elk in rut, 



To many spike bulls shot during general season. 



I feel that elk management could be improved by having drawings 

 for bull elk as well as cow elk. The new "spike" law is good, 

 but there is still a large lack in bull elk. Especially in area 

 319. I haven't seen a branched bull in 319 in 5 years. Though I 

 did get a spike in"86". 



I would like too see district 435 branch antler bull only during 

 the rifle season. 



Generally in my hunting district (200) only serious hunters hunt 

 there. The existing road closure is a definate benifit for big 

 game. But the continued stress on bulls only has decreased the 

 bull population and are experiencing a large number of "open" 

 cows without calves . -Issue more cow tags may help take pressure 

 off of bulls for a year or two! 



I think dist. 380 should be opened to branch antlered bulls by 

 archery only. I agree with the drawing for permit for rifle 

 season. But I don't think archers are going to make an effect on 

 elk herds by taking branch bulls. Not that many will be taken. 



Make spikes un shootable period-will give better trophy average 

 and leave mor eyoung bulls for breeding. Put way less pressure 

 on bugling season. Extend whitetail season. 



Elk are like people in that they need experience to become better 

 at their job. Close more areas around Helena for spikes for both 

 archery and rifle. Making people choose between archery and 

 rifle would do more to improve the quality of archery hunting 

 then anything. I would like to see an area for archery only. 



I feel strongly that we need to protect spikes. I realize there 

 would be problems involved. But in the long run this system 

 would result in the most carry-over of 1 1/2 yr. olds. (bulls) 



Also, why not instead of a post-season archery hunt. Have a one 

 or two week primitive weapons season. Alowing bows, crossbows, 

 and black powder. Sell hunters an additional license, thus 

 increasing revenue, instead of decreasing it, which would happen 

 if hunters were restricteed to either rifle or bow. If I hunted 



18 



