"Overall, this change is far from a crisis, but the overwhelming number of archery elk hunters (cow/spike) had their opportunity decreased. Not by a chnage in the number of days, but by starting the season earlier. Of course it is more difficult to hunt elk effectively in the middle of August as opposed to September. Should we move the spike hunt back even further, say into July? I don't think so."
Sorry, but I disagree 100%. I say it is EASIER to hunt spikes/cows in mid August than in mid September. They are not split into smaller groups by the herd bulls yet, they come into water more often/regular, the spikes haven't been chased off by the big bulls yet. I can call spikes in year round, but during the rut is the most difficult time to call spikes in, in my experience of calling in elk for over 20 years. The success rate for archery spike hunters is between 5-10%, I seriously doubt the success rates will change much, and if it does, I predict it will be HIGHER success rates.
The LE archery hunters on spike units have gotten the short end of the stick since archery tags were introduced in 2004, no other LE elk hunters have to compete with spike hunters, NONE! Would I love to see the LE archery hunt pushed back later into September? Of course, but how? The LE any-weapon hunt starts the very next day, I do NOT hear them volunteering to start their hunt later in September.
You want to know why I get "so defensive"? Because people spout off w/o knowing/telling all the FACTS, and/or complain about things AFTER the deed(s) is done. The time for feedback was BEFORE the proposal was made, not after.
PRO
Define, develop, and sustain BOTH trophy and opportunity hunts throughout the state of Utah.
Mountain goats and sheep are excluded until further scientific studies show they can sustain the extra 5 spike only days that weren't taken from the beggining or the end of the 28 days.
