mthunter87,
Its always entertaining to read something like you just wrote, if nothing else for the humor alone.
For starters, I'd like to see the law that required outfitters to submit how many acres of land they were leasing. I'd also like to look at the yearly totals from 1980-2010...funny thing is though...there are no public records of it???
Oh, thats right outfitters were all on the "honor" system...sweet. How many cash deals were made with leases? How many times were outfitters audited on how much they lease?
Ever heard the story about the fox guarding the hen house?
This issue is also not just about access, its about equity in business. I find it funny that you downplay the impact that OSL's had on the outfitting industry. If the program was so bad...why are you complaining that its now gone? If getting rid of the OSL's really isnt going to open other lands...why are you worried about? Why even bring it up? Isnt it more fair to allow ALL hunters to draw tags from the same pool and then CHOOSE if they even want to hire an outfitter?
I know the answers, was there when the osl's were negotiated and listened to the lies...
Further, there is no question that DIY hunters spend more money at a wider variety of businesses than the guided hunter. Many rent vehicles, eat at restaurants, stay at hotels...instead of just flying into the nearest airport and then staying with the outfitter.
As to DIY NR hunters not having access to top quality game on accessible lands...what a joke.
You make it sound as though a NR's only choice is to book on some private land and hunt in a hayfield to find a quality experience or a quality animal. That just isnt true...the NR hunter with some ambition and common sense can not only have a quality experience, but also has the chance to take quality animals as well.
I'll be buying tags in MT as long as I'm alive and breathing...even though the wolves ate all the elk and there is no quality animals on public accessible land in MT...
Just a wee sample of the poor hunting found on public lands in Montana by DIY hunters...