Non-resident hunting, the controversy

Buster · Apr 13, 2014

As draw application season comes and goes, and plans for the fall start to materialize, I always find myself waging my own little battle in my mind over non-resident opportunities.

On the one hand, I think that people should take full advantage of hunting options that are outside of their province or state, but at the same time I catch myself feeling a little bit of resentment when a non-local truck is parked at a trailhead in "my valley". I shake those thoughts away because I've only been a resident here for a few years, and born and raised residents could view me in the same way.

I personally take advantage of non-resident opportunities in Alberta, and have recently started applying in some states too. I can't help but feel a little guilty as I put my name in for hunts in the states, while the same chances are not available for American citizens to hunt up here.

So what is fair?

Do you just accept the rules of where you live, and take the opportunities that are available?

Do things need to change?

Many states and provinces limit non-resident tags, but what is the magic number to be split between residents and non-residents?

I hope that this can be a healthy discussion on the topic, and not turn negative.

dreamingbig · Apr 13, 2014

I think Canada should change its policy. Pretty selfish if you ask me.

BRobertson · Apr 13, 2014

I wish Canada would allow handgun hunting!!

If I had my ultimate wish, it would be that everybody would stay home!!!

Bob

William Hanson (live2hunt) · Apr 13, 2014

People from other states or countries don't bother me normally, they actually tend to be pretty respectful. City fellas on the other hand that come down here from Saint Louis should be confined to their own county!

tstowater · Apr 13, 2014

"So what is fair?" That is the $1 million question. Fair ultimately is between the states, not just what the opportunities are within a particular state. Some states are very generous to nonresidents, whereas others do a fabulous job of screwing the nonresidents. I'm not going to name names, but most of you who aren't necessarily from the west or a "nonresident friendly" state can pick these states out, know which ones I am talking about. Some of these states I have abandoned as I am tired of the gouging. I am okay with a reasonable opportunity at a reasonable price, but that needs to be universal across the various states. Good luck with that one with the turf protection.

Lukem · Apr 13, 2014

This is probably one of the most complicated issues that wildlife agencies face. Residents of each state are different in how they perceive nonresidents, and can even differ within states according to species (look at pheasants vs deer in eastern South Dakota, I'm sure there are other examples in western states as well).

Wildlife belongs to the residents of each state and it should be up to them how it is shared with the rest of the world. Each agency's commission/board has the difficult task of determining what the will of the people is. For consistency's sake, they generally try to gather that feeling over the long haul and look at tradition and not go with the blowing of the wind and listen to a vocal few. Now we know that doesn't always happen....politics, personal agendas, etc., get in the way and complicate things further. This issue in particular is one that has no right answer, no matter what solution one comes up with you will always have a large faction of the public that will hate it. No such thing as "fair" on this issue. "Fair" is arbitrary, it's a matter of the will of the people of each state.

Beastmode · Apr 13, 2014

As long as people are responsible and it respect public ground and don't trash it, as well as respect other hunters while hunting it doesn't matter where you are from. There are stupid resident hunters as well as stupid non resident hunters. Just because someone is a non resident doesn't make them good or bad. As long as residents can still get there tags and the population of animals is good I say let non residents hunt.

Buster · Apr 13, 2014

So here's another thought that I struggle with. It is generally agreed that resident tags and fees should be cheaper than non-residents, but at the same time, there is the issue of hunting as a non-resident becoming "the rich man's hunt". Just another point to ponder.

SoDakBear · Apr 13, 2014

Lukem said:
This is probably one of the most complicated issues that wildlife agencies face. Residents of each state are different in how they perceive nonresidents, and can even differ within states according to species (look at pheasants vs deer in eastern South Dakota, I'm sure there are other examples in western states as well).

I live in eastern South Dakota and let me tell you when pheasant hunting I hate hunting with out of staters. It seems every time I go out I seem to get peppered with bb's, and if you have never been peppered with bb's you're missing out on a lot of fun. I love what pheasant hunting brings to SD but I wish that we required some gun safety class before you can go shoot pheasants. Not all out of staters are bad, but in my experience that out of staters are not the best to hunt with.

Hard Knocks · Apr 13, 2014

Beastmode said:
As long as people are responsible and it respect public ground and don't trash it, as well as respect other hunters while hunting it doesn't matter where you are from. There are stupid resident hunters as well as stupid non resident hunters. Just because someone is a non resident doesn't make them good or bad. As long as residents can still get there tags and the population of animals is good I say let non residents hunt.

Bingo,I couldnt agree more.Hunting opportunities should not be dictated by lines on a map

Hard Knocks · Apr 13, 2014

I dont see how gun safety has anything to do with resident or Non resident

Shrek · Apr 13, 2014

If you are hunting the west you are hunting land that was bought and paid for by my forefathers and they fought and died to secure it. Public land is owned by all Americans and not just by local residents. The very thought that it would be ok to exclude some Americans from enjoying their birthright based on where they live is wrong imo. I personally can trace my roots back to the William Penn colony on my father's side and the 1770's on my mother's side. It was my forefathers who fought and died to establish this nation. They paid for the the Louisiana purchase and Seward's folly. They committed genocide against the previous asian settlers and took the southwest and Florida from the Spanish. People who believe that it is ok to bar Americans for other areas of America from enjoying thier birthright are un American imo. I certainly don't begrudge anyone coming to Florida to hunt Oceola turkeys or alligators or fishing. Yes it is sometimes irritating that they don't follow local customs and traditions but usually if you take the time to be friendly and offer insight they come around.

Shrek · Apr 13, 2014

Buster , you and the rest of the Canadians should feel lucky the King even lets you hunt his game

lol. I'm proud that America offers you the opportunity to hunt and fish here on terms about equal to a Citizen . It's regrettable that Canada doesn't reciprocate . It's also un American to me that Wyoming restricts access to wilderness areas and Alaska to some game without hiring a guide. I feel we should all be free to get in over our heads or killed while hunting. Obama care mandates and Wyoming and Alaskan guide mandates are all socialist planned economy bs.

jmez · Apr 13, 2014

Out West it is a little different situation. Federally owned land populated with state owned animals.

I don't have a problem with NR's . I usually enjoy meeting and visiting with them. I'll help them out and hope the have a good time while here. Would hate to see my state, or any other shut them out.

Shrek · Apr 13, 2014

Just because the state "owns" the animals doesn't mean that it's right to exclude residents of other states. It's an ugly and un American sentiment that some people seem to have.

Buster · Apr 13, 2014

Shrek said:
Buster , you and the rest of the Canadians should feel lucky the King even lets you hunt his game lol. I'm proud that America offers you the opportunity to hunt and fish here on terms about equal to a Citizen . It's regrettable that Canada doesn't reciprocate . It's also un American to me that Wyoming restricts access to wilderness areas and Alaska to some game without hiring a guide. I feel we should all be free to get in over our heads or killed while hunting. Obama care mandates and Wyoming and Alaskan guide mandates are all socialist planned economy bs.

The queen is nice enough to let us pursue her game on occasion, bless the old lady's heart.

Seriously though, I do feel a bit guilty applying for hunts in the States, when the same opportunities are not reciprocated. Is it wrong to participate in these draws? I just want to give myself the best chance at certain hunts without having to find the money for a guided hunt.

Shrek · Apr 13, 2014

I'm personally proud to host our Canadian brothers. Lots of Canadians visit Florida every year and although I wish the french ones would learn to bath more frequently and understand that the wait staff makes their money from tips and that the hourly wage only covers the taxes basically. Other than that I'm glad they come and enjoy all Florida has to offer. I've seen a few fishing but I've never met a Canadian hunting yet. Probably because I hunt private land down here.

jmez · Apr 13, 2014

Do you think the Federal Lands should be manged different that then state land?

Jtelarkin08 · Apr 13, 2014

When i retire i plan on moving to Alaska or somewhere with awesome resident hunting.. I just hope i am in good enough shape by then to hunt.

jcodyc40 · Apr 13, 2014

In Montana the hunting regulations apply to all land, private, state or federal. Anyone can enjoy federal land as long as you follow the rules and regs of the agency that manages that land. I think some are confusing state game management with federal land management.

Non-resident hunting, the controversy

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