Joined
·
85 Posts
I think this proposal may be on a decent track, but obviously has wrankled a few feathers. How 'bout a simpler approach with a bit of a compromise?
Perhaps the DWR would do well to manage all units with an eye toward quantity as well as quality.
Try this on for size-
Establish antler or point restrictions for general season. Those of us not concerned with trophies, but not all that inclined to pass one up, either, may be cool with shooting 3x3's 0r smallish 3x4's. Also alott LE tags that impose no restriction, usable during general season in the respective region (maybe with a three year waiting period?). Alott a subset of Prem LE tags that are trophy-only, late season- pre-rut or early rut.
In effect- us meat hunters can hunt where we've always hunted, but keep our 'trophy' standards low. Those of us whom are hard pressed to pass up a big boy, even though technically meat hunters, can take a shot at drawing the General season tag without the restriction. Trophy hunters, whom, frankly I'd rather not be in the same deer woods with in the first place, can have their monsters- at a time when they're most likely to see them anyway.
The herds, overall, benefit from better management. As a hunter, I get a rush just seeing mature bucks, regardless of whether I choose to put a bead on them or not. Just knowing they're OUT THERE is really where the fun is, isn't it?
For those of you who aren't familiar with the previous post, scroll back to Nov. 9 or so. "management idea".
Perhaps the DWR would do well to manage all units with an eye toward quantity as well as quality.
Try this on for size-
Establish antler or point restrictions for general season. Those of us not concerned with trophies, but not all that inclined to pass one up, either, may be cool with shooting 3x3's 0r smallish 3x4's. Also alott LE tags that impose no restriction, usable during general season in the respective region (maybe with a three year waiting period?). Alott a subset of Prem LE tags that are trophy-only, late season- pre-rut or early rut.
In effect- us meat hunters can hunt where we've always hunted, but keep our 'trophy' standards low. Those of us whom are hard pressed to pass up a big boy, even though technically meat hunters, can take a shot at drawing the General season tag without the restriction. Trophy hunters, whom, frankly I'd rather not be in the same deer woods with in the first place, can have their monsters- at a time when they're most likely to see them anyway.
The herds, overall, benefit from better management. As a hunter, I get a rush just seeing mature bucks, regardless of whether I choose to put a bead on them or not. Just knowing they're OUT THERE is really where the fun is, isn't it?
For those of you who aren't familiar with the previous post, scroll back to Nov. 9 or so. "management idea".