I had a dove hunt Labor Day. Had about 300 birds taken by 17 hunters...including cripples I estimated. Most folks had their 15 birds by 8:00AM. About 4 hunters didn't limit, so I offered for them to come back that afternoon(although they could've finished up that morning). I thought all was well, until I emailed one man asking him how the hunt went. This man limited out by 8:00, and his son, who hunted for free, shot 8 or so birds. I asked them both if they wanted to go back out later and let the son finish his limit, but they declined and went home.
I quote: "I will say that we did have a great time shooting birds at your place on Monday. The shooting was fantastic and EDITED and I had a great time. I will admit that I did feel a little short changed as several other people did that the hunt was wrapped up so abruptly. I was under the impression that it was an all day event, I did not realize that everyone's bag limit would be so closely monitored, if so I would have stayed here in EDITED and paid 20.00 for an ALL DAY hunt."
"I realize from a conservationist viewpoint the 15 per day makes sense, but I did not realize that it would dictate the hunt for everyone, and I know that I wasn't alone in this feeling. I did shoot my limit that morning, after which I laid my shotgun down and sat with EDITED.... If I had known the plans for the short day I surely would not have laid my shotgun down."
"In closing I did think that the setup was outstanding, you were a very kind and hospitable host, but I do feel like everyone got a little short changed on the day. Next year I think you should let everyone know in your ad that the bag limits will be monitored and not exceeded...I would like to hunt again in the Delta, the wingshooting was amazing but I think next time if I drive all that way I want to be able to make a day of it. Thanks"
My point: this man was satisfied with shooting his 15 birds, until he found out he couldn't shoot another 15. He, as all the other hunters, signed a form saying he would abide by State and Federal game laws, including bag limits, wanton waste and shooting hours. He paid 100 dollars to hunt; I lowered my price and gave him 50 dollars back, to be fair to him because I lowered the price after he paid his money. He was not satisfied with shooting a limit in under 2 hours....he was not satisfied that his son hunted for free and shot birds. He wanted to take more than the limit, and blamed me for enforcing the law. I cannot regulate what I don't know, but if I knowingly let a hunter take over the limit(not talking about accidents or finding a crippled bird on the way out) then I am as guilty as the hunter.
After reading the USFWS article about the men from Sledge that got busted....I would encourage all of you....guides or not...to stay within the limit. I haven't always been a goody-goody, but the time for change is now. Is a fine, suspension and probation worth letting someone you don't know shoot over? Is it worth shooting over the limit yourself? Do doves and ducks taste SOOOO GOOOD that you just can't help yourself? Don't let greed...or peer pressure force you over to the Dark Side as someone put it. Besides....all the girls love X-wing drivers anyway
Wingman
ISAIAH 40:31
http://www.fowlmood.com
Be carefull what ya pick up in a bar!