DEDICATED HUNTER PROGRAM

huntinguy

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Okay so by now most are aware of all the changes made today that will begin in 2012:
1) 29 general units
2) Increased fees
3) 13,000 less tags
4) No more statewide archery

So here's my question, does anything change with the dedicated hunter program for 2011 and into the future?

Thanks
 
"So here's my question, does anything change with the dedicated hunter program for 2011 and into the future?"


Seriously????

The incentive of the DH Program was a tag in the region of hunters choice. Now if you want the tag you go in the UNIT Draw just like everybody else.


It would be pretty chickenbleep for the DWR to set aside a percentage of tags per UNIT for the DH Program







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Wiley,
I am nominating that for post of the
century on Monster Muleys!

Your are spot on.
 
I was wondering that myself not 10 minutes ago. I would personally like to see them start the 1 year deal this coming season to lead into the changes in 2012. It would not make sense to stop the dedicated hunting program, or to keep it going as is where the next year we are going to units.

Dillon
 
LAST EDITED ON Dec-02-10 AT 04:51PM (MST)[p]The tag reduction will be more than 13,000 tags. When reality hits then the tag cut will be far greater. The only reason they used 13,000 was to make it easier to shallow for most people.

Southern Utah hunters will be hating option 2 when they cannot even draw a tag to hunt their own mountains.

DWR will be losing a lot of hours that dedicated hunter perform. I guess the DWR will need to hire more people to help police the 29 units which means the tag fees will go up.
 
They have a year to work everything out, I would think that Dedicated hunters will get to pick their unit just like they always have thats the benefit of participating in the program plus hunting all 3 weapons, if this isn't the case you will see the program fail and turn into a premium general hunt so they can make more money.
 
I am in the program for 2011 and 2012. I understand 2011 will not be changed. My 40 hours are complete my money has all been paid will I get to hunt all three hunts in 2012. I have a lifetime license so I will have a tag. Is the state willing to pay me for my hours worked and refund my money if they don't live up to their agreement. I would think there would be no dedicated hunters added for 2011.
 
It shouldn't change if you remember 2 years ago when the southerners thought that making the bowhunters pick a region would change the world they still let them hunt the extended, the extended will always be open to all archery hunters and we will still get to hunt A LOT more than the rifle hunters:)
 
why so sad for the so,UT hunter's if i can't hunt my mts in central ut im going to be pissed will you be sad for me to?
 
Description of 80% of Dedicated Hunter's IMO: Downfall of Opportunity and Heritage for the Utah mule deer hunter.

Hours: "Well we put in a good solid hour of nothing, I hope they will just sign us off for 8 hours though......."


Archery Hunt: Drive around in our truck opening morning and see how many stalks we can screw up. "We can use the archery hunt to scout for the ML and rifle season." "Should we try to sneak up on that buck? Ya put it in 4wheel and we'll sneak up on him, don't mind the guy with his boots off closing the distance on him already....he won't mind we are dedicated hunters...."

Muzzleloader Hunt: "Where are all those bucks we snuck up on during archery season?" "Those damn bow hunters must have killed or wounded them" "lets drive around some more and see how many idiots like us are out this morning" There sure aren't many deer around eh Cleatus? Ya Utah sucks!!!!

Rifle Hunt: "Lets drive up on that ridge before it gets light enough to see and spook all the deer" "Turn the heater on I'm cold" "What do you mean I can't shoot a trophy buck off the road out of my truck? There must not be any deer, I'm going to go piss and moan until they cut tags, lessen opportunity for all of us and then I won't be able to draw in the unit that i want to hunt....oh and let's pay more money for our tag... and some how this is going to produce more trophy bucks that I can shoot out of my truck" ....sounds like a great plan.

Way to go fellars, let's be sure to at least use a sharp knife to slit our own throats next time......

Remember this is 80% of DH, I realize there is a small percentage that respect this privilege and a fellow hunter....
 
LAST EDITED ON Dec-02-10 AT 06:22PM (MST)[p]It has been stated at multiple meetings by DWR officials that dedicated hunters will need to draw a unit, just like the rest and then enroll in the program. Whether this is implemented or not remains to be seen.

www.bowhuntersofutah.com
 
The loss of the DH program as it is now is the biggest loss out of this. Alot of projects will not get done. Most DH join for there pick of region, now that you have to draw and then apply for DH, it will reduce alot of that free labor.
 
Anyone have an idea what the new Dedicated hunter will look like?
Draw a tag in the regular drawing.
Apply for another drawing to be in the DH program.
Pay a fee to hunt all three hunts?
Donate 16-20 hours of labor?
Kill 1 buck for that year?
 
Ya I can tell you what the new dedicated hunter will look like......Grossly obese, in a side by side, truck or maybe a four wheeler if the weather is good. Running every deer out of the country that could possibly present an opportunity. Not much different than what we have now......
 
All that has really been said is you will have to draw a tag then join the dedicated hunter program and you would be allowed to hunt all 3 seasons. I'm sure there will be a fee and service hours to do.
 
Why don't we get rid of the out of state hunters? We limit the dedicated hunter, cut tags, all this bs that will not make a difference, but still give tags to out of staters. Why doesn't the Utah citizen who pays taxes in this state get the opportunity first. If he is willing to pay the same tag fee, why can't he purchase it instead of an out of stater. This has been wrong from the beginning. If you live in the state you get first dibs. If any are left over after every Utah citizen has had their opportunity to recieve one, then the out of staters can purchase one. I know you are going to say the state needs money from their tag purchases. I would be willing to pay extra for my general season tag to know that they all went to utah sportsman who care about Utah then to some out of stater. It is a shame at what they are going to do to the dedicated hunter program.
 
Bocephus who p!ssed in your cheerio's today? I am currently a dedicated hunter and love the program. I am not one of those guys that drives all over creation just to "hope" to see a buck. I put in my time scouting, hiking etc. I would rather hunt away from roads and away from everyone else. The big buck's hide where most people do not go. I understand you said 80% but get real!!!! Most dedicated hunters I know, enjoy spending time out in the hills, looking at the wildlife and are willing to put in the miles, on there feet to get a trophy buck. So next time maybe you should get some accurate #'s before you go bashing someone you don't even know.
 
This doesnt affect me, since 2011 is my last year in the dedicated hunter program, but...

I think that those Dedicated hunters who are in their last year in 2012 (who have not harvested two deer), should be allowed to hunt in 2012. Not necessarily all three hunts, but they should receive a tag. Those hunters contracted with the state to join a three year program in which they were guaranteed a tag for three consecutive years, or until they harvested two deer. Value was given by those participants, thereby perfecting their portion of the contract. If the DWR cancels the program without fulfilling their portion of that contract, wouldnt they be considered to be in breach?
I agree, sounds like the DWR is opening themselves up for some legal problems if they dont address this. All it takes is one guy who wants to prove a point...

We know that there are less than 10,000 dedicated hunters that would fall into this category.....Give them a tag in 2012 and be done with it. Start the new Dedicated hunter (1 year program) in 2013.


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"So... Now you got a little taste of what I do...pretty dang exciting, eh?"
 
BO, Your out of your mind on the perception of a dedicated hunter , I would like to see you keep up with this dedicated hunter for 5 minutes, on foot, without oxygen, your a fn joke.
 
1970 Man am I glad the other western states that I hunt as a n/r dont have your attitude. With revenues being such a big issue, Utah along with all other western states depend on the n/r for a large portion of their cash inflow. IMO the non resident is part of the solution not the problem.
 
You must be speaking from experience bocephus.I'm a dedicated hunter and this is my fifth year. But I only road hunt I rarely scout hate hiking. Im way lazy if I cant drive to it I wont shoot it I scare the deer with my loud exhaust and bumpin system. I listen to rap really loud get pissed off when I see other hunters were I hunt I mean wtf I was there first. I drive real slow on dirt roads and wont let any one pass. I only practice with my bow the day before the opener, never practice shooting my muzzy, bore sight my rifle and call it good. My main goal when Im out hunting is to screw up others chances. If I come across someone in need I turn my head. I mean thats how us ddicated hunters hunt isnt it? Your numbers are way off and your post is way off. I for one, and im sure many others took offense to your post due to the fact your wrong.
 
Wow you dedicated hunters are sensitive. I archery hunt with Bocephus and he might be exagerating a bit but you would be a little uptight too. You cannot imagine how many times as archery hunters we have been in the process of stalking a buck and had self admitted d/h move in and blow the setup up. I would say that 80% of dedicated hunters are casual archery hunters at best. Have at it on the 2 gun hunts but show the dedicated archers some respect. BTW I have no doubt that Bocephus could hold his own with you in a hill climb! Longshooter.
 
I dont even own a bow nor do I care to bow hunt. I too have had other hunters screw up hunts for me, but I dont go and blame 80% of them being D/H. Even if they claim to be, it's public land. All bet you a hundred bucks even if there wasn't a D/H program fellow hunters wil still screw you up on your stalks. The D/H has its ups and downs but its not anything like your friend claims.
 
bocephus. may i take this moment. to say form all us dedicated hunters old and new. kiss my a''''
 
bocephus. may i take this moment to say for us dedicated hunters. old and new. kiss my '''''''''' ....
 
Wow Dikndirt, get your dikoutadirt!!! Its public land, This has happened to me numerous times. Its not just DH its alot of hunters. Half of the time they do not even know that someone else is there. I mean we are wearing camo for he11 sakes.
 
BO.. hey I'm a dedicated hunter and Im laughing my A''' off because you are hitting the nail on the head with most of us.
 
Im also a dedicated hunter and love the program. Your bad for not being in it not ours. Oh Guess what else i spent time in the hills every week this past summer and I arrowed a 176" buck on opening morning of the bow hunt. If your stalks are getting messed up then you yourself aint far enough away from your own wheeler. Did I mention as a DH i even packed and slept in a tent before the opener and it took me 9 hours to get my buck out. So dont judge a hunter because he took the DH program so he was allowed to be in the hills all year.
 
Sniper I chose not to be in the DH program...I am a die hard bowhunter and just don't get much of a thrill at killing a buck with a gun from 150-1000 yards no offense to any of you longshooters. I have chosen to be a dedicated archer and the problem is why should we have to compete with diehard muzzleloader and rifle hunters who just want to be in the hills on the archery hunt? Give the archers the first two weeks of the hunt before the DH's move in to do their scouting. Pick your weapon and stick with it. If someone wants more opportunity pick up a bow and get serious about it. It sounds like you are passionate about bow hunting if you put in the time and was able to arrow a good buck on opening morning, why have the muzzloader and rifle hunt as a crutch? If you want to be in the hills you can hunt the extended until the end of the year for deer and elk.
 
BO, Your barking up the wrong tree here, i am a dh and have been since inception but you archery only guys have got to get off your high horse of having the hills all to yourself all archery hunt because you chose one hunt, I live for archery season, but i also live for muzzy and rifle and yes im a little offended that you dont give credit to what it takes to make a 1000 yd kill shot on a muley, its like you putting 3 arrows in a dime at 60 yds and i dont know to many that can. As for your last question 2 years ago i chassed a 190 class buck for 22 days on the archery and couldnt seal the deal because of blown stalks by me and others and not all dhs more than likely statewide archers the buck went underground 5 days. I put him to bed the night before the muzzy opener and killed him at first light opening day 187 2/8 5x8 and thats why im a dh .oppertunity, While you were doing your laundry at home thinking about next year i was finishing what i started.
 
Longshooter I'm happy that you killed a good buck on the muzzleloader hunt that you were able to scout on the archery hunt. I'm not like you, I don't get a kick out of killing a deer with a gun any kind of gun. I don't get a thrill out of shooting a deer from the moon that takes no skill other than knowing your weapon and a little bit of practice. A fat guy in a wheel chair can kill a good buck with a gun every year, and that's fine there needs to be opportunity for everybody. It's just not what my passion is. I'm not saying do away with the gun hunts, just pick which one you want to hunt with and stick to it. I don't care what a buck scores....For me it's the thrill of outsmarting a nice buck and putting an arrow through his boiler room at close distance.
 
Been a while since I have posted here in MM land.

I respect a lot of your opinions, and it is good that some of you think the changes yesterday will help the herds.

The DH program will never look the same.

The Extended Archery folks better enjoy next year, that unit will become a limted entry archery only unit in 2012. Don't beleive me, just wait.

As for the rest of the "twenty nine" units, what a joke. Its going to take a year or four for some of you to realize how bad a decision was made yesterday, but just wait. When its been four years and you still have yet to draw a tag on the mountain you "used" to hunt, you might just get the drift.
 
Been in the DH program since its inception. Provides great opportunity. The kill rate for bucks is still less than the rest of tag holders. My preferred hunting strategy for the past 20 years is to scout, find a buck I would like to get(always a big mature buck), spend all my hunting time hunting for that buck (wouldn't pass up a bigger one though), Killed one buck in the last 15+ years.
 
Bocephus,
Get off the Pedastool. There is nothing easy about hunting deer on the general season rifle Utah hunt. In all honesty the bow hunt have better dates. You get to hunt early in the season, first crack at the bucks when they are still in the summer range and a little more vunerable. They are easy to glass due to the summer coat color and velver horns. That is why I love to bow hunt. Traditionally the Utah archery hunt last around 30 days.

I would much rather take my chances of killing a big buck in a Utah GU with a bow than a rifle. Yes it is harder to kill a buck with a bow but we all see a lot more deer during the archery hunt.

Congrats on being a hard core archery hunter. But don't trash on people for liking to hunt with a rifle. I personally am going to do whatever I have to do to get my best chance at a big buck.
 
As much as I hate to admit it, I think thebuckstopshere might be right, its going to take a few years for us to see it. Just look at Colorado, a lot of hunters there cannot hunt the hills in their backyards except once in a few years or more. I personally was torn between the options, as a bowhunter I love the number of areas to hunt, but on the other hand I want to see our deer herds recover and to see more and bigger bucks. It was obvious to me that something needed to be done to help our deer herds. I am willing to sacrifice some time in the field if it means that there are bigger bucks and more deer in general out there. Hopefully the decision made yesterday will accomplish that...only time will tell.
 
If gun hunting isn't for you, why try to take it away from everyone else.

2010 was my first year in the program. I hunted a lot of the archery hunt messed up on 3 big bucks that disappeared. Muzz hunt spent some time on the mountain not seeing anything I wanted to shoot. Hunted 3 days before taking a small buck with my 3 year old sitting next to me. I love hunting with my bow, muzz is fun but like my bow better. Rifle is really fun and I get to hunt with all of my family.

I shoot around 200 arrows a week during spring summer and fall. Shoot over 2000 shots during the summer to keep my gun skills sharpened.

I paid my money and had my 40 hours done within 2 months of being in the program. How can you throw all DH in the same pool?


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