT only, and go to fully limited for MD with a 90/10 R/NR split.
Elk: Move to 90/10 on LQ tags.
The Taskforce discussed at their September meeting multiple ideas related to landowner matters. What would you like the members to know about this topic? Aggressively pursue opening up landlocked public land hunting access.
What topics would you like the Wyoming Wildlife Taskforce to address? Figure out a way to sunset the NR Wilderness Rule.
What other information would you like to provide to the taskforce? I have visited WY many times over the last 30 years to fish, backpack, camp, sightsee, and hunt. It is a wonderful state, and I have met many friendly people there including landowners, hunters, and outfitters. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have enjoyed and I am in full support of expanding resident hunting opportunities even if it comes at the expense of fewer opportunities for myself.
