and an accuracy test would do much to improve public image by 

 reducing the number of slob hunters. 



I strongly feel that in the near future the Fish and Game is 

 going to have to decide to have an "either" "or" system in 

 Montana. I understand it may affect the archery businesses in 

 the state, negatively, but it appears to me we have too many 

 bowhunters flinging long shots at animals without practicing 

 before the season. Many archery hunters are out just because of 

 the nice weather; it extends their hunting season, and for the 

 most part because their buddies are doing it. Other than that, 

 they don't seem to care about anything else, ie (wounding 

 animals, bugling from vehicles from the beginning of August, 

 shooting at animal from the backs of vehicles etc.) I think it 

 is a privelege to live in Montana and have the opportunity to 

 archery hunt. We have a nice season with plenty of big game. I 

 hate to see the sport impaired by the many casual hunters who 

 don't "give a damn". The same holds true in rifle season. But 

 again, if hunters were to choose either rifle season or archery 

 season, I think it would better the all around hunting in 

 Montana . 



The archery season is okay as is . I would actively oppose 

 regulation to limit the archer to seasons he can hunt, i.e. no 

 general season. Many areas have too much horse traffic. 



I don ' t think the archery hunter impacts game movement for the 

 general season hunter. 



I do not feel that it is right to be limited to either bow or 

 rifle - one or the other. In the western part of the state they 

 have a general elk rifle season - then they can also go bow 

 hunting in our area, those who have money to travel 1 



The questions about choosing species, hunting with bow or rifle 

 etc. kind of rile me. Thats what limits are for. If a hunter 

 (bow) gets a deer or elk, of course he shouldn't be allowed 

 another during rifle season. Also if the Fish and Game Dept . 

 starts to see game depletion of course they should set the season 

 accordingly. I believe the bottom line is if the experts (Fish 

 and Game #1) feel that any type of season or hunting pressure is 

 hurting the herds well then do something about it. Herd 

 populations have and always will vary from year to year because 

 of many things that we all are well aware of thus we (hunters, 

 campers, photographers etc.) must depend on you to do what is 

 right. 



I appreciate the opportunity to have input in this area. I feel 

 that bowhunters have a bad image, especially with rifle hunters. 

 I am strongly in favor of any steps which can be taken to reduce 

 the number of bow hunters who are not equipped or prepared for 

 the sport (those who buy a bow the night before opening day, or 



