does offer Big Bulls. 



I think the amount of tropy animals ie (elk, deer) have 

 significantly decreased in my 16 yrs that I've been hunting in 

 Montana. Due to the buck only law in alot of areas. This causes 

 your first or second yr. hunters to shoot a small buck thus 

 decreasing the proportion of male species. The male species life 

 span is shortened tremendously thus not allowing them to mature 

 into trophies . 



I would like to see the Bear Tooth Game Range behind Holter Lake 

 become a brach antler Bull during General hunting. There are to 

 many spikes taken every year. Give them a chance to get Bigger 

 and maybe Trophy size. 



if you are worried about the spike elk population? I would 

 restrict the gun season to branched antler animals. I believe 

 bow hunters shoot at what ever Is the closest animal, cow spike, 

 or bull. I am very satisfied with the bow season except that I 

 believe we must have more public access To out public lands and 

 stop private owers or guides from blocking access. 



I believe it should be illegal to shoot a spike or a "y" bull 

 either by bow or gun. All bulls should be limited to 3 point or 

 greater . 



3 problems - 



1-disproportionate harvest of bull elk by bowyers . 



2 -Too many haphazard bow shots 



3 -Enough is enough or hunt one way or another 



3 ideas — 1) We must address the bull to cow elk ratio. An idea 



for bowhunting-kill a bull this season, hunt cows only next 3 



seasons . 



2) Rudimentary bow accuracy test. Perhaps-5 arrows at 20yds 

 w/10" circle 4 must score? 



3) If we are to continue our generous seasons (I hope we can!), 

 let's reduce pressure by hunting one season or another. 



Archery hunting is the best hunting. Would choose it over rifle 

 if had tool I'd does need restrictions such as bulls only. Deer 

 open. 



I feel it is rididculous to protect spike bulls and not 2 point 

 bulls. They are the same age class and probably genetically 

 superior to the spikes as future trophy animals. Colorado's 4 

 pt. or better rule is much more logical the Montana's no spike 

 rule. For rifle hunters I'm sure it's much easier to discern the 

 difference between a raghorn 4 or 5 pointer and a "Y" than it is 

 to tell the difference between a spike and a "Y" . (3 pointers 



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