Montana's CI 161

Blackhawk357 · Dec 29, 2010

Since the photo thread has turned into a debate on Montana FWP's hunting season regulations, I thought we could have a vibrant discussion here on the pros and cons of the voter initiative 161. The ballet issue that eliminated the guaranteed outfitter tags for non-residents in Montana.

Start the fun !!

Blackhawk357 · Dec 29, 2010

Here is what I thought was a rather insightful comment from a non-resident hunter on another discussion board. I don't know the poster, so I left names out to protect the innocent.

Quote:

As a non resident hunter that had the pleasure of hunting elk & deer in SW MT last fall I was VERY disappointed to see this misguided measure pass. Yes it does get rid of the guaranteed tags that were outfitter sponsored but they jacked up the rate of the general tags that the everyday DIY hunter uses.

Here is a list of the tags what they cost in 2010 and what they cost in 2011
2010 Deer combination outfitter sponsored (Guaranteed)- $995
2010 Deer combination - general drawing $343
2011 Deer combination - general drawing $527

2010 Big game combination outfitter sponsored (Guaranteed) - $1250
2010 Big game combination - general drawing $643
2011 Big game combination - general drawing $897

They, MT FWP, are sticking it to the NR DIY hunters while the people that are going to go through an outfitter get a tag for cheaper. Yes the tag is not guaranteed but the drawing odds before were roughly 50-55% and now with a lot of folks not going to MT any more I bet the odds are closer to 75% or more.

The motel owners, gas station, sporting goods and other businesses will suffer because of the money that won't becoming into MT anymore.

just my 2 cents.

Unquote

Have at it,
Blackhawk

cabuck · Dec 29, 2010

The problem with all these fee increases, not just in Montana but all states is supply and demand. Hunters would gladly pay alot more than $500 for a deer tag if it were to hunt the Henery Mtns. in Utah or the Arizona strip, late hunts in Id. or Wy. as well as many units in Nevada. The problem is the lack of QUALITY animals of each state. There is a high demand for QUALITY and a low tolerance of price gouging for just an average chance at a buck. A resident of bordering states to Montana can stay home and hunt for a lot less and hunt for much larger animals in most cases.

The issue of outfitter welfare tags is something else best decided by the residents of their state and the state economy. Just don't see the point of raising ONLY non-res. fees to generate revenue. Ask IDFG how that has worked for them? If they did not sell second deer tags to anyone who would cough up the money they would be hurting.

Funny how the economy of this country is so poor yet these state wildlife agencies think they have a golden goose with non-res. hunters. Can't wait to see how many non-res. hunters will spend their money elsewhere instead of Montana this year.

Cahunter805 · Dec 29, 2010

I agree that the changes from 161 are somewhat unfair. How come they do away with the outfitter sponsor deer license and then lower the cost of the combo outfitter tags. Seems to me somebody going on a guided hunt is getting the best part of this deal. With that said I don't understand why so many NR are complaining about the price increase so much. Yes I feel that the deer only license is a bit steep. There are many states you can hunt deer for less. The price of the combo license is what I think is a fair deal. If you were to apply for a state such as WY it would cost you $577 for elk and $312 for deer. A total of $889. Seems like thats about what most states would cost to hunt both elk/deer if not more. I guess we all have our own personal limits to what we would spend for a tag and everyone's is different. It will be interesting to see what happens in 2011 and years to come.

BuzzH · Dec 29, 2010

LAST EDITED ON Dec-29-10 AT 05:31PM (MST)[p]I've hunted MT for 32 straight seasons, the last 11 as a NR and I greedily fork over the cash...worth every penny to me. I-161 and the price increase will not stop me from taking another 11 years worth of opportunity from MT either.

The nice thing about MT is that you can hunt pretty much anywhere in the state for 5 weeks with a rifle...and you can hunt either Mule deer or Whitetail.

I like MT's season structure where the guys that hunt the most, hunt the hardest, and hunt the smartest are rewarded with the best deer. It doesnt come down to who gets lucky in the draw.

As far as quality deer...the hunt is what you make it and IMO, worth every penny of $500.

Just sayin'...

This years mule deer: