This post is an attempt to respond to the ND hunt quality conversation that started at #10. Just my personal observations + some rational inference. Am making a case about how well-meaning tag policies can impact a special geographic destination in ways that people might not think/discuss.
My attempt here is to show how a seemingly innocent resident tag policy can magnify the
impact on the destination - so general travel activity, pressure on game, road and off-road traffic, trash, campsites, vehicles (truck, camper, ATV), quality of experience. It's all the stuff we talk and care and gripe about.
ND Badlands and MT Breaks: As hunter destinations, there are major similarities shared by Badlands mule deer and Missouri Breaks elk (resident tag context).
Before I compare, note how big game hunters can be segmented as two types:
- #1 Type ALWAYS hunts in groups of 3 or LESS (so 3, 2, or alone). Is self-sufficient, serious, minimalist, careful, adaptive, less likely to drive around, sensitive/very low impact by intention, 75% of poops occur away from camp
- #2 Type ALWAYS hunts in groups of 3 or MORE. Is more reliant, enjoys being with others, very likely to be in a vehicle during hunting hours, less sensitive/less concern about impact, 75% of poops occur at camp
***Important - pls understand that I'm not moralizing here.***
The #1 Type hunter is NOT going to the Badlands with multiple vehicles, ATVs, generators,... The #2 Type is much more likely to bring all the frills and creature comforts + 4 to 6 trucks in camp driving around most of the day.
My exposure to the Breaks started 20 years ago as a non-res archery elk hunter. I was blown away by the place + the quantity and quality of elk. Everything was amazing expect the Breaks was overrun by #2 Type impact - there were areas with pods of big tents, trucks parked, boats buzzing, unburied poop and TP everywhere! What occurred to me at the time is that there would be considerably less #2 Type impact if MT were to limit resident tags by draw. Just like the Breaks, when ND residents are guaranteed a tag, the resident friends & family groups can count on bringing all their stuff to the Badlands.
My point: The Badlands is a very special and limited geographic resource with a lot to offer. Unfortunately, every archery hunter's experience is tainted (no one escapes this) by the bombardment of group hunters with all their stuff. Like the Breaks of years past, there is way too much impact going on. When ND or any state allows guaranteed resident tags for the most premium and limited destinations, they're dramatically increasing the likelihood for groups to overrun the landscape. If ND were to limit the social group guarantee, those same hunters would be much less likely to seek the Badlands as a destination.
I have no issue with group guys. Am just trying to show that group guys would not hunt the Badlands if tags were not guaranteed. Most would adapt by hunting areas that are better suited to handle the groups and their stuff. Easy fix!
Conclusion: Am not at all utopian. I am a believer in Christ, who as a hunter recognizes that the messiness we see and wrestle over are the acts and results of man's sin. The good news is that God has provided us a way, through Jesus Christ, so that we can be reconciled to Him forever. My own hope for a better place is settled by the promise (Rev 21) of a new (physical) heavens and a new (physical) earth that will be realized with perfect bodies. And better, can enjoy all of it
with Christ and
without sin - eternally!
Happy Easter!
