I am a Sportsman's Rep on the CWMU committee. The overhaul for the CWMU Rule was a long one. We had numerous meetings and talked about may different issues. There are going to be some major changes coming to the program for the 2009 draw. (The 2008 season had already been set before the Rule could take place)
The issue of allowing the public to hunt Sept 1 (or 10th) was talked about, and rediscussed and talked about some more. Should the public hunter be allowed on and get first crack at the animal? That is the question everyone wants answered. This is a tough question when one dives into the specifics. The Committee came to the conclusion that to write this into the rule would have an ill effect on far too many CWMUs. The biologists who approve the plan are to approve DATES which are fair to the public hunter. The biologists must take the Management Plan of each CWMU and approve something which is fair to the public.
Changes include:
-An additional 20-30 PUBLIC bull moose tags over a 3 year period.
-A minimum of 5 days to hunt bucks and bulls.
-A minimum of 2 days to hunt antlerless AND a set goal of antlerless harvest which will force CWMUs to accommodate hunters.
-ALL public hunters will be allowed to hunt in November if the CWMU chooses the Nov hunt option.
-All dates will be published before the application period.
-Maps will be on-line for public viewing.
-Access to all designated open lands within the CWMU. (No more restricting public access, unless it is designated as a sanctuary)
If anyone has a good or bad experience on a CWMU then fill out a compliment/complaint form and let the UDWR know. It is a great way to police the program.
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