68OLDS

Outstanding “cliff notes” version on some of the science behind wildlife management techniques employed by azgfd. Thanks for digging this up. Explains quite a bit on a subject that could take volumes in a text book.

I see where you’re going here and generally agree with the line of thinking you have. but I do see a problem. How in the world will the AZGFD know if you’re lying? That could turn into a staffing/logistical nightmare them trying to prove or show someone lied on a survey. Seems like a tough task, how do other states/jurisdictions pull it off?

I’ve read the every post on this thread, including yours. Some definitely make more logical sense than others that’s for sure. definitely not taking anything out of context and and MOST DEFINITELY NOT BITCHING about the game and fish DEPT. Not sure where you’re going with that comment, but not liking some of the generalizations you’re making there bud.

Delw, you literally just said this 1 hour ago. am I missing something here? Help me understand because I’m pretty sure I’m reading that post correctly.

So the alternative is to scrap the current model of using hunter harvest questionnaire and rely strictly on survey data alone? I’m trying to ask you an honest question. What’s a logical solution since you’re so adamant the current system is unreliable and inherently broken with people who are lying to only benefit themselves. How would you go about “fixing” this system is all I’m saying. Yes I have a degree in Conservation Biology, but that isn’t really very relevant to this discussion. The point is the azgfd has a mandate to protect and make beneficial decisions for the wildlife resources in this state while taking into account the public’s viewpoints and concerns.

Huntharder For the win!

Unfortunately at this point it’s all we got though right? I mean what else are you proposing we use to come up with “reliable” harvest data. You gotta work work with tools you’re given sometimes...

Unless you subscribe to one member’s outlandish opinion on this thread..that we all need to be biologists/economists otherwise we are totally clueless and our viewpoints are irrelevant!!!

Strong opinions on the board this afternoon, good to see folks passionate about issues which are important to them.

Maybe we can all take a deep breath from our back and forth bickering on hunt tag recommendations, trail cams, busted portals, elk draws, gun bans, vaccines, masks..... AND RELISH in the fact that AZ continues to stand up for our rights as Americans. Us Arizonans are all lucky to have politicians like Leo B around to help fight the good fight and the powers that be. We all come out as winners on this one. #leo2024!

Nothing would surprise me anymore I see your 6 months and raise you 6 more 🍻

You think he’s gonna pull out the VETO pen on this? 🤔 not a snowballs chance In he-ll.....right?

Ahhhh...the good ‘ole days 😂

No problem Eddie, I thought so too.

Oh okay was a little confused on what you were getting at there. So if we can’t go by public surveys, what would be the alternative solution to go about gathering accurate harvest data?

Who is Jim Hellelfinger?

Nice!

Well it’s not unit by unit, but here’s the overall success and harvest over the years for OTC tag hunts

Valid points here. I would urge you to copy paste this message and share your thoughts AZHuntGuidelines@azgfd.gov

Ya I’m not too sure what delw means by this? Literally, the entire game and fish approach to wildlife conservation is based on the North American model. That model says the wildlife resource is held in the public interest. We all have a say into what is in the best interest of the resources, including hunt allocations, tag limits, seasons, etc.

Good point, was sort of thinking that as I was typing the post.

I don’t quite understand it either. I don’t see it being THAT MUCH more of a burden. She said more data could be good, and could be bad. I would argue more/better data in would give better results out. Someone mentioned the Navajo nation survey approach. You don’t complete your survey, you aren’t eligible for the draw the next year. I am not sure how that would look but it can’t be too difficult to put in place. It sounds like azgfd is happy with where they are on harvest statistics.

I actually am a biologist Thom. ASU, class of ‘06. Conservation Biology. More importantly we are all sportsmen and wildlife is held in the public interest, as you know, following the North American model. We all have a right to a fair discussion. We voice thoughts and concerns for what is in the best interest of the wildlife resource in AZ.

100% agree just search “arizona OTC deer hunting” on YouTube and you’ll see how popular az has become with out of state hunters. My brother Ran into some hunters a few years ago Michigan I believe saying that they heard about Arizona’s OTC particularly unit 27 in the Local magazine and hunting publications. These outside influences are definitely not helping things here at home.

What do you mean? hunted unit 27 for 3 weeks this last January OTC season. I estimate the ratio of NR:res hunters I saw was about 2:1.