I think if we cut the NR opportunity maybe 65-80% of what it is now, raise the cost to make up the dollar shortfall and require all NRs hunting big game to be with an outfitter- everyone wins. I don't really care if it's inaccessible to average Joe hunter who wants to drive across the country and do a DIY elk hunt. That guy is more of the problem and less of the benefit.
Sorry, but there is a whole lot wrong with this entire post.
NonResidents literally keep some small town businesses in business yet you want to cut them out except for the guy who flys into Montana in his private jet and hunts land that you would never be able to anyway?
That is messed up beyond words.
Montanas small town economy has always very much relied on the revenue that out of state hunters bring in, yet because you feel there are too many flies in your honey hole, the government should step in to help YOU while killing our small businesses???
Besides that, wolves and the people who support them are a much greater threat to our tradition than any hunter could ever be. They are already pushing the narrative that 'more wolves' brings in 'more people' who bring in 'more money' but apparently you want to help the wrong side?
We have a very long season, yet some areas still can't get their population numbers down. If your hunting area is short on elk, maybe look at trying these other areas, just be prepared to knock on a lot of doors.
Another suggestion is to take the opener off. Everyone knows how crowded the woods are the first week or two of the season but since we have such a long season, maybe use those weekends to get to the range when it, too, is empty?
I totally get the frustration with crowds but to cut out the bread and butter of our local economies is absolutely NOT the answer.
