Drought and Applications?

[HuskyMusky]

Does weather/droughts play a role in your applications?

Also would you burn many points in a drought year or wait for a wetter year to risk burning many points on a great state/unit on an off year?

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_west.htm

Most of the west looks dry so far this year, particularly New Mexico, although from what I gather it has been a mild winter, which my add another dimension to the wet/dry argument if winter survival is very high.

My main focus is for Utah elk, it would be long odds, but do I even try to draw a great elk tag in Utah this year? or do I wait and gain a point instead?


Your thoughts/strategies?

Thanks.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Here in SW Colorado the most recent snotel reports were in the 70/75% range of normal. We have had 3 storms in a row over the last 2 weeks (snowed all day today) and I'll bet we are up close to normal. Almost all our reservors started the winter near 100% capacity. Looks like we will be pretty close to normal, even after it started out so dry.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

MT is in pretty good shape due to early snow. The winter has been mild otherwise, and I think things look pretty good.

 

[tommyp]

I would apply, especially in state like Utah, where the tag is not a certain draw, like having maximum or above maximum points, as you might have in Colorado, depending on the unit. and as far a drought... I would apply unless the area had been hurting for years and the general population was suffering, the animals will be what they are .. savor the adventure. And if you burn the points then that puts you in position to start building again. I would rather be in the mountains than saying " one of these days, I am gonna start applying". But that is just my opinion...

 

[dustyboots]

I would say apply I would rather be in the mountains than sitting at home. As far as Utah elk I would try to cash those points in if possible as the number of giant bulls has slipped in the last few years due to all three weapon types of hunts taking place in the rut and increased tag numbers. You can never predict the "right year" you just have to go hunting, work hard and see how it all works out IMO

 

[Old Hunter]

Wouldn't a drought year mean less tags? Sort of equals out.

 

[dustyboots]

Wouldn't a drought year mean less tags? Sort of equals out.

I think it would depend on how often the state you are applying for sets its management plan whether it be every year, every other year or a longer term