I had a very enlightening conversation last evening with a few different landowners that had holdings in 108 and peripheral WMU’s. They feel betrayed... to say the least.
One chap, who has a chunk in 108 (but nowhere near 60,000 acres) brought up a point that wasn’t foreign to me. He has always accommodated both resident hunters and non-resident hunters for as long as his family has owned the land. He has never asked nor has he received any compensation for his generosity. He wonders how the Province can “reward” landowners that have never allowed hunting or access and be totally ignorant to the contributions of those who have supported hunting and the granting of access. Good question #1.
Good question #2 – How does giving landowners tags and the right to “sell” them recognize or support their real contributions to habitat conservation? For example, ABC Ranches in WMU999 has responsibly managed their property and as a result have great habitat for wildlife. ABC Ranches is teeming with Mule Deer which are on a draw. ABC Ranches is given a portion of the Mule Deer draw licenses to “sell” as a reward in recognition of their contributions to hunting and granting access to their property.
XYZ Ranches, also in WMU999 has been an equally responsible steward of the land. They have also responsibly managed their property and as a result have great habitat for wildlife. XYZ Ranches is teeming with Whitetail Deer and upland game birds which are not on a draw. As a result XYZ Ranches contributions to conservation and habitat protection, hunting and access, while no less than ABC Ranches are apparently “financially” less important. Is this fair? How does the Province manage the “financial” disparities within and between WMU’s when the contributions are equal?
There will be many more good questions to come. Regards, Mike
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