This baiting topic is interesting with some informative posts but there are other things in play that are unfairly taking away opportunity from bowhunters that need to be addressed with Game and Fish as well. Bowhunters in Arizona are currentely limited to 20% of the deer harvest in each unit. If we take more than 20% in any given unit they remove opportunity (remove December seasons in units 22 & 23, take other units to a draw, etc.). Unfotunately, hunting in general is declining while bowhunting is growing and as long as bowhunting is tied to a set percentage we will continue to lose opportunity. The 20% allowable harvest for archery deer should change according to the amount of archery deer hunters vs. other weapon types just like the draw allocation system changes to make it fair for all weapon types. Archery deer hunters currently make up over 25% (and this % will likely rise yearly) of the deer hunter so shouldn't we get 25% of the harvest? I am not saying take away from the other weapon types because most of us hunt with multiple weapon types but don't unfairly take away opportunity from bowhunters either. I know this is a little off the emotional topic of baiting but it is just common sense and not all bowhunters are aware of it.
