Hey, all you 25-06 Elk hunters (and you normal people ) This is a survey on a possible Bonus Point System here in Idaho.

You have no right to bitch if you don't make yourself heard. (Don't worry, you can still be one).

Wyoming is doing the same, I recieved a survey a few weeks ago.

I commented. Thanks for the link. I even suggested they lower the min caliber for elk to 22-250. haha

Point systems are great IF:
-There are enough tags that everyone can cycle through the system in 2 or 3 years.
-You are able to apply at the time they start the point system.

Otherwise, it only benefits those who can apply when the system starts.

For example, in Utah moose tag odds are 1 in 100 to 1 in 400+. THe point system started in 1993, so everyone who was able to apply at that arbitrary point in time benefits, while those who came along just 5 years later will never benefit. Wyoming's sheep it the same situation, as is Colorado's high quality elk system.

On the other hand, Colorado and Wyoming have non-resident point systems that work well for deer and antelope because they give enough tags to somewhat meet the demand.

I would like to see no point system for tags with odds higher than 1 in 50 and make those tags Once-In-A-lifetime. Think about it, with points it will take you 50 years to draw the tag. You start at age 12 and get the tag at age 62. It should just be left up to luck.

Thanks for the link.

Thanks for the link. I especially like the "squaring" of your accumulated points. I wish Montana would do that.

quote:

I even suggested they lower the min caliber for elk to 22-250. haha

I have several friends in Montana that have killed a pile of elk with their .22-250's.

Thanks for the link.

ddj

I don't mind the squaring of points or Colorado's Sheep system where a person must apply for a certain number of years before they can draw. I just hate when very limited tags go to those with the most points when people below will never draw in their life. And I used and benefitted from Utah's system to draw the best moose tag in the state. I even tried to change the system before I drew because my boys will never draw.

Buffy- We'd better not get into those stories. hahaha

Just say NO to bonus points and preference points. Idaho currently has the best drawing system around - straight random draw each year.

Bonus points shut out kids and new hunters, and actually make draw odds worse for all but the very first applicants. Tell Idaho NO to bonus points.

Bill

quote:

Originally posted by llamapacker:
Just say NO to bonus points and preference points. Idaho currently has the best drawing system around - straight random draw each year.

Bonus points shut out kids and new hunters, and actually make draw odds worse for all but the very first applicants. Tell Idaho NO to bonus points.

Bill

Ya, but bonus pts and pref point are two TOTALLY different things. I agree, pref points no, but bonus points are a good thing, in my opinion. All bonus points do is give more chance for one to draw based on longevity, but new applicants still have the chance to draw.

Seems to me its more about revenue than anything else. While the extra 4.50 for a bonus point is not a whole lot of money, its not even a good cup of coffee in some places. It adds up quick with a lot of applications. Idaho Fish and game like a lot of them needs money, fewer hunters and fisherman buying lic and stuff, Pittman Roberson taxes, they come up short. Then they go do stupid things like bringing in Wolves and well you get the drift! Why buy elk and deer tags when there are no elk or deer to shoot? They created a mess, that is going to take a couple of generations to fix, all the while people find other things to do. Hunting in America will be just about done in another two generations. And its not going to be for the lack of game or places to hunt or fish, its the never ending rule making and feel good politics that will do it in.