Utah drops the ball IMO

[Backpack Hunter]

Just checked some utah stats. Rifle hunters had two fatalities in 2014, doesn't say the cause of the fatality.
Seems like you can require hunter orange for muzzleloader season and still have the "masses" safe.
Pretty sure safety isn't the issue though.

 

[CA Karen]

You don't require blaze orange for muzzleloaders?

Obviously you do not hunt the Utah Muzzleloader season... so why is it so important to support something that the muzzle loader hunters opposed? The majority of the RAC's opposed this as well.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Obviously you do not hunt the Utah Muzzleloader season... so why is it so important to support something that the muzzle loader hunters opposed? The majority of the RAC's opposed this as well.

The question is why is there opposition to it? It's not for safety. The numbers don't lie.
If the majority opposed it how did it pass?

 

[MuleyFever]

If the majority opposed it how did it pass?

Because we live in a republic, not a democracy, where elected (sometimes appointed) officials do what they want.

 

[realunlucky]

The question is why is there opposition to it? It's not for safety. The numbers don't lie.
If the majority opposed it how did it pass?

It's was suppose to be a primitive weapon opportunity not an rifle season extention. All utah decisions are made by well funded few to sell tags to the highest bidder. All other user groups must enjoy the crumbs of a system controlled by lobbyists

 

[sabotloader]

I am just going to throw this out there for every ones consideration: Muzzleloader hunts were first brought forward by traditional ML hunters wanting a time they could hunt in the more traditional manner. As years have passed I believe two things have happened. 1. Fish & Game have discovered it is a very good tool to use in the correct area for 'game management and control'. Most of the ML hunts of today are not close to what they were when they first began. 2. Fish & Game has also found it to be an excellent tool for increasing revenue especially when they allow the use of a 'modern' ML that more people can effectively use and are willing to buy and continue an extended hunting season. And as some are suggesting - the more modern the tools the more people that are likely to give the sport a try which relates to more revenue to F&G and even more important more revenue to vendors, local and distant that support hunting activities.

So as being suggested - revenue is a driving force!!! As it is in 'capitolism'

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I'm not sure with the previous rules how it could be considered a "primitive" season. Seems the new rules are just a logical extension of a muzzleloader season.
If the people within the republic raise enough of a stink the officials will listen.
I've been wrong before though.

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

More ppl will apply now driving the draw odds further down. Then more hunters will be successful which will force F&G to reduce tags which will further reduce draw odds... Pretty simple

Another poor decision made by F&G IMO

 

[Backpack Hunter]

So less hunters will be going afield because those that do will be more successful?
I gotta be honest kinda sounds pretty good.

 

[realunlucky]

So less hunters will be going afield because those that do will be more successful?
I gotta be honest kinda sounds pretty good.

Unless you never get any tags than what? I can tell you don't hunt utah.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I don't hunt Utah at all at this point.
I don't see tag availability being any different than any other state that has a lottery/draw system. As a non resident my draw odds are always lower so it just takes me longer. Conversely residents obviously draw much quicker.
Might have to wait a couple of years to see if success rates go up, if so I'll enter and see if I can't lower some more draw odds.

 

[realunlucky]

Success rates are already over 70% don't let that deter you now

 

[2blade]

The question is why is there opposition to it? It's not for safety. The numbers don't lie.
If the majority opposed it how did it pass?

I think the majority were in favor, around 53%. The Rac's opposed. At least thats what I remember reading although I can't find it now. I voted against, i have a buddy that voted for.