Just got back from the Senate Committee hearing, this bill passed out of the Senate committee on a 3-2 vote. Senators Burns and Barnard voted against it, Craft, Driskill, and Christensen in favor.
Please drop a quick note to Senator Burns and Barnard thanking them for seeing the downside to this bill.
Of course Bow Hunters of Wyoming along with their President testified in favor of it. Cheyenne Field Archers were also in favor, one other bowhunter testified for it.
Wyoming Sportsmen for Wildlife was opposed, Wyoming Outfitters and Guides recommended it be pushed back and discussed, and of course I testified against it as well.
It was quite entertaining watching the bill Sponsor introduce this bill to committee...clueless, nervous, and a joke.
Also, this bill was amended from 10% of the quota being reserved strictly for archery, to "
a portion of tags reserved for archery only"
So, that means groups like Bow Hunters of Wyoming will be asking for MORE than 10% in many of the top units as well as more than 10% of moose and sheep tags (at least they potentially could as there is no defined "cap" with the amendment).
One of the selling points that Senator Hicks used, was something to the effect of "it will clear some of preference point back-log that many complain about for sheep and moose if we can issue more sheep and moose tags to archery hunters."
Thats funny considering he's the one sponsoring SF0085, the Resident Preference point bill for resident antelope, sheep, and elk. I guess on the one hand the Preference Point system is broken for moose/sheep, but its a great idea for deer, elk, and antelope. I doubt he'll respond to the email he's about to get where I ask him that question.
Oh, and the most impressive thing introduced by Hicks was his "graphs". Its a good thing I dont sit on that committee...I would have stood up and done an ass-wiping motion with these and threw them on the ground.
Hard to believe with all the stammering, stuttering, and supporting "data" that this one even passed the Senate Committee.
I'll let the data speak for itself...