ElkHunter
Life Member
Last week I attended a Kaizen Event with many groups to assess the current depredation program, and explore and develop possible improvements. The event was sponsored by the DNR. Partners at the table included many of the participants in the program, Farm Bureau, legislators when available, hunters, tree farmers and forestry professionals, representatives from farming and hunting groups, and deer biologists.
While a lobbyist from FB was at the table discussing the issue in good faith, another lobbyist for FB was at the Statehouse proposing the following legislative changes.
1. "Nonresidents will be allowed to use the depredation program." This suggestion effectively removes the cap on nonresident deer hunters.
2. "Individuals may transfer their depredation licenses and shooting permits." This could result in open-market sales of hunting tags.
3. "A rifle may be used in the depredation program during all regular gun seasons in the southern two tiers of counties." This would mix weapons, season types, and create party hunting issues. It would be an enforcement problem.
4. "There will not be removal requirements in the depredation program in excess of the requirements placed on deer harvested during all other hunting seasons." In other words if deer is shot with depredation tag you can leave it lay.
While a lobbyist from FB was at the table discussing the issue in good faith, another lobbyist for FB was at the Statehouse proposing the following legislative changes.
1. "Nonresidents will be allowed to use the depredation program." This suggestion effectively removes the cap on nonresident deer hunters.
2. "Individuals may transfer their depredation licenses and shooting permits." This could result in open-market sales of hunting tags.
3. "A rifle may be used in the depredation program during all regular gun seasons in the southern two tiers of counties." This would mix weapons, season types, and create party hunting issues. It would be an enforcement problem.
4. "There will not be removal requirements in the depredation program in excess of the requirements placed on deer harvested during all other hunting seasons." In other words if deer is shot with depredation tag you can leave it lay.
