USFS help

ddsflyfisher

Active Member
Messages
164
I am looking for information or connections someone may have to help me get paperwork pushed through at the White River National Forest office. I have talked with some people there and have things moved up to the ranger for a talk- any help would be appreciated. Thank you kindly!
 
LAST EDITED ON Jun-07-17 AT 12:32PM (MST)[p]Are you with PETA? Or wolves-r-us?
 
I got lucky and drew a sheep tag. I have not hunted sheep before but am a fit guy with good resources. I want to have a little professional help for this rare tag. The tag is for a unit with one outfitter. The outfitter doesn't focus or have a special interest in sheep hunts- mostly elk and deer. I found a neighboring guide who has a lot of experience with sheep and a strong desire to help. He applied for a temp permit to guide but was directed by USFS to work it out with the one and only permitted outfitter. Of course the guide with the only permit refused to work with him- so I am busy trying to make sense of the USFS rationalization of one outfitter for a unit and not at least a couple to keep things open for the hunters. I have talked to the person who issues the permits and this person has a special bond with the permitted outfitter questioning why I won't use them not understanding that the permitted guide doesn't focus on sheep. This person has passed me up to the district ranger. Do you guys think I am crazy for thinking that one outfitter for a unit is a bit limited in the USFS planning and service? Is there another legal avenue?
 
I am no sheep expert but I am under the impression sheep numbers are not all that high in the White River National Forest. The low numbers might be why there is only 1 outfitter with limited experience with sheep. What unit did you draw? That might help as well.

"Courage is being scared to death but
saddling up anyway."
 
I don't want to create a kerfluffle by naming the unit, as it is pretty easy to figure the people involved- trying to keep it low key and focus on a solution... it's one outfitter for that unit for all species...
 
I think your point is valid. Why won't they grant a sheep guide a permit if the permitted guide doesn't really guide sheep hunters? Course the other question as always is are we getting the full story?
 
What you're asking for isn't common but with sheep/goats...it's not as rare as you might think. There is precedent set with the USFS in the State of Colorado to grant a one time allocation days for use. Writing a letter explaining the situation is required (I believe).

If they don't approve....I would definitely appeal it up the chain of command. There should be no favoritism and the USFS should not care "which" specific outfitter uses an allotted number of days to guide/hunt for a specific species. I understand having to limit the number of outfitters in total but you have a very unique situation that they should play ball.

Remember.....honey catches more flies. Most people that work for the USFS are good people and will treat others in kind.

Good luck....
 
LAST EDITED ON Jun-07-17 AT 09:10PM (MST)[p]I went through a situation that was similar a few years ago. I believed or was led to believe that I had everything worked out on multiple occasions, but the Forest Service never came through.
 
LAST EDITED ON Jun-08-17 AT 08:35AM (MST)[p]I may be wrong but I thought the outfitters were all regulated by the State and not the Feds (FS)? My understanding was when they first started the Outfitters regulations, they limited the number of outfitters per unit to ensure outfitter have their own territory. I could be wrong but that was my understanding. Might it be possible to go through the Outfitters Assn.? https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dora/Outfitters

Perhaps the CPW could provide some suggestions also. Perhaps you've already done this but just my thoughts.
 
I appreciate all of your comments and suggestions. I do have a few connections in the CPW I will reach out to. The warden for the area has said the area needs another outfitter option beyond the one. He was going to call the district ranger to discuss it as well. I am hoping this works out, but if not, I am prepared to go it alone if I must.
 

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