Multi-Region Archery Only (900) Antelope Season

Don Childress, Administrator
Wildlife Division
Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks
PO Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701

October 31, 2003

Re: Proposed Revisions of the 900 Antelope Seasons

Dear Don,

Currently, the Multi-Region Archery Only (900) Antelope Season opens on the same date as the Deer and Elk archery seasons, continues on through the rifle season and ends on the same date as the General Rifle Antelope Season. Beginning with the 2004 hunting season, the Montana Bowhunters Association proposes opening the Multi-Region Archery Only Antelope season on the 15th of August each year and closing the season on the same date as the Deer and Elk Archery Only Season. We respectfully ask that the MDFWP consider this proposal for the 2003/2004 tentative agenda.

Reasons to consider this are many:

Trade a greater number of marginal archery days, that overlap the gun season, for a fewer number of quality archery only hunting days prior to the opening of the rifle antelope season.

Increased opportunity for outfitters and guides.

Increased opportunity for ranchers and farmers to reduce depredation at this sensitive time just prior to harvest.

Safety: Without camouflage or blinds the archery hunter has little chance of success. Both methods are illegal without the use of Hunter's Orange, when rifle and archery hunters are both in the field, which nullifies the concealment needed for archery hunters during the gun season.

The dry conditions present during August would favor the effective use of hunting over waterholes for antelope which would increase hunter opportunity.

Equity: Rifle Antelope hunters are given a two-week earlier start date than the general rifle season for deer and elk. This does not require them to choose which species they want to pursue.

In researching this proposal, the MBA became aware most other western states open their Archery Antelope season earlier than Montana. For 2003, the opening season dates were as follows (some seasons vary by regions within States):

1. Arizona - Aug 15 Varies by unit

2. Idaho - Aug 15

3. New Mexico - Aug 9 Varies by unit

4. Wyoming - Aug 15 Varies by unit

5. North Dakota - Aug 30

6. South Dakota - Aug 16

7. Colorado - Aug 15

8. Nebraska - Aug 20

In 2003, there were 4339 antelope permits that went unclaimed in the drawings. An earlier opening for the archery-only antelope season could help MDFWP reach their management goals for this species.

We are not asking for additional hunting days. In fact, we are asking for a reduction in overall season length in exchange for a higher quality experience.

The change in the 900 Archery Antelope Season would not affect any other antelope season.

1. Those who draw a special season antelope permit would be able to hunt with either a gun or bow as currently allowed by the regulations

2. The Archery season for all non-900 Antelope permits would be valid on the first day of the General Deer and Elk Archery Season.

3. The 900 Archery Antelope permit would remain a first and only choice for the annual permit drawings.

Feel free to call on the MBA if we can provide any additional information on this proposal.

Sincerely,

Charlie Johnson, President
Montana Bowhunters Association