Requested information from Zone 3

[lakevet]

Thanks 96trigger!

Hopefully this thread will be more of an info source on who and how to connect with hunter's of similar opinion to oneself. It will be great if everyone saves the opinions/debate for another thread.

lakevet

[jtoast]

Lakevet, I'll second 96trigger's thought that your post was spot on. There is absolutely a process to all this madness. A huge problem is that most(?) hunters look above that process and far too many are acting to circumvent the process. The idea of organizing and/or petitioning has a place but not if it is to circumvent the process. This particular group is trying to erase what was and is a result of an extensive series of meetings, studies, surveys etc. for the sole reason that they don't care for it's result. Their opinions are valid and should be respected. However, with an intention of trying to get our Legislature to override something they had no part in creating is a blatent attempt at circumventing the process. It is happening way too often these days and I hate to say it, but it's weakening us hunters as a collective group. There is an active push now for a statewide 4 point antler restriction by one of the major hunting groups. A petition would be a wonderful tool to present to the DNR for their consideration when that process happens. At risk of being too opinionated for this post, I'd happily sign that petition. It would be the least I could do to contribute my thoughts, experiences and opinions to that "process".

[Getanet]

Hi Jtoast -

Would you mind naming the major organization that is pushing for statewide APRs?

Also, when reading your post, you say, "A petition would be a wonderful tool to present to the DNR for their consideration when that process happens." I wasn't clear if this organization is putting together a petition for APR, or if there should be a petition against it statewide.

[jtoast]

I just learned of this earlier in the week. Resolution #11-006 will be presented by the Isanti Chapter of the MN Deer Hunters Assoc. to their Corporate Board in February. "Be it Resolved: That the MDHA move forward to implement a statewide 4 point antler restriction". If (and that's a big If) their Board would approve it, we would then have Minnesota's largest hunting voice asking our DNR to implement statewide APR's OR in a more likely scenario have MDHA lobbying our Legislature for a law to override DNR rule(s). As far as petitions go, I know of nothing either for or against this resolution.

[PEATMOSS]

Every chapter of the MDHA can bring proposals to the state meeting for consideration. There are several chapters that are in favor of criminalizing the shooting of bucks that do not meet other peoples trophy standards. There are also several chapters that still believe that individual hunters should have the freedom to make their own choice.

To date, the organization as a whole has NOT supported making criminals out of people that are not obsessed with the bony, inedible appendage sticking out of a bucks' head, and I doubt that this issue will be adopted statewide.

[Deep]

My question is and I will ask Lou about this, Why can't these APR question be asked when buying your deer license? If you buy a small game license your are asked questions if you want to be HIP certified. That way everyone has a say in the vote.