This forum has changed so much over the years. I never dreamed when I joined 9 years ago that a DIY western hunting forum would turn against one another like this over a handful of big game tags that nobody even wanted in the first place..Sigh....
Concluding with “Sigh” … Overly dramatic much? Histrionic maybe? Take it easy, ok…
First of all, this Forum is awesome. It allows people like you and me to discuss things (semi cordially) and get our thoughts out there for others to consider. I may not agree with you but that has nothing to do with the Forum, it continues to be a great platform for discussion.
So back to the real problem, which is of course that there aren’t sufficient licenses to meet demand. So how do the CPW Commissioners handle that and how do they divide the tags?
Colorado has been using OTC tags to satisfy everyone’s desire to hunt, but many hunters now feel OTC tags are hurting wildlife by putting too many hunters in the field and taking too much game. Overcrowding is the other issue with OTC tags since it’s not very enjoyable to watch the sun come up over your favorite hunting spot only to see a sea of florescent orange hats in front of you … it’s not all that safe either. So many residents want to stop the OTC tags and the Commissioners are discussing it. Some say just stop nonresident OTC tags and others say all OTC tags … either way something has to change there. (Note: nearly all public comments during the CPW Commissioner’s Meeting were from residents wanting to end nonresident OTC Tags … Just archery for now but rifle will be next). This is coming to a head in Colorado because we’re the only place nonresidents can still get OTC tags as other western states have already begun reducing nonresident limited tags.
As for Limited Tags in Colorado, many nonresidents seem to think CO, and other western states, owes you something … they do not. Residents who live here, spend money year-round, pay taxes, vote, etc. are the people the state has a responsibility to … not nonresidents.
Residents understand some nonresidents are going to be permitted to hunt here, and that’s fine. Colorado has historically had a 65%/35% resident /nonresident split which is no longer sustainable. The Commissioners recently voted to change it to 75%/25% which is still the most generous of any western state. But when nonresidents jump on the forum and complain that’s not good enough and you should have more, more, more (mallards seems to be the worst complainer of the bunch) you sound like an entitled child complaining that you’re not getting everything you want, when in reality you aren’t entitled to anything at all.
Western states like Colorado should set license quotas to support their wildlife and their residents. Nonresidents can apply for their assigned share. If nonresidents want more, or think you’re entitled to more, then move out here and become a resident, it’s just that simple.