Any "Dedicated Hunters" out there?

[IDHunter]

The program is not just for residents. I also just rejoined the dedicated hunter program and I'm a nonresident. It's a fantastic program and I really enjoy being in it.

[Buckmaster]

Ridgetop.... your thoughts and concern are great and I thank you for them. When I opt out it dose not allow a person to take my spot. That spot is locked for three years with or with out a dedicated hunter being successful. Second most of us on the dedicated program are after trophy animals 4 point or better so the odds go down on any of us harvesting a deer. I went nine years before I finally found the bucks I wanted and lucky for me they were both with archery gear and while I was on the dedicate hunter program. So if I opt out my third year and buy an archery tag and hunt for a buck (trophy) my odds of success is around 6% or lower. I feel that because I pass on all the younger deer and only take the 4 year or older bucks I am helping preserve more mule deer for future big bucks and a greater gene pool. I hope this dose not offend anyone, and if so I am sorry!

[chet]

I just signed up for year 10..... I wasnt aware of that loop hole...... In my opinion you should only kill 2 deer (or less) in that three year period. As long as you're doing the hours, I guess it aint so bad. Why not just buy an archery tag every year?

[digger]

I called the fish and game office in springville today and they told me that this was not an option. thay said I could get out but I could not posses a general season tag this year. also, they said If i did purchase an archery tag and harvested an animal it would be taken illegaly and I could face poaching charges. this was from the central region dedicated hunter adviser in the springville office. anyways I was excited when I read your loop hole but its to good to be true.

[Buckmaster]

My reason,(not that I owe anyone an explanation) for joining DH was so I could hunt with my son that is under the age of 18. He dose not like archery but loves the muzzy, So I hunt with him at that time and then for myself and my older son we like archery.

I have attached a email correspondence I did with DWR'S / DH Chairperson Sue Robinson.
I repeat it for how I was told.

Subject: Re: dedicated hunter question

Thank you so much for the photo's, they are awesome. I am going to post
your photo's for sure.
Just curious, where and when did you take the archery deer? I never seen
anything like that at the deer checking station, just thought I would ask.

If you choose to opt out for your third year after two harvests, (most do)
you can do that and purchase a regular archery permit, however, it does not
leave a slot open for another DH. Once that cap was met, it closes the
enrollment process, no more permits can be issued. But thank you for your
generous thought, too bad there isn't a way that can happen.

No, being in the program for three years does not assure you a slot for future
enrollment. (maybe someday...)

If you have anymore questions, please let me know. Thanks for your
participation in the Dedicated Hunter program.

Sue Robinson
CRO Volunteer Coordinator
Dedicated Hunter Program
1115 North Main Street
Springville UT 84663

[digger]

thats odd because I'm sure thats the same person I talked with what the heck

[ridgetop]

I e-mailed Sue and this was her reply to me.

Koby,
No that information is incorrect. Two deer in three years, that's it. A person who has drew out on a limited entry hunt or a CWMU hunt for the third year can hunt, but nobody can come in and buy any other deer permit. (excluding doe regulations)



Sue Robinson
CRO Volunteer Service Coordinator
Dedicated Hunter Program
1115 North Main Street
Springville UT 84663
(801) 491-5657 office
(801) 360-2278 cell
(801) 491-5646 fax

Seems like there's a double standard going on but oh well. Honestly Buuckmaster, good for you and congrats on two good bucks in the last two years. Looks like for the most part, people will not be able to do what you did.

[Buckmaster]

I think I will make a trip into the SLC DWR office and see if I can get more info....YES or NO Try and figure this one out If I get a yes I will get them to put it in writing

[9er]

If I get a yes I will get them to put it in writing

good idea, be sure to let us know what ya find out!!!!

9er

[IDHunter]

I can appreciate anyone who wants to go on hunts with their children, but you don't need a tag to do that. For the last five years I've skipped the dedicated rifle hunt in order to take my brothers on theirs. I enjoy these hunts every bit as much as my own, and have even helped both of them shoot bigger deer than anything I've ever taken. When I don't have a tag in my pocket it's easier to give them my full attention and adds to their enjoyment.

In my opinion, the minute you took the second buck in year two you also made the decision to sit out in year three. That's the choice each of us makes in the program. Even if this "loop-hole" exists, I would hope that anyone would be honorable enough to stand by the original commitment they made. I'm not saying that you shouldn't go hunting. I just think your kids should be your total focus this year.

You seem like a really nice guy and I hope I didn't offend you with my comments. Regardless of what happens, good luck this year to you and your kids.