Conflicts with cartridge seasons.

[bioprof]

I live in SE South Dakota where we're blessed with a multitude of large northern whitetails. There are so many, in fact, that our GF&P's department has extended the cartridge rifle season for does into the middle of January. Our muzzleloader season runs from the middle of Dec. to the end of January (brrrrrrr!). Any advice on how to convince the state game officials to avoid ruining the muzzleloader season by extending the cartridge season? There are too $#@^%& many hunters. :curse:

 

[roundball]

I live in SE South Dakota where we're blessed with a multitude of large northern whitetails. There are so many, in fact, that our GF&P's department has extended the cartridge rifle season for does into the middle of January. Our muzzleloader season runs from the middle of Dec. to the end of January (brrrrrrr!). Any advice on how to convince the state game officials to avoid ruining the muzzleloader season by extending the cartridge season? There are too $#@^%& many hunters. :curse:

Sounds to me like you need support to even up the numbers...if you'll just post a map and heat up the bunkhouse, the Forum members might come out there and help you!
::

 

[bioprof]

South Dakota even reduced the cost of out-of-state licenses to $55 for a 2-doe tag to try to reduce their herds. People will tell you that there isn't any public land to hunt in SE South Dakota, but I went out during the middle of the week on public land during the centerfire season, and didn't see another hunter for miles and miles, all day long. If you're willing to walk, there's miles and miles of territory all to yourself. :imo:


If we don't shoot 'em, the cars will kill 'em.

 

[Pasquinel]

I know the problem you face with to many hunters. That is
why I hunt with muzzleloader. Always looking for new hunting areas where the deer are plentiful. I enjoy the
hunt and the meat is the thing, Does are just fine, cann't
eat the antlers and will never make the record books anyway.
Like roundball said, post Map an they will come. Just hang in their!

 

[Keith]

The squeaky wheel gets the grease. If you have a state ml assoc. that is a place start to get some like minded people to bring pressure on the DNR. From there get other sportsmen's groups. Suggesting a restructuring of the seasons with the bowhunters could add to your support, and you will affect other groups so you might as well work with them.
I might suggest that you concentrate on the traditional types of ml and projectiles to justify a special season. The powers that be are more likely to support you if you are not just shooting a modern rifle that happens to load from the front. If you, like many states, are required to buy a separate stamp to use a ml in season you could emphasize that you are paying for a priveledge, but not recieving a fair return on your money.
Just a few thoughts. Good luck. :thumbsup:
Keith