RE: Are we really better off as hunters today?
Thanks for the insites. It seems most of you are focused on the positive and this has to be a good thing.
andy o - it seems that maine has maybe been a bit sheltered from all the trends inn hunting pertaining to commercialization. It is great to know a good old fashion hunt, something from the 50's or 60's,can still be managed in some states. Don't get me wronge though, we too asked for permision back in the 60's, it was just more likely to be granted. The ranches of my youth have all been rented by Outfitters and I am no longer welcome.
Alsatian- I agree there are far more people today and that should be part of the problem. I have heard that hunter numbers are far less than they once were. Perhaps this just depends where you live. I do think perhaps there are less public areas to hunt. I include once open ranches now under contract to commercial interests. No doubt hunters are more mobile, so far more non resident hunters aresay hunting out west. I too have an old 06 which is my only biggame rifle. (which is fine for grizzly)
I have no camo, scents, atv's or rv, so I have reframed from buying everything. Out west the most important gear is boots and binos. Good observation connecting horn size and commerilization, I think there is a lot of truth there. On the other hand I am a bit of a trophy hunter, but this is a competion with only myself, and tends to extend the hunt. More hunting is always better than less.
gandilamont-wall tents have been around for-ever
trouthunter-I too agree high fence hunts are really not hunts at all, but your comment that our approach as individuals makes all the difference, is a good one.
In general I have a confesion to make. Though the areas I hunted as a young man in Alberta are now off limits to me, unless I cut a cheque to an outfitter, hunting today here in British Columbia has never been better.
Almost all of BC is public land, generally public land is as good as private.
There are relativaly few hunters, mostly non-draw tags,mostly long rifle hunting seasons, and 15 species of big game to hunt. I have taken several 6 point bulls on public land recently. I know I am fortunate.
Never the less I do miss the hunting fields of my youth, that I knew so well.