I will present the following proposal to the Northern RAC on April 17. I would like others that agree with it to present it at the other RACs that same day. Here is the proposal:
Youth hunters and the preference point allocation of antlerless hunting permits
Introduction. The demand for hunting permits is increasing with human population surge and shrinking winter habitat for many species of big game in Utah. Hunting of antlerless big game is an important tool to manage wildlife population size and structure. Most other States utilize antlerless permits to expand hunting opportunities to youth hunters as a means of introducing them to hunting. In some instances, youth hunters are the only ones allowed to harvest antlerless big game. In Utah, distribution of these permits too hunters was accomplished by a simple random drawing. That system allowed some people to draw multiple permits over several years, while others would not draw any permit over the same time period. In an effort to make the system more ?fair? a preference point system was instituted in 2006. With preference points, all antlerless permits are distributed to those with maximum number of points. If one assumes the average overall odds of drawing an antlerless permit is 1:6, then, on average, everyone should be able to obtain a permit every six years. On the surface, preference points should work as a means of fair, equitable distribution of these permits. During the discussion regarding the implementation of preference points the majority supported the plan and it was approved.
Problem. For new hunters entering the system, specifically youth hunters, they will be at the bottom of the preference point pyramid and will have to wait an average of 6 years to draw an antlerless permit. In my opinion, these are the hunters that most need these hunting opportunities, and they as youth will be absolutely excluded until they are no longer youth. If a 12-year-old hunter has to wait 6 years to have maximum preference points, they will no longer be a youth when they get a tag.
Proposed solution. I propose two alternative solutions to this problem.1) Eliminate the preference point system, return to a random draw, and institute a 3-year waiting period for antlerless permits. 2) Create two draws for antlerless permits. Half (or more) of the antlerless permits will be issued to youth hunters in a random draw. The remaining permits will be distributed by the current preference point system. Youth can only draw one antlerless permit, after which they must apply in the preference point draw with adults. Preference points will be issued to unsuccessful youth applicants but they will not be utilized until the youth turns 18, at which time they must apply in the preference point pool with all other applicants.
Additional Proposal. Non-resident youth hunters that are accompanied by a licensed adult should be able to purchase permits at the resident rate. This type of reduced fees for youth is practiced by both Idaho and North Dakota ans well as CO, CT, KY, MI, MN, MO, MS, NE, NJ, NY, OH, TN, TX, WI..
Summary. Our youth need additional (or at least equal) opportunities to hunt big game animals. This will help recruit new hunters and ensure the future of hunting. 1) Allowing youth the opportunity to obtain antlerless big game permits, and 2) reducing the cost to non-resident youth hunters can accomplish this.
Youth hunters and the preference point allocation of antlerless hunting permits
Introduction. The demand for hunting permits is increasing with human population surge and shrinking winter habitat for many species of big game in Utah. Hunting of antlerless big game is an important tool to manage wildlife population size and structure. Most other States utilize antlerless permits to expand hunting opportunities to youth hunters as a means of introducing them to hunting. In some instances, youth hunters are the only ones allowed to harvest antlerless big game. In Utah, distribution of these permits too hunters was accomplished by a simple random drawing. That system allowed some people to draw multiple permits over several years, while others would not draw any permit over the same time period. In an effort to make the system more ?fair? a preference point system was instituted in 2006. With preference points, all antlerless permits are distributed to those with maximum number of points. If one assumes the average overall odds of drawing an antlerless permit is 1:6, then, on average, everyone should be able to obtain a permit every six years. On the surface, preference points should work as a means of fair, equitable distribution of these permits. During the discussion regarding the implementation of preference points the majority supported the plan and it was approved.
Problem. For new hunters entering the system, specifically youth hunters, they will be at the bottom of the preference point pyramid and will have to wait an average of 6 years to draw an antlerless permit. In my opinion, these are the hunters that most need these hunting opportunities, and they as youth will be absolutely excluded until they are no longer youth. If a 12-year-old hunter has to wait 6 years to have maximum preference points, they will no longer be a youth when they get a tag.
Proposed solution. I propose two alternative solutions to this problem.1) Eliminate the preference point system, return to a random draw, and institute a 3-year waiting period for antlerless permits. 2) Create two draws for antlerless permits. Half (or more) of the antlerless permits will be issued to youth hunters in a random draw. The remaining permits will be distributed by the current preference point system. Youth can only draw one antlerless permit, after which they must apply in the preference point draw with adults. Preference points will be issued to unsuccessful youth applicants but they will not be utilized until the youth turns 18, at which time they must apply in the preference point pool with all other applicants.
Additional Proposal. Non-resident youth hunters that are accompanied by a licensed adult should be able to purchase permits at the resident rate. This type of reduced fees for youth is practiced by both Idaho and North Dakota ans well as CO, CT, KY, MI, MN, MO, MS, NE, NJ, NY, OH, TN, TX, WI..
Summary. Our youth need additional (or at least equal) opportunities to hunt big game animals. This will help recruit new hunters and ensure the future of hunting. 1) Allowing youth the opportunity to obtain antlerless big game permits, and 2) reducing the cost to non-resident youth hunters can accomplish this.
