I don't mind asking for permission to hunt. I don't even mind getting told no. The anticipation of opening day is gone and now feels like a chore instead of a celebration. I seen the change happening in our family and where we used to hunt. People weren't happy that my dad, brother and myself got nice deer over about a 5 year period. They were quick to forget that we took management bucks the other years. Years where we only drew a doe tag, we let it go to waste to ensure more deer for subsequent years.
You see the change on social media where instead of a congratulations, people will come down on a person because there's a red tag hanging off the antler. Hunting practices are scrutinized i.e. how many miles did you walk, do/don't push deer, bow hunting/rifle hunting, etc. Where the hell is the fun of it anymore?
I have to say, this year's opening day brought me to the badlands to help a friend out with his tag. I took a day off of work for someone else's deer hunt when I had a WT buck tag in my pocket for a completely different unit. I haven't had that much fun in years and I knew I wasn't filling a tag.
The people that think they're being singled out because they didn't get a tag; you entered a lottery. The definition of the lottery should settle your argument about a need to change the system so that it suits you. You have opportunities to hunt regardless if you draw a rifle tag in ND. If you disagree with that, then you need to come out from under the rock where you reside.
In conclusion, I'm done applying for 3B3 antlered WT. I'm going to get out of my comfort zone and try some different styles/locations. I'm absolutely at peace with this decision. What scares me is how I'm going to get my little one into deer hunting if I have zero passion for it anymore.
I'm with ya on this one. I applied for a mule buck tag this year. First time applying for a mule buck in 10+years. I had zero points, and 100% knew i wasn't going to draw a tag, and I'm totally ok with that. For the unit I apply in, I'm guessing it could take 6-8 years before I draw that tag, unless I get very luck. But it's my choice, and I'm ok with that. I want a chance to hunt a giant mule, and the only way I can do that is apply. I still spent opening weekend chasing mulies with by bow, got to spend time with my dad, which with his health issues I don't know how much time we have left, and had an aboslute blast. Him and I are already planning to do it next year, even if we don't draw rifle tags. Haven't even filled the bow tag.
I think people forget what the outdoors is all about. Just spending time with people you love is what it's all about. We are blessed in this state with opportunities that most don't get. Think it's tough hunting here, go to TX and see if you can get a lease? Like the idea of pay to hunt? We are so lucky here.
As far as solving the alleged problem, i have a solution. I get my first choice for deer, elk, moose, big horn, antelope, and can hunt on any land I so choose. I don't need permission because I'm a self entitled prick that thinks my outdoor experience is what's important. I don't care that land owners spend countless hours, planting, grooming and caring for their land. The money they spend is irrelevant to me. I don't care that some farmer and his family go broke trying to make it. ::: Clearly this is sarcasm.
I'm no land owner so I do my fair amount of public land. I am lucky enough to have a landowner friend that gives me limited access. But guess what,(KDM, i'm using you as an example), I bet if I knocked on KDM's door and asked to hunt, he would give me a yes or no answer. Shocking I know. And if he told me no, I wouldn't have permission to hunt land that I wasn't allowed to hunt anyway. No big deal. But knock on enough doors, show respect, build a relationship and you might find access.
I'm not sure why we need to turn our hunting in this state to a socialism experiement. ;:;rant
