Admittedly, I've been following this bill from the fringes for a few weeks.
One thing I'm not sure about, does each landowner get 10 tags per section the own....or just 10 tags total if they own more than 640 acres? There is a big difference.
Although I've never taken advantage of an LOP tag, I have lived and hunted in many states that do. I'm surprised no one from one of those states has chimed in with their experience. I personally never saw an impact when living in Oregon. I hunted on public land, and always found elk. I know several outfitters that operate on LOP tags, yet never saw that as taking away from my opportunity on public.
I'm not sure why there is the growing wave in the mainstream that demonizes private lands conservation. Well, yes I do, its because there is something to be gained from getting people riled up on either side. Of course, no matter what he situation is SOME people (landowners) will find a way to take advantage of any system, yet most I know and have worked with care as much about wildlife as anyone on this forum.
I've often recognized how hunters get tunnel vision about where the elk, deer, etc. are during their respective seasons, yet fail acknowledge the 365 day cycle wildlife need to survive. Elk don't have winter range in the mountains, they are in our valleys and often on private land at the expense of those landowners.
I've always viewed the positive side of LOP tags, since it does incentivize landowners to provide quality wildlife habitat...not just for deer and elk, but dozens (if not hundreds) of non-game species. Habitat is always the limiting factor, and better habitat equals more wildlife on public and private lands. Incentivizing habitat is the key behind some of the nations most successful conservation programs, like CRP.
I'm not saying this bill is good. I don't know how the numbers where proposed for 10 tags per section. I haven't wrapped my mind around the proposed point system changes, and do not see the benefit. The bill would likely decrease participation in our 23 million acre block management program, yet I feel like many owners who don't want to be in that program have already leased out their land.
I'm am saying that incentivizing landowners to provide wildlife habitat is a good thing. More conservation dollars coming to the state that can help pay for wildlife management, access projects, and opportunities are a good thing. Weigh it all out, the issue is far from black and white....or red vs. blue.
