Initiative 400
proutdoors
7/17/07 12:17pm
In 1989 Utah began issuing spike-only tags to increase the number of mature bulls on many of the elk units in Utah. The idea was to allow a certain percentage of the yearling bull elk population to be harvested while restricting the harvest of mature bulls. This also enabled the DWR to issue several thousand spike tags with low harvest numbers, allowing for many people the opportunity to hunt yearly with reduced harvest of the bull population. We believe the spike tag still has its place in the management of both elk and elk hunters. However, we also believe that in many areas, spike-only hunts are not the most effective management tool. Accordingly:
1) We propose eliminating the issuing of spike tags on the following five units (a): North Cache, Wasatch, Nebo, Fish Lake, and La Sal. We also propose introducing spike-only hunting to the following five units (b): San Juan, Monroe, Pahvant, Paunsaugunt, and SW Desert. This will allow more bulls to reach maturity on the (a) units, increasing the number of mature bulls that can be harvested yearly. This change will also reduce the bull:cow ratios on the (b) units which currently have an excess of mature bulls. Issuing spike tags for a determined time will reduce the number of bulls being recruited into the mature bull population without affecting quality. Although many spike-only tags will be eliminated, at least three new hunting opportunities will be created: Spike-only hunting on (b) areas, increased any-bull permits for (a) areas, and increased cow elk tags that can be issued in the future as a result of lowered bull:cow ratios on these units.
2) We propose changing the season dates on the (a) units to the following:
September 1-21 Limited Archery, any-bull
September 26-October 4 Limited Muzzleloader, any-bull
October 6-14 Limited Rifle any-bull
All three seasons Premium Limited any-bull
3) We propose changing tag allotments for the (a) units from 60/25/15 (any weapon/archery/muzzleloader) to 50/30/20. Giving more tags to primitive weapons combined with the season date changes will decrease harvest success rates, allowing for more mature tags to be issued for all weapon choices. We also propose that these tags be allocated by individual sub-units on the Wasatch unit.
4) We propose the (a) unit tags be issued thru a preference point drawing, while keeping the remaining 23 limited entry elk units under the current bonus point system. We propose hunters a one-time option of converting their elk bonus points into preference points, if desired. This could be done only when applying for the first time in the preference point drawing. There would be no waiting period for hunters successful in drawing an (a) unit permit.
5) We propose that tooth data and harvest/hunt reporting be mandatory for all hunters in (a) areas. Anyone failing to report would not be eligible to apply in the big game drawing the following year.
SUMMARY
We believe that by the changes in season dates, elimination of spike tags, getting bull to cow ratios in check with the EMP, mandatory reporting, tag allotment changes on the (a) units, more tags can be issued while maintaining quality. In addition, by redeploying the spike tags from the (a) units to the (b) units, the bull to cow ratios on the (b) units will become more inline with the desired ratios per the EMP. This proposal will allow more hunters the opportunity to hunt mature quality animals in Utah without losing yearly opportunities for OTC tags.
I would love feedback on this from you all. Thanks in advance.
PRO
1) We propose eliminating the issuing of spike tags on the following five units (a): North Cache, Wasatch, Nebo, Fish Lake, and La Sal. We also propose introducing spike-only hunting to the following five units (b): San Juan, Monroe, Pahvant, Paunsaugunt, and SW Desert. This will allow more bulls to reach maturity on the (a) units, increasing the number of mature bulls that can be harvested yearly. This change will also reduce the bull:cow ratios on the (b) units which currently have an excess of mature bulls. Issuing spike tags for a determined time will reduce the number of bulls being recruited into the mature bull population without affecting quality. Although many spike-only tags will be eliminated, at least three new hunting opportunities will be created: Spike-only hunting on (b) areas, increased any-bull permits for (a) areas, and increased cow elk tags that can be issued in the future as a result of lowered bull:cow ratios on these units.
2) We propose changing the season dates on the (a) units to the following:
September 1-21 Limited Archery, any-bull
September 26-October 4 Limited Muzzleloader, any-bull
October 6-14 Limited Rifle any-bull
All three seasons Premium Limited any-bull
3) We propose changing tag allotments for the (a) units from 60/25/15 (any weapon/archery/muzzleloader) to 50/30/20. Giving more tags to primitive weapons combined with the season date changes will decrease harvest success rates, allowing for more mature tags to be issued for all weapon choices. We also propose that these tags be allocated by individual sub-units on the Wasatch unit.
4) We propose the (a) unit tags be issued thru a preference point drawing, while keeping the remaining 23 limited entry elk units under the current bonus point system. We propose hunters a one-time option of converting their elk bonus points into preference points, if desired. This could be done only when applying for the first time in the preference point drawing. There would be no waiting period for hunters successful in drawing an (a) unit permit.
5) We propose that tooth data and harvest/hunt reporting be mandatory for all hunters in (a) areas. Anyone failing to report would not be eligible to apply in the big game drawing the following year.
SUMMARY
We believe that by the changes in season dates, elimination of spike tags, getting bull to cow ratios in check with the EMP, mandatory reporting, tag allotment changes on the (a) units, more tags can be issued while maintaining quality. In addition, by redeploying the spike tags from the (a) units to the (b) units, the bull to cow ratios on the (b) units will become more inline with the desired ratios per the EMP. This proposal will allow more hunters the opportunity to hunt mature quality animals in Utah without losing yearly opportunities for OTC tags.
I would love feedback on this from you all. Thanks in advance.
PRO
11,652
What's your defention of a mature bull?
You mention we, is there any way to get involved with this?
ive been waiting for this post from you! Im in.
Keep us posted on what happens!
9er
MTGriz, give me a PM if you are interested in joining the ranks. We welcome any and all who are interested in increasing opportunity while maintain quality.
9r, I have delayed posting here until we ironed out a few wrinkles. I also do NOT want to hijack this forum. So, I ask that all keep is civil and positive.
Avs man, I feel your pain, I spent many falls in Colorado, where opportunity takes precedence over quality. While here in Utah quality takes precedence over opportunity. I think there can be a balance between the two. That is what Initiative 400 is striving for. We are not looking at the top-end units for this either. We want to maintain the world class hunting in Utah. I personally will continue to apply for a premium unit not part of Initiative 400. I am a guide who takes conservation tag hunters after the 400+ bulls.
PRO
You know my feeling on this. I have never thought hunting elk during the rut with a rifle was much of a challenge. I think that we could eliminate the spike hunting in several units in the state and be just fine. I support this initiative whole hearted. I believe anyone with kids that hunt should be in support of this. If things are kept the way they are, some of our kids will never be able to hunt big bulls in their lifetime.
My only exception to your Initiative would be on the Paunsaugunt unit where you suggest introducing Spike Elk Hunts. It seems to me that the DWR has been and is wiping out the Elk herd there. There is already a lack of big mature bulls there and not near the Elk herd there use to be.
It also needs to be taken off the Premium Elk Draw IMO, as the pickings can be slimmer and tougher than other units for sure.
The biggest and best herd compete with the Deer and I believe this unit should focus on BIG MULE DEER!
So having spike hunts there, might just make the Elk herd even worse. I'm not against it, just stating what I think it will be like and do to the herd.
Jim, thanks for the props, I 400 is being driven by people with kids who basically have ZERO chance of drawing a LE tag EVER under the current system. My son, Beau Hunter, should be allowed to have the realistic chance to hunt mature bulls in Utah with a decent chance of getting a good bull. He is 2 1/2, and under the current plan, his only hope is me winning the lottery and buying him a conseravtion tag.
This proposal is motivated on increasing odds to draw a mature bull tag w/o destroying the awesome quality Utah is now famous for, AND keep the OTC tags available for those who desire to hunt for 'meat', while keeping MOST LE as premier trophy elk hunts.
PRO
the thing that really gets me likeing the idea is the season dates, why should we make it any easier for the rifle hunters to hunt during the prime rut and leave the archery hunters with 4-5 good days of rutting activity, plus it would add alot more tags because of the lower success rates., im sure hoping this goes thru!
9er
PRO
I think by moving season dates, giving more tags to primitive weapon hunters, and by not killing spikes on these units, more tags can be issued on these five units while maintaining a quality hunt with reasonable success rates.
PRO
PRO
be sure to post when your meeting so we can join!
9er
PRO
It took me a few times reading and comprehending it, but i can see some good things coming out of it for sure.
I have said all along since they put the spike only into place that "there is no way they can keep this for too many years, the heards will explode and get out of balance".
Some really good things have happened by having the spike only and limited draws for the mature bulls, but it's time to tweak it now for "maintenence".
PRO
PRO
9er