I have mixed thoughts on these changes. One hand says we probably aren't getting a tag this year again. Other hand says, if the population is decreasing as they say, I hope this helps stabilize them in the long run and it is for the best. I would rather see restrictions put in place before it is too late and help the population rather than see them decline further. Even if it means not going for a few years.
Deer as an example (WMU 71): In the 90's, they said there were too many deer in this area so they opened up the hunting seasons. We used to have a 1 week shotgun only season, bow starting Oct 15th and only one tag allowed They changed this to a 2 week shotgun\muzzleloader season, bow starting Oct. 1st, a new 1 week blackpowder season and they allowed additional tags. Deer population dropped quickly over the next few years and now they are way down from what they were. I used to count 30 deer behind my house this time of year, so far I have seen 2. I used to count well over 150 in the Wooler swamp coming out of their winter yard, this year I only counted 53. Its my opinion they didn't react fast enough to cut back the deer regulations after they opened them up and that is why their population is still way down in my area from what it was. If they had made a happy medium with the seasons when the numbers were still high, but not excessive, there still might be a lot more around than there is now.
Back to moose, I know there are many other factors involved in the population, but I hope this helps to keep the population stable. I want to take my young boys moose hunting when they are old enough.
I'm curious to hear what others think of the changes.
_________________ HUNT, FISH and RIDE
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