txhunter58
I can only speak for Idaho and the conditions I hunt in around here....
That is the issue I raise: scopes will increase the harvest and DECREASE the number of tags issued.
I am not sure that is a valid point here because I would bet most (90%) of the shots here are under a hundred yards. The scope probably for most would provide a better chance on getting a good shot on the animal. I think it would be more humane, because I am telling yopu the average hunter armed with open sights is going to take the shot @ a 100 if it is offered and where the point of impact might be could be a real toss-up. I am not so sure that scopes would decrease the tags in the normal mountain hunting situations.
If you will give me a guarantee that scopes won't lower the tags issued, then I will switch sides in this argument. But you know as well as I that increased harvest will result in reduced tag numbers.
Aah nope - no guarantee here at all.
I guess i really do not understand the need for a separate ML season anyway - unless it is done by the DNR or Fish and Game as contol method. I hunt all year with a modern scoped inline and feel no real disadvantage to hunting during the regular rifle season. There are times that I wish I had my Win Mag - but I plan on not having it and hunt accordingly.
What I really wish is the state would require all ML hunting. Then have special hunts or draws for centerfire hunts. I know if we were to do that the population of animals would increase, well maybe not we have protected wolves here. But that will not happen as it would cost F&G to much money.