Less NR Deer tags soon to come in MT

[freezerfull]

Most of my evidence is purely anecdotal, but I have noticed most of the hunters I know that have gone to those states for mule deer are what I would call "serious hunters". Guys (and gals I guess) who are way more interested in killing a mature buck than punching a tag with any ol animal.

There are plenty of serious hunters coming to Montana from WA and other states as well. My point is that painting all NR’s from WA as clowns is inaccurate. I’d say the percentages of clowns per res and NR through the west are likely very similar. I have advocated on multiple threads with non residents asking about different western states, that they not be the guy stacking does and shooting young bucks, especially all the 2yo MT 4pts that are so sought after.

 

[AHayes111]

Not during my lifetime that I’m aware of, except for discounted tags (come home to hunt, etc.) that were supported by residents who had family out of state.

Actually the tags being cut are a fairly new addition that has come about from FWP allowing NR to split the elk/deer combo. For example a NR puts in for the Elk/deer combo and deer district 270. When they draw the elk/deer combo and fail to draw 270.(nearly impossible odds for a NR) the NR is allowed to split off the deer tag and keep the elk tag. FWP then sells the deer tag to another NR, What the commission passed would limit the number of deer tags FWP could resell.

 

[freezerfull]

Actually the tags being cut are a fairly new addition that has come about from FWP allowing NR to split the elk/deer combo. For example a NR puts in for the Elk/deer combo and deer district 270. When they draw the elk/deer combo and fail to draw 270.(nearly impossible odds for a NR) the NR is allowed to split off the deer tag and keep the elk tag.

Maybe my math is off. Does that not result in the exact same number of NR deer licenses in the hands of NR? Only difference would be LE vs general if they were to draw.

I am all for people not being able to return the deer tag off the big game combo if they don’t draw their LE choices. You apply and draw a general tag, you should be stuck with it.

FWP then sells the deer tag to another NR, What the commission passed would limit the number of deer tags FWP could resell.

Thanks for this information. I wasn’t able to locate where the tag reductions were coming from.

 

[Lawnboi]

I agree. I guess my definition of "harder" is more akin to drawing a moose, sheep, or goat, tag in my home state. I completely realize that is never going to happen (especially with the guides and outfitters lobby). I think the opportunity to hunt MT if you are from out of state every 4-5 years seems reasonable. I know if I had the desire to hunt other states I would be okay with that if they had the same policies in place.

Unless you didn’t know, it currently takes 2-3 years to get a tag, unless you get lucky in the random with zero points. During those years you have to apply to continue, and have to spend money on points. People are already waiting, I see 3 years being what it takes going forward. While they are waiting they are also keeping the lights on at Montana fwp. See why people are a little emotional when their small slice of the pie is taken. This is for a general tag.

Btw not all non residents are bad people.

 

[skeptic]

Btw not all non residents are bad people.

Never said that or tried to imply that. As I stated earlier, I have actually hosted a couple of friends from out of state on hunts here, although it has been a while.

I have always been, and always will be, in the tribe that "less is more." Even as a resident, I would take less opportunity for tags as a trade off to maybe having a little better experience (especially on public land) for hunting animals. That being said, I am probably in the minority in that regard. My "good" hunting experience is probably defined differently than the majority of people.