Elk Draw Trends, By onX Hunt

[Elkoholic87]

OnX and others like them are a huge part of/in the commercialization of hunting. This has brought out the most lazy of the lazy and rewards lazy for a price......

Huh?


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[cprentice32]

OnX and others like them are a huge part of/in the commercialization of hunting. This has brought out the most lazy of the lazy and rewards lazy for a price......

You still have to find the animals and make a successful stalk. Just because the mapping software is better doesn't make it any easier...

 

[TxHunter9]

Yeah... it is getting tougher every year.

 

[BWise5707]

I've said this before and know it will never happen, but if states went back to paper applications and actual money up front(check or money order), you would eliminate a bunch of people. Adding debt to their credit cards will keep them in the game.

I have to agree with this. It will cut out the lazy ones that can't just click a button on their phones as well

 

[Andy_GWP]

I think alot of people learned from hunting content that you can DIY hunt in the west. 5-10 years ago my circle of hunting friends talked about elk hunting once they made enough money to pay for a hunt with a guide. Now they talk about DIY hunts

 

[Beaglegun]

Looks like covid got people thinking they better go hunt because there might not be a tomorrow.

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The covid B.S. legitimately made a difference. People had somebody elses money to apply with and they never looked back.

 

[Ebola]

I like this idea. A lot.

Agreed but the states just want money. They don't care if people add credit card debt

 

[Bow2prince]

We just gotta adapt gentlemen. We all have the same tools, but who is willing to put in the work to get the hunts they want?

I wish I had started hunting elk sooner in life so I could have had more opportunity earlier. But I didn't so now I need to work and learn and make it happen for myself.

My dad hunted elk for years and never applied for a single tag. He cant believe I have to have a plan and do research. I didn't get an idaho tag for the units I wanted. That sucks, but it means that I just need to work a little harder to find a hunt. I'm learning every day. Where can I get a tag, how can I improve my chances of getting a tag. What tags are even a possibility for me to get as a non resident problem child?

For me, it's worth the effort to learn because I hear bugles in my sleep.

Do I wish there were less people going elk hunting? Sure. I'd love to have the woods all to myself every September. But I'm also part of the problem as a non resident who is newer to the sport so I have no right complaining about other people hunting.


I'm just thankful there are still ways for me to go west and hunt elk. I know it sucks for the resident hunters of the states that I am trying to come to, but I pay my tag fees happily and respect the land as if it were my own. I'm there to participate to the fullest extent of my ability and not detract from the landscape in any way.

I couldn't agree with this more. It's all about your perspective. We could sit here and complain about it not being like it was before but with technology, increased demand, ease of entry, etc., this is our new normal. Either you adapt and approach each situation with a glass half full mentality or you sit back and stay at home while you complain about what it used to be.

 

[jsider]

The covid B.S. legitimately made a difference. People had somebody elses money to apply with and they never looked back.

Will they keep going west in droves without the extra $$? Will point creep lower their enthusiasm?

 

[loboelk422]

Pm sent

 

[sundance1]

As a Colorado resident who was involved in the initial meetings with CPW back about 6 years ago when our local herd numbers were decreasing dramatically, if you grasp the idea that archery hunting is taking the major hits related to OTC tags, and rifle hunting is not, then you have your answer. No matter how hard we tried, or anybody else to date. their main revenue generator is still intact-the multiple rifle seasons- and as long as rifle hunting remains OTC, the quantity of elk and the quality of elk will not change. We've been on a draw for three years and the elk herds are still hurting locally as bad as they were pre archery draw.

Does the end justify the means? NO! The elk hunting locally is as bad as it was 3 years ago. Yes, there are less archery hunters, but as long as rifle seasons are OTC, archery hunters, and especially NR hunters, are taking the brunt of their" overcrowding". You don't hear about overcrowding from rifle hunters, and believe me there is, but money talks, and until they put it all on a draw, it's all half measures will minimal effect on the quality of elk hunting in Colorado.

 

[Rotnguns]

Misleading bar graph.

Doesn’t look anywhere near that dramatic if the Y axis started at 0 and not 170K.

Good catch. Terribly distorted presentation.

 

[Rotnguns]

Here's a better view they should have posted. Had to get some Excel practice in

I think we'll see continued interest in all areas of hunting since the pandemic pushed so many outdoors. As previously-questioned though, it'll be interesting to see what happens when the economy turns. I'm hoping there's a majority that applies 'just because' and they'll forget about it in the next few years.

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Well done! Once the dramatic effects are removed, we can put the matter into the proper light.