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Judgement calls...
Posted by Michael Strahan on Oct 20 2005
Michael,
The problem with judgement calls when it comes to rutty caribou is that the system allows for large bulls to be killed and the meat tossed into the dumpster. Oh sure, hunters are required to bring the meat out of the field, but once they've salvaged the meat, they can toss it out. It's a huge loophole that bears closer examination. Because this appears to be a wide-spread practice, it's clear that letting hunters make judgement calls in at least this area, is not working very well. So, as is often the case when we show that we're not able to consistently follow the intent of the law, we end up looking at further legal restrictions like a slot closure during the rut.
Most guided hunters are primarily interested in the antlers and cape. Some want the meat, but when they find out how expensive it is to process and ship it, they usually end up taking only a box or two home with them, if any (there are notable exceptions). The rest is donated to the guide service, who then has the burden of dealing with it. Some goes to the guide's family, some goes to friends and others, some ends up as dog food, and some ends up in the garbage. This is an ugly little area that is rarely discussed in the open.
In a perfect world, we would police ourselves. But as we've seen in just discussing this issue, such discussions often lead to a cul-de-sac where one side is calling for accountability and the other shouting, "who are you to tell me what to do?" I don't see a way out other than additional legal requirements; the very thing many of us don't want to see. Some good points have been made here; all bull caribou don't go into rut at the same time, so it is therefore possible to keep hunting during rut. The problem is that people will make mistakes (as they are right now) and these magnificent animals will be shot and tossed in the garbage. That has to stop.
I don't know all the answers, but I think the discussion is good.
-Mike
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