Montana Deer Crowds

[blackveltbowhunter]

Those saying the increases are tied to the economy are spot on, At least I hope so  .  I agree with the effect Social media has on hunting and aplication pressure, but Social media is still tied to the economy.  For the 99 percent  of the social media warriors, social media is another pasttime, not a money maker. If you have to make budget cuts on out of state tags. Sunset photos, new gear pictures, shed antler and mountain challenge hashtags etc....  begin to dry up as well.

[bobcat]

I definitely think the increase in non resident applications in the western states is largely due to the government handouts to so many people. Heck we just got $5,600 deposited in our checking account. Plus back in January around half that amount. So I do think when the government isn't giving out all this money applications will decrease a bit. But still, so many more people just getting started in applying, and building points, they're not likely going to stop, at least building points for the future. So it's hard to say. I think a whole lot more people got recruited into the game. And it's addicting, most will stay in. But in the future there likely won't be as many new people jumping in, if the economy slows down, as it surely will.

[DWBMontana]

With fuel prices showing no signs of backing off, the trip to other states will cost drastically more this fall then the last couple. With diesel fuel here in Montana already upwards of $3.00 a gallon, gas approaching $3.00, this will impact quite a few folks who have to make long drives to various states. Hell, fuel may easily be over $4.00 a gallon this fall. In addition we are seeing prices head way higher on a lot of things in the grocery store. Those that used their stimulus checks to buy permits and new toys, may be in for a reality check much sooner then they realize. I grew up in the 70's, I still recall what was referred to at the time as the "misery index"....thinking it may be about time to resurrect that.

[dvolmer]

I personally think this year and 2020 will be the only ones with such drastic increases in applications. After this year i think it will ease up. It is artificially high due to people having extra money and nothing to do. There are plenty of people who cant see past friday night and had no release for their paycheck each week. As more people are able to restart spending their cash on fun and vacations less will have the extra finds or time to plan out of state hunts. Of course i may be 100% off base here tho. 

I think your thoughts and predictions are as good as any.  Once we open up and Disneyland, Hawaii, etc etc are options then maybe a reduction will be seen and like Karl mentioned, maybe the crazy unrealistic markets and interest rates wont be able to sustain itself and harder financial times are coming that will slow it down also.  I guess time will tell.

[Karl Blanchard]

What first world problems we have here guys  everyone is doing so great our draw odds on deer tags have dipped. Guess as frustrating as it seems, maybe its not quite the end of the world 

[bobcat]

It actually is pretty bad, as we're all currently living on Monopoly money. 

[dvolmer]

I'm going into competition with the Feds!!!  Just finished my own printing press and trying out my new paper choices!  Printing $75 bills with Biden on the front and $150 bills with Obama.  Also making wooden nickel size 3 cent pieces with Harris on them!!! 

[idaho guy]

I personally think this year and 2020 will be the only ones with such drastic increases in applications. After this year i think it will ease up. It is artificially high due to people having extra money and nothing to do. There are plenty of people who cant see past friday night and had no release for their paycheck each week. As more people are able to restart spending their cash on fun and vacations less will have the extra finds or time to plan out of state hunts. Of course i may be 100% off base here tho. 

  I also agree internet go hunt etc etc have and will permanently increase demand for western hunting just because it’s fairly easy to figure out new spots and states with all the technology and information. Everything had been hard to get in the last year parts, some guns and we all know about ammo. I think stuff will mellow out in a year or max 2. Economy will effect it too but I think the surge this year in applications will slow down a bit in the future.

[actionshooter]

A lot of good thoughts... pretty much points to all this combined with some free Biden money thrown in for good measure, makes it harder and more expensive to be a NR 

On the bright side... as long as the states are bringing money in, any decent politician won't let the anti's mess up the cash cow   

[Torrent50]

A lot of good thoughts... pretty much points to all this combined with some free Biden money thrown in for good measure, makes it harder and more expensive to be a NR 

On the bright side... as long as the states are bringing money in, any decent politician won't let the anti's mess up the cash cow   

Someone needs to fact check this statement and label it as false.  Decent and politician cannot be used in the same sentence.