Alot has been stated about the quality of the bulls in Nevada. The lack of asking the right people the right questions has caused alot of false statements and ideas. First of all, true sportsmen, like my self, have an open dialogue with the ranchers. They were appalled by the huge increase in the bull quota. They too were concerned about the quality being upset by the increase in numbers. NDOW shows a high success rate of six point bulls. But they can not say if they were a four year old six point or a eight year old six point that was harvested. They base there increase of bull tags on recruitment. How many of those twin calves were actually orphans from the fall cow hunt. NVguide stated that the average point class of 350 could fall to below 300 is infact a more than likely outcome. But anyone who is successful in obtaining a bull tag had better be prepared to hike to 8500' and above to harvest a 350 plus bull. Yes, under our W.P. elk plan we do have an objective level. And the sportsmen have stood up to their obligation to that plan. Under the old plan, once the numbers had reached the objective levels, then the land use agencies would do a three year study to justify an increase or decrease in elk numbers. Can't get that done. Soo, we are taking a different approach.
My concerns are first with the health and quality of the herd. Then ample opportunity for sportsmen to harvest a quality bull of their choice should be second. I encourage all of you to get involved by attending meetings, developing habitat and resources that will benefit wildlife and hunting opportunity.
