BuzzH
Well-known member
The advanced technology we all use and desire has contributed immensely to the decline in quality big game populations, just think back to what was available if you’re old enough, to even as recently a time as the 70’s and 80’s. Just “log in” and you have information at your fingertips that old bastards like me never had, all which means more hunters in the field, better equipped, never having to wonder what the hell is over the next ridge or beyond the next canyon because google earth solved that dilemma. It is what it is, can’t uninvent technology, and none of this is an excuse for not changing management to meet the current conditions, just a reminder IMO that we all contributed somewhat to where were at..
Sure, lots of things have change and lots of things contribute(d) to where we're at...yet, if everyone knows that, why hasn't anything changed in regard to season structure since 1954? The human population in Montana has nearly doubled since then...same season structure. Better binoculars, better rifles, better bullets, better spotting scopes, better rifle scopes, more access to data, more access via roads, hardly anyone DOESNT have a 4 wheel drive, ATV's, motorcycles, snowmobiles...all better. Cell phones and cell coverage everywhere, "Hey, get your ass down here, there's elk all over". Highways and freeways that you can drive 80+ mph on...and vehicles to do it. Better clothing, better tents, lighter equipment, better backpacks. Trail cameras, google earth, aerial photos, GPS's, GPS chips, county GIS maps on-line. Leasing gone wild, more predators...and on and on and on.
Yet, as the hunting world evolved, the MTFWP stayed in 1954...I take no blame for that. That's all on the Department, adapt or die.