Annoys the crap out of me

[shootbrownelk]

With what I said earlier about animals on public land, I'm not changing my mind but private land is essentially different. The animals belong to the state as a collective resource but they if they are on someone's land then they are feeding, bedding and breeding on private property. Landowners must be compensated to keep the land in a condition that is beneficial to the wildlife. Farmers must be compensated for the feed that the animals consume or eventually the benefit of the wildlife is outweighed by the cost to the landowner/farmer.

As hunters we all know that the best way to bring a species back from the brink of extinction or to increase it's numbers is to give it value. Hunting value is about the best way that I've seen. These are the basic principles of landowner vouchers in Colorado, CWMU's in Utah, landowner tags in NM, AZ, NV, etc. Are these the solutions to essentially ensure that wildlife have a future on private lands across the west, I don't know. Some people like them, some don't. I just know I can't afford them. I don't however have a problem with them if they charge for access to the land and the animals. I don't even mind if there is a difference in price male vs female. Males are inherently more valuable to hunters (speaking in general terms not trying to offend meat hunters--I love a good doe for meat). But pricing by the inch is ridiculous!

I will never go on a canned high fence hunt or a free range place where I have to pay based on size. I don't like the idea of charging by the inch on private land, but it is what it is. As long as there is a demand for it then it will continue.

If Eastman's was footing the bill for a free range, private land, charge by the inch elk hunt would I go? Sitting here behind this computer I want to say no but I can't. I don't like the idea of supporting it but sometimes the flesh is weak when temptation is so strong. And a giant bull elk for free is a STRONG temptation. Using my money no. Using Eastman's money yeah probably. Sorry guys just being honest.

You hit the nail on the head there Alabama. No one I know would refuse a free quality elk hunt for a trophy bull, but damned few would fork over the dough out of their own pockets for a "Semi-Canned" hunt.

 

[shootbrownelk]

I've seen a lot of hunting shows that were on the Hill ranch, but never really looked into any details about them. Generally most of the ranches that host TV stuff is way out of my price range.

Yeah, the Hill Ranches are pricey Cowboy, so are the Reservation hunts (Jicarilla? Apache) and both have waiting lists for their hunts that are 5 figures.

 

[Elkoholic307]

I've seen a lot of hunting shows that were on the Hill ranch, but never really looked into any details about them. Generally most of the ranches that host TV stuff is way out of my price range.

I think that's where Eastmans' have gotten their biggest antelope.

 

[packmule]

Alabama, great post.

Something to think about though... The eastmans elk hunt winner hunts on a ranch that has the format of charging according to inches.

I've actually seen quite the stink about that here amongst both the purists and HF guys. None really care if someone pays for a hunt, it just contradicts DIY public land being the only way to hunt.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I think that's where Eastmans' have gotten their biggest antelope.

If someone else is footing the bill....I'm in. LOL Where is Ted Turner when you need him!!!

 

[shootbrownelk]

If someone else is footing the bill....I'm in. LOL Where is Ted Turner when you need him!!!

Heck Cowboy, If I ever got to hunt Teddy's ranches I'd even give "Hanoi Jane" a big hug! ( I know they're divorced)

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Heck Cowboy, If I ever got to hunt Teddy's ranches I'd even give "Hanoi Jane" a big hug! ( I know they're divorced)

I'm not sure I'd go that far. I'm probably a little older than you are and when I was in the Army she was in N. VN doing her propaganda thing, not very popular with many of us. But then again for a B & C elk I might make my memory fade a little. LOL

 

[CrossCreeks]

What would most of us do for a B & C Elk ? I am afraid to ask even myself !

 

[packmule]

Heck Cowboy, If I ever got to hunt Teddy's ranches I'd even give "Hanoi Jane" a big hug! ( I know they're divorced)

He spends quite a bit of time down here on his ranch outside of Groveton.

 

[2rocky]

I've seen operations where you can shoot a target of opportunity like a bear or deer for a set amount, and I can appreciate that there is labor involved in retrieval and skinning and meat care. To me that is fine.

I've never been on a hunt with the score based trophy fees. Unless something changed dramatically in my life, I don't want to.

Folks the best way to combat this, if you don't like the pricing structure, is with your dollars. Supply and demand still reigns. What I think you will notice is there are still enough folks out there that don't mind the trophy fee concept.

An earlier post alluded to the quality of Guides. I sure would support a tiered rank system for guides (Apprentice, journeyman, Master). When we booked with a place we had hunted for a few years, and were asked to "show the new guy the country" we were flattered but still bugged me that we were paying to train the outfitter's personnel.

 

[shootbrownelk]

I'm not sure I'd go that far. I'm probably a little older than you are and when I was in the Army she was in N. VN doing her propaganda thing, not very popular with many of us. But then again for a B & C elk I might make my memory fade a little. LOL

Cowboy, I'm nipping at 70. Are you older? I know all about that traitor...I was just pointing out how far I'd go!

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I'll be 73 this year. As my son says....I'm an Old Fart for sure!!

 

[BKC]

I'll be 73 this year. As my son says....I'm an Old Fart for sure!!

Cowboy, I am only 53 but I am with you on that Jane Fonda bit@$. I would slap her silly if I had the chance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[joemf1985]

Remember a contract with an outfitter is negotiable, you can ask them up front before you book if they will throw that clause out of the contract and probably can find an outfitter who will do so. I understand their side of it as there are alot of mega outfitting services that make there living out of scouting the entire west for guys who are lucky enough to afford governors tags and such to go after mega bucks and mega bulls. The outfitter is that instance probably thinks and knows that those guys dont care what it costs, but I also think there is no place for the trophy fee system outside of high fence hunting. I feel that the outfitter should be rewarded with a good tip if you are happy with the service they provide, and if they get you a trophy of a lifetime I will definately reward with as good of a tip as I can afford.