Post by Woody Williams on Jul 22, 2010 22:02:09 GMT -5
This is an email that one of the members here received back from the Farm Bureau rep that participated as a stakeholder in the IDNR deer meetings..
Thanks for the note. The issue of deer herd management and how best to implement hunting regulations to assist in that endeavor is definitely a difficult issue.
Farm Bureau policy which was been passed by voting delegates representing all 92 counties states, ”We recommend an expanded hunting season for deer and turkey, including females, and special hunts in state parks and state wildlife areas.” This policy position is part of the overall policy for predator and wildlife control. Our additional policy on hunting supports the requirement for written permission to hunt on private property based upon concerns with trespass, as well as the requirement that all stands and blinds be marked with the hunter’s identification. Our policy does not mention anything else about equipment.
Based upon the policy, we are supportive of any proposal that would provide expanded/different windows to take deer, especially does. The proposal that DNR made to the NRC was the best compromise that could be reached between the representatives of the various hunter groups, Farm Bureau, and conservation groups that were involved. I do understand your concern about the changes made to the current gun and muzzleloader seasons. My family and I hunt, so I am aware of the impact the change may have on some hunters’ ability to get into the woods.
The key point is that this is an effort to change the hunting seasons in an effort to shoot more does. Based upon data from other states which have tried similar changes, it would seem that this could be successful. However, given that there is a risk that the changes won’t result in the goal to increase the number of does harvested with a resulting decrease in the size of the deer herd, DNR has committed to review the hunting seasons at the end of year 5 and make changes if they are needed.
In essence, our position is to support the reduction in the deer herd because of the crop and property damage which occur because of deer. The proposal is not the only way that it could be done, but we do believe that it is consistent with our policy and has the potential to be successful. As with most of the issues we deal with on a daily basis, not all members will agree that the means to the end is the best way to do it. My suggestion is that you participate in the public hearing process which the NRC will undertake to make your feelings known.
With respect to hunter access, there is going to have to be a concerted effort on the part of deer hunters as well as Farm Bureau to change the perceptions which exist with landowners. Unfortunately, there have been too many problems with trespass and property damage, as well as concerns about “trophy hunting” and liability issues, which have caused many landowners to refuse to allow hunting. There are also a significant number of rural landowners who do not allow hunting because they like to see the wildlife. There are also a lot of landowners who would allow hunting if they were approached by the right hunter who they believe they can trust. We have been involved in some efforts over the last few years to address trespass and liability concern in the legislature, and we anticipate that those issues may come up again. We also have done a few programs in which we provide information to landowners on how to protect themselves by contracting with hunters who want access to their property. Finally, in conjunction with DNR, we will be putting some information in our publication to help landowners understand the opportunities that exist to open their property up for hunting.
I hope this helps you understand our position. I appreciate your input.
Justin
Thanks for the note. The issue of deer herd management and how best to implement hunting regulations to assist in that endeavor is definitely a difficult issue.
Farm Bureau policy which was been passed by voting delegates representing all 92 counties states, ”We recommend an expanded hunting season for deer and turkey, including females, and special hunts in state parks and state wildlife areas.” This policy position is part of the overall policy for predator and wildlife control. Our additional policy on hunting supports the requirement for written permission to hunt on private property based upon concerns with trespass, as well as the requirement that all stands and blinds be marked with the hunter’s identification. Our policy does not mention anything else about equipment.
Based upon the policy, we are supportive of any proposal that would provide expanded/different windows to take deer, especially does. The proposal that DNR made to the NRC was the best compromise that could be reached between the representatives of the various hunter groups, Farm Bureau, and conservation groups that were involved. I do understand your concern about the changes made to the current gun and muzzleloader seasons. My family and I hunt, so I am aware of the impact the change may have on some hunters’ ability to get into the woods.
The key point is that this is an effort to change the hunting seasons in an effort to shoot more does. Based upon data from other states which have tried similar changes, it would seem that this could be successful. However, given that there is a risk that the changes won’t result in the goal to increase the number of does harvested with a resulting decrease in the size of the deer herd, DNR has committed to review the hunting seasons at the end of year 5 and make changes if they are needed.
In essence, our position is to support the reduction in the deer herd because of the crop and property damage which occur because of deer. The proposal is not the only way that it could be done, but we do believe that it is consistent with our policy and has the potential to be successful. As with most of the issues we deal with on a daily basis, not all members will agree that the means to the end is the best way to do it. My suggestion is that you participate in the public hearing process which the NRC will undertake to make your feelings known.
With respect to hunter access, there is going to have to be a concerted effort on the part of deer hunters as well as Farm Bureau to change the perceptions which exist with landowners. Unfortunately, there have been too many problems with trespass and property damage, as well as concerns about “trophy hunting” and liability issues, which have caused many landowners to refuse to allow hunting. There are also a significant number of rural landowners who do not allow hunting because they like to see the wildlife. There are also a lot of landowners who would allow hunting if they were approached by the right hunter who they believe they can trust. We have been involved in some efforts over the last few years to address trespass and liability concern in the legislature, and we anticipate that those issues may come up again. We also have done a few programs in which we provide information to landowners on how to protect themselves by contracting with hunters who want access to their property. Finally, in conjunction with DNR, we will be putting some information in our publication to help landowners understand the opportunities that exist to open their property up for hunting.
I hope this helps you understand our position. I appreciate your input.
Justin
!
