What is … it that you wonder about?
At Times I Wonder About The National Park Service
Received this E-mail today . They are looking for volunteers for an Elk depredation hunt in the national park. I edited (meaning left some out) in order to shorten this.
" Elk will be removed in order to maintain the population at the desired target inside the park. This action is consistent with the range of options presented in the Wind Cave Elk Management Plan/ Environmental Impact Statement signed in 2009................
Anyone wishing to volunteer must submit an online application through their license profile .... Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, a South Dakota resident, have no felony record and be willing to undergo a background check.
Volunteers who are selected will be contacted by NPS personnel. Volunteers will be required to demonstrate advanced firearms proficiency and physical fitness to participate. Each volunteer will be required to hit an 8-inch target at 200 yards a minimum of three times out of five shots using their own firearm and non-lead ammunition. During the week, volunteers will also be required to hike up to 10 miles per day over rough terrain and carry packs weighing up to 70 pounds in winter weather conditions. "
" Elk will be removed in order to maintain the population at the desired target inside the park. This action is consistent with the range of options presented in the Wind Cave Elk Management Plan/ Environmental Impact Statement signed in 2009................
Anyone wishing to volunteer must submit an online application through their license profile .... Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, a South Dakota resident, have no felony record and be willing to undergo a background check.
Volunteers who are selected will be contacted by NPS personnel. Volunteers will be required to demonstrate advanced firearms proficiency and physical fitness to participate. Each volunteer will be required to hit an 8-inch target at 200 yards a minimum of three times out of five shots using their own firearm and non-lead ammunition. During the week, volunteers will also be required to hike up to 10 miles per day over rough terrain and carry packs weighing up to 70 pounds in winter weather conditions. "
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
Be happy they give you the opportunity to hunt. Here in MD at Antietam they bring in night snipers and whack and stack and give it to the Soup Kitchens.
I have to wonder why a background check is required of an individual? Who already owns a firearm and would be required to have a state issued hunting license if they intend to hunt with the weapon, excluding on their own property for none game animals.
Seems like controlling the herd could be done at a better time of year with just a regular hunting season.
WOW! wouldn't it be interesting if a proficiency test was required to get an archery license. 3 out of 5 shots in the bullseye at 20 yds. ??
Seems like controlling the herd could be done at a better time of year with just a regular hunting season.
WOW! wouldn't it be interesting if a proficiency test was required to get an archery license. 3 out of 5 shots in the bullseye at 20 yds. ??
Background checks … are a lawyer/liability issue. In this day and age of "Public Right to Know" the PETA's and anti's would crucify the National Park Service if a felon or game violator participated. It would blowup the whole program. Lord forbid any kind of incident occurred it would be even worse.I have to wonder why a background check is required of an individual? Who already owns a firearm and would be required to have a state issued hunting license if they intend to hunt with the weapon, excluding on their own property for none game animals.
Seems like controlling the herd could be done at a better time of year with just a regular hunting season.
WOW! wouldn't it be interesting if a proficiency test was required to get an archery license. 3 out of 5 shots in the bullseye at 20 yds. ??
As for the time of year, it's probably to minimize the potential for conflict with park users. Less chance of protestors taking blood & gore photos. That and food sources may be more condensed and animal location more predictable.
As for proficiency testing, I've done plenty of it and you'd be surprised how abysmal hunters are, even when they supposedly prepare for a qualification test. Once again, wounded and/or crippled elk hobbling around or dying slow deaths in view of cameras are a herd reduction administrator's nightmare.
Yep, it's on the news today that the city of Big Rapids here in MI just voted to do the same thing.Be happy they give you the opportunity to hunt. Here in MD at Antietam they bring in night snipers and whack and stack and give it to the Soup Kitchens.
The two largest cities in our state both do deer reductions inside the city limits. Sioux Falls is scheduled to kill 70 deer starting this week.Yep, it's on the news today that the city of Big Rapids here in MI just voted to do the same thing.
Valid points!Background checks … are a lawyer/liability issue. In this day and age of "Public Right to Know" the PETA's and anti's would crucify the National Park Service if a felon or game violator participated. It would blowup the whole program. Lord forbid any kind of incident occurred it would be even worse.
As for the time of year, it's probably to minimize the potential for conflict with park users. Less chance of protestors taking blood & gore photos. That and food sources may be more condensed and animal location more predictable.
As for proficiency testing, I've done plenty of it and you'd be surprised how abysmal hunters are, even when they supposedly prepare for a qualification test. Once again, wounded and/or crippled elk hobbling around or dying slow deaths in view of cameras are a herd reduction administrator's nightmare.
These requirements may keep PETA people out consideration as "hunters".
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Crossbow Nation
A forum community dedicated to crossbow owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bolts, optics, hunting, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
Ventilator
232 Replies
Iron Duke
211 Replies
One eyed archer
149 Replies
Recommended Communities
