Metro Bowhunters Resource Base???

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I'm just looking for some input on this group. I have been to their HSOforum, and it looks like a fairly well organized organization.

Do you feel this group has increased opprotunities for bowhunters to harvest deer. I am from Illinois and most of our ground is privatly owned with little state ground to hunt. Most of the private ground is already spoken for in one way or another. This group seems like it is out to promote the sport of bowhunting in an effort to help the general public avoid deer car colisions. How difficult is it to organize such hunts the group promotes.

I supose I could or will depending on the responses received here end up e-mailing the group, but I am just looking for some first hand experiences. It sounds extremely interesting. I imagine dealing with anti-hunter groups is the biggest set back that is ran into. It has always seemed to me these activists would just as soon see the deer laying dead and mangled road side or even take the chance on hitting one themselves as to let qualified sportsman do an actual service that needs to be done because of the lack of natural predators. Not to mention the meat going to feed people that may go hungry without it. I wonder how many animal rights activist groups donate vegetables and fruit to go with the poor venison meal.

[TomBow]

Been a member since 1996! Here's my experience: Required: Take an Advanced Bowhunter Education Course, available through the National Bowhunter Education Corporation and the Minn. DNR. Pay a $12 annual fee, plus a once-a year $10 fee when you are drawn for a hunt, shoot a proficiency test (5 of 7 arrows in a 8" circle from 20 yards, or SHARPSHOOTER status, 6 of 7 in a 4" circle from the same distance).
This group does provide many opportunities for hunters by working with city and county parks departments to coordinate deer population control hunts. Many hunts are doe-first hunts. The main idea of the organization is to provide an alternative to sharpshooters, which may cost $200 per deer taken, by providing low-impact (to the property-neighbors), almost no-cost (to the councils) removal of animals.
There may be slightly differing rules for each hunt, depending upon each city or parks department.
It had been a great experience for me.

[Fishfanatic]

Question for you:
How many different cities or counties in the metro area have you hunted?
Does the city/county contact you to come hunt or is it all arranged by the metro bowhunters group?

It sounds like a win-win situation for all..
Have you taken any deer in these controlled hunts? if so how many or how often do you get the opportunity to hunt in the metro.

I would like to here a few stories if you got the time.

Thanks

fishfanatic

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TomBow, thanks for the reply. I don't know if this is one or not, but it would kind of be the same principle.

As far as Not-for-Profit Corporations go it is easier to get with one that has already been formed as to try and start something from scratch. As long as you have been a member maybe you would know or know someone that would know if this organization would like to discuss the idea of it being implemented in other states.

[TomBow]

Well, let's see. Sit down grab a cup o' Java, err beverage of choice...

Hunts are primarily held in Hennepin and Ramsey counties, with a few in Dakota County and a few others. I have taken 4 deer from these hunts. Most of the hunts I've been involved with had split hunt periods, a few weeks toward the beginning of the season and a few weeks during pre-rut.
I have hunted in Minnetrista, Apple Valley, Prior Lake, Arden Hills (?) and Maple Grove. I wouldn't say that the metro deer are any easier to hunt than non-metro deer. They have more exposure to people but human scent in their "house" puts them on the alert just as quick. Metro deer live longer so the potential of these hunts is for there to be some large bucks, but the focus is on reducing the population so most of the hunts require you to take a doe first before hunting bucks. I can say that I have seen some of the biggest deer I've ever seen (stop drooling!) on the hoof while waiting for a doe to come by.
The MBRB HSOforum is at www.strictlybowhunting.com (moderators, please advise if putting in this email adress is a big-fat no-no and I'll remove it!-thanks!). Check out the information there under Metro Bowhunters Resource Base. The current hunts are listed under "apply for 2004 hunts".
Bottom line is, if you are ethical and can follow rules to the letter, you will be welcomed aboard. If you can't or won't hunt ethically and won't follow the rules, you'll get the boot.
I personally shot my biggest deer to date during last year's hunt. A hawg of a buck with his right main beam broken off right at the brow tine. I wished I'd seen the other buck that did this to him!
There is always going to be a need for more hunters, just take a look at the new "developement" that keeps popping up around the twin cities. Pretty soon they'll be building in these county parks. (oops, I'm headed for the soapbox, eh??)

Check it out fer yer se'f!