S
SUPERUNKNOWN16
Guest
"DEDICATED ROAD HUNTERS"
I have been a hunter in Utah all my life and now participate in the dedicated hunter program. I very
much believe in this program as I have personally helped make a difference in a variety of ways,
through service. I am however, one of a growing number of people who strongly believe that
something must be done differently for Utah's deer herds if we are ever going to have even a
glimpse of the old days. I have deer hunted in this state now for fifteen years from Moab to the
Wasatch Front and one thing continues to ring true throughout the State, (dirt roads)!! In fact as
I am sure you are probably aware there is almost no area in the State any larger than 2.5 square
miles that does not have a road through it somewhere. I have sat down on my computer and
looked at topo maps and literally scoured the state for any such place and it is impossible. I believe
one major factor in the demise of Utah's deer is this very issue of too much access. You simply
cannot expect to ever grow a respectable buck when every unit in the state has a dirt road up
every canyon and at the top of every ridge, (Literally speaking)! That buck will eventually make a
mistake. Maybe not the first, second or even third year but if he lives to be four years old he is an
outstanding survivor. Yet, his skills will surely fail, simply due to the statistical likelihood that
someone will be on the road above or below him and thus end his growth to full maturity.
This last season we hunted in Scofield, on and around Skyline drive. We were partially successful
as one in our party took a 24" four point. That is the largest deer I have seen in years while on the
hunt. In the last 3 years I could have taken an innumerable amount of small bucks but chose to
hold out for something at least as large as the 24" taken this last year. The problem is I cannot
find him. The reason, either he is virtually invisible or someone shot him when he was young and
dumb while hanging near a dirt road. Since at some point in his day he must cross that road in
order to water or bed. Mr. John doe dedicated road hunter just happened to be on the right road
at the right time.
There are a growing number of hunters who despise people on four wheelers and I am one of them.
They cruise up and down every road imaginable and very often create their own. I have on more
than one occasion found torn up foot trails that four wheelers found quite accessible. They leave
the land torn up and ruin any chance of hunters like myself enjoying a peaceful hunt. I cannot
even enjoy my camp unless I find a cave to hide in because wheelers are cruising the roads dusting
our trailers and spoiling the experience all together.
I am not the only one who wishes to see more mature deer and not the only one who tires of dust
and noise. As a paying customer and volunteer provider I expect something to be done. I would be
totally willing to use my service hours to build gates, or otherwise cut off some access to a few
select areas, where people like myself can enjoy the kind of hunt I experienced as a youth. One
where the chance of seeing a large deer and only a limited number of people is at least a
possibility. I know it would work and I know others would like to see the same. Please write me
back and explain your position on this matter.
sincerely, Not Lazy
I have been a hunter in Utah all my life and now participate in the dedicated hunter program. I very
much believe in this program as I have personally helped make a difference in a variety of ways,
through service. I am however, one of a growing number of people who strongly believe that
something must be done differently for Utah's deer herds if we are ever going to have even a
glimpse of the old days. I have deer hunted in this state now for fifteen years from Moab to the
Wasatch Front and one thing continues to ring true throughout the State, (dirt roads)!! In fact as
I am sure you are probably aware there is almost no area in the State any larger than 2.5 square
miles that does not have a road through it somewhere. I have sat down on my computer and
looked at topo maps and literally scoured the state for any such place and it is impossible. I believe
one major factor in the demise of Utah's deer is this very issue of too much access. You simply
cannot expect to ever grow a respectable buck when every unit in the state has a dirt road up
every canyon and at the top of every ridge, (Literally speaking)! That buck will eventually make a
mistake. Maybe not the first, second or even third year but if he lives to be four years old he is an
outstanding survivor. Yet, his skills will surely fail, simply due to the statistical likelihood that
someone will be on the road above or below him and thus end his growth to full maturity.
This last season we hunted in Scofield, on and around Skyline drive. We were partially successful
as one in our party took a 24" four point. That is the largest deer I have seen in years while on the
hunt. In the last 3 years I could have taken an innumerable amount of small bucks but chose to
hold out for something at least as large as the 24" taken this last year. The problem is I cannot
find him. The reason, either he is virtually invisible or someone shot him when he was young and
dumb while hanging near a dirt road. Since at some point in his day he must cross that road in
order to water or bed. Mr. John doe dedicated road hunter just happened to be on the right road
at the right time.
There are a growing number of hunters who despise people on four wheelers and I am one of them.
They cruise up and down every road imaginable and very often create their own. I have on more
than one occasion found torn up foot trails that four wheelers found quite accessible. They leave
the land torn up and ruin any chance of hunters like myself enjoying a peaceful hunt. I cannot
even enjoy my camp unless I find a cave to hide in because wheelers are cruising the roads dusting
our trailers and spoiling the experience all together.
I am not the only one who wishes to see more mature deer and not the only one who tires of dust
and noise. As a paying customer and volunteer provider I expect something to be done. I would be
totally willing to use my service hours to build gates, or otherwise cut off some access to a few
select areas, where people like myself can enjoy the kind of hunt I experienced as a youth. One
where the chance of seeing a large deer and only a limited number of people is at least a
possibility. I know it would work and I know others would like to see the same. Please write me
back and explain your position on this matter.
sincerely, Not Lazy
