azgfd survey

[dave]

You are exaclty right my friend. This tread will go away in a couple days and then we will all have something new to talk about while we lose our heritage.

[Outdoor Writer]

Bill Q,

 

Some interesting comments in this thread for sure. I wonder how we all got along in the woods during the "good ol' days" of the ealy 1980s when more than 90,000 folks had deer permits. Maybe AZ was much bigger back then, eh?

 

As for the current and VERY random AGFD survey, it appears every question has an optional answer at one extreme or the other or somewhere in between. So the only way the results can lead to more hunters/permits/opportunities will be if those answering the questions swing toward that end. Obviously those who DON'T want to see more permits have the option to answer the survey questions so they reflect THEIR opinions.

 

For those who weren't around way back when or didn't pay attention, the following is a list of the general season permits going back to the record high number in 1986. The total was also above 85,000 for a couple years prior to and after 1986. The reason for the high # of permits is simple: AZ experienced TWO years of massive rainfall -- 100-yr. flood types -- in the early 1980s and the deer herd growth reflected that. I don't recall anyone complaining about overcrowding back then. In fact, most folks were happy for the chance to go hunting. Heck, some guys even got two permits. What a concept, huh? Today, there are a 1/3 the number of deer hunters in the woods.

 

Historical Deer Permit Totals

 

The downward trend for the number of deer permits issued annually began in the early 1990s when the ?drought? began in the West.

 

2006 37,975

2005 37,695

2004 36,325 (Record Low)

2003 37.025

2002 42,295

2001 44.695

2000 45,850

1999 46,820

1998 47,505

1997 51,815

1996 58,260

1995 63,900

1986 95,821 (Record High)

[dave]

Outdoor Writer,

 

The problems we had last year were the result of a similar survey. Many who take it do not know the dynamics behind it. It's like asking a thirsty man if he wants a drink of water. They don't tell the thirsty man it will be your last drink.

[Outdoor Writer]

Dave,

 

One doesn't have to be an ADA member to be able to read and understand survey questions. Maybe giving people more credit for their intelligence is in order. And just maybe their answers DO reflect what they really want rather than being the results of their "stupidity" of the dynamics.

 

The game department has two responsibilies; managing BOTH wildlife and hunters. The former obviously requires sound biological considerations, while the latter requires the social aspects of shuttling people around and keeping most of them happy. For the most part, that should involve catering to the MAJORITY rather than special interest groups.

 

Over the last few years, I've been sensing that several organizations feel because they contribute money, etc., it empowers them to steer -- or perhaps even dictate -- how the game department should be run. I wouldn't want to see that any more than I would want to see PETA dictating policy.

 

Now, that doesn't mean organizations shouldn't have input; they should. But everything needs to be considered in the grand scheme of things based on ALL input, including that of the department biologists and the game commission. And yes, finances MUST play a part. Without money, there is no AGFD. Of course, some might applaud that. -TONY

[dave]

Let me phrase it a different way:

 

Would you like more opportunity to hunt and draw a bull elk tag?

 

They don't give you a choice in how that may happen or tell you what they will do to make that happen.

 

They don't ask you if you want to hunt archery elk in December or Javalina in August.

 

I personally don't think it matters because I believe they already have a plan and the survey is just a tool to say this is why they are going to do what they want to do. After what happened last year, seeing the recent spring regs. and now them coming out with this survey leaves me in total distrust.

 

I don't know if they are getting the message that they are losing peoples trust or if it matters.

[Outdoor Writer]

Dave,

 

After going 0 for 5 the last three years in a row, I'll take any tag I can get about now. Maybe everyone who doesn't trust the dept. any more should just quit applying. But yes, I welcome more opportunities regardless when they occur as long as whatever they do equates to BIOLOGICALLY sound management. And I have enough respect for the AGFD where I would think that would be its aim and not involve some ludricrous recommendation such as an Aug. javelina season.

 

I'd also suggest that those who obtained permits for the fall javelina season, which a certain segment of hunters also were against, are very happy with the opportunity to hunt pigs, especially if they also possess a deer permit for the same hunt. -TONY

[dave]

Tony,

 

I apologize, I was a day off. Archery javelina starts September 1st.. Since I didn't apply I was not too up on the date.

Good luck to all who got drawn.

[Outdoor Writer]

Dave,

 

And why do you see that as a problem? -TONY

[dave]

I don?t see it as a problem at all. I think it is hilarious.

[Outdoor Writer]

And why do you see it as "hilarious?" -TONY

[dave]

I have a warped sense of humor Tony. The thought of field dressing a Javi in 90 plus degree heat just hits my funny bone. It should be a ripe experience that recruits and retains more archery hunters.

[missedagain]

O.W.-- I don't see at as "hilarious" I see it as proof that the g&f didn't have "hunter oppurtunity" on their mind just $ when they decided to make all of these stupid changes.

[dustyb0]

This is a pic of an un retained hunter.

[Outdoor Writer]

Field dressing a javelina in Sept isn't any worse than field dressing a deer, and most of the permits are in the same units where the deer seasons are taking place on those same dates. Guts are guts, no matter how you slice them. And it takes about three seconds to cut out the scent gland on the back if that's what one is prone to do. I prefer to just let it come off with the hide. Of course, even the gland smells no worse in Sept. than it does in Feb. or March. Plus, keeping the javelina meat cold is a heck of a lot easier since the entire carcass, even without cutting it up, easily fits into a fairly decent size cooler. -TONY

[dave]

Tony,

 

If you are not already a bowhunter and do not have a September archery javelina tag, I believe you have just talked yourself into applying for archery javelina next September. Welcome to the bowhunting community

 

Dave