11. OUTFITTERS /GUIDES. NONRESIDENTS. 



I urge the FWP to stop the rapid increase of outfitters and 

 guides in Montana. It's bad enough to have to compete with one 

 another. Let alone with those doing it for money. The guide and 

 outfitters association are getting state subsidy through the 

 guaranteed 5600 licenses alloted to them and them only. The 

 state is in error to subsidize when using the publics wildlife 

 population. It is for all people distributed equally. 



I think that the bowhunters of this state should be given the 

 same considerations as the guides and outfitters have been given. 



The outfitters are leasing up most of the private land where I 

 elk hunt, and also are allowed to hunt on BLM and Forest Service 

 land. They are the ones who are causing the rest of us big 

 trouble - like ranchers charging to hunt - or closing lands I've 

 hunted for years . 



I'd like to see you reverse the trend of private outfitters 

 locking up large tracts of public ground by controlling access 

 points. I feel that outfitters are attempting to monopolize 

 hunting at the expense of the private individual. 



I think that all out of state hunters should be required to 

 employ a licensed outfitter and have him present whenever 

 hunting. 



1 also think it would be alright to shorten preseson archery by 



2 weeks and have a two week post seson in December. 



I see no reason why 324 can't be open to archers. This is 

 pristine elk country for the archer. Even though the Fish and 

 Game is managing this area it is being abused by rifle hunters, 

 guides and outfitters with motorized vehicles. Most of this area 

 is suppose to be roadless. I have never heard of a bowhunter, 

 hunting elk from a 4 - wheel drive vehicle or ATV. 



There are many iotas and approaches to consider in archery 

 hunting. However, enforcement of many changes would be a 

 nightmare. Montana has to many outfitters with overlapping areas 

 increasing game disturbance and regeneration. The lack of trophy 

 animals in the areas I am familiar with are direct results of two 

 season hunters, overtaking of game, to many outfitters, increased 

 access and landowner abuse. Montana has a unique resourece but 

 it is being loved to death. Would recommend in area 332, all 

 area west of the Steel Pox Road, be closed to any hunting except 

 those with a cow permit. Access is destroying game migratiion 

 and wintering range of cows and small bulls. Would suggest a 

 once in a lifetime bull elk with a bow. This would slow down the 

 taking of lesser bulls. 



