http://www.prairiestateoutdoors.com/index.php?/pso/article/open_letter_to_the_deer_task_force Let me know what you think?
My thoughts? Access is a HUGE problem for most hunters in my area. Many farmers and landowners in my area don't hunt, won't lease or allow hunting. Yet they are the first to ***** about too many deer eating their crops or flowers in the back yard. For the most part, outfitters are not an issue in my local area. I only know of 3 outfitters, and 2 of them only do waterfowl hunts. I have actually seen far fewer deer in the past 5 years. I'm talking glassing, trail cams, roadkills, etc....not just from the stand. Since that article was written last fall, the DNR has opened up an extra firearm doe season and extended the existing doe season at the end of the season. Some tags will be available OTC, if there are extra tags available. I think as a whole, the state has peaked as a trophy whitetail state. Too many people crowded into 40-80 acre lots doesn't bode well for trophy bucks.
a lot of different things going on... In my area of Adams/Brown counties...the major issue for the herd is hunter access...if you don't lease or own, you have a hard time hunting. I know too many guys who have given up hunting all together due to this access issue - and these are guys that shoot does. Another issue is that the IL herd is very different depending on location in IL...again, not all counties are overrun by outfitters or have the Overpopulation of does that we have in Western IL. I can't knock a farmer for leasing his land for more $...who wouldn't if you don't hunt? It's hard to make everyone happy. Around our properties it is 100% outfitting/leasing (and I laugh at the 12 licensed outfitters in Adams Co...I know more that 12 guys that outfit alone)...but these properties get very heavy buck pressure and little harvest of does...it has shown up big time the last few seasons. There are still nice bucks around - but nothing like 10 yrs ago...and there are 40 does in most fields at night... ...I don't have the answer - but I do wish we had check stations again to regulate harvest along with more Conservation Officers to enforce it...
A lot of the ground leased by outfitters won't even get hunted this year. They only sold about half of the non-res tags they allotted. Kind of a waste. I think they also need to get the politics out of it and let the biologists run the show. Might need some earn a buck areas. Judging by the shape IL's budget is in, I can see why the politicians wanted to milk everything from the DNR. It was one of the few areas that produced a lot of money. Just a few quick thoughts. I may need to reread it and think a little harder later.
The article's spot-on. I'm for the Sept 15. opening date. I alone would probably take four or five does in those first couple weeks...
