Less Permit Applications?

[Rich M]

I don't apply for a lot of states, just 1 or 2 - both application periods are now and later.

Do you-all think that less folks are even going to apply for hunting this year?

 

[JimP]

Nope, just as many if not more.

 

[Hilltop]

Tough to predict right now. I think it will depend how quickly the nationwide restrictions stay in place. The longer this goes, the more likely it will impact the different state draws... and potentially the hunts. I know of some guys who are excited they may draw with fewer points so guessing there is probably quite a few thinking the same thing. I know a couple others who are nervous about being able to hunt due to potential restrictions being still in place.

 

[JimP]

The thing that I see is that some states are done with their application period and others are finishing up. There are still a couple that you can still put in for a while but I think that if you were going to put in you have quite likely put in already

 

[go_deep]

My thought is if the smoke starts clearing by the end of next week, probably not going to make a difference.
If this continues for 4+ weeks, absolutely yes.

 

[Hilltop]

Wyoming isn't until the end of May for antelope and mule deer. I know there are some other draws from now until then. Agree go_deep.

 

[D_Dubya]

I bet it has some effect on the # of draw applicants, probably will keep some of the more “casual” non residents from applying. I agree with Hilltop that some of the more dedicated hunters might see it as an opportunity and apply for hunts even if they are short a point or two. If it drags out it could make a big difference in the # of non-residents who actually go on an out of state hunt. I would not want to be an outfitter right now!

 

[Yell Co AR Hunter]

If people start missing pay checks it will put a big hurt on applications. A lot of people in my area will start missing pay checks starting this week. If it drags on very long I know it will hurt my business as Insurance is important to most but farther down the list than a lot of other things.

 

[JimP]

I think that a better question would be how many tags will be turned back in.

 

[ScottR]

If people start missing pay checks it will put a big hurt on applications. A lot of people in my area will start missing pay checks starting this week. If it drags on very long I know it will hurt my business as Insurance is important to most but farther down the list than a lot of other things.

Yup, nailed it. We will start missing a lot of paychecks by next week. That is when the fun wears off and people run out of money to buy stuff.