Comments on: FWP: Surveys Show Big Game Populations Bouncing Back
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By ride4fun on 05-14-12 @ 6:21 am
Shame on FWP for allowing trapping of Wolves!!!
By 10 bears on 05-14-12 @ 8:43 am
Shame on YOU for not supporting all measures to effectivly control and manage the wolf population.
However, to say that the game populations are coming back because the counted 44 yearling
per 100 mothers is very misleading as all it shows is a survival rate of last years fawns. It in no
way is an indicator of how many deer we have out there and all you have to do is ask someone
who lives in the heart of where the majority of the deer and elk are in Northwest Montana and
they will tell you that our numbers are extremely low. DON’t BELIEVE IT…drive Hwy 93 or the
Swan Hwy late in the afternoon and at night…..what was once considered a danger to do
so…has been reduced to “oh look, theres’ a deer”
By Kokanee on 05-15-12 @ 12:12 am
So tissue how are you counting them thar trucks iffin ur so fur in offen the goldanged road andwur u pretending to be a scarecrow standing in the field that long.
Just because you type it does not mean we believe it. Also the topic is big game bouncing back,
and it is really scary that they allow you to carry a rifle.
By ICallB.S. on 05-15-12 @ 3:43 pm
As a Valley motorcyclist, I used to have to dodge deer on almost every road. Now I can comfortably cruise a little faster without having to slam on the brakes every 100 yards. Thanks,
Wolves!!
By mitch on 05-15-12 @ 4:28 pm
I still have passing through my yard nightly. The cars and motorcycles continue to speed by. It’s only a matter of time…..........
By kalispelling bee on 05-15-12 @ 7:03 pm
ICallB.S., the deer that routinely populate my property this time of year look robust andrested. I took pictures last Thursday because it’s the first time I’ve seen five in a bunch
appear here.
Like yours, my anecdotal contribution is meaningless. I did enjoy seeing my first ever Council
of Five, though. Usually, they’re in groups of two or three.
By inthemiddle on 05-16-12 @ 8:55 am
As a lifetime hunter, who spends at least 20 days a year hiking the mountains of NW Montana, my personal opinion is that the deer and elk numbers are at their lowest level since the spring of 97.
There are many more deer on the valley floor than in the mountains, areas where I have hunted and
harvested many deer and elk on are now devoid of them. 15 years ago I would see over 10 moose a
year now I may see 1 or 2.
Also to Hankie, hunting isn’t a competition, if someone wants to road hunt that is there choice. The
same goes for stand hunting or stalk hunting. We all choose to hunt in our own fashion and as long
as it is legal and ethical its ok with me. Personally as a stalk hunter I am glad that most hunters
choose to stay close to the roads, it gives me more peace and quiet. If some of the hunters on
here have areas to hunt where game is still plentiful I am glad to here it, you probably dont want to
let out where they are. As for me the areas that I hunt very few have many members of the Cervidae
family on them.
By hotfishmt on 05-16-12 @ 2:29 pm
OK…given the fact of the winter of 2011/12 was a very easy one compared to the previous 2 winters….less winter kill is good.
But, also I bet its easy to say….see more deer in closer to houses & people…or city, as
they know its safer. Look at the problem of CITY DEER….with Wolves just outside (in most
cases) of the city life….city deer know how to seek a safer habitat.
Wolves & Coyotes take a large number of fawns…and course the Coyote does not get
seen or counts much if Wolves are in the area. Urban deer are a problem in many a state
as they can/did figure out hay….its easy pickings.
By mitch on 05-16-12 @ 3:25 pm
haha, I guess any excuse is better than none. I didn’t think the anti wildlife folks would like this article much. They won’t be happy until every last living critter is gone, as then and only then
will they be able to justify their hysteria saying “see I was right all along.” Hogwash!.
By CJ on 05-18-12 @ 10:13 am
Amen MItch!
By CJ on 05-19-12 @ 1:05 pm
Interesting article in the New York Times:http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/19/opinion/why-bambi-must-go.html?
_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20120519
With all predators eliminated (except man of course) what will happen to our other natural
resources?
The views expressed in the comments section do not reflect those of the Beacon.