Newmexicohunter
Member
- Messages
- 24
What are your thoughts on BHA NM campaigning to abolish the EPLUS program?
Truth in advertising and dinosaurs with skateboards have much in common.If the gates arnt locked they say one thing when it comes for our hunt we don’t time to call a warden it only benefits them.
It baffles me why people care if the gates are locked. Park your rig and hunt it! Read the maps the F&G provide and get after it. If you are harassed video it and press charges. If you’re in the right don’t be out there walking in egg shells. The landowners are well within their right to have the gates locked, and truthfully it is probably beneficial to the hunter. Vehicle traffic only pushes elk off the property.If the gates arnt locked they say one thing when it comes for our hunt we don’t time to call a warden it only benefits them.
Spot on. No tags would be gains and available ground would be lost. The public would lose access to numerous chunks of private land that total up to nearly the size of 16E.Would the elimination of EPLUS result in more public elk tags available in the draw?
I don't think so, but that seems to be how the anti EPLUS folks are trying to sell it.
Not every outfitter marks up the tags that they sell to their clients. The market for those tags is set by what people are willing to pay for them. As a landowner that gets tags, the number of calls that I get is crazy, mostly from hunters that didnt draw, not outfitters. The numbers that they throw out are equally crazy, but its what people are willing to pay. As an outfitter we actually, eat some of the cost that we pay for the tags instead of passing that cost to the clients, so discounting the tags rather than marking them up. Not the best business plan, I'm well aware of that, but its fair for the clients and my guides. When you start selling elk hunts for 10k it sets a level of expectation that may not be realistic in some of the units that we hunt. I can only speak to what I know and how I opperate, and I'm sure there are some outfitters that mark up the tags, I know the tag brokers damn sure do, maybe we should all roast Mark down in Albuquerque for driving the price up on all these tags. Most landowners that I know base their price off what he offers them for the tags, not the outfitters. EPLUS isn't perfect, but has a good foundation, this is a complex issue with no clearcut right or wrong. Build off of the foundation that EPLUS has and finetune the process.^^^ that's why EPLUS tags should have a separate price apart from a general population tag. That way the LO gets the compensation they need to set things right. There are likely a lot of hunters willing to pay the price based on the need, instead of paying an outfitter the jacked-up price after he pays the LO for the tag. Cut the outfitter ring completely out of the draw system and let the competitive market call the shots.
It's really not that daunting of a task to assign the price tag based on the Ranch code. If I knew I had to pay $500 for an EPLUS antlerless elk tag in unit 'xx' with much higher odds of drawing, I'd likely do it.
Not every outfitter marks up the tags that they sell to their clients. The market for those tags is set by what people are willing to pay for them. As a landowner that gets tags, the number of calls that I get is crazy, mostly from hunters that didnt draw, not outfitters. The numbers that they throw out are equally crazy, but its what people are willing to pay. As an outfitter we actually, eat some of the cost that we pay for the tags instead of passing that cost to the clients, so discounting the tags rather than marking them up. Not the best business plan, I'm well aware of that, but its fair for the clients and my guides. When you start selling elk hunts for 10k it sets a level of expectation that may not be realistic in some of the units that we hunt. I can only speak to what I know and how I opperate, and I'm sure there are some outfitters that mark up the tags, I know the tag brokers damn sure do, maybe we should all roast Mark down in Albuquerque for driving the price up on all these tags. Most landowners that I know base their price off what he offers them for the tags, not the outfitters. EPLUS isn't perfect, but has a good foundation, this is a complex issue with no clearcut right or wrong. Build off of the foundation that EPLUS has and finetune the process.
BHA is trash here in NM and their leftist views. So is NMWF who also support the abolishment of e-plus. They want to basically get ALL private permits and put them in the draw! So that way you have a shot ton more hunters in the field, basically 100% more on public land. While sounds good for drawing, the quality of the hunt and experience of it will be ruined! No one like to see a crap ton of other hunters. Elk will simply run onto private land. If anyone thinks that 100% of the landowners will simply let you hunt their land is mistaken. They will sell you access instead of tags. This will range who knows how much $$$ and that’s if they let you. Don’t be fooled BHA and NMWF once supported a bill with anti hunters in the form of SB-312!
I’ve had some great hunts on <20 acre EPLUS properties. It’s all about quality, and from what I have observed the smaller properties are actually pretty overlooked. They are the first ones I check out with a tag in hand.Does anyone see issues if they were to adjust the EPLUS program based on land owners acreage? I know when I check the eplus map I notice there are lot of private ranches that qualify for tags but are honestly tiny! Overall they might add up to large acreage numbers but on their own you realistically can't hunt them.
In unit 34 for instance there are a lot of small ranches <40 acres that are awarded tags in the program. There is one ranch I found that had as little as 5 acres and received a bow tag last year.
Small ranches require time and money also. Small ranches usually have limited assets to draw on, basically mom and pop places that have to repair fence, tend herd, water tank repairs and everything else you can think of when it comes to ranching without hired hand help. I had a small ranch in Alamogordo for 20 years, it was a lot of work, time consuming and fun. If the animals belong to the State then the State should compensate for loses in some manner.Does anyone see issues if they were to adjust the EPLUS program based on land owners acreage? I know when I check the eplus map I notice there are lot of private ranches that qualify for tags but are honestly tiny! Overall they might add up to large acreage numbers but on their own you realistically can't hunt them.
In unit 34 for instance there are a lot of small ranches <40 acres that are awarded tags in the program. There is one ranch I found that had as little as 5 acres and received a bow tag last year.
To me, it's not about how much money is lost. I think, a rancher should have to prove the losses are due to wildlife, and then get a set amount, or set amount of tags market value to the losses. Not, hey here's 100 tags, at 10,000 a pop. Getting a million dollars to repair 20-30,000 worth of damage by wild animals. Those are just numbers, not actual circumstances. But, I do believe the rancher or farmer should have to prove the losses are due to wildlife, and not just normal wear and tear, or their animals. To say that it is a hard business and they deserve to be compensated for the animals living on their property and travelling through their property doesn't cut it for me. It is a tough business, but they knew that going in. It should not be a supplement to their income, just to be a supplement to their income. The water sources that they pool for their animals are public property as well. These animals belonged on the land before they got the land. Should have a yearly evaluation, and damages caused by wildlife should be compensated. Not giving them out just because they have the land. We all know most landowners do not improve their property for the wildlife, it is for their cattle. Of which, they get an extremely cheap rate to house them, feed them and water them from public property as well.I reckon it’s all relevant to where and who you are. A guy who has 100 million dollars and loses 50 million dollars still has 50 million dollars. A guy who has 100 dollars and loses 50 dollars is another story.
It’s funny BHA never mentions the nearly 600,000 private land acres EPLUS opens up to the public, and an unknown number of landlocked public acres.Wish we could send and keep BHA up north where they started and belong. They are a terrible partner for hunters, not good for hunting and not good for the 2nd amendment. E-Plus maybe need some minor tweaks but the alternative is terrible. Can’t believe any hunters fund BHA with what is known about them.
SUPPOSED to open.... Is what you should've said.It’s funny BHA never mentions the nearly 600,000 private land acres EPLUS opens up to the public, and an unknown number of landlocked public acres.
Those variables shouldn't matter.... Go by what price alfalfa is, and pay it that way. Let me ask you this.... If that alfalfa isn't eaten, do they add those variables into selling it, or do they get fair market value for it???? That's right, fair market value..... so why should the state have to pay above fair market value for it?My neighbors say the elk eat about 40% of the alfalfa growing in their fields. They all get EPlus RO elk authorizations, in this Gmu, by negotiation with NMGF.
If NM does away with EPlus, I can’t imagine, with all the variables involved with weather, irrigation flow, alfalfa market value, equipment, labor, fuel, tax, environmental regulations, etc how to come up with FAIR compensation on each ranch, every year.
It’s open. Might not be able to drive in there, but the maps are available and you can hunt it without question just as if it was BLM or USFS. Might have a locked gate, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hunt it.SUPPOSED to open.... Is what you should've said.
Have you tried that before? Because I've seen the sheriff called for trespassing, and told a game officer has to come out. Only for them to not come. Or say they will take care of it. And never do. Have had landowners pull guns on me on BLM before, just because they are leasing it, and nothing is done about it. A lot of those ranches start in the lowlands, would take a twenty mile hike to get into elk country on a few of them. Shouldn't have to when you are allowed to use their roads as well. But hey, that's ok for them to do that right? Be paid above and beyond for the game "damaging" their property, with one stipulation. Allowing public access, and they don't. We should just roll over and be ok with that?It’s open. Might not be able to drive in there, but the maps are available and you can hunt it without question just as if it was BLM or USFS. Might have a locked gate, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hunt it.
Yes, I’ve rolled right up to a locked gate walked in through checkerboarded state and EPLUS, dumped a nice bull, and packed him out. You can use their roads all day, who said you have to be allowed to drive on them? A bike/Ebike, your boots, or a horse works great for that too. I prefer a locked gate, keeps out the road hunters anyways and the elk aren’t as spooked. The landowners in the program know they can’t restrict you being on that land. Turn on your phone and record any illegal activity just as you would a poacher if they try to kick you off. Tell them you will call the EPLUS manager and file a complaint. It works both ways. What I can’t believe is that guys ***** foot around and let a locked gate stop them from hunting property they clearly have every right to hunt. Get after it and bring your meat bags and frame pack.Have you tried that before? Because I've seen the sheriff called for trespassing, and told a game officer has to come out. Only for them to not come. Or say they will take care of it. And never do. Have had landowners pull guns on me on BLM before, just because they are leasing it, and nothing is done about it. A lot of those ranches start in the lowlands, would take a twenty mile hike to get into elk country on a few of them. Shouldn't have to when you are allowed to use their roads as well. But hey, that's ok for them to do that right? Be paid above and beyond for the game "damaging" their property, with one stipulation. Allowing public access, and they don't. We should just roll over and be ok with that?
A lot of alfalfa is transported nation wide. Gasoline prices help dictate fair market value. I’m in farm and ranch land and I don’t see any alfalfa going to waste.Those variables shouldn't matter.... Go by what price alfalfa is, and pay it that way. Let me ask you this.... If that alfalfa isn't eaten, do they add those variables into selling it, or do they get fair market value for it???? That's right, fair market value..... so why should the state have to pay above fair market value for it?
We hunt deer in the Lincoln National Forest in NM. Over 20 years ago the National Forest leased “our” deer country to a rancher. The rancher proceeded to fence everything off with the assistance from the Government. They put a walk gate in the fence line. We hated it at first as we camped at the gate and then hiked in 3 miles to where we started to hunt. Eventually we figured out that MOST people who hunt this area won’t hike back in there. Our success rate was through the roof and we still harvest deer back there. As I get older I again hate it as it gets harder on the body. It’s like everything else in life, if you put in the work you will be rewarded most of the time. If it was easy all the girls would be doing it.Have you tried that before? Because I've seen the sheriff called for trespassing, and told a game officer has to come out. Only for them to not come. Or say they will take care of it. And never do. Have had landowners pull guns on me on BLM before, just because they are leasing it, and nothing is done about it. A lot of those ranches start in the lowlands, would take a twenty mile hike to get into elk country on a few of them. Shouldn't have to when you are allowed to use their roads as well. But hey, that's ok for them to do that right? Be paid above and beyond for the game "damaging" their property, with one stipulation. Allowing public access, and they don't. We should just roll over and be ok with that?
If the neighbors cattle get on the alfalfa and eat it to the ground, he has no claim unless the property is properly fenced, then he can trespass the cattle with the sheriff or Livestock Board. Why should it not be the same for wildlife if said owner truly doesn’t want them? Obviously we’re talking a different type fencing but the state will supply the material free. This to me has always been a hole in the argument. Seems this argument always goes to depredation, but E-Plus is not depredation based. definitely don’t want E-Plus eliminated, but it does need overhauled IMO.My neighbors say the elk eat about 40% of the alfalfa growing in thei fields. They all get EPlus RO elk authorizations, in this Gmu, by negotiation with NMGF.
If NM does away with EPlus, I can’t imagine, with all the variables involved with weather, irrigation flow, alfalfa market value, equipment, labor, fuel, tax, environmental regulations, etc how to come up with FAIR compensation on each ranch, every year
The whole point is they are not allowed to lock the gate. That is breaking the law. THAT IS THE ISSUE.Yes, I’ve rolled right up to a locked gate walked in through checkerboarded state and EPLUS, dumped a nice bull, and packed him out. You can use their roads all day, who said you have to be allowed to drive on them? A bike/Ebike, your boots, or a horse works great for that too. I prefer a locked gate, keeps out the road hunters anyways and the elk aren’t as spooked. The landowners in the program know they can’t restrict you being on that land. Turn on your phone and record any illegal activity just as you would a poacher if they try to kick you off. Tell them you will call the EPLUS manager and file a complaint. It works both ways. What I can’t believe is that guys ***** foot around and let a locked gate stop them from hunting property they clearly have every right to hunt. Get after it and bring your meat bags and frame pack.
They absolutely are allowed to lock the gate.The whole point is they are not allowed to lock the gate. That is breaking the law. THAT IS THE ISSUE.
They have to allow equal access, not unrestricted access. If the person who bought the authorization, an outfitter, or any other hunter has motorized access to roads, all have motorized access. If they don’t allow any motorized access, all gates can be locked.No, they must provide all access to their land. It does not state they only have to allow foot traffic. It states full access.
False.No, they must provide all access to their land. It does not state they only have to allow foot traffic. It states full access.
With all due respect sir, I enforced laws for 30 years.I think you need to look into the laws. The property does not have to be posted. It is our responsibility to know what is private and what is public.... And the hiking back in isn't the issue. It is the principle.
Exactly! The rancher cannot operate a motor vehicle on the fenced land we hunt during hunting season. The Game Warden is the only one allowed motorized access, baring an emergency.They have to allow equal access, not unrestricted access. If the person who bought the authorization, an outfitter, or any other hunter has motorized access to roads, all have motorized access. If they don’t allow any motorized access, all gates can be locked.
You are correct. I guess everyone telling us it is our responsibility to know the land we are on is wrong.With all due respect sir, I enforced laws for 30 years.
NM Statutes, Chapter 30-Criminal Offenses, Article 14-Trespass, Section 30-14-1 Criminal Trespass.
A. Criminal trespass consists of knowingly entering or remaining upon posted private property without possessing written permission from the owner or person in control of the land.
You can be cited for trespassing on unposted land also if you KNOW that consent to enter or remain has been denied.
This is the law where I am at.
They have to provide the same access they have. The ones I have seen have large camper cities on their property during the hunt. Or, allows them to stay on there property during the hunt. Which, in turn, would allow the public access to their property via roads. I know of specific ones who allow their hunters to camp on their property, which holds access to forest land behind it, while keeping access off for public. I have specifically called the game department on them. Being told "It is a known issue, and we will look into it and take action", only to see the same thing the next year. There are plenty of people who see this every year across the state. Nothing is done about it, and I do not think anything will ever be done about it.False.
They have to provide EQUAL access. So, if they aren’t driving back there it looks like you aren’t either if the gate is locked. If it’s unlocked you can drive it.
You have misinterpreted the regulations, or haven’t read them.
Here is the reference:
By signing the unit-wide option I hereby agree that: Unit-wide elk licenses obtained with landowner authorizations will be valid
within the entire GMU for use on all private unit-wide ranches, other private land with written permission and any legally -
accessible public lands where hunting is allowed. This Agreement grants any legally licensed elk hunters, their companions
and/or guides and outfitters, the right to free and unrestricted access to the entire ranch, without charge or other
consideration, for the purpose of hunting elk during their licensed hunt dates, including scouting up to two days immediately
preceding the start of their hunt. Landowners and their employees may not interfere with elk hunters while on the ranch and
elk hunters are not required to notify landowners or their employees before entering the ranch. All elk hunters legally
accessing the property pursuant to this unit-wide agreement have permission to discharge firearms, crossbows, bows or
muzzleloaders, only for the purpose of shooting elk, including within 150 yards of a dwelling or building as described in
subsection 4 of section A of 30-7-4 NMSA 1978, Negligent use of a deadly weapon. All other sections and subsections of
30-7-4 NMSA 1978 remain in effect and apply to all hunters. Vehicular access may be restricted on the ranch however; it
must be equally restricted to all elk hunters, including hunters holding a license purchased with authorizations issued to this
ranch. No elk hunter, including hunters holding a license purchased with authorizations issued to this ranch, may drive off-
road on a unit-wide ranch except to retrieve legally harvested elk with permission of the landowner. Any violation of this
agreement may result in the removal of this property from the EPLUS program for up to three years. I also agree to and
understand that all unit-wide ranch boundaries will be available to the public on the Department website
Wait, you said “full access” a bit ago, now you are stating what we have been saying all along. So which is it?They have to provide the same access they have. The ones I have seen have large camper cities on their property during the hunt. Or, allows them to stay on there property during the hunt. Which, in turn, would allow the public access to their property via roads. I know of specific ones who allow their hunters to camp on their property, which holds access to forest land behind it, while keeping access off for public. I have specifically called the game department on them. Being told "It is a known issue, and we will look into it and take action", only to see the same thing the next year. There are plenty of people who see this every year across the state. Nothing is done about it, and I do not think anything will ever be done about it.
Just removed this post. No point in arguing. The reason I stopped coming on this site, and it has gone downhill. This place used to full of advice and wisdom. Now it's full of this. What a wasted site.Wait, you said “full access” a bit ago, now you are stating what we have been saying all along. So which is it?
Just like any complaint if you don’t bring proof to the table for the Department you may as well not even call. Your word against theirs. Video it and demand action. Sounds like you just called to inform them of a violation without substantiating the claim. Name the unit and the landowner publicly. No reason not to…go.
False.
They have to provide EQUAL access. So, if they aren’t driving back there it looks like you aren’t either if the gate is locked. If it’s unlocked you can drive it.
You have misinterpreted the regulations, or haven’t read them.
Here is the reference:
By signing the unit-wide option I hereby agree that: Unit-wide elk licenses obtained with landowner authorizations will be valid
within the entire GMU for use on all private unit-wide ranches, other private land with written permission and any legally -
accessible public lands where hunting is allowed. This Agreement grants any legally licensed elk hunters, their companions
and/or guides and outfitters, the right to free and unrestricted access to the entire ranch, without charge or other
consideration, for the purpose of hunting elk during their licensed hunt dates, including scouting up to two days immediately
preceding the start of their hunt. Landowners and their employees may not interfere with elk hunters while on the ranch and
elk hunters are not required to notify landowners or their employees before entering the ranch. All elk hunters legally
accessing the property pursuant to this unit-wide agreement have permission to discharge firearms, crossbows, bows or
muzzleloaders, only for the purpose of shooting elk, including within 150 yards of a dwelling or building as described in
subsection 4 of section A of 30-7-4 NMSA 1978, Negligent use of a deadly weapon. All other sections and subsections of
30-7-4 NMSA 1978 remain in effect and apply to all hunters. Vehicular access may be restricted on the ranch however; it
must be equally restricted to all elk hunters, including hunters holding a license purchased with authorizations issued to this
ranch. No elk hunter, including hunters holding a license purchased with authorizations issued to this ranch, may drive off-
road on a unit-wide ranch except to retrieve legally harvested elk with permission of the landowner. Any violation of this
agreement may result in the removal of this property from the EPLUS program for up to three years. I also agree to and
understand that all unit-wide ranch boundaries will be available to the public on the Department website
Could the G&F do a better job and put that info in the regs book, sure. But it is a publicly available document on the G&F website that anyone can read if they choose to do so. It isn’t like every landowner has different terms and the process is a big mystery. The agreements are all the same and are absolutely available.Understand that an agreement signed by the land owner isn't necessarily a publicly known document as regulation. Hunter's go by what is published in the annual game regulations.
Unless this agreement is accessible by a public resource, namely, game and fish's webpage or in the published regulations, it isn't a "regulation" that hunters must follow. It is a condition the landowner must follow in consideration of an elk voucher provided by the Department of Game and Fish for the management of wildlife and compensation of any damage that has, or may occur.
So to say there is a misinterpretation, or the lack of reading a regulation, is a misnomer...
So…you don’t want to name the unit or the landowner then??Just removed this post. No point in arguing. The reason I stopped coming on this site, and it has gone downhill. This place used to full of advice and wisdom. Now it's full of this. What a wasted site.
Have a good day and good luck on the draw to everyone.
Could the G&F do a better job and put that info in the regs book, sure. But it is a publicly available document on the G&F website that anyone can read if they choose to do so. It isn’t like every landowner has different terms and the process is a big mystery. The agreements are all the same and are absolutely available.
There is no misnomer, MB50 didn’t search out and read the info or maybe he dreamed up his own conclusion on how he felt the program should operate. Regardless, he could have just admitted he didn’t know or didn’t actually look for the info. Instead he chose to be upset with me over his ignorance and has decided to leave. The site is full of wisdom, don’t be mad because we gave you the correct information. Be mad at yourself for not being able to accept what is accurate.
A contract is not a regulation. Don't confuse the two...
View attachment 73490
It’s a legally binding agreement.
Just like the discussion we had regarding shooting an elk in someone’s front yard who has the property enrolled in a UW EPLUS agreement, I’m not confused. When the landowner signs that contract they have to abide by the terms. Regardless of how hard you have to look to find the contract on a web site it is binding.Exactly. Here we go...
A binding agreement is not a regulation. Don't confuse the two.
Just like the discussion we had regarding shooting an elk in someone’s front yard who has the property enrolled in a UW EPLUS agreement, I’m not confused. When the landowner signs that contract they have to abide by the terms. Regardless of how hard you have to look to find the contract on a web site it is binding.
I already explained to you why. A lot of people on this site and many others have complained about these things. Like I stated, I am no longer going to argue with you. You are all knowing and know every single landowner follows through with their end of it! If only I had your knowledge.So…you don’t want to name the unit or the landowner then??
Why would you not want to share that information?
If you explained why you didn’t want to share that info I missed it. I’m sure there are some dirtbag landowners out there just like there are dirtbag hunters. No reason to not shine a spotlight on both.I already explained to you why. A lot of people on this site and many others have complained about these things. Like I stated, I am no longer going to argue with you. You are all knowing and know every single landowner follows through with their end of it! If only I had your knowledge.
Im going by my experience. When they have hunters on their property and lock the gates. Not by anyone else's. And, I am not putting names out there with how easy it is to be sued now a days. There are plenty of dirtbag hunters and landowners. The difference is dirtbag hunters can be dealt with by officers in the field. Landowners cannot. Takes courtrooms and lawyers for that, which the department nor the state are going to invest in as it does not benefit them in any way. That is the point roadrunner is trying to make, I believe. I'm all for busting both sets of dirtbags, but one side doesn't seem to get any reprocussions for their actions.If you explained why you didn’t want to share that info I missed it. I’m sure there are some dirtbag landowners out there just like there are dirtbag hunters. No reason to not shine a spotlight on both.
I’m not “all knowing” but do have a solid understanding of the program and am not afraid to try and set the record straight when I read incorrect info such as “The whole point is they are not allowed to lock the gate. That is breaking the law. THAT IS THE ISSUE.” Isn’t that the point of this forum?
I probably could be more tactful in pointing out false information.
Good luck in the draw.
This happens all to often!They have to provide the same access they have. The ones I have seen have large camper cities on their property during the hunt. Or, allows them to stay on there property during the hunt. Which, in turn, would allow the public access to their property via roads. I know of specific ones who allow their hunters to camp on their property, which holds access to forest land behind it, while keeping access off for public. I have specifically called the game department on them. Being told "It is a known issue, and we will look into it and take action", only to see the same thing the next year. There are plenty of people who see this every year across the state. Nothing is done about it, and I do not think anything will ever be done about it.
One is too many, just like poaching. But if folks don’t give the G&F the proof necessary to boot ‘em out of the program nothing can be done. Calling and making a complaint without providing proof is a notch above doing almost nothing.This happens all to often!
The NM G&F has proven that they will spend a great deal of time on a case, look at the guy who poaches that mule deer and they had a warden stake out the head 24/7 for well north of a month, I think closer to two. What else can you do?…If you feel your case is strong enough bring it up to the commission, send an email to the director, take it to the next level, talk to the supervisor of the warden. All that info is publicly available. Be a pain in the ass. The G&F law enforcement branch isn’t profit motivated, they will spend what it takes to enforce the law.When they tell you it is a known issue, that they are investigating it, what else should we do? The problem is what I already mentioned, this one isn't settled in the field. It's settled in courts, and the state does not want to invest in something that will bring no profit to them. I have called G&F on properties, even met a warden at one, and was told there is little they can do in the field about it.
The few issues I’ve had regarding UW properties were handled quickly by an officer or a call to the LO.
But, I don't believe it's the state's responsibility to help you keep your farm or ranch up. It is yours. Those tags shouldn't be used for things the farmer or rancher should be responsible IMO. Should be used to repair damages, and any extra to improving the land for wildlife. Because that is why they are getting the tags, because of the wildlife. Not because they own a ranch and need help.
You can’t repair damages or improve the land without the things that I mentioned.But, I don't believe it's the state's responsibility to help you keep your farm or ranch up. It is yours. Those tags shouldn't be used for things the farmer or rancher should be responsible IMO. Should be used to repair damages, and any extra to improving the land for wildlife. Because that is why they are getting the tags, because of the wildlife. Not because they own a ranch and need help.
True, but you can't run a farm without that equipment either.You can’t repair damages or improve the land without the things that I mentioned.
I agree. But how often is the money used for other stuff than the intended purpose, and then the LO cries about all the damage done they can't repair/recover from?
I don't know the complete answer, but I do know for a [limited] fact some landowners do not use the money for its intended purpose...
And then as I posted earlier, if some of the tags are going unfilled, is it because not that many elk are on the property, or, are hunters too picky and not doing their part with Game and Fish to manage populations?
There is no way to control what ranchers or bankers or sportsmen spend their money on unless you want to live in a communist society, and why would anyone care? If they meet the qualifications for the program they meet them. The program’s intended purpose is to provide compensation in the form of a voucher. What that individual chooses to do with it at that point is on them. If they sell it and throw it all on red at the roulette table that is up to them.I agree. But how often is the money used for other stuff than the intended purpose, and then the LO cries about all the damage done they can't repair/recover from?
I don't know the complete answer, but I do know for a [limited] fact some landowners do not use the money for its intended purpose...
And then as I posted earlier, if some of the tags are going unfilled, is it because not that many elk are on the property, or, are hunters too picky and not doing their part with Game and Fish to manage populations?
There is no way to control what ranchers or bankers or sportsmen spend their money on unless you want to live in a communist society, and why would anyone care? If they meet the qualifications for the program they meet them. The program’s intended purpose is to provide compensation in the form of a voucher. What that individual chooses to do with it at that point is on them. If they sell it and throw it all on red at the roulette table that is up to them.
If they burn their tag or pass on dink or giant bulls looking for a mega giant who cares? If they give it away, throw it away, or use it great. There is no way of answering any of the questions you have asked. If those are the things folks worry about they need more hobbies.
Look at the HH ranch in unit 13. They get well north of 100 bull or ES archery tags. I bet they don’t use 5 (a public info request could determine the actual number), and who cares? Those elk will have to disperse at some point and move into the rest of the unit and I am sure the game managers will adjust tag numbers accordingly.
I didn’t miss your point, it just didn’t make any sense to a rational person. There is no such thing as “reported loss and damage from the landowner” to the G&F. The micro data gained from analyzing an individual ranch is a waste of time unless you are talking about giant ranches. Elk just move too far and often. The unit data is what matters and G&F obviously does a good job at managing their elk. I am sure there are plenty of LO’s that whine, as there are plenty of hunters that do too. Before anyone thinks I am some rancher can do no wrong type of person I assure you that isn’t the case. Plenty of trash on both sides of the equation. Please post links to whiny rancher/ anti hunter Internet forums so we can troll them.Then the LO needs to quite whining about the loss and damage every year if they don't fix it or put something in place to prevent damage and loss from occurring.
You so missed the point to my comments, as usual. The game department doesn't care whether or not the rich fatso from TX shoots the 390" bull they want.
They are only interested in whether or not the animals were taken out of the equation based on the reported loss and damage from the landowner and to lessen the overall impact the state owned animals may cause.
If that criteria isn't met, then either the tags don't need to be issued anymore, or, improper management is being practiced.
It most certainly and definitely matters what that money is used for and an honest effort being made to fill that tag...
Private and public land hunts since 1992 for elk, mule deer, sheep, pronghorn, black Bear & lion hunts.
Public and private land big game hunts. Rifle, muzzleloader and archery hunts available. Free Draw Application Service!
Offering a wide array of hunt opportunities and putting clients in prime position to bag a trophy.
Hunts in New Mexico on private ranches and remote public land in the top units. Elk vouchers available.
Landowner tags available! Hunt big bulls and bucks. Any season and multiple hunt units to choose from.