Episode 809: Western Big Game Issues – Montana FWP Commissioner Explains Unanimous Decision to Cut Non-Resident Deer Tags

What this episode covers

Lesley Robinson is a lifelong Montanan rancher and outdoor enthusiast. She and her husband Jim have been married for 39 years and own and operate the Lazy JD Cattle Co, a commercial cow/calf and yearling operation. The family-run ranch has been in the Robinson family since moving from the Miles City area in 1958. Needless to say, she has a vested interest in Montana’s land and resources. Since 2021, she has served as one on The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission as Region 6 Director. Last month, she and the 6 other Montana FWP Commissioners voted unanimously to cut the number of OTC leftover deer tags in half. That means 2500 less mule deer/whitetail combo tags available to non-residents for at least the next two falls. This will result in annual budget loss of $1.7 million in each year. The give and take between Western states and how much they rely on the financial contributions from non-resident hunters isn’t unique to Montana. I do wonder though, as non-resident tag/license fees continue to skyrocket, if we are reaching a tipping point where the average hunter is now priced out of a backcountry elk or mule deer hunt. During today’s conversation we discuss why Commissioner Robison drafted the plan to cut non-resident deer tags. Was it solely based on hunting pressure? Did disease have anything to do with it? What does the science say and how does Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks manage their wildlife region by region? Interesting stuff as the demand to hunt out west doesn’t appear to be dissipating, regardless of how expensive it becomes. (Cover photo courtesy of the Montana Free Press)

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