LAST EDITED ON May-14-08 AT 12:52PM (MST)[p]Thanks for posting this info.
If it is the intention of the NMG&F to totally eliminate off-range Oryx than issuing year round OTC tags should accomplish the task within the first year. Oryx will simply stay inside the fence and if they're too dumb to do that they will be shot in short order. Oryx are not like Barbary who seem to maintain their numbers by residing primarily on private land.
IMO the off-range hunts have become more difficult over the last few years so the logical conclusion is that the number of Oryx off the range has been reduced. I understand that there is a need to control exotics by keeping them on the missile range but we are already accomplishing this with off-range draw tags.
IMO this approach will also reduce revenue and hunting opportunity in the long run.
Sure the department will generate good revenue in the first year by selling OTC tags but what happens in the 2nd and 3rd years when the success rate is approaching zero? Not going to be selling very many OTC tags then and will be getting no off-range draw app/tag money.
This approach also will increase poaching. Lets say you are out shooting rabbits, coyotes or what ever. See an Oryx, knock it down, go to Wal Mart, return and tag. I believe there was an arrest made last year for this exact same scenario only it was a Barbary.
Take a kid hunting. You will enjoy it more than they do!