Adults abusing youth tags

[Hammer Handle]

The problem with MN fishing is NOT the DNR. It is because the lakes have been over-fished. Comparing MN to Canada? Not even fair. Far far less fishing compared to MN for many many years. This state has been over-fished for years, and now we are seeing the results.

As far as making it illegal to shoot does and people still doing it...it will happen. But, they risk getting caught. It was "legal" for them now, now it will be illegal. Just because some people will "do it anyway" doesn't mean it can't be imposed.

Just like speeding. People will do it anyway, but they risk getting caught and fined. If there was no speed limit, it would be much worse.

I don't know how bad the population is in that area, but from what I hear something needs to be done.

[LABS4ME]

You hit the nail on the head HH. Canada has much less pressure on it's waters than either MN or WI where the pressure on the lakes and fisheries is amazing.

The point of youth tags and any "youth hunt" is interesting and as posted here, may vary depending on how it affects you... (or 'YOUR' youth). My son is constantly being exposed to my outdoor traditions and I honestly do not feel compelled that "youth hunts" or tags are needed. He will choose to follow in my footsteps (or not... yeah right) and pursuits not because of a special tag or hunt, but rather he will gain the knowledge and respect for the quarry we choose to pursue, in spite of them.

I came form a non-hunting family from Chicago. When we moved to MN, I was intrigued with all my school mates stories of hunting. I self taught myself in the ways of the woods, marshes, fields and lakes. It's because of a kindled sprk that became a burning passion. I never had a youth hunt or tag or special privledge during that time. It taught me more how important it was to learn everything about the game I pursued and how to become successful. Success is important and at times it is needed to fan a flame, but I do believe we as a society use all the "youth" special privledges to excess.

How about giving them a special "youth waterfowl day" or a "guaranteed doe tag" in the fall of the year they complete their gun safety. It is a reward for fulfilling that requirement and a foothold to get them off to a start. I don't believe 5 years of 'special privledges' is needed to insure the next generation of hunters is formed. If they are included in your plans to go hunting, they will love every minute of it and will generally take the path of 'outdoorsman'.

Good Luck!

Ken

[candiru]

The deer population in zone 4 has been going down since the all-season license appeared. Maybe the all-season should not be valid for zone 4 or only for part of the season like in zone 3. With that license, the party hunting all through the season, and grandma(who hadn't bought a deer license in about 5 years)coming out of the woodwork, the herd just cannot take that kind of pressure. I noticed in the conservation officer reports in the back of the weekly outdoor newspaper that a few people were caught(I am sure many more got away with it) putting bonus tags on deer in the lottery area and then trying to register them in a "bonus" area. Putting an end to the all-season or restrictions on it might help solve some of this.

[BobT]

Don't want to keep this off topic but...

Where we fish in Canada their restrictions support keeping the 15" dinky walleyes as you put it. All walleyes between 17" and 21" MUST be released and we are allowed only 1 fish over the 21" mark and we don't keep any of those. In other words we are basically required both by law and our habits to keep fish that are smaller than 17".

Besides that, the area we frequent is one of the most popular fishing holes in Ontario - Lac Seul Reservoir. We rarely have to share a fishing hole with another party. Granted, it is a large system but we don't really see too many boats out there. Unlike around here where you can literally walk from bow to bow some days.

Bob

[kaz2611]

I hunted zone 4 all 6 days of slug season with family. The area I hunt the deer numbers are down I'm sure but the number of coyotes is up. COINCIDENCE! When I first hunted deer 28 yrs ago I hunted with aunts uncles and cousins along with my parents we would have a party of around 15 and each year we seemed to be near filling our tags if we didnt about 15 yrs ago I started hunting another area still in zone 4 but with my sister and her family we have had sucess each year but we have less hunters in our party and we have a thicker area to hunt this year we only got 2 for 6 i shot a buck the second weekend while my nephew in his first year of hunting shot a doe the first weekend he has an all season license therefore he didnt have to tag it and his older brother who had the only doe permit of the party tagged it. I think its great that we introduce youth to the sports of hunting and fishing not only for the taking of game but too learn about nature and the enviroment.

I dont really have a problem with a parent having their child tag a deer that they shot or another adult of their party shot as long as the child is out hunting but I do think they ethically deserve a chance to shoot their own the first day or 3/4ths of the season.

But I dont condone anyone shooting a deer and using someone elses tag that hasnt or isnt out hunting with the party (this has been happening for years ) and probably wont stop until hefty fines are implemented on those abusing the ability to party hunt.

[Hammer Handle]

But, party hunting does not apply to youth doe tags...does it? If they are doing that, that is illegal. That's where the issue is....

It doesn't matter if the youth is hunting or not. They can only tag their own doe that they shot.

That is why the DNR is looking into it. They make take the privilege away for all youths as it is being ignored by some. If anyone is allowed to shoot their doe, why not make them draw a doe permit like everyone else?

Coyotes do take some deer, but they have rights to the deer just like everyone else. They can also be hunted too...but they were here before us.

Our land has more coyotes now than I can remember too...but we also have more deer than ever before too.

[BobT]

Quote:

---

But I dont condone anyone shooting a deer and using someone elses tag that hasnt or isnt out hunting with the party (this has been happening for years ) and probably wont stop until hefty fines are implemented on those abusing the ability to party hunt.

---

Be careful here. This is not an example of party hunting!!!! This is as illegal as hunting without a license at all. If a group is engaging in this activity they might as well save the cost of buying licenses as THIS IS A FORM OF POACHING!

Bob

[shogun]

Quote:

---

The problem with MN fishing is NOT the DNR. It is because the lakes have been over-fished.

---

They wouldn't be overfished if the DNR managed them properly. Reduce the posession limit, slot limits on every MN lake - WI does this. 6 walleyes? come on.

Quote:

---

You hit the nail on the head HH. Canada has much less pressure on it's waters than either MN or WI where the pressure on the lakes and fisheries is amazing.

---

This depends on where you go. When I did my Canada trip I was also on lac seul, the lake was packed with boats every day (peak season?) - even though, the fishing was incredible because there was a slot limit and limit was 2 a piece and it's enforced. Not to mention, they probably put a lot more money and effort into their fisheries programs and don't lie to the public about fish stocking data.

[kaz2611]

maybe you misunderstood me bob what i meant is example husband buys a license tells the mrs to buy a license mrs dont hunt though the husband shoots a buck fills his wifes tag and he still hunts to fill his tag and he may even have others buy licenses just so he can keep hunting i may have mis worded it by using the analogy of party hunting either way this is illegal and has went on for years

[Royce Aardahl]

Quote:

---

Coyotes do take some deer, but they have rights to the deer just like everyone else. They can also be hunted too...but they were here before us.

---

DUDE, animals do not have rights!!

[crazyice]

Not according to PETA!! Not that I agree with PETA... I do, after all, hunt and fish!