Wyoming Rep. John Winter suggested commissioning a helicopter crew to gun down overpopulated elk herds

EdP

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It's a complicated issue given how some hunters treat private lands. I don't think intentional wasteful slaughter is a good answer but ranchers should not be forced to allow public access to their land either. Adequate encouragement should be tried first. Compensation to ranchers for elk damage allows the state to maintain a higher elk population than would be socially accepted otherwise and the state benefits from license sales as a result. When the situation gets out of balance, as it apparently has, a change of approach is needed.
 
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I live in wyo and travel the state extensively for elk. In some areas you can't get out of em and aerial shots are just nuts. I too am frustrated with the lack of tags.

Some places are absolute highways of activity with sub 8% resident draw. All surrounded or intertwined with ranches.

These were just two photos out of two maxed out sd cards in 2 weeks. 100s

give more tags out!

Screenshot_20220806-151826_Gallery.jpgScreenshot_20220806-114142_Gallery.jpg
 

Rob5589

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Just spit balling; what if a group/org got together with landowners to broker a deal to hunt. Have absolute rules, listen to the LO concerns, maybe have some firearms competency, possibly a pass like the wildlife management units, specific hunt dates, etc. I could see where a LO doesn't want unknown randoms in and out of his land without some organization. I know I wouldn't either.
 
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Just spit balling; what if a group/org got together with landowners to broker a deal to hunt. Have absolute rules, listen to the LO concerns, maybe have some firearms competency, possibly a pass like the wildlife management units, specific hunt dates, etc. I could see where a LO doesn't want unknown randoms in and out of his land without some organization. I know I wouldn't either.
Ya know that's the main concern of the ranches I've gotten to know in my area. About maybe 1/4 think its a party on their land, disrespectful, etc. Like you were successful now please leave. Other concern was some were shady.

Vetting process would be very beneficial and I agree with marksmanship and competency. Having the backing of a nonprofit or org would peak interest. Also develop relationships and change preconceived notions.
 

EdP

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How about a landowner rating system for hunters allowed on their land? Hunters could be Identified by their Wy hunter number. A few simple questions could tell other landowners whether or not a hunter or group of hunters caused problems for the landowner and might motivate hunters to be more respectful of the landowner concerns. Would landowners bother to rate hunters? It is well within the capabilities of Wy F&G to set up such a system.
 

The10%

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How about a landowner rating system for hunters allowed on their land? Hunters could be Identified by their Wy hunter number. A few simple questions could tell other landowners whether or not a hunter or group of hunters caused problems for the landowner and might motivate hunters to be more respectful of the landowner concerns. Would landowners bother to rate hunters? It is well within the capabilities of Wy F&G to set up such a system.
This reminds me of a black mirror episode
 

EdP

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This reminds me of a black mirror episode
What do you mean by this? If it's a bad idea please say why. Maybe you have with references I don't understand so be plain about it. If it's a bad idea and you have solid reasons for saying so, there won't be any hurt feelings on my part.
 
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Is he the same representative that suggested just leaving the dead Elk for the coyotes to eat? Some real idiots running Wyoming these days.
That was my question. Just leave them to become carrion? That seems stupid and wasteful.
 
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