MT Master Hunter 2020 Applications are Open.

[onpoint]

I specifically requested any participants of this course to speak up and let us know how it was a benefit.
Would that not provide first hand info about this course from those who could inform me that I am indeed off base??
I guess the few skeptical views expressed on this thread are , "less than....". And have no merit.
I do believe this is a truly interesting , but dubious approach to the issues that MontanaMasterHunter adresses. My OPINION. That's right.
A forum - "a public meeting place for open discussion".
But, yes Randy, your forum. Understood.
Completely.

 

[JLS]

I have hunted since 1975 (+/-).
Hunted Montana since 1985.
Worked for the Montana public hunter for over 30 years.
Have seen, lived, experienced Montana hunting - warts and gems all - more than most on here. Fact. Couldn't say that if I hadn't did what I did for a living.
That being said,
Can't say I'm sold on this program.

Just one person's view. YMMV.

I too am skeptical of these programs. There certainly is upside. However, based upon my experience, I've seen people enroll in these programs who have no business being deemed a "master hunter". I honestly think there is just as much unethical behavior during master hunter seasons and amongst the master hunter crowd as there is the general public. Maybe I'm wrong, as this is just anecdotal observation and not based on data.

 

[daltrix99]

It also might be worth adding, to give people perspective, that it’s appealing to someone like me who has never had the opportunity to hunt private land. (exception being the occasional and infrequent BMA)

 

[Deleted member 28227]

Here's a novel idea for those who are compelled to offer an opinion on every single thing, often which they have no/little information from which they have formed such opinion; provide something beneficial to the topic or don't post anything at all.

Seasons are almost over. If these kind of comments are indicative of what lies ahead this offseason, it appears my moderation will take a heavier hand.

Not sure if any of the critics, skeptics, experts on all topics posted, have personally talked to anyone who has completed the program or have talked to anyone involved. I have and all I have talked to found the program to be worthwhile.

But, what would they know, against the vast experience of the resident Hunt Talk experts?

I hope the program continues and is s smash hit, critics/skeptics ignored. I appreciate the huge volume of work invested by those willing to try something different.

I think the idea is great, and having listened to land owners in both MT and CO discuss the issues they have engaging with DIY public hunter I think this program is a step in the right direction.

My criticism is that this program seems geared towards a hunter like myself. I would be interested in a program like this if it was available in Colorado.

If the goal is inclusivity, I think the website needs some work to appeal to a more diverse (economic) audience. I see the organisation, unfortunately, getting the same kind of criticism that APR does... not that they are in anyway related... I'm just comparing how they do their messaging.

The website just feels a little elitist, I felt the embedded video that RMEF was better in that regard, but I can't see a lot of the guys I encounter in the field being receptive to the website.

Perhaps what would turn them off of participating in the program is what wouldn't make them good ambassadors.

I'm still going to stay by my previous comment, I think signing up for this would take a lot of pride swallowing for folks and I'm not sure they would be willing to do that.

None of this is a critique of the goals, content, or effectiveness of the program.

 

[onpoint]

This program, from it's inception, it's utility, it's "mission", it's direction, it's "sponsors", it's mode of operation, it's "business model', etc. etc. etc...... is, in MY opinion, an absolutely spectacular topic to openly discuss on a forum for DIY HUNTERS WHO MOSTLY HUNT PUBLIC LAND.
Some very very interesting and obvious implications exist.
Don't see it that way, Randy?

 

[JLS]

Not sure if any of the critics, skeptics, experts on all topics posted, have personally talked to anyone who has completed the program or have talked to anyone involved. I have and all I have talked to found the program to be worthwhile.

But, what would they know, against the vast experience of the resident Hunt Talk experts?

I hope the program continues and is s smash hit, critics/skeptics ignored. I appreciate the huge volume of work invested by those willing to try something different.

Yes, I have. On a number of different levels. As I previously stated, there is upside.

I also realize things are not black and white, and the pros and cons of this program are certainly not an all or nothing affair. That said, sometimes when you've seen the sausage made, you view the end result a little differently. This program will likely not be the pinnacle of altruism and self sacrifice. I guarantee you people will enroll for self serving benefits and interests. That's human nature, and not wrong either. Just be aware there are a fair number of folks who talk the talk but don't walk the walk.

I think it's vitally important to go into this with one's eyes wide open. History always does repeat itself.

I too hope it succeeds.

 

[Big Fin]

This program, from it's inception, it's utility, it's "mission", it's direction, it's "sponsors", it's mode of operation, it's "business model', etc. etc. etc...... is, in MY opinion, an absolutely spectacular topic to openly discuss on a forum for DIY HUNTERS WHO MOSTLY HUNT PUBLIC LAND.
Some very very interesting and obvious implications exist.
Don't see it that way, Randy?

If the topics you mention are worthy of discussion, start a different thread to discuss those topics. Expand on the implications that concern you and I am sure others will be happy to chime in.

The group asked if they could post a notice here that the classes are ready for sign up. They didn't ask for opinions. If folks have opinions, then those folks can cite their opinions and start the discussion elsewhere on this forum. I would hope folks will respect that.

 

[onpoint]

JLS brings up an extremely relevant point.
Yes, Randy, some of us do indeed have more than a bit of experience with this stuff. Quite likely, more than most folks might know about - because we don't discuss it on here.
I never chime in on reloading, bowhunting, nor state's bonus point schemes - as I have NO knowledge of those things.
We all seem to make assumptions on these forums, don't we......

 

[onpoint]

If the topics you mention are worthy of discussion, start a different thread to discuss those topics. Expand on the implications that concern you and I am sure others will be happy to chime in.

The group asked if they could post a notice here that the classes are ready for sign up. They didn't ask for opinions. If folks have opinions, then those folks can cite their opinions and start the discussion elsewhere on this forum. I would hope folks will respect that.

Interesting position..................
Will be respected.

A question: If this very discussion, sans the advertisement aspect, was taking place - would you have responded any differently?

 

[Big Fin]

Interesting position..................
Will be respected.

A question: If this very discussion, sans the advertisement aspect, was taking place - would you have responded any differently?

Advertising aspect? There is no advertising aspect. They asked for permission to post a thread. No paid advertising, no formal relationship. I approve those requests for just about every non-profit group that asks.

So no, I wouldn't have responded differently. It is a group trying a different approach to solving access to otherwise inaccessible lands. I'm happy with them using this forum to reach people who might be interested.

 

[onpoint]

No further questions...........

 

[BigHornRam]

First time I heard this of this program was from George. Very worthwhile endeavor IMO.

Access, Ethics, and Horses: A Conversation with George Bettas | onX

With conservationist George Bettas, we discuss private land access, the importance of hunting ethics, and his love of horses and their part in the hunt.

www.onxmaps.com

 

[Mtnhunter1]

First time I heard this of this program was from George. Very worthwhile endeavor IMO.

Access, Ethics, and Horses: A Conversation with George Bettas | onX

With conservationist George Bettas, we discuss private land access, the importance of hunting ethics, and his love of horses and their part in the hunt.

www.onxmaps.com

BR....thanks for the link

 

[Wrong Burgundy]

I helped with this program during its initial phase and will be here and there for the future program. I have talked to and seen the excitement of relatively new hunters/participants gain knowledge about conservation with brass-tacks fundamentals, safe shooting, discuss game management, landowner issues, ethics, etc. They definitely found a lot of value in it.

One of the more interesting discussions was with a 30's something guy who didn't grow up hunting. He was a self-described "adult onset hunter", went through all of the channels needed, and has been hunting on and off again for the last handful of years; but, it was daunting to say the least. He was excited as hell at the chance to learn more with like minded individuals from very talented folks (i.e. George Bettas, etc.) and have a community of people to hunt with. He ended up hunting on public land last season and shot his first antelope. I would say that is a win all around.

I would encourage folks with more questions to reach out directly to them and ask away. I was fortunate enough to start hunting roughly 30+ years ago by being taught by my dad and uncle, and am very grateful for that "education". Not all of us had that chance, and I think this course is one option that helps bridge the gap between new hunters and more seasoned ones, landowners, biologists, etc. and bring on board more hunters.
The other request I would pose to the HT community is help spread your knowledge about the topics at hand with a new hunter or even see if volunteering for the program is an option.