Anyone hunting Chap next week 12/16 - 12/20?

[solocam_aggie]

It WAS the big game hunt. Go on chap Facebook it says big game hunters.

Not the same buck. That one is different than the one killed on the rifle hunt

[brokeno]

Oops. You’re right my mistake.

[Blank]

I thought it was great the Texas Big Time hunter killed a 137", and his guest got the 177"!!

[Huntindad]

Looks there were several old, big bucks taken this year. Congrats to all. However, I'd still like to know the story of how the GDE hunter was able to hunt a pasture not available to others. I miss the days when David & Steve ran the ranch.

[Yakinthebox]

Looks there were several old, big bucks taken this year. Congrats to all. However, I'd still like to know the story of how the GDE hunter was able to hunt a pasture not available to others. I miss the days when David & Steve ran the ranch.

Agree, seems very fishy to me(if it's true)...

I sure hope it isn't a good ole boy buddy buddy system! That would be wrong on lots of levels. My suspicion is we'll never know...

[brokeno]

David would pull the sheriff Darwin Avant standby card about every other hunt. Rip David. The new biologist over the chap said he had only been there about 3 weeks.

[Blank]

He was a heck of a hunter, and really experienced outdoorsman. He put so much of himself into managing the WMA, and was proud of how it turned out. Really enjoyed the youth hunts and seeing kids started off right. I hunted the GDE right before he retired and we laughed when he said even tho he managed the Chap for 30 years, he was never able to draw there himself!!!

[brokeno]

Yep. David and I had the same luck on the draw. We talked about it a few years ago at the TBGA scoring training. Next year will be number 50 g d e I’ve got to get drawn.

[Blank]

Good luck on the draw this upcoming year. I keep applying, but know it will be many years again before drawing a good tag. Seems weird, but as a NR I have been trying to get better odds, and a more level playing field, between R and NR, but nothing changes. This year I sent a direct email to TPWD in addition to my survey. I just got an answer back with their "official" responses today. Here's some reading for you!! My suggestions are the numbered ones, with their answers below. Don;t know why the red highlighting didn't show.


Re: Texas Public Hunting Survey

I would like to provide some input for the current survey going on. I did not draw any Public Hunting permits this year, or get a hunting license due to scheduling conflicts, so I did not get a survey. I enjoy hunting in Texas a lot, and participate as often as possible. As a non-resident, sometimes this frequently, sometimes not at all for a year or two

Having lived in Texas previously, and enjoyed the Public Drawn Hunt program I realize how important it is to TPWD to get info back from ALL the participants, and constantly try to improve the system. I spend a lot of time on all the hunting and fishing forums, and like to provide input as I see it. Many times this follows resident logic and feelings, and often it is contrary to those ideas.

As an Idaho hunter and non-resident in many Western states now, I get the opportunity to apply in many different draw systems. Some are good, some are bad, and all are structured different for differing reasons. Here is my present feelings on the Texas system, currently employed by TPWD, and suggestions (from a non-resident) to help make it better.

1. Draw odds and success rates are currently terrible, even with the last change to 3X loyalty points. I think we need to stop the unlimited amount of applications in each category. For antlered hunts, limit people to three (3) choices. Anterless hunts can remain unlimited.

The PHTC discussed the cubing of points for over two years before a concise decision was achieved. It was decided that based on “clear and transparent” process cubing would apply across the board to all categories in which unsuccessful applicants are awarded loyalty points.

2. Costs for non-resident applications are too low, and should be raised to approximately three (3) times resident rates If resident applications are capped at $3, then raise non-resident application fees to $10. For trophy hunts, guided hunts, or once-in-a-lifetime, then those fees should be $10 for residents and $25-30 for non-residents

Texas Statue regulates the cost of hunting licenses for residents vs. non-residents. This is a major obstacle for many non-residents to hunt out of state. The PHTC has decided that application fees will be “fair and equitable” and not restrictive to either residents or non-residents. That being said, successful non-resident applicants are required to by a Non-Resident hunting license prior to being allowed to attend their selected hunt.


3. Because Texas has many different license structures and costs, there is not a perfect choice of how to require a license to apply. There should be a basic Conservation Permit purchased first, in order to apply for the Public Hunts, or require the Annual Public Hunt Permit as a minimum. The full cost license is $315 and the 5 WT, 1 MD, and 4 turkey tags are a waste to most NR’s who have no place to use them, without spending thousands of dollars on an outfitted hunt. The difficult of obtaining a lease is evident by the sheer volume of people advertising and looking for one , every season


By legislative statue, we are not allowed to collect anymore fees than are required to maintain our drawing system. As such, requiring the purchase of a license prior to being allowed to enter an application in the public draw system is against state statute. Additionally, this also applies to why resident and non-resident application fees are the same.


4. Implement a limit (cap) on numbers of drawn tags for non-residents to a MAX of up to 10% per hunt for non-residents. No set aside or guarantied number. If there are less than 10 tags, the max non-resident is ONE (1).


The below section of TPWD Code directs that we are not able to limit the number of applicants or their residency.

Sec. 81.403. PERMITS; (a-1) Except as provided by this section, permits for hunting of wildlife or for any other use in wildlife management areas or public hunting lands shall be issued by the department to applicants by means of a fair method of distribution subject to limitations on the maximum number of permits to be issued. (b) The department may implement a system of issuing special permits that gives preference to those applicants who have applied previously but were not selected to receive a permit.



5. Implement a mandatory waiting list of two years for antlered hunts, and one year for anterless hunts for ALL successful people in the draws, resident and non-resident alike

This is not “fair and equitable!” Winning applicants should not be penalized because they were successfully selected one year and not be allowed the opportunity to reapply and start building their loyalty points for follow on seasons. The cubing of loyalty points works to address this issue as well.



Thank you for proving a great opportunity for hunters in Texas.

Joel C. Blankenship
511 Morning Sun Ct.
Nampa, Idaho 83686
208-521-4839

[brokeno]

Interesting

[Greenheadless]

Good luck on the draw this upcoming year. I keep applying, but know it will be many years again before drawing a good tag. Seems weird, but as a NR I have been trying to get better odds, and a more level playing field, between R and NR, but nothing changes. This year I sent a direct email to TPWD in addition to my survey. I just got an answer back with their "official" responses today. Here's some reading for you!! My suggestions are the numbered ones, with their answers below. Don;t know why the red highlighting didn't show.


Re: Texas Public Hunting Survey

I would like to provide some input for the current survey going on. I did not draw any Public Hunting permits this year, or get a hunting license due to scheduling conflicts, so I did not get a survey. I enjoy hunting in Texas a lot, and participate as often as possible. As a non-resident, sometimes this frequently, sometimes not at all for a year or two

Having lived in Texas previously, and enjoyed the Public Drawn Hunt program I realize how important it is to TPWD to get info back from ALL the participants, and constantly try to improve the system. I spend a lot of time on all the hunting and fishing forums, and like to provide input as I see it. Many times this follows resident logic and feelings, and often it is contrary to those ideas.

As an Idaho hunter and non-resident in many Western states now, I get the opportunity to apply in many different draw systems. Some are good, some are bad, and all are structured different for differing reasons. Here is my present feelings on the Texas system, currently employed by TPWD, and suggestions (from a non-resident) to help make it better.

1. Draw odds and success rates are currently terrible, even with the last change to 3X loyalty points. I think we need to stop the unlimited amount of applications in each category. For antlered hunts, limit people to three (3) choices. Anterless hunts can remain unlimited.

The PHTC discussed the cubing of points for over two years before a concise decision was achieved. It was decided that based on “clear and transparent” process cubing would apply across the board to all categories in which unsuccessful applicants are awarded loyalty points.

2. Costs for non-resident applications are too low, and should be raised to approximately three (3) times resident rates If resident applications are capped at $3, then raise non-resident application fees to $10. For trophy hunts, guided hunts, or once-in-a-lifetime, then those fees should be $10 for residents and $25-30 for non-residents

Texas Statue regulates the cost of hunting licenses for residents vs. non-residents. This is a major obstacle for many non-residents to hunt out of state. The PHTC has decided that application fees will be “fair and equitable” and not restrictive to either residents or non-residents. That being said, successful non-resident applicants are required to by a Non-Resident hunting license prior to being allowed to attend their selected hunt.


3. Because Texas has many different license structures and costs, there is not a perfect choice of how to require a license to apply. There should be a basic Conservation Permit purchased first, in order to apply for the Public Hunts, or require the Annual Public Hunt Permit as a minimum. The full cost license is $315 and the 5 WT, 1 MD, and 4 turkey tags are a waste to most NR’s who have no place to use them, without spending thousands of dollars on an outfitted hunt. The difficult of obtaining a lease is evident by the sheer volume of people advertising and looking for one , every season


By legislative statue, we are not allowed to collect anymore fees than are required to maintain our drawing system. As such, requiring the purchase of a license prior to being allowed to enter an application in the public draw system is against state statute. Additionally, this also applies to why resident and non-resident application fees are the same.


4. Implement a limit (cap) on numbers of drawn tags for non-residents to a MAX of up to 10% per hunt for non-residents. No set aside or guarantied number. If there are less than 10 tags, the max non-resident is ONE (1).


The below section of TPWD Code directs that we are not able to limit the number of applicants or their residency.

Sec. 81.403. PERMITS; (a-1) Except as provided by this section, permits for hunting of wildlife or for any other use in wildlife management areas or public hunting lands shall be issued by the department to applicants by means of a fair method of distribution subject to limitations on the maximum number of permits to be issued. (b) The department may implement a system of issuing special permits that gives preference to those applicants who have applied previously but were not selected to receive a permit.



5. Implement a mandatory waiting list of two years for antlered hunts, and one year for anterless hunts for ALL successful people in the draws, resident and non-resident alike

This is not “fair and equitable!” Winning applicants should not be penalized because they were successfully selected one year and not be allowed the opportunity to reapply and start building their loyalty points for follow on seasons. The cubing of loyalty points works to address this issue as well.



Thank you for proving a great opportunity for hunters in Texas.

Good info and thanks for sharing.

You might want to redact your personal info for obvious reasons. Your TPWD# is tied to your SS# if I’m not mistaken.

[Blank]

Never thought about it. Thanks

[Yakinthebox]

Good luck on the draw this upcoming year. I keep applying, but know it will be many years again before drawing a good tag. Seems weird, but as a NR I have been trying to get better odds, and a more level playing field, between R and NR, but nothing changes. This year I sent a direct email to TPWD in addition to my survey. I just got an answer back with their "official" responses today. Here's some reading for you!! My suggestions are the numbered ones, with their answers below. Don;t know why the red highlighting didn't show.


Re: Texas Public Hunting Survey

I would like to provide some input for the current survey going on. I did not draw any Public Hunting permits this year, or get a hunting license due to scheduling conflicts, so I did not get a survey. I enjoy hunting in Texas a lot, and participate as often as possible. As a non-resident, sometimes this frequently, sometimes not at all for a year or two

Having lived in Texas previously, and enjoyed the Public Drawn Hunt program I realize how important it is to TPWD to get info back from ALL the participants, and constantly try to improve the system. I spend a lot of time on all the hunting and fishing forums, and like to provide input as I see it. Many times this follows resident logic and feelings, and often it is contrary to those ideas.

As an Idaho hunter and non-resident in many Western states now, I get the opportunity to apply in many different draw systems. Some are good, some are bad, and all are structured different for differing reasons. Here is my present feelings on the Texas system, currently employed by TPWD, and suggestions (from a non-resident) to help make it better.

1. Draw odds and success rates are currently terrible, even with the last change to 3X loyalty points. I think we need to stop the unlimited amount of applications in each category. For antlered hunts, limit people to three (3) choices. Anterless hunts can remain unlimited.

The PHTC discussed the cubing of points for over two years before a concise decision was achieved. It was decided that based on “clear and transparent” process cubing would apply across the board to all categories in which unsuccessful applicants are awarded loyalty points.

2. Costs for non-resident applications are too low, and should be raised to approximately three (3) times resident rates If resident applications are capped at $3, then raise non-resident application fees to $10. For trophy hunts, guided hunts, or once-in-a-lifetime, then those fees should be $10 for residents and $25-30 for non-residents

Texas Statue regulates the cost of hunting licenses for residents vs. non-residents. This is a major obstacle for many non-residents to hunt out of state. The PHTC has decided that application fees will be “fair and equitable” and not restrictive to either residents or non-residents. That being said, successful non-resident applicants are required to by a Non-Resident hunting license prior to being allowed to attend their selected hunt.


3. Because Texas has many different license structures and costs, there is not a perfect choice of how to require a license to apply. There should be a basic Conservation Permit purchased first, in order to apply for the Public Hunts, or require the Annual Public Hunt Permit as a minimum. The full cost license is $315 and the 5 WT, 1 MD, and 4 turkey tags are a waste to most NR’s who have no place to use them, without spending thousands of dollars on an outfitted hunt. The difficult of obtaining a lease is evident by the sheer volume of people advertising and looking for one , every season


By legislative statue, we are not allowed to collect anymore fees than are required to maintain our drawing system. As such, requiring the purchase of a license prior to being allowed to enter an application in the public draw system is against state statute. Additionally, this also applies to why resident and non-resident application fees are the same.


4. Implement a limit (cap) on numbers of drawn tags for non-residents to a MAX of up to 10% per hunt for non-residents. No set aside or guarantied number. If there are less than 10 tags, the max non-resident is ONE (1).


The below section of TPWD Code directs that we are not able to limit the number of applicants or their residency.

Sec. 81.403. PERMITS; (a-1) Except as provided by this section, permits for hunting of wildlife or for any other use in wildlife management areas or public hunting lands shall be issued by the department to applicants by means of a fair method of distribution subject to limitations on the maximum number of permits to be issued. (b) The department may implement a system of issuing special permits that gives preference to those applicants who have applied previously but were not selected to receive a permit.



5. Implement a mandatory waiting list of two years for antlered hunts, and one year for anterless hunts for ALL successful people in the draws, resident and non-resident alike

This is not “fair and equitable!” Winning applicants should not be penalized because they were successfully selected one year and not be allowed the opportunity to reapply and start building their loyalty points for follow on seasons. The cubing of loyalty points works to address this issue as well.



Thank you for proving a great opportunity for hunters in Texas.

Joel C. Blankenship
511 Morning Sun Ct.
Nampa, Idaho 83686
208-521-4839

In other words, "We at TPWD don't give 2 sh*ts about your opinion. We're only sending out a survey because we're required to. Furthermore, our way is best and you know nothing"...

The survey is a joke. I'm surprised you got a response though. I never have and I've said plenty of lengthy ideas.

[SwampBuck]

Agreed. Thanks for taking your time to atleast voice your concerns in a logical lengthy fashion. Those answers sure seemed like a politician on the mic. Doesn’t sound like anything’s gonna change though. Gonna take a big movement of sorts to change anything. Land availability and odds correction especially.

[solocam_aggie]

Every state I apply to out west requires out of state applicant to purchase a non-resident license to participate in the draw. I dont understand why we cant do the same.