general 6 point or better for elk in alberta

[dustybear]

just woundering what people opinions would be if alberta were to have a 6point or better rule on general elk.

[Kurt505]

I think there is a reason for it being 6pt or larger in some areas and 3pt and larger in others. I know that in my area a 3pt and larger is working quite well because of the explosion of elk numbers over the last decade. I'm not an antler hunter when it comes to moose or elk tho, I've killed big moose and elk before, now I'm only in it for the meat. I'd prefer a 3pt bull over an average 6pt elk, but don't get me wrong, if I come accross a 375+ bull I'd probably send him for a dirt nap.

[diamonddave]

They do in some zones, some are 3 point zones. Works good in my opinion.

[Kaz Dog]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

I think there is a reason for it being 6pt or larger in some areas and 3pt and larger in others.

I agree with this, as the management of the species requires different rules for different geography.

[Mike_W]

Originally Posted by Kaz Dog

I agree with this, as the management of the species requires different rules for different geography.

X2
Why is this being brought up?

[flyguyd]

Id shoot nothin but spikers and cows if i could

[Huntnut]

Just leave well enough alone....we have enough rules and regulations already.

[Dick284]

Why??

[pottymouth]

Split it. One draw for 6pt or better, another for 5 pt or smaller....

[Roughneck Country]

I think there would end up being a lot of monster 5 pt elk running around!

[sheepguide]

X2 on what Potty said. Slit season is the only way to go. Works awesome in BC. Helps the smaller rag horn bulls survive the rut.

[walking buffalo]

Originally Posted by pottymouth

Split it. One draw for 6pt or better, another for 5 pt or smaller....

You suggest putting General elk on Draw?


The Genetic Harm Anti-Trophy hunting gang loves this concept.

[buckman]

Six point rule often allows the Elk which are only ever going to be a five point to become herd Bulls.

We had the same issue with Mule deer when the 3 point rule was in effect.

Saw a few herds last year with big five point bulls dominating the cows.They do the breeding passing on the genes....end result more 5 point bulls.

The rule was 5 point about 15 or so years ago.Worked much better IMO.

[pottymouth]

Originally Posted by walking buffalo

You suggest putting General elk on Draw?


The Genetic Harm Anti-Trophy hunting gang loves this concept.

Nope just the zones that all ready on draw....Keep general on general, as long as possible. Perhaps a general for 5pt or smaller and a draw for 6py or larger....That would help with trophy size I believe, but we all know that Alberta doesn't care about that.

[slough shark]

I like Potty's idea

[st99]

units that are 90% plus crown land should be 6 pts, others 3 pts

as for the fear of having the bush filled with monster 5 and no 6 pts, I think bc proved it WRONG

[BigJon]

Originally Posted by Roughneck Country

I think there would end up being a lot of monster 5 pt elk running around!

Isn't this the same rational that the Coltman/Festa-bianchet anti trophy sheep hunting camp pushes? The theory that many forum members say is bunk and doesn't exist?

Not trying to make an @$$ of you, just wanting to wrap my brain around these kinda things.

["No Choke"Lord Walsingham]

Here are my opinons on the matter -

For the most part Hunting (as well as Firearms ownership) are over-regulated as is. Ultimately if the population can sustain the harvesting of 3-points then I am fine with how things are concerning Elk harvest at this time. More General seasons the better as it gives me a better chance to be eating delicious food!

Personally, I feel it is preferrable to harvest the animal that tastes better. I am in no way opposed to Trophy Hunting though. I am a huge fan of fine Taxidermy!

[conan]

Originally Posted by Huntnut

Just leave well enough alone....we have enough rules and regulations already.

Agree!

[Grizzly Adams]

Originally Posted by diamonddave

They do in some zones, some are 3 point zones. Works good in my opinion.

Thing is, in a General zone, hunting pressure will ensure a bull population that is mostly just below the legal definition, doesn't matter 3 point or 6. One of those arguments that gets dragged out and rehashed every once in a while. Also, some big bulls out there will never make 6 pt.

Grizz

[sheepguide]

You can have split seasons on general and draw populations. Takes the pressure off all one size of animals. Can spread the ages of the harvested animals up. Rut hunts takes it toll on the younger just turned legal elk. Split seasons can reduce this without restricting hunting opertunity. With this you can also see an average increase in size of bulls in an area. I hunted areas in BC that are managed this way and the size of the bulls we seen and harvested increased every year.

[st99]

Originally Posted by sheepguide

You can have split seasons on general and draw populations. Takes the pressure off all one size of animals. Can spread the ages of the harvested animals up. Rut hunts takes it toll on the younger just turned legal elk. Split seasons can reduce this without restricting hunting opertunity. With this you can also see an average increase in size of bulls in an area. I hunted areas in BC that are managed this way and the size of the bulls we seen and harvested increased every year.

something like : general 6 pts. for September and October then general 3 pts for november

[Huntnut]

And pretty soon the only thing we will be able to buy on a general tag is a chicken license