During the Public Meetings last year this was discussed in detail. I think you could probably look back for the topic and see that it has been in the works since then.
The residents in the meetings were concerned about the allotted tags going out before the seasons were actually set. They saw it as a increase for Non-Residents on hard to draw tags prior to the numbers being set. For example in Unit X there were 15 Non-residents drawn for Type 1. Then May rolls around and come to find out that the quota for that unit should have only been 12 Non-residents. Thus, taking 3 tags away from the residents. I know that isn't the best explanation or probably exactly how it figures, but that is what is pushing the later release of the tags.
One of the above posters was completely correct. The Outfitters Association wanted to keep the early deadline to keep NR on the hook for hunts. And to tell you the truth the Residents didn't care one way or the other on the date.
One thing the G&F talked about and may come to light is increasing NR tags in units like 7 that have high amount of private land, and an over population of elk. I'm not sure the Resident tag numbers would decrease, but the NR may increase for those folks that are willing to go guided.
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