Re: Nonresident Landowners, check out this website
I guess I'll throw in my 2 cents (we need some more rat bast*rd NR's to chime in right? ha). First of all, the reason I apply for a tag in Iowa every year is no secret......big bucks. Coming from a state that does almost everything wrong-management wise...realizing what Iowa does right (and has going for it) is crystal clear.
1) Gun season after the rut
2) Great whitetail habitat (crp, unlimited crops, brushy draws.....)
3) Limiting # of non-resident tags
4) Low overall hunter #'s (resident hunters)
Obviously, via #3, I understand why Iowans feel so strongly. In my mind, it's the right thing to do in order to protect your hunting. However, it's not the only thing that has made you the top state for big bucks. You guys have no idea- unless you've lived in PA or MI- how good you have it. Comparitively speaking, you have next to no hunting pressure. If a buck slips by you, more than likely he'll live to see another day or year. Where I'm from, he won't. period. I know it is up to us to change that mentality, I'm just making a point. There is so much competition here that I am truly surprised when I see or hear of a monster killed. Limited hunting pressure, good eats and a gun season after the rut save your big bucks.
A point I've seen made here many times is how NR's are pretty much to blame for the doe population explosion. Every time I'm down your way, I'll see a pile of deer in a field feeding. I'll ask around and find out 'oh.......so and so (a resident) owns that section and the adjacent section'. I don't think these does are hanging out on NR's land all the time. There has to be plenty of opportunity for residents to shoot them. Should the DNR issue more resident doe tags? probably. but that isn't the NR's fault. Also, charging a NR $100 for a doe tag is crazy, but not allowing a NR to buy additional doe tags for next to nothing is even crazier. I would gladly shoot 3-4 does while I'm there.
Another thing I find interesting (and to clarify, I DO NOT own land in Iowa) is how quick most of you are to sign up NR's to have residents hunt their property. I truly understand what you are trying to accomplish, I am just surprised that it almost sounds like it's your RIGHT to hunt their land. Every time i visit Iowa, I am amazed at how kind the people are. They are down to earth and generous. My kind of people for sure. But comments like 'we Iowans allow you to hunt our state' and 'if you NR's would kill your share of does' comes off a little high and mighty.
ok, one more thing. Closing the loophole for party hunting for NR's is probably a good idea. However, from what I've seen it gets abused by Iowa residents too. You know what I'm talking about. Grandma (who is 97 years old) always seems to tag out every year. Man, she's a good shot. I know it is tradition to party hunt but if your intentions are truly to build a better herd and grow bigger bucks- shouldn't you close the party hunt for yourselves too?