I have a beef with the Division. I just want to voice my opinion again and get some imput back from those on Monster Muleys.
I have been feeding elk all winter long. There are about 74 bulls and 74 cows in the group. Not nearly as many cows as a few years ago. There is no doubt in my mind that the total number of elk on the North and South Cache has dropped the past couple of years. We (the division) currently manages elk for an age class. They manage deer for a buck to doe ratio. This is what determines the number of hunting permits available for Elk and Deer. Both Elk and Deer numbers are below total herd objectives. Why are they still issuing cow elk permits? If we continue to kill cow elk 5 years from now the elk herds will be just like our deer herds. We are seeing the effect on the North and South Cache already. The division doesn't care about total number of animals (or they would quit selling cow elk permits) as long as there buck to doe ratios and age class of bulls killed is where they are supposed to be they can sell all the permits they want. Then we will be going up into the hills to hunt animals that won't be there. I fear for the future of the elk.
I have been feeding elk all winter long. There are about 74 bulls and 74 cows in the group. Not nearly as many cows as a few years ago. There is no doubt in my mind that the total number of elk on the North and South Cache has dropped the past couple of years. We (the division) currently manages elk for an age class. They manage deer for a buck to doe ratio. This is what determines the number of hunting permits available for Elk and Deer. Both Elk and Deer numbers are below total herd objectives. Why are they still issuing cow elk permits? If we continue to kill cow elk 5 years from now the elk herds will be just like our deer herds. We are seeing the effect on the North and South Cache already. The division doesn't care about total number of animals (or they would quit selling cow elk permits) as long as there buck to doe ratios and age class of bulls killed is where they are supposed to be they can sell all the permits they want. Then we will be going up into the hills to hunt animals that won't be there. I fear for the future of the elk.