We'll see.
But sitting back and waiting at the table guarentees nothing. Likely why the APOS is trying to meet with the minister before the March meeting. I am sure they would love nothing more than to have the idea of a draw get legs, and the easiest route there is to kill the full curl rule.
I think in this instance we'd gladly abort the baby pre term to save the resident opportunity.
The new elk management strategy that will certainly limit opportunities for Alberta’s hunters was proposed by APOS. APOS members “concluded” that resident Alberta hunters were not having “quality” hunts for bull elk and suggested that a six point bull elk draw would be the best solution to this horrible atrocity.
Greg Hale, ESRD biologist, confirmed earlier this year that antlered elk (in at least some 300 and 400 zones) would be going to a six point rule. There are two options available to SRD, a six point general tag or a six point draw (sound familiar?). This is supposed to go into effect for 2015 and while there were meetings with local Fish & Game Associations and other stakeholder groups, there was no consultation only notification of changes.
If it goes to draw, Mr. Hale expected that it will take a minimum of P10 to be successful in pulling one of these tags.
Somewhat ironically, Mr. Hale conceded that the elk herds in Southwest Alberta were healthy, the numbers were high and he had finished meeting with several area landowners (immediately prior to the meeting) that were very concerned and frustrated with increasing numbers of elk, damage to haystacks, pastures and fences. His observations on the superior genetics of 6 point bulls also created a lot of confusion in the room.
So why the changes to antlered and antlerless elk draws?
I saw the APOS Proposed Elk Management Strategies drafted in 2010. APOS wanted a six point rule and they preferred it to go to draw. This was under the guise that this would be good for Alberta resident hunters and give them the quality hunts Albertans wanted and deserved. If I can find a copy of the document I will post so there is no confusion.
Of course, under current distribution rules, APOS would get a percentage of these new tags and should be able to generate better revenue as there will be less hunting opportunity for resident hunters, decreased competition for outfitters and bigger bulls available to those drawn and (of course) the paying customer.
Given their elk management proposal and apparent pull with ESRD, I think most resident sheep hunters should have legitimate concerns with regard to APOS and their agenda. In my opinion, and in my observations as an area landowner and hunter, the facts have been completely ignored and a decision was made in advance. And while I recognize that sheep aren't elk, it appears that the players making the calls are pretty much the same.
Best of luck guys!
