I haven't posted much for quite awhile but I need to say a few words here and don't take this the wrong way. As far as the spike hunter vs. the big bull hunter debate everyone deserves and has the same right to be on the mountain. If someone messes up your once in a lifetime then oh well that is hunting. I get tired of people talking down to others because they choose to hunt spikes or cows. I'll bet most of you started out as meat hunters. I remember 20+ years ago when I killed my 1st spike on the Fishlake, it was something I will never forget. I also put in for cow tags because in my opinion there is nothing better than elk meat. Yes, I'm a meat hunter, trophy hunter, and a guide in another state. What does that make me? As far as the rumors about certain guides blocking roads or pushing bulls out of canyons, maybe they're true maybe they're not. I have heard these rumors too. One was from a conversation with a fellow hunter on the mountain but the other was from an individual that we went to high school with. I don't know why certain people would lie about things to defame an individual, maybe it's true maybe it's jealousy. One day we will all know the truth. Maybe it was individuals that don't work for the guide anymore. Who knows. I agree with changing some dates and moving certain things out of the rut to get more through the system. You don't see alot of rifle mule deer rut hunts in this State because the deer are too vulnerable. So it would stand to reason that elk would be vulnerable too. One thing is certain though, unless trophy hunters, meat hunters, guides, archery hunters, rifle hunters, muzzleload hunters, spear hunters, etc. can come together, stop bashing each other, and agree to work together to do what's best for our wildlife, then change for the better is a long ways off. Stop looking out for yourselves and what is best for me. Let's agree to disagree and do what's best for wildlife and all hunters as a whole. The selfishness needs to stop if we have any hope to change things for the common good. Enough said.
Chance G.