SB 400, the bill to add 2000 nonresident big game combination licenses to be used in wilderness areas, which was tabled in the House Fish, Wildlife & Parks Committee on a 10-10 vote, was brought to the House floor yesterday in an attempt to "blast" it out of committee. It failed by a very small margin and it is likely that the sponsor will attempt to blast it out again, possibly as early as today.
This bill creates a de facto set aside license for the wilderness outfitters contrary to the intent of I-161. It also includes 2 wilderness areas, Lee Metcalf and Absaroka-Beartooth, whose elk populations are in serious decline due to wolf predation. There is a complete lack of concern for our wildlife resources from the sponsor and its proponents (outfitters/guides), These licenses include deer tags that can be separated out and sold indepentantly. Is anyone paying attention to the toll being taken on deer, antelope and possibly elk by the harsh winter we are having?? Very likely we will see a reduction in hunting opportunites this fall in certain areas due to the winter kill.
Please email the representatives with your thoughts on this bill.
This bill creates a de facto set aside license for the wilderness outfitters contrary to the intent of I-161. It also includes 2 wilderness areas, Lee Metcalf and Absaroka-Beartooth, whose elk populations are in serious decline due to wolf predation. There is a complete lack of concern for our wildlife resources from the sponsor and its proponents (outfitters/guides), These licenses include deer tags that can be separated out and sold indepentantly. Is anyone paying attention to the toll being taken on deer, antelope and possibly elk by the harsh winter we are having?? Very likely we will see a reduction in hunting opportunites this fall in certain areas due to the winter kill.
Please email the representatives with your thoughts on this bill.
