roads 1 



Generally the good archery hunters does not take bad shots that 

 will only wound an animal. You may go all season without drawing 

 an arrow, yet still seeing lots of animals. I don't believe that 

 the elk or deer are spooked or driven as much as they are during 

 rifle season. Education of the new hunters is important. I 

 believe that the decrease in the bull population is do to poor 

 management during the rifle season. To many cow tag holders 

 shoot bulls whenever that opportunity arises. Their as also many 

 roads closed and yet 4 wheelers gain access over trails and open 

 ridges. I think that by allowing hunters to use those closed 

 roads to retrieve shot animals during non hunting hours would 

 make it more inviting to walk into a closed road area. 



I'm a disabled Vietnam Veteran so; I'm opposed to any "new" 

 wilderness areas as it severally restricts access (as to 

 vehicles, gas operated utensils, etc.). I feel wilderness areas 

 are now nothing more than private economic domain for outfitters 

 and wealthy clients. If your not comfortably wealthy - hunting 

 and access to designated wilderness areas is a pipe dream. It's 

 our tax monies to create these areas, so put the issue to a 

 statewide vote, not just legislation. Science has shown us some 

 development does create better wildlife habitat! 



I feel the archery season for elk in Montana is good. The only 

 complaint I have is the access given to ATV ' s and 4x4 ' s . I 

 believe they spook the animals and cause undue stress upon them. 

 They also pollute the environment. 



I understand the need for gate closers and I agree with most of 

 them. But the only people who are able to get back far enough 

 for resonable success are those that have money for horses and 

 equipment or that have no health problems (which rules out most 

 people over 30 years old) . Is that fair ? 



Elk hunting in Lincoln County has been ruined by the number of 

 unclosed roads. Easy access is still the number 1 problem for 

 elk. Elk must have cover and seclusion to survive and grow to 

 huntable size. 



I think archery hunters have more access to hunting districts 

 with road closeres. All though it is warmer time for hunting and 

 elk and deer would spoil faster should have retrivel rights in 

 some districts. 



On question 8a. I wouldn't mind making a choice if deer rut 

 season was bow only. The rifle season should either be started 

 earlier as in Idaho, or closed before deer rut comes on. Useof 

 horse and all terrain vehicles should be restricted. While I'm 

 not opposed to non-resident hunters, I oppose the fact that they, 

 by paying outfitters and guides with the use of horses, are 



