Hunter equal opportunity (hunter rights)

I have some questions for most of you and will probably be touchy for some. I live in eastern Oregon former resident of Alaska. I lived there for the soul purpose of hunting sheep. I live in Oregon now because of family. I often wish of going back and hunting sheep but is impossible due to the laws restricting me to hire a guide I cannot afford. My question to you guys is why can't I (average joe american) hunt sheep, goats,and or brown bear on federally owned property we pay taxes for? I have the same thoughts about Wyoming wilderness hunting. Whats the differance between hunting or just going on a non-guided wilderness hiking trip? I'm not one to complain, but some of this big game exploitation has got out of hand. I believe if things are to continue on this path the average hunter will not be able to hunt any game animal without severe restriction and fees. How will this impact the future of hunting for our children and grandchildren??
What is hunting coming to? Guided only for all species in your own state???
When will Alaska be guided only for all species including fish?
What is stopping Wyoming or any state from keeping you from hunting any public land because your not a resident??
How many Access and Habitat(OR) tags are we going allocate before we severly limit general hunter tags??

These are serious questions that need to be answered sooner than later. I know they might sound extreme now but what about 20-30 years from now.
I just want to hunt without having to hire a guide.
What are your thoughts and feelings?

Jeremiah
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MuleyMadness
Definitely some great questions you bring up here and I have to agree the future looks bad in some degrees.

However I don't think it's all bad or negative, there is still tons of areas to hunt public land in many/most states.

I do agree about not having to or wanting to hire a guide. I don't either. Will the restrictions get worse in the future? Probably so, what can we do about it now or how can we 'ease the pain'...that's a million dollar question.

Hunting is turning into a big money making business for sure and the rich have lots more opportunity at bigger animals IMO.

Guess I don't have many answers at this point, will need to ponder. :-k
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TheGreatwhitehunter
States have the right to manage their animals in their state how they see fit.

They are are are not keeping you from hunting the animals just how and where you hunt them.

Alaska only requires a guide for Sheep, Grizzly/Brown Bear and Mt Goat.

Wyoming Crap law about wilderness areas allows to do evrything but hunt big game w/o a guide or outfitter.

Are some of these laws crap YES...
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Default Avatar
I still don't think they have the right to force us to hire someone to guide us hunting. Alaskas law is not much different than Wyomings law. In Oregon, for instance, the law use to state you could not carry a firearm while hunting with an archery tag. It was challenged for the fact the fish and game cannot stop your right from the 2nd ammendment. I know these 2 are different, but isn't the state game departments role to manage the wildlife and not our land?
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